In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tim Schumer, a veteran-owned HR expert with a unique approach to human resources. After a medical discharge from the Army, Tim discovered HR through a career fair and realized that his military experience—training, developing people, and relationship management—translated perfectly into the field.
Tim introduces us to his Chief Leader Boss framework, a model that breaks down management into three distinct personas. He explains how understanding and adapting to each role can help organizations better develop their leadership talent. According to Tim, successful management requires discipline, desire, and devotion—three qualities essential for growth in leadership.
We explore common HR challenges like performance management and team dynamics, and Tim offers practical insights to tackle them. One highlight of our conversation was his concept of “whole goals”—a powerful alternative to SMART goals. By turning goals into questions, Tim helps managers engage more deeply and connect their actions to broader company objectives.
Tim also shared real-world stories showing how his approach has transformed organizations, including cases where honest feedback led to major employee breakthroughs. His passion for helping businesses—especially small and mid-sized ones—build stronger leadership teams shines throughout.
To wrap up, Tim offers a complimentary discovery call for businesses looking to assess their HR needs. His tagline says it all: “If you don't know where to begin, just call Tim.”
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in HR, leadership development, or business growth. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just getting started, Tim’s practical wisdom and inspiring journey offer valuable takeaways.
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro to Tim Schumer
00:01:00 - From Military to HR
00:02:30 - Chief Leader Boss Framework
00:04:00 - Why HR Help Is Needed
00:05:30 - Discipline, Desire, Devotion
00:06:30 - What Makes Tim's Approach Unique
00:08:00 - Whole Goals vs. SMART Goals
00:10:00 - Team Dynamics & DEI
00:12:30 - Talent Development via CLB
00:14:00 - Real-World Applications
00:19:00 - Transformative Leadership Moments
00:22:00 - The Role of Honest Feedback
00:25:00 - Supporting SMBs
00:27:30 - Case Study: Tax Compliance
00:29:00 - Talent Review Process
00:33:00 - Conclusion & Call to Action
Quote
"If you want to have any hope or chance to ever develop, you have to have these three things: discipline, desire, and devotion."
Keywords
Tim Schumer, Human Resources, Army, Chief Leader Boss, Whole Goals, SMART Goals, Leadership, Talent Development, Performance Management, DEI, Coaching, Career Fair, Employee Engagement, Small Businesses, Medium Businesses, Honest Feedback, Innovation, Management, Payroll, Local Taxes, Military Transition, Executive Coaching, Organizational Culture, Leadership Growth.
