In this episode we talk about the line between personal freedom and professional conduct, and how leaders — or lack thereof — create cultures that either thrive or implode. From a manager busted with an OnlyFans side hustle to a CEO who treated HR like a suggestion, this episode dives into workplace chaos, psychological fallout, and the lessons hiding in the madness. Key Takeaways ➡️ Unchecked leadership can create a culture of fear, silence, and toxicity. ➡️ Real-life stories expose the absurdity and severity of workplace misconduct. ➡️ Employees often avoid reporting issues due to fear of retaliation. ➡️ Family-owned businesses struggle with accountability at the top. ➡️ Sexual misconduct and harassment are often minimized or ignored. ➡️ HR faces a tough balance between protecting the company and supporting employees. ➡️ Toxic workplace culture severely impacts employee experience and retention. ➡️ Leadership accountability is critical for a healthy workplace environment. ➡️ Screening for misconduct is vital to prevent future HR nightmares. ➡️ Employees suffering in silence send the wrong signal to leadership. ➡️ Addressing misconduct requires both policy changes and a cultural shift. ➡️ Training and awareness can help prevent misconduct from escalating. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network

In this episode we talk about the hidden flags recruiters miss, the lies candidates tell, and the tools AI gives us to finally get ahead. William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Mike Wolford live at the Fama booth during HR Tech to unpack real-life stories from the field and why the future of recruiting is all about data, not gut checks. Key Takeaways ➡ One contractor sent inappropriate emails in Russian, assuming no one would translate them — HR did ➡ Overly detailed excuses in interviews often signal dishonesty or manipulation ➡ Recruiters can spot bad actors by watching for unverifiable or overly polished claims ➡ AI can help forecast patterns recruiters miss — like MRI tech catching cancer earlier than humans ➡ Mike argues the real threat of AI is not violence, but preference — we’ll like bots more than people ➡ Recruiters who rely on phone screens are falling behind — it’s time to automate the basics ➡ Data-driven recruiting means knowing salary trends, response rates, and source effectiveness ➡ AI should handle tasks like scheduling and screening so recruiters can focus on strategy ➡ Strategic advisors win. Order takers and guessers get replaced ➡ Success at HR Tech is about helping recruiters transition into data-first talent pros This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here Chapters 00:00 Live at Fama’s booth with Mike Wolford 01:00 The Russian email incident and HR’s translation surprise 02:00 Lies in interviews and spotting overcompensation 03:00 How AI helps recruiters see patterns before people can 04:00 Why AI will win our attention before it destroys anything 05:00 Recruiters must evolve into data-powered strategists 06:00 Scheduling, screening, and admin tasks belong to AI 07:00 What Mike hopes to get from HR Tech this year Guest Info Mike Wolford, Author of The AI Analyst LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewolford Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lex-duo-ai/ Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined Twitter: https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com

In this episode we talk about the ripple effects of microaggressions, forgotten voices, and how one Fortune 50 company accidentally created a leadership vacuum by cutting its campus recruiting program. William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Heather Jerrehian from ServiceNow and Yaz Dalal from Joveo at the Fama booth at HR Tech to unpack how culture is built or broken in the small moments. Key Takeaways ➡ Microaggressions in meetings may seem small, but they erode confidence fast ➡ Speaking over someone or repeating their idea louder is a form of cultural rot ➡ Leaders must amplify marginalized voices — it only takes one to set the tone ➡ Heather shares how ServiceNow's "People Pact" empowers peer-level accountability ➡ Yaz recounts a Fortune 50 company that cut campus hiring for two years during a recession ➡ That one cost-cutting move created a 12-year leadership void in their most strategic groups ➡ Culture is what you reward and what you punish — and what you allow ➡ The middle managers you ignore are actually the keepers of your company’s DNA ➡ Psychological safety and inclusion must be modeled from the top ➡ Pulling ideas from quiet voices can completely change product strategy ➡ Small moments like asking for input or crediting ideas shape long-term engagement ➡ Companies must think long-term about talent pipelines and internal mobility Chapters 00:00 Live at the Fama booth with ServiceNow and Jovio 01:00 Microaggressions in meetings and the cost of silence 03:00 The power of amplification and leadership modeling 05:00 How a quiet comment changed Dirt Devil’s product strategy 07:00 Building culture through consistent behavior and accountability 09:00 Why structure and tone in meetings matter 10:00 The “People Pact” at ServiceNow 11:00 How cutting campus hiring caused a 12-year talent gap 12:30 Why middle managers matter more than we think 13:00 What Heather and Yaz hope to take from HR Tech This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here Guest Info Heather Jerrehian, VP of Product Management, Employee Workflows, ServiceNow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherjerrehian Website: https://www.servicenow.com Yaz Dalal, Chief Growth Officer, Jovio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yazdalal Website: https://www.jovio.com Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined Twitter: https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com

In this episode we talk about the dark side of hiring. The misconduct, the red flags, the things no one tells you in the interview. William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down at Fama’s booth during HR Tech with Amy Warren and Micole Garatti to unpack the viral worthy, lawsuit laden, and reputation wrecking behaviors lurking in plain sight. If you’ve ever hired someone and crossed your fingers, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways ➡ Preschool teachers posting about hating kids and drinking on the job. Yes, this really happened ➡ One EMT got drunk, stole an ambulance, hit a person, and ran. All while on the clock ➡ 25 percent of candidates in entertainment and media flagged for misconduct on Fama reports ➡ A CFO candidate had multiple fraud charges and prostitution allegations. All verified ➡ Fama’s goal is to get workplace misconduct down to 5 percent. Currently around 10 percent ➡ One client saw a 116 to 1 return on investment using Fama in higher ed hiring ➡ Misconduct costs companies trillions globally. Prevention is cheaper ➡ Social screening is not about disqualifying people. It’s about making informed choices ➡ Executives with red flags cost exponentially more in brand damage and chaos ➡ Everyone has a global audience now. One bad hire can go viral and wreck your brand ➡ He masturbated behind a glass door while she was on a work call. HR can’t make this up ➡ Modern hiring means screening beyond the resume. TikTokers and CEOs alike Chapters 00:00 Live at HR Tech with Fama 01:30 Employee horror stories. Preschool edition 03:00 Drinking on the job and public scandals 05:00 The glass door story you’ll never unhear 07:30 Stolen ambulances and fleeing EMTs 09:45 Why misconduct will never be zero 11:15 Industries with the most red flags 12:45 The fraudulent CFO and his past 14:30 When your employee steals twice 16:00 Interpreting Fama reports like a human 18:30 ROI of social screening 20:00 How viral behavior destroys brands This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here Guest Info Amy Warren, VP of Marketing, Fama https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyjwarren/ Micole Garatti, Director of Product and Content Marketing, Fama https://www.linkedin.com/in/socialmicole/ Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined Twitter: https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/

In this episode we talk about the wildest interview fails and the hard truths behind hiring manager missteps. William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Lorna Erickson and Victoria Gates from Expert Interviewers at the FAMA booth during HR Tech. From blood on the interview table to creepy questions about soulmates, it’s painfully clear — most managers aren’t trained to interview, and it shows. Key Takeaways ➡ One candidate face-planted during an interview after pushing her portfolio too many times ➡ The interviewer froze and started flipping through her portfolio while she bled from the nose ➡ 7,000+ interview case studies revealed a shocking number of illegal and inappropriate questions ➡ One interview turned into flirting, then marriage, then a cringey engagement video reenactment ➡ Another manager asked, “Is your boyfriend your soulmate?” mid-interview ➡ Untrained managers ask about religion, politics, plastic surgery, and more — on record ➡ Structured interviews reduce bias and keep things professional, even if you stay human ➡ Candidates want to be evaluated. Proper structure builds trust in the process ➡ The interview is not the place for “what kind of tree are you” unless you're hiring a gardener ➡ Real training means simulations, quizzes, feedback, and accountability ➡ Expert Interviewers splits training and social storytelling with their “That Interviewer” series ➡ If you start off casual, you’re setting the tone — and often it’s the wrong one This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here Chapters 00:00 Live at HR Tech with Expert Interviewers 01:00 William’s worst interview story of all time 02:45 The faceplant, the blood, and the frozen response 04:15 Interviewing without training leads to chaos 05:00 Inappropriate flirting turns into a wedding 06:30 The soulmate question and other terrible tactics 08:00 The case for structure and professionalism 09:30 What to do when candidates overshare 11:00 Training methods that actually work 13:00 Building the recruiter and hiring manager partnership 14:30 Meet “That Interviewer” on TikTok 15:30 What Expert Interviewers hopes to take from HR Tech Guest Info Lorna Erickson, Co-Founder, Expert Interviewers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lornaerickson/ Website: https://www.expertinterviewers.com Victoria Gates, Co-Founder, Expert Interviewers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vpreston/ Website: https://www.expertinterviewers.com Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined Twitter: https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com

In this episode we talk about how quickly good vibes at work turn into compliance catastrophes. Ryan Leary and William Tincup are live from the Fama booth at HR Tech, joined by Jenny Olson of NPR and Dave Wentworth of Schoox. The conversation pulls zero punches as we explore the liability, culture erosion, and plain old foolishness that comes from mixing alcohol with the workplace. Key Takeaways ➡ A conference planner got so drunk at her own event she cracked her head in the hotel lobby ➡ The CEO had to personally drive her to the hospital ➡ In-office happy hours might seem fun, but they’ve led to DUIs and toxic behavior ➡ Encouraging on-site drinking to “bond” staff is often a lawsuit waiting to happen ➡ A book called Corporate Drinker is calling out this exact issue in modern workplace culture ➡ Free alcohol is still the go-to draw for many companies trying to feel cool ➡ Ping pong tournaments, food trucks, and family days are safer and way more inclusive ➡ Banning alcohol at work and work events is the easiest way to prevent a PR disaster ➡ The pressure to “be fun” often leads to long-term damage to morale, trust, and safety ➡ Real employee engagement comes from thoughtful experiences, not open bars ➡ If common sense were common, we wouldn’t need HR Chapters 00:00 Live at Fama’s booth from HR Tech 00:20 Intros with NPR and Schoot 01:00 The head injury that changed the vibe of the entire event 02:30 Why no one thought to prevent it 03:30 Office happy hours that go off the rails 04:15 Corporate Drinker and the case for alcohol-free culture 05:00 Alternatives that actually build community 05:40 Why it’s so hard for employers to say no to booze 06:10 Bringing families into workplace culture This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here Guest Info Jenny Olson, Head of Communications, NPR Website: https://www.npr.org Dave Wentworth, Talent Platform Evangelist, Schoot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmwentworth/ Website: https://www.schoox.com/ Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined Twitter: https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com

In this episode we talk about the weird, the wild, and the totally preventable disasters companies face when expectations are unclear and accountability goes missing. Ryan Leary is flying solo at HR Tech as he sits down with guests from isolved, 360insights, and Haynes to unpack misconduct stories from across the country — and from a tiny island in Alaska. Key Takeaways ➡ A traveling employee flooded three hotel floors — including the HR office — by falling asleep with the tub running ➡ A 20-year-old HR employee threw a presidential suite party that ended with security intervention ➡ One island-based company scrapped its attendance policy after some workers racked up 40 to 50 absences ➡ An attendance incentive offering 60,000 airline miles still didn’t move the needle on absenteeism ➡ That same incentive led to a relapse and eventual termination for on-the-job alcoholism ➡ A sales team brawl at a kickoff event forced hotel security to separate warring groups — think West Side Story ➡ HR leaders have had to bail out employees from jail after “misunderstandings” at company events ➡ One sales event ended with two leaders “doing what they had to do” on the beach in front of the entire team ➡ Sometimes the problem is not policy — it's unclear expectations and zero guardrails ➡ Sitka, Alaska has just 14 miles of road and a 2-day drive through Canada to access by ferry ➡ When cruise ships unload 5,000 people in Sitka, phone service dies. Businesses just have to deal with it ➡ A recent storm broke undersea cables, cutting off internet and cell service for 17 days Chapters 00:00 Live from the Fama booth at HR Tech 01:00 Flooded hotel rooms and international jet lag 02:50 The presidential suite birthday party gone wrong 04:00 Island life and 50-absence employees 05:30 Sales team gang fight at kickoff event 06:45 Poolside misconduct in full view of the company 08:00 Why clear expectations matter 09:30 Cultural context and mental health on isolated islands 11:00 Cruise ships, broken cables, and 17 days without internet 12:30 What each guest hopes to get out of HR Tech This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here Guest Info Amberly Dressler, isolved LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberlydressler/ Website: https://www.isolvedhcm.com Geoff Webb, 360insights LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-webb/ Website: https://www.360insights.com Jaylene, Haynes Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined Twitter: https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com

In this episode we talk about two HR disasters that sound like movie plots but were all too real. William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Jackie Clayton from Textio and Allyn Bailey from SmartRecruiters at the FAMA booth during HR Tech to share stories about a consultant who vanished mid-assignment at Bacardi and a teacher who faked a heart attack to avoid getting fired — in front of a playground full of toddlers. You can’t make this stuff up. Key Takeaways ➡ A consultant placed at Bacardi developed a minibar habit that spiraled into a disappearance ➡ Hazmat was called to clean the hotel bathroom — the consultant was never seen again ➡ He’d done such poor work, the client felt “relieved” when the truth came out ➡ Allyn once managed a preschool employee who knew she was about to be fired ➡ The employee faked a heart attack in front of a group of toddlers and fled via ambulance ➡ HR blocked the termination because she might have developed an ulcer from workplace stress ➡ The experience was Allyn’s brutal intro to people management at age 20-something ➡ Both guests reflect on what could’ve been done differently — better feedback, slower decision-making ➡ Early-career managers often over-correct and make reactive calls without full context ➡ Sometimes the worst HR stories are preventable — with the right structure and communication Chapters 00:00 Live from Fama’s booth at HR Tech 01:00 Jackie’s Bacardi story: Consultant, minibar, and disappearance 02:30 Hazmat in the hotel and a vanishing act 03:45 Allyn’s early career in preschool HR chaos 05:00 The fake heart attack and three-year-olds watching 06:30 Why HR blocked the termination — workplace stress defense 07:00 Reflections on better screening and early feedback 08:00 Leadership lessons from managing too fast, too young 09:00 Final thoughts and what both guests learned This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here Guest Info Jackie Clayton, VP of Talent Acquisition and DEIP, Textio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackyeclayton/ Website: https://www.textio.com Allyn Bailey, Brand Strategy and Communication, SmartRecruiters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allynbailey/ Website: https://www.smartrecruiters.com Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined Twitter: https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com

This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. Ever sent a FedEx package to DHL? Sounds like a joke, right? Well, it happened—and it cost a major pitch. In this episode, Ryan Leary and William Tincup dive into workplace mishaps with Doug Shonrock from Joveo, unpacking the infamous shipping blunder that became a legendary example of brand oversight. From the high-stakes world of programmatic job advertising to why small mistakes can cost big dollars, this conversation is loaded with insights (and some laughs) about the workplace’s unspoken rules. In this episode, we look at employer branding, recruitment marketing, DE&I partnerships, and strategic networking at HR Tech. Doug shares why understanding your audience matters in both advertising and day-to-day business interactions—because sometimes, the simplest mistakes make the biggest impact. Key Takeaways ➡️ A DHL pitch got rejected because it was delivered in a FedEx envelope—brand awareness fail! ➡️ Small workplace mistakes can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost business. ➡️ Understanding company values and branding isn’t just for marketing—it’s for every role. ➡️ HR Tech has shifted from direct sales to strategic partnerships and networking. ➡️ Joveo's evolution: From programmatic job ads to full candidate funnel optimization. ➡️ Why DE&I partnerships are a major focus for HR vendors and talent platforms. ➡️ HR Tech has changed over 25 years—direct employer buying is fading, partnerships are rising. ➡️ The importance of engaging every employee in the business mission—no task is “too small.” ➡️ If you work in recruitment marketing, know your audience, their competitors, and their values. ➡️ HR vendors are looking for new partnerships, especially in DE&I and candidate supply. ➡️ Don’t assume your team understands the stakes—communicate, align, and reinforce. ➡️ Always double-check your workplace processes, from shipping to strategy. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here 💬 Ever made a costly workplace mistake? Share your horror story in the comments! 🔗 Connect with us here: 🔗 Connect with William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ 🔗 Connect with Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network 🔗 Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ 🐦 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined 📩 Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com

Torin Ellis and Rob Boersma bring unforgettable workplace stories that go beyond bad behavior to the tough leadership calls behind the scenes. From managing an addicted but high-performing employee to diffusing hostile interviewees, their experiences reveal the human side of HR’s toughest challenges. In this episode, we dive into addiction and enabling, lessons in leadership accountability, and how empathy and clear processes can transform outcomes. Rob and Torin also explore how emerging tech, like AI-powered skills matching, is reshaping the future of recruitment. It’s a mix of hard lessons, practical advice, and new ideas for HR professionals. Key Takeaways Addiction in the workplace can present tough leadership challenges—balancing accountability with empathy is key. High performance doesn’t excuse misconduct; clear processes and support systems are essential. Hostile candidates during interviews can derail hiring—empathy and preparation help defuse tension. AI-based skills matching is disrupting the "crappy keyword search" approach in recruitment. Leadership lessons often come from missteps; documenting processes builds accountability and fairness. Site visits and hands-on learning can help recruiters build trust and avoid conflict with candidates. Empathy doesn’t mean enabling—it means providing resources and holding people accountable. Companies need a stabilization system for DEI initiatives to withstand shifting market pressures. HR’s client is always the employee first; everything else builds from that foundation. Walking the HR Tech floor reveals buzzwords like AI, but outcomes matter more than jargon. A strong organizational ethos is the backbone for long-term DEI success. Transparency and clarity in leadership decisions build trust and prevent future challenges. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here Connect with Torin Ellis to unlock potential with precision and purpose here and you can also connect with him on LinkedIn here Connect with Rob Boersma on LinkedIn or at Talent.com William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network

Kevin Wheeler and Tim Sackett drop some unforgettable HR gems, the kind you don’t hear about in your average conference session. Picture this: a loaded Colt .45 sitting in a desk drawer in California and a Chili’s lunch featuring a Budweiser that cost someone their job. These aren’t just wild stories—they’re reminders of how fuzzy workplace policies and unchecked behaviors can turn into HR nightmares. Kevin and Tim don’t just stop at the stories, though. They dig into how global trends and game-changing tech, like AI tools for hiring managers, are flipping the script on how HR tackles these challenges. It’s a smart, real-world look at the lessons HR pros deal with daily. Key Takeaways A loaded Colt .45 in an office drawer? Yes, that happened. HR’s response: unclear policies make everything harder. Lunchtime Budweiser's aren’t the best career move—how HR handles misconduct matters. Screening for "red flags" like firearms and alcohol issues isn’t always straightforward. Clear, enforceable workplace policies are critical for handling unexpected scenarios. Talent trends show gaps in hiring manager enablement—AI is stepping in to coach in real-time. Governance for HR tech stacks is becoming essential for compliance and mitigating risks. Hiring managers rarely hire often enough to retain training—real-time tools can fill the gap. Global HR challenges vary, but shared lessons highlight the importance of proactive solutions. Workplace misconduct stories offer cautionary tales for developing better HR strategies. Emerging startups at HR Tech reveal solutions even the big players haven’t tackled yet. Talent acquisition trends are about reading the fine print: legislation and small signs predict big shifts. HR’s job is more than policies—it’s balancing human behavior with organizational needs. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here Connect with Tim Sackett on LinkedIn or at the Tim Sackett Project Connect with Kevin Wheeler on LinkedIn or at the The Future of Talent Weekly Newsletter William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok

Carmen Hudson and Steve Levy share unforgettable recruiting stories, from a candidate accidentally removing her top during an Amazon interview to a bar raiser showdown that tested patience and protocol. These moments reveal how preparation—or lack thereof—shapes outcomes in recruiting and hiring. In this episode, we explore interview blunders, the evolving role of empathy in candidate management, and why skill-based hiring remains a pipe dream for many. Carmen and Steve dive into lessons learned, strategies to improve recruiter-hiring manager collaboration, and how AI might finally deliver on its promise to fix the mess in recruitment. Key Takeaways Preparation is everything in recruiting—blank pads and vague objectives don’t cut it. Interview blunders (like accidental wardrobe malfunctions) require grace and empathy to manage. The Amazon bar raiser program shows how tight processes can help—but rigidity can hurt. Skill-based hiring is still far from reality for most organizations. Candidate nervousness and recruiter anxiety can derail interviews—building rapport helps. Ghosting candidates damages the employer brand—communication is critical, even with rejections. AI’s role in hiring must focus on outcomes, not buzzwords, to deliver real value. Collaboration between recruiters and hiring managers is essential for great hiring decisions. Clear rubrics and performance metrics are key to fair and efficient hiring processes. Empathy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer for candidate experiences. Nervous recruiters need lifelong learning to stay sharp in today’s AI-driven hiring landscape. Structured interviews with clear goals lead to better hires and happier candidates. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here Connect with Carmen Hudson on LinkedIn here or you can find her Recruiting Book Club Podcast Here Connect with Steve Levy on LinkedIn here William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network

Workplace bias and misconduct aren’t just buzzwords—they’re real challenges with real consequences. This episode unpacks stories that push the boundaries of HR, from a shocking workplace arrest to the subtle ways bias shows up in hiring. We’re digging into the tough lessons that redefine how leaders create equitable environments. In this episode, we look at workplace bias, hiring misconduct, gender equity, HR leadership, background screening, pay transparency, inclusion strategies, and the role of AI in shaping hiring practices. Key Takeaways Background screening gaps can lead to shocking incidents, as seen in the workplace arrest for capital murder. Gender bias in hiring remains a persistent issue, with real examples showing the impact of unchecked assumptions. Pay transparency laws highlight progress but underscore the ongoing inequity between male and female salaries. Leaders play a key role in fostering inclusion by amplifying marginalized voices and challenging cultural norms. Managing perceptions in the workplace is essential, with even small actions shaping long-term professional credibility. AI tools offer innovative ways to identify and correct biased language, turning errors into coaching opportunities. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network

Ever been ambushed at a wedding? DailyPay’s CPO shares an HR horror story that’ll make you rethink office relationships and after-hours invites. This episode dives deep into raw moments of workplace misconduct, personal missteps, and lessons HR leaders can’t afford to ignore. In this episode, we look at HR misconduct, workplace horror stories, and the pivotal lessons every HR leader needs to navigate organizational culture, employee relationships, crisis management, policy adherence, ethical decision-making, team dynamics, and leadership accountability. It's a candid conversation with takeaways you’ll want to jot down. Key Takeaways Maintaining strict boundaries between work and personal life is essential to avoid professional pitfalls. Social situations can quickly turn into career nightmares—prepare for the unexpected. Clear ethical guidelines are crucial for navigating relationships and enforcing workplace policies. Empathy and professionalism are key when managing layoffs and other high-stakes situations. Balancing leadership responsibilities with the challenges of a growing organization requires adaptability and foresight. Strong team dynamics and transparent communication can shape positive organizational behavior. Personal social settings can have professional repercussions—always consider optics. Early career missteps offer invaluable lessons for long-term growth and leadership success. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here Connect with Jon Lowe here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lowejon/ William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network

What happens when financial stress leads employees to blur ethical boundaries? A fast-food franchise finds itself grappling with a long-running fraud scheme where small register discrepancies pile up, all tied to rent deadlines. We speak with Chief of Chime Enterprise, Jason Lee about the interplay between financial pressures and workplace ethics. In this episode we look at... Employee misconduct, financial stress in the workplace, ethics in fast food franchises, register fraud schemes, workplace surveillance, employee trust, financial wellness solutions, HR challenges, ethical dilemmas, and scalable solutions for preventing fraud. Key Takeaways: Financial stress can drive employees to rationalize unethical behavior. Small-scale register fraud can lead to substantial losses over time. End-of-month rent deadlines were a common trigger for misconduct. Surveillance tools played a crucial role in identifying widespread employee fraud. Financial wellness programs could preemptively address these workplace pressures. Ethical lapses in one employee can quickly spread to others without intervention. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network

Let’s face it—HR’s seen it all. In this episode, we dive into the absurdity and brilliance of workplace mishaps, from the helicopter parent showing up at interviews to the coffee-cart reset that saved the day. It's raw, real, and a must-listen for anyone who’s navigated hiring challenges. In this episode, we talk with Josh Rock to look at HR horror stories, recruitment empathy, workplace misconduct, AI in hiring, candidate expectations, gatekeeping practices, and innovative HR solutions, while exploring tools and tactics shaping the future of talent acquisition. Key Takeaways Helicopter Parenting Impact: How over-involved parents disrupt interviews and hiring processes. Empathy in Recruitment: Simple adjustments that turn nervous candidates into confident hires. Workplace Misconduct: Real HR stories highlighting consequences and prevention strategies. HR Tech Innovations: Tools for balancing human connection with AI-driven efficiencies. Setting Candidate Expectations: The importance of clear communication in recruitment. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network. 

Workplace realities hit hard when the perfect candidate shows up dressed for disaster. Think killer skills, disastrous style—straight from a comedy of errors. From navigating high-stakes H-1B sponsorships to a suit swap nightmare, this episode dives into the hilariously unplanned side of recruiting and high commissions on the line. In this episode, we talk with Jason Roberts to look at recruiting fails, candidate prep, wardrobe malfunctions, H-1B visa challenges, commission-driven recruiting, real-life agency stories, recruiter improvisation, last-minute fixes, onboarding disasters, cultural missteps, and high-stakes interview moments. Key Takeaways: Why candidate prep is more than just checking resumes. Cultural differences can impact interview expectations and attire. The power of improvisation in high-stakes recruiting. How a wardrobe malfunction nearly derailed a major deal. Importance of managing expectations with clients and candidates. High-stakes commissions bring both thrills and risks to recruiting. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here  Connect with Jason Roberts here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasrober/ Connect with Micole Garatti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/socialmicole/ William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network

We get into the gritty truths of workplace misconduct. From uncomfortable encounters involving inappropriate personal disclosures and sexual fetishes to the all-too-common struggles women face in male-dominated fields like investment banking, the stories reveal how cultural biases and misconduct create lasting workplace challenges.  Key Takeaways: Setting Boundaries is Key: It’s important for leaders to create clear boundaries in professional relationships, especially when personal topics, like fetishes, arise unexpectedly. Professional Respect Over Friendship: Leadership often requires choosing professional respect over personal likability to maintain authority and clear workplace boundaries. Courage in Advocacy: Advocating for colleagues can be risky, especially when cultural biases are at play, but it's vital to support fair treatment, even if it challenges the status quo. Early Career Fear of Retaliation: Many hesitate to advocate or challenge authority early in their careers due to fear of career damage, as shown by reluctance to defend a female colleague openly. Evolution of Leadership Styles: Leaders often evolve to prioritize professional respect over being "the cool boss," recognizing that workplace boundaries are essential for team dynamics. Learning from Cultural Injustices: Reflecting on experiences where women were overlooked or punished in professional settings highlights the need for ongoing cultural change and awareness in leadership decisions. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network. 

Ryan Leary and William Tincup bring you an unforgettable conversation from HR Tech, exploring shocking workplace misconduct stories. From capital murder arrests to naked photo mishaps, the real consequences of bad employee behavior take center stage. Tune in for insights from employee referral platform Aaron and more. In this episode, we look at employee misconduct, employee referrals, workplace behavior, human resources, startup culture, remote work, and post-pandemic hiring challenges. Key Takeaways: Employee misconduct cases highlight the risks that can emerge in every workplace, from the bizarre to the extreme. Employee referrals are still a vital tool for recruiting, especially when automated effectively with platforms like Aaron. Workplace behavior can blur during remote work, with employees sometimes juggling multiple jobs or side hustles. Post-pandemic challenges include the rise of side hustles and balancing professional and personal commitments. Startups need clear policies to manage employee behavior, especially regarding full-time commitments and remote work. Automation tools in HR are evolving, with platforms now offering comprehensive solutions from referrals to recognition. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here