HR to HX: From Human Resources to the Human Experience

Today's guest is one of my favorite people. Jessica Corral is the co-founder of Headfarmer, but her story and journey is the center of this story. Whether it's about grief and loss, dysfunction growing up, addiction, or shame, the amazing journey that Jessica shares is all at once chilling and beautiful. 

We talk about Brene Brown and how her work has shaped so much of both of our growth, both personally and in our careers. We talk about human design, and some of the lessons that it has taught us. We also talk about permission to be vulnerable and showing up as our real selves.

Jessica began her recruiting career in New York over 20 years ago, and co-founded Headfarmer in July of 2011, which started her mission to exceed recruiting industry standards and focus on how to be of genuine service to people.

She is charming, honest, and full of insight and thoughtfulness. I hope you enjoy this episode!

Stacie

Jessica Corral's LinkedIn Page | Headfarmer.com Website

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Kathleen Duffy is president and CEO of Duffy Group, Inc., one of the most respected recruiting firms in the country. She and I have worked together many times over the years, and she has built and established more than just a reputation - a place as a leading name in the human experience.

She and I talk about her beginnings, and how came to be in this space. We examine some interesting experiences in her life, things that surprised her, and more.

Kathleen is the author of Revolutionizing Recruitment: How Recruitment Research Is Reshaping The Industry, and founded the Duffy Group in 1991.

Enjoy this episode!

The Duffy Group website  |  Kathleen Duffy LinkedIn page

Stacie

For more episodes visit StacieBaird.com.

On this episode I travel down the path with one of my oldest colleagues and a huge influence on my life - Brad Holliday, Director Of Human Resources at SkillPath. We dive deep - and it's a very real and honest conversation about positive and negative learning experiences. 

Brad and I go back to the CVS Caremark days (when it was still AdvancePCS), and we talk about where Brad got his start in HR, and how it shaped him into where he is today.

Brad and I talk about challenges, and Brad shares some of the incredibly difficult moments personally that are always hard to share. We talk about how we show up as our authentic selves and how that can be challenged by some of these personal challenges.

I hope that you enjoy this episode!

Stacie

More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

Brad Holliday's LinkedIn page

Skillpath Website

Hello, it's Stacie Baird, and today I'm taking a breather between these amazing interviews to look back on our recent episodes with some of those fantastic HR leaders, and I wanted to share my own reflections with you.

Lately, one theme has been echoing in my mind and in the stories of my guests: boundaries. Those lines we draw in the sand to protect our space, our sanity, and our time. It's a subject that's hit close to home, both in my professional and personal life.

I've learned a lot about boundaries through my family's journey with substance use disorder, especially in relation to my role as a mom. There's a palpable guilt that many working moms carry, the guilt of balancing a career with parenthood. It often leads us to blur our boundaries, filling every spare moment with work when we should be taking time.

The challenging journeys our family has faced has forced me to confront a hard truth: nobody but me is responsible for maintaining my boundaries. It's been a year of realizing that no one else will protect my time and my well-being as fiercely as I can.

To connect that with HR - it's all about crafting the human experience. Be it for individuals, teams, or entire organizations. To excel in this work we need boundaries. Without them, we can't muster the self-compassion or create the space we need to do our best.

I'm taking a cue from the Shannon Teixeira interview of emphasizing energy management over time management. In the episode I talk about when I was new to HR and didn't give myself space after those tough termination conversations. But now, I recognize the importance of setting boundaries to recharge my emotional energy.

In this episode I invite you to ponder the role of boundaries in your own life, both personally and professionally. Remember, no one else can hold those boundaries for you. It's your work, your responsibility. So, as you go about your day, think about how embracing boundaries can lead to better work-life balance, greater self-compassion, and an overall sense of well-being.

Join me on this journey of reflection, growth, and discovering the transformative power of boundaries in the world of HR. Until next time on HR to HX!

In this episode, I had a wonderful conversation with Nathan Williams, who is part of the municipality leadership team in Gilbert, Arizona.

We discussed the challenges of HR in a rapidly growing city like Gilbert. Nathan shared his journey into the HR field, highlighting the importance of embracing authenticity and humility in leadership.

We explored the need for diverse perspectives at the table, the role of HR in promoting inclusivity, and the evolution of HR from a transactional role to a strategic one.

We talked about creating a workplace where employees can bring their whole selves, and how that contributes to a positive human experience.

I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Stacie

Nathan Williams LinkedIn Page

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In this episode, I dive into a heartfelt chat with a dear friend and professional, Shannon Teixeira. We go way back, having worked together and shared life's twists and turns for over a decade.

Shannon talks about her unconventional journey to HR leadership. Along the way we unravel the power of setting boundaries, trading the "doing" mentality for "being," and the importance of self-compassion.

Shannon is all about fostering a multidimensional life and putting well-being at the forefront, especially after the lessons we've all learned from the COVID rollercoaster.

I hope you enjoy this episode as we explore her shift from time management to energy management, and why it's the game-changer - not just for HR pros, but everyone. I hope you find some inspiring insights into creating a life that's both impactful and fulfilling.

Stacie

Shannon Teixeira's LinkedIn page.

More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

In this episode we're embarking on a series of conversations with various guests, often those who've been in my life for extended periods. Our guest today, Rose Grande, and I share a unique journey through the Arizona HR ecosystem, where you sometimes know "of" people before you truly meet them.

Rose and I haven't directly worked together, but our parallel paths have intertwined for most of our careers. As we discuss the span of our HR experiences, Rose's story emerges. Amid our changing field, Rose's pivot to authenticity is evident.

We explore the impact of being oneself in leadership, learning from past mistakes, and finding alignment between values and work. Rose's journey from New York City to Arizona encapsulates her evolution, transitioning from doing to being, valuing her team's well-being, and curating her unique human experience.

Remember, work is fleeting, but our authentic connections are lasting.

I hope that you enjoy this episode. You can find more about Rose on her LinkedIn page here.

Stacie

More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

Hello, Stacie Baird here, and today's episode is all about authenticity, or as I like to call it, "All the Reals." It's inspired by Jordan Peterson's concept of reducing chaos and increasing calm, I've embarked on a journey to share the lessons I've learned over my 25 years in HR.

Authenticity is a topic that's been discussed extensively, but it's at the core of my 12 rules for thriving in HR. From my initial role recruiting hospital residents to becoming a Chief People Officer, my path has been transformative.

So, why authenticity? It's a question of being our genuine selves, shedding the layers of societal expectations and norms. Brené Brown, Ritu Bhasin, and the profound "Four Agreements" have all contributed to my understanding of authenticity. It's about embracing your true self, even when it feels vulnerable.

So, as you navigate your journey, remember that embracing authenticity not only transforms your HR practice but also enhances your own human experience. Join me for more invaluable lessons in our quest to create the best HR practices and forge the path to genuine human experiences.

Thank you for being a part of this journey, and I hope you enjoy this episode!

More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

I'm so excited to talk to my first guest in this series! I sat down with Jack W. Milligan, a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and as a Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), who I met in 2003. I was taking a class taught by Jack, who throughout his career certified over 1,400 HR professionals. 

Jack is an inspiring leader in the HR space, and he shares his background, experience, and what led to his passion to do this for his career that included a major portion in Arizona with ITT.

We talk about some of the most significant changes in HR over the last 25 years, and I ask him about his advice for someone coming into this HR world today.

Jack talks about the most important thing to have as an HR professional, learning from good and bad bosses, and the values to look for in those you call mentors.

We talk about his book, Make More Money!, which talks about negotiating salary and so much more. He discusses the three promises that he makes in the book that are critical to negotiating for yourself.

Jack's LinkedIn page can be found here. The link to learn more about Jack's book, click here.

For more episodes, visit StacieBaird.com.

Welcome back to HR to HX! This ongoing series is all about the "no rules" rules, guidance, and lessons learned from my over 25 years in the human resources space.  I have some incredible guests with even more experience right around the corner, but today's episode is all about the inside-out job of HR and the power of building strong habits.

I recently did a webinar with Verified First, and it got me thinking about the importance of self-compassion. This is a game-changer, not only for us as HR professionals but also for our teams and employees. It's all about showing ourselves kindness and grace, especially after tough conversations or challenging situations.

In this episode I'll explore three steps to cultivate self-compassion: mindfulness, connecting with common humanity, and self-kindness. It's not just about "woo-woo stuff"; it's about embracing our emotions and being present in our own human experience.

As HR leaders, we navigate through tough decisions and interpersonal dynamics daily. The inside-out work is key to how we show up for our teams and make a true impact in the organization. So let's dive into this powerful practice of self-compassion and discover how it can be a game-changer for you and your HR journey.

And a special thank you to our sponsor, Verified First, for supporting this episode and our shared mission of cultivating a positive human experience. Go to VerifiedFirs.com for more information, and join us on HR to HX as we continue this journey of growth and empowerment. 

More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

Welcome to another exciting episode of HR to HX! In this new series, we're diving into the rules—or maybe the no rules—guidance, and gifts of the human resources practice. I'm your host, Stacie Baird, and after 25 years in this field, I've learned so much about what works for me, my teams, and the personal growth I've undergone to get where I am today. And guess what? I'm still growing every day!

Throughout this series, we'll have amazing guests sharing their own learnings from their extensive experience in HR. From CHROs to talent acquisition experts, we'll explore the valuable insights they've gained over their careers.

But for now, let's kick off this series by sharing a few of my own stories. My first "non-rule" rule is something I discovered about 16 or 17 years ago, which I call "Let them order the cake—or don't order the cake—but you can eat it." Let me explain.

Back in my mid-twenties, I was invited to a large-scale integration call for a Fortune 50 company after a merger announcement. They asked me to order cakes for every single location involved in the integration. At the time, I was so eager to make an impact and be relevant that I didn't hesitate to say yes. However, looking back, I realize how this kind of non-strategic, administrative task took away from my true value in HR.

Today, studies show that women, minorities, and marginalized populations tend to accept non-promotable work more readily, and it's time we change that. As HR professionals, we must prioritize strategic functions over event planning or other administrative tasks.

I'll discuss seeking validation from your leader and having an open conversation about your workload and priorities. And HR leaders, stand up for your team and teach them how to decline non-strategic tasks with respect and dignity.

Join us in the coming months as we explore more lessons and experiences from HR professionals, reflecting on the impact of their special gifts. Until then, see you next week on HR to HX!

More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to "HR to HX." In this episode I have some exciting news to share! We're embarking on a special series inspired by my 25-year journey in the HR field. It all began back in 1999 when I took on my first official role in human resources. But I'll actually rewind a bit further to my time in college, where I initially aspired to become a doctor. Fate led me to recruiting and eventually to HR, a path that has shaped my career ever since.

Recently, while reflecting on my journey, I came across Jordan Peterson's podcast and his book, "The 12 Rules of Life." It got me thinking about what I would say to my younger self 25 years ago. However, instead of creating a set of rules, I realized I had something even more valuable to share—the wisdom and insights I've gained from amazing people I've met along the way.

In this upcoming series, I'll be interviewing those individuals who have played a significant role in my HR journey. We'll dive deep into their experiences, discussing what they would tell their younger selves and what HR means to them today. Our guest list includes incredible professionals such as Jack Milligan, Kathleen Duffy, Mindi Cox, and Shannon Teixeira, each bringing their unique expertise and perspective.

Our goal is to inspire you and help you create your very best human experience. I'm thrilled to take this journey with you and share the valuable lessons I've learned from these thought leaders in the HR space. It's an opportunity to introduce you to innovators who have been shaping the field from the very beginning.

So, get ready for insightful conversations, meaningful stories, and practical wisdom that will help you not only transform your HR practice but also craft a remarkable human experience. I'm excited to kick off the first episode of this series next Tuesday and share it with all of you!

Stay tuned, have an incredible week, and I'll see you soon on "HR to HX".

Stacie

More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

In this, our third of a three part mini series of episodes on trust, we explore the multifaceted nature of trust and how to rebuild it when it's been fractured within teams. Trust is not an all-or-nothing concept; it has dimensions and conditions. Understanding this is crucial as we embark on the journey of rebuilding trust.

One key insight is that trust can be fractured or conditional. Fractured trust can lead to immediate distrust, which is toxic and self-protective. Conditional trust requires constant negotiation and slows down progress. Neither of these scenarios is ideal for a thriving team.

I talk about things that are important to consider when addressing trust issues. I talk about engaging in open conversations using models like Brené Brown's "braving" or any other framework that resonates with the team. Encourage vulnerability and gauge the team's willingness to participate.

Taking action to build trust involves creating a safe space for open communication, discussing trust openly, considering all voices, making and using team agreements, minding the team's charter and norms, fostering reliability, and installing camaraderie through check-ins and positive interactions.

Trust is a crucial factor in feeling safe, seen, heard, and loved. It forms the foundation for meaningful relationships and successful endeavors.

So let's embark on the journey of building trust, both within our teams and in our own lives. I hope you enjoy this episode.

Stacie

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Today in our part 2 of 3 of the small series on trust, I dive into a bit more of the technical lessons that are important to consider when learning about trust. I've got some things to give you that might help on your journey as well! 

I'll cite four authors throughout this brief conversation.. Charles Feltman, Stephen Covey, Paul Zak, and of course, Brené Brown.

And I've broken out four key factors from The Thin Book of Trust that I think you'll appreciate. Enjoy!

Resources

The Thin Book of Trust, by Charles Feltman

Stephen Covey, and two of his works in particular:

The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything, and Trust and Inspire

Paul Zak, author of The Trust Factor: The Science of Creating High Performance Companies

and Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown.

Thanks for listening,

Stacie

More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

Welcome to another episode of HR to HX. In this (and the next two) episodes we dive into the essential topic of building greater self-trust.

I talk about three key components that are crucial for developing a strong foundation of self-trust. I'll address the detrimental impact of negative self-talk. and examine how these internal dialogues can undermine our confidence and self-belief.

I also discuss the power of intention and trusting our intuition to lead from the heart. By aligning our actions with our authentic values, we unlock a wellspring of self-trust. Intentional decision-making and listening to our intuition can guide us towards more meaningful and fulfilling choices, both in our personal and professional lives. Trusting ourselves becomes the compass that guides us towards greater clarity and purpose.

I'll also explore the concept of improvement through self-acknowledgement, celebration, and creating system ties via habit stacking. I can't understate the importance of recognizing and celebrating our achievements, no matter how small, as a means to reinforce our self-trust.

I also talk about an incredible book, called Atomic Habits. It speaks to the power of habit stacking, where we link new positive habits with existing ones to create a supportive system that fosters growth and development. 

Join me in this thought-provoking journey towards building greater self-trust. This is the first of a three part series, and throughout it, we'll uncover practical techniques and insights that will empower you to silence your inner critic, follow your heart's compass, and create a thriving environment of self-trust and self-empowerment.

I also mention this book - it's a must read on the subject of trust.

The Thin Book of Trust

Thanks for listening,

Stacie

More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

In this continuing series with Kathleen Gramzay, we delve deeper into the crucial topics of trust, self-compassion, and building resilience within organizations. Join us as we explore how HR leaders can support leaders and teams in developing resilience and fostering a resilient culture. Resilience has become an essential skill in today's fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, and as we've discussed many times, HR professionals play a vital role in cultivating this quality among employees.

We'll outline the role of HR leaders in fostering resilience, and demonstrate its relevance to individuals and organizations.

We'll also share some practical techniques for HR leaders to support leaders and teams in building resilience with examples of resilience-building initiatives, such as training programs, workshops, and coaching. Share inspiring case studies of organizations that have successfully fostered resilience.

We'll also discuss specific resilience-building initiatives implemented by HR leaders.

For those of you who may have missed part one, Kathleen Gramzay is the founder of Kinessage, LLC, where she serves as a body mind resilience and self-care innovator. But what sets Kathleen apart is that she's created her own unique approach in this field, which goes beyond theory and is grounded in practical reality. She has developed methodologies such as Kinessage® Mindful Resilience, Kinessage® Release Your Pain, and the Virtual Self-Care System, all of which we discuss.

With 20 years of experience as a board-certified massage therapist and a national continuing education provider, Kathleen brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her company, Kinessage LLC, supports performance, culture, and wellness-conscious organizations by incorporating her message into their practices.

Join on this insightful episode for some practical approaches to building resilience in your organization. I believe these ideas can empower leaders and teams to thrive amidst adversity and change.

To find Kathleen Gramzay on LinkedIn, click here.

Welcome to another episode that explores the importance of trust, self-compassion, and resilience in the workplace! Over the next few weeks, we'll be delving deep into the topic of trust, starting with trusting oneself.

To help us bridge the gap and connect the mind and body in this journey, I'm thrilled to introduce today's guest, Kathleen Gramzay. Kathleen and I first crossed paths around four years ago, during a time when my life underwent a significant shift. 

Kathleen Gramzay is the founder of Kinessage, LLC, where she serves as a body mind resilience and self-care innovator. But what sets Kathleen apart is that she's created her own unique approach in this field, which goes beyond theory and is grounded in practical reality. She has developed methodologies such as Kinessage® Mindful Resilience, Kinessage® Release Your Pain, and the Virtual Self-Care System, all of which we discuss.

With 20 years of experience as a board-certified massage therapist and a national continuing education provider, Kathleen brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her company, Kinessage LLC, supports performance, culture, and wellness-conscious organizations by incorporating her message into their practices.

In today's episode we'll explore practical solutions to cultivate trust and self-compassion in ourselves and within our organizations. Kathleen's mission is to teach organizations and individuals to reduce stress, burnout, and pain for more resilient workforces and healthier, happier people. This aligns perfectly with the goals of this podcast!

So get ready to gain valuable insights and tools as we delve into the world of trust, self-compassion, and resilience with the remarkable Kathleen Gramzay.

Stacie

More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

On today's part 3 of the three part series on self-compassion, I'll take a closer look at some of the key things that you can use to improve upon it in your daily lives. I "try" to use these constantly. 

They're derived from a few different authors, and I find that some are fairly simple, but all require a consistent effort. A lot of it comes from the in-depth work by Brené Brown on the subjects of shame and vulnerability.

Take a brief moment when you can, to consider which of these you struggle with the most and ask hard questions. I really hope that you find some great resources with these last three episodes!

Stacie

More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

In this second of a three part short series on self compassion, I will dive a bit deeper, referencing the insights of two incredible authors - experts on the subject. I'll talk about some of the key takeaways from their books, and maybe provide some helpful strategies to use for yourself. 

Self-compassion is a way of relating to ourselves with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. It is about recognizing that we are all imperfect and that we all make mistakes. It's about how we relate to ourselves.

Self-compassion has many benefits, including:

• Increased happiness and well-being
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved relationships
• Increased resilience

Self-compassion is a lifelong journey. It is not something that we can achieve overnight. However, with practice, we can all learn to be more compassionate towards ourselves.

Here are some of the tools and resources I talked about:

Kristin Neff's website: self-compassion.org
Chris Germer's website: chrisgermer.com
The Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer

I hope that this episode helps with a little bit more understanding on the topic, and hopefully will inspire you to start a more mindful practice of self-compassion. I'd love to hear more about your journey! Share your thoughts with me through the website at StacieBaird.com.

In this episode I talk about the importance of self-compassion.

Burnout is a common problem in the workplace, and self-compassion can help to prevent it. I introduce the work of Kristin Neff, an expert on self-compassion. Neff defines self-compassion as "kindness toward oneself in times of suffering and failure." Self-compassion is essential for our well-being, and it can help us to cope with difficult emotions, learn from our mistakes, and move forward with our lives.

I also talk about some of my own experiences with self-compassion. I used to be very hard on myself, but I've learned to be more compassionate over time. I'll also share some of the practices that have helped me develop self-compassion, such as mindfulness, journaling, and meditation.

Self-compassion is a skill that takes time and practice to develop, but it is worth the effort. I've also included some tips for getting started, such as:

• Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes.
• Forgive yourself for your past mistakes.
• Accept yourself for who you are.
• Be patient with yourself.
• Celebrate your successes.

I'll also talk about perspective taking, and I cite works from Dr. Benjamin Hardy, who wrote The Gap and the Gain, an excellent book.

I hope you enjoy!

Stacie

More episodes at StacieBaird.com.