Practitioner Corner

Practitioner Corner

Can we talk?

Practitioner Corner with Laura is a podcast designed specifically for HR and Talent Pros; it is a cozy nook where we chat through what is taking up space in our hearts and minds about this profession. Each episode features conversations filled with warmth, depth, humor, and meaningful connection so that HR and Talent pros feel seen, heard, and understood. In this place, we brainstorm about what’s really keeping us up at night in this ever-changing profession. We unpack what we’ve been learning, unlearning, how we’re growing, and the wisdom we’ve gained that we want to share with others in our space.  Our goal is to keep elevating our profession by sharing what we continue to examine about working as Talent and HR pros. If you work in this space and aim to feel less isolated by hearing what your peers are thinking and feeling-grab your coffee, tune in, and find yourself within these episodes.

Let's talk about Self-Advocacy in HR
Practitioner CornerAugust 19, 202600:31:46

Let's talk about Self-Advocacy in HR

In this episode, Erin Nesbitt, a strategic People leader, shares insights on the power of equality and equity in our thinking—and why HR professionals need to prioritize advocating for themselves. We explore the evolution of HR from “people policy” to strategic business partner, the importance of kn...

Let's talk about Balancing Technology and the Human Side of HR
Practitioner CornerAugust 18, 202600:29:20

Let's talk about Balancing Technology and the Human Side of HR

In this episode, Laura speaks with Liz Mattila, Chief People Officer and explores how HR professionals can use AI to improve recruitment, talent development, and workplace processes without losing the empathy, judgment, and personal connection that make HR effective. Listeners will learn where techn...

Let's talk about Intention and Impact in Talent Acquisition
Practitioner CornerAugust 18, 202600:32:51

Let's talk about Intention and Impact in Talent Acquisition

This conversation between Laura and Rachel Cupples, a strategic Talent Acquisition Pro, examines what is changing in talent acquisition as AI becomes more embedded in recruiting and job searching. The discussion looks at what is being automated, what should remain human, and whether the industry is ...

Let’s talk about Bravery in Talent Acquisition
Practitioner CornerAugust 18, 202600:35:07

Let’s talk about Bravery in Talent Acquisition

In this episode, I speak with Andy Chown, a strategic Head of Talent Acquisition to explore what’s keeping him up at night—from whether hiring practices are really working as they should, to how we collectively are using AI without losing sight of the candidate experience. We talk about second-guess...

Say Yes or Stay Average: The Career Advice By CHRO Jessica Kozak That Actually Works
Practitioner CornerApril 23, 202600:44:39

Say Yes or Stay Average: The Career Advice By CHRO Jessica Kozak That Actually Works

From pulling weapons at Six Flags to scaling a global HR org, this is what happens when you chase people, not titles. Most careers don’t break. They drift. Jessica Kozak didn’t drift. She pivoted fast, learned what she hated early, and kept saying yes when it counted. From high-volume recruiting cha...

From FBI Dreams to HR Excellence: Mariah Hantis on Global Payroll, Compliance, and Career Growth at Deel
Practitioner CornerDecember 20, 202400:39:22

From FBI Dreams to HR Excellence: Mariah Hantis on Global Payroll, Compliance, and Career Growth at Deel

Global payroll isn’t just cutting checks—it’s a minefield of compliance, cultural nuances, and ever-changing regulations. Mariah Hantis, Senior Director of Global People Operations at Deel, unpacks her journey from aspiring FBI agent to HR leader. From payroll anxiety to AI-driven solutions, she sha...

A Chief People Officer’s Guide to Career Progression, Talent Strategies, and Mentorship
Practitioner CornerNovember 27, 202400:42:26

A Chief People Officer’s Guide to Career Progression, Talent Strategies, and Mentorship

Jill Larsen, Chief People Officer at Synopsys, shares her inspiring career journey from Division I athlete to HR leadership, emphasizing the power of mentorship, self-awareness, and building innovative talent strategies. She dives into navigating family and executive roles, the evolving workforce, a...

Transforming HR from the Inside Out: Neil Lenane’s Journey at Progressive
Practitioner CornerNovember 13, 202400:46:12

Transforming HR from the Inside Out: Neil Lenane’s Journey at Progressive

Neil Lenane walks us through a remarkable 37-year career, from managing claims to shaping HR strategy at Progressive Insurance. In his journey, he emphasizes influence, adaptability, and empathy as essential skills for creating a unified employee experience. Neil’s insights into offboarding, technol...

AI in Learning: How Technology is Shaping the Future of Employee Development Cornerstone Connect Live
Practitioner CornerSeptember 25, 202400:25:22

AI in Learning: How Technology is Shaping the Future of Employee Development Cornerstone Connect Live

Craig Lutz, Director of Learning and Development at Gannett, explores the future of learning and development, emphasizing the transformative power of digital tools and AI. He highlights the shift from traditional classroom training to personalized, technology-driven learning strategies, underscoring...

Navigating Cultural Insights in HR: Gabrielle Caron's Journey from Summer Camp to VP at 1Password
Practitioner CornerSeptember 18, 202400:42:37

Navigating Cultural Insights in HR: Gabrielle Caron's Journey from Summer Camp to VP at 1Password

Gabrielle’s career journey highlights the balance between confidence and humility as she oversees multiple HR functions at 1Password. From cultural insights and the power of coffee to navigating remote work security, Gabrielle reflects on leadership development, parental support, and the critical ro...