Most new managers aren't failing because they're bad at the job. They're failing because no one ever told them what the job actually is. In this episode, David talks with Lia Garvin, author of The New Manager Playbook, about the real barriers keeping new managers from delivering results. It's not a lack of ambition or intelligence. It's a complete absence of clear expectations, practical support, and trust—from both directions. They unpack why performance reviews so often feel arbitrary, how wor...
Jun 24, 2025•37 min
Transitioning from the public sector to private HR isn't just a career move—it's a full-on culture shock. In this episode, Kimberly Williams, VP of People, Culture & Compliance at Walker Advertising, joins David to unpack her journey from federal HR to private enterprise, sharing hard-won lessons, surprising similarities, and the real stakes of navigating both worlds. From managing bureaucracy to confronting toxic leadership, Kimberly offers candid insights into what translates, what doesn't...
Jun 17, 2025•20 min
What do tech hiring, Olympic figure skating, and the shifting tides of global work culture have in common? According to Ann Kuss, CEO of Outstaff Your Team, more than you'd think. In this episode, Ann joins David Rice to dissect the rapidly evolving landscape of tech talent: who's winning, who's losing, and why so many companies are still playing yesterday's game with today's rules. From the rise of AI-native roles to the global appetite for remote work, Ann unpacks the contradictions shaping ho...
Jun 10, 2025•29 min
Jared Kleinert, founder and CEO of Offsite, shares insights on the growing importance of team retreats in today’s distributed work environment. As remote and hybrid models become the norm, retreats have evolved from perks to essential strategies for keeping teams connected, aligned, and engaged. Jared emphasizes that planning intentional offsites is crucial for retaining talent and fostering a strong company culture. The conversation explores how to design effective retreats by setting clear bus...
Jun 03, 2025•24 min
Kelly Meerbott, CEO of YOU: Loud and Clear, dives into the growing disconnect between the C-suite and everyday employees, exposing how middle managers become "human shock absorbers" caught between corporate pressures and workforce realities. She calls out performative leadership and urges executives to prioritize coherence over charisma, advocating for leaders who genuinely embody their values rather than just posting them online. Kelly also challenges traditional ideas around gender and leaders...
May 27, 2025•24 min
Many leaders still cling to outdated management styles focused on visible productivity rather than actual outcomes, despite a dramatic shift toward distributed teams. Brian Elliott, CEO of Work Forward, explains how the rise of hybrid work and AI tools highlights the need for outcomes-based management, rather than "productivity theater." Brian also points out that return-to-office mandates often miss the mark, as workplace flexibility remains essential for attracting and retaining top talent. Th...
May 20, 2025•28 min
Steve Cadigan, a talent advisor and former CHRO of LinkedIn, joins us to discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into today’s workplace. We explore how the AI revolution stands apart from past technological shifts due to its unpredictability and ongoing development, leaving even its creators both excited and uncertain about its future. We also dive into the key question: How is your organization embracing AI? Are you fostering a culture of experimentation and innovation, or ju...
May 13, 2025•28 min
The shift from managing individual contributors to overseeing other managers is one of the toughest transitions in leadership. Chris Williams, former Microsoft HR VP, explores why this change is so challenging and how organizations can better support these key leaders. Chris dives into the unique struggles faced by second-level managers, including finding mentorship and translating vague strategic objectives into actionable plans. He emphasizes the importance of building influence across organiz...
May 06, 2025•34 min
Workplaces have become battlegrounds for political ideologies, with DEI initiatives at the center of controversy. In this episode, host David Rice speaks with Enrique Rubio, founder of Hacking HR, about the dangers of political polarization in organizations and why leaders must take a stand. Enrique challenges listeners to move beyond acronyms and see DEI for what it truly represents—fair treatment and opportunity for all. He provides practical advice for HR professionals on setting boundaries, ...
Apr 29, 2025•45 min
DEI has become a polarizing topic, making it harder to have meaningful conversations about building truly inclusive workplaces. In this episode, host David Rice speaks with Amri B. Johnson, founder of Inclusion Wins, about shifting the focus from divisive debates to practical systems that create lasting change. Amri challenges traditional DEI approaches, advocating for inclusion-first strategies that move beyond representation to ensure people can meaningfully contribute. Whether you're skeptica...
Apr 22, 2025•35 min
The hiring process is broken, and both employers and job seekers are feeling the frustration. In this episode, host David Rice talks with Jessica Smith, founder and CEO of Savant Recruitment, about the unrealistic expectations plaguing talent acquisition today. From the "Goldilocks syndrome" of rejecting great candidates to drawn-out hiring processes, Jessica exposes the missteps that are costing companies top talent. Jessica also unpacks why the hunt for "unicorn candidates" is setting companie...
Apr 15, 2025•33 min
Trust is the foundation of a thriving workplace, but how do you build and sustain it in uncertain times? In this episode, host David Rice sits down with Greg Hawks, leadership trainer and creator of the Ownership Mindset, to explore practical strategies for fostering trust and accountability at work. Greg shares his "Maybe Mindset" framework for navigating uncertainty and reveals how leaders can cultivate an ownership culture using his "owners, renters, and vandals" model. Tune in to learn how t...
Apr 08, 2025•35 min
The workplace is evolving rapidly, with one-third of job skills changing every three years. In this episode, host David Rice speaks with Cole Napper, VP of Research at Lightcast, about how AI, automation, and demographic shifts are reshaping the labor market. As blue-collar industries face worker shortages while knowledge jobs undergo disruption, organizations must rethink skills development and workforce strategies. Cole shares insights on the future of work, from shifting career paths to the r...
Apr 01, 2025•29 min
Leadership is a journey fraught with internal challenges, particularly the persistent feeling of imposter syndrome. Host David Rice talks with Nathan Tanner, former HR leader at DoorDash and LinkedIn, about overcoming imposter syndrome and breaking through leadership challenges. Nathan shares insights from his career and strategies for building confidence and resilience. They explore the psychological barriers that hold leaders back and practical ways to reframe self-doubt. Tune in for actionabl...
Mar 25, 2025•22 min
Navigating a mid-career job search comes with unique challenges, from age bias to outdated hiring practices. In this episode, host David Rice sits down with career coach John Tarnoff to discuss why traditional resumes might be holding you back and how to position yourself as a valuable consultant rather than just another applicant. They explore strategies for overcoming ageism, building meaningful connections, and redefining your value in today’s evolving job market. If you're looking to make a ...
Mar 18, 2025•23 min
How can organizations adapt to employees’ growing preference for stability? In this episode, host David Rice sits down with Ashley Avanzato, VP of HR at ADP, to explore key insights from the ADP Pay Insights report and what they mean for employee retention and engagement. They discuss the power of trust, empathetic leadership, and strategies like transparent communication and mentorship programs to keep employees motivated. Tune in for actionable advice on building a workplace where employees do...
Mar 11, 2025•21 min
What if leadership as we know it is undergoing a radical transformation? In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Jordana Cole—Founder and Principal Consultant at Ignited—to talk about the changing hats leaders have to wear, declining interest in leadership positions, and why the idea of "unbossing" might just be a terrible idea. Related Links: Join the People Managing People community forum Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Jordana on LinkedIn...
Mar 04, 2025•44 min
AI is transforming the workplace—but how do we separate real, practical use cases from overhyped trends that don’t deliver results? And what ethical risks should we watch out for? Host David Rice talks with Jonathan Conradt—former Principal AI Scientist at Amazon and Management Board Advisor at Synerise—about AI’s real impact on HR and leadership. They explore how AI is shaping hiring, employee wellness, and decision-making, plus the crucial role of responsible AI. Jonathan also reveals why comp...
Feb 18, 2025•34 min
As artificial intelligence becomes the workplace norm, understanding its impact on employees and organizations is crucial. In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Jeanne Meister—Global HR Consultant & Workplace Strategist—to delve into AI's role in shaping a new work environment and the importance of trust and policies in managing AI's integration. Related Links: Join the People Managing People community forum Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect ...
Feb 04, 2025•25 min
In a rapidly evolving workplace landscape, the need for effective employee engagement and compensation strategies has never been more crucial. In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Lindsay Clayborne—Director of People and Culture at Cardata—to share her expertise on managing employee expectations amidst economic pressures and the essential role education plays in aligning compensation strategies. Related Links: Join the People Managing People community forum Subscribe to the newsletter t...
Jan 21, 2025•30 min
Gen Z is often stereotyped within popular media, but recent research conducted by Udemy reveal a surprising contradiction to the typical narratives. In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Nathan Blain—General Manager at Udemy—to debunk myths surrounding this dynamic generation. Related Links: Join the People Managing People community forum Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn Check out Udemy Support the show...
Jan 07, 2025•23 min
In today's ever-evolving workplace, the skills required to thrive are constantly changing. In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Roi Ben-Yehuda—CEO & Founder at NextArrow—to share his insights into the skills of the future and how businesses can develop frameworks to support their employees' growth. Related Links: Join the People Managing People community forum Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Check out this episode’s sponsor: Sharebite Connect with...
Dec 10, 2024•28 min
In today's rapidly evolving workplace, the integration of advanced health technologies is transforming how we approach mental wellness and productivity. One such innovation, vocal biomarker technology, is at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode, host David Rice is joined by David Liu—CEO at Sonde Health—to delve into how our voices, shaped by over a hundred physiological elements, can provide insights into our mental health. Related Links: Join the People Managing People communi...
Nov 26, 2024•32 min
In today's fast-paced work environment, innovation is both a blessing and a curse. As companies strive to stay ahead, the onslaught of new technologies and tools can lead to what has been aptly termed "innovation burnout." In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Eric Athas—Deputy Editor at The New York Times—to discuss the complexities of managing innovation and technology in the workplace. Related Links: Join the People Managing People community forum Subscribe to the newsletter to get ou...
Nov 13, 2024•26 min
Navigating the complexities of wage negotiation can be daunting, yet crucial in ensuring you receive fair compensation for your talents. In this episode, host David Rice is joined by John Gates—Corporate Recruiting Executive, Pay Negotiation Coach, and author of Act Your Wage—to offer valuable insights into this vital process. He shares his compelling journey from a struggling college graduate to a successful recruiter who realized the vast potential many leave untapped on the negotiation table....
Oct 29, 2024•29 min
In today's fast-paced corporate environment, the role of managers has become more challenging than ever before. With workforces becoming increasingly dispersed, many managers find themselves constantly juggling competing demands. In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Elena Agaragimova—Talent Acquisition & Development Manager at Horizon Industries, Limited—to delve into how organizations can empower managers through wellbeing, training, and a supportive community Related Links: Join t...
Oct 15, 2024•32 min
In today’s fast-paced work environment, the transition from school to the professional world can be daunting, especially for Gen Z and Millennials. In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Madeline Miller—Career and Leadership Coach—to explore the unique challenges faced by young professionals as they transition into the workforce, emphasizing the importance of cultivating confidence and interpersonal skills to ease their journey. Related Links: Join the People Managing People community for...
Oct 01, 2024•23 min
Can the modern workplace truly foster a sense of belonging for everyone? In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Vijay Pendakur—Keynote Speaker and Team Effectiveness Coach—to explore the critical factors that make employees feel seen, connected, proud, and supported at work. Related Links: Join the People Managing People community forum Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Vijay on LinkedIn and his website Check out Graymont The Alchemy of Talen...
Sep 17, 2024•17 min
Navigating top talent challenges requires a keen understanding of empathetic leadership and genuine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Vijay Pendakur—Keynote Speaker and Team Effectiveness Coach—to uncover how companies can navigate the complexities of today’s talent landscape, create inclusive and high-performing teams, and build better, more resilient workplaces. Related Links: Join the People Managing People community forum Subscribe to the n...
Sep 03, 2024•25 min
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of leadership is more critical than ever. Leaders are no longer just figureheads; they are the catalysts for change, the architects of growth, and the champions of collaboration. In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Julie Williamson—Managing Partner & CEO at Karrikins Group—to share her profound insights on how leaders can navigate the complexities of modern organizational dynamics. Related Links: Join the People Managing Peop...
Aug 20, 2024•17 min
