Hey friends, welcome back to the HX podcast! We are kicking off something really exciting—an eight-part series all about meditation. I know some of you may be thinking, "Meditation? Really?" But before you roll your eyes, hear me out! This is a short, bite-sized challenge with just two-minute meditations, so no heavy lifting required. You can totally do this. The benefits of meditation are amazing (and scientifically tested)... better sleep, more focus, reduced stress, and even improved resilien...
Oct 29, 2024•11 min•Season 3Ep. 43
In this latest episode of The HX Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jensen Harris, CEO and co-founder of Textio , an AI-driven platform that helps companies use language to enhance diversity and inclusion in their hiring processes. Jensen shared his fascinating journey from his early days at Microsoft to co-founding Textio, where he and his team have spent a decade developing AI tools to transform the way businesses communicate. He highlighted the importance of AI not as a replacement f...
Oct 22, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 42
In this week's episode of The HX Podcast, I sit down with a truly remarkable guest to explore the profound experience of grief, a topic close to my heart. We discuss everything from personal loss—like the sudden, devastating passing of Myrae, her beloved Sheltie—to the layered emotions that come with supporting loved ones through serious illness, such as my daughter's cancer diagnosis. It's a conversation that really underscores how grief is not something we "get over" quickly; instead, it's a d...
Oct 15, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 40
In this episode we explore the integration of AI in HR - that it's not just about efficiency but also about enhancing the human experience in our workplaces. From streamlining recruitment to fostering inclusion and continuous feedback, AI has the potential to elevate our roles as leaders. And I want you to listen closely to this episode. There's a little twist behind the curtain—you can't spell Stacie without AI! Stacie More episodes at StacieBaird.com ....
Oct 08, 2024•5 min•Season 3Ep. 41
Hey everyone, it's Stacie here with another episode of The HX Podcast. Today, I wanted to take a little pause in our ongoing AI series to reflect on something that's been really weighing on my heart—the human side of technology, especially how it impacts our emotions, like anxiety and envy. We often hear about anxiety, right? It's become this catch-all feeling, but what really struck me was this study by Dr. Marc Brackett that I came across. They found that when young people journaled their true...
Oct 01, 2024•10 min•Season 3Ep. 39
In this first part of a series on AI tools for HR, I start the conversation with Marc Malloy and Jim Barnett , of Wisq, a software development company that focuses on employee communications software. We dove deep on AI's potential as a transformative tool for leadership and employee development. We talk about how AI, when integrated into HR processes, can support leaders in real-time, offering personalized guidance and feedback tailored to both company goals and individual needs. The idea of em...
Sep 24, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 38
Hey beautiful humans! In this episode, we're diving even deeper into moving from being highly reactive to highly regulated—something I know many of us are working through every day. Last week, we practiced noticing and engaging with others. This week it's all about turning that kindness inward. I want you to pause, notice how you're feeling, and take that breath before you enter a stressful situation. And then, talk to yourself the way you'd talk to a loved one. What would you say? How would you...
Sep 17, 2024•11 min•Season 3Ep. 37
Hey, beautiful humans! This week on the podcast we're continuing our journey into mental health in HR and leadership, especially following last week's conversation on vicarious trauma. Sadly, this week, we faced the loss of an employee, reminding us just how emotionally taxing this work can be. Today, we dive deeper into the practice of noticing—paying attention not just to our feelings but where we hold tension in our bodies. I'll walk you through a simple exercise to relax those tight spots an...
Sep 10, 2024•11 min•Season 3Ep. 36
Hey humans, it's Stacie Baird, and in this episode, I'm diving deep into something that's really close to my heart—how the HR world has evolved and the toll it can take on us as people. HR has come a long way from the days when it was just called "personnel," but with that evolution, we've also seen an increase in burnout and compassion fatigue among our people. I've been in HR for 25 years, and trust me, I've seen how these challenges can weigh on us. We talk about the trauma we absorb when we'...
Sep 03, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 35
Hey everyone, welcome to the HX podcast, where we're all about curating human experiences for you and your team. In this episode, Bri and I talked about the importance of being present—really being where your feet are, whether it's during a walk or just in life. It's so easy to get caught up in where we're going, but there's real value in slowing down and just being in the moment. Bri talks about a recent ankle injury during Jiu Jitsu—it's frustrating not being able to train the way I want, but ...
Aug 27, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 34
In this episode of the HX podcast, Bri Morsa joins us for a deep dive into the importance of co-regulation—especially when self-regulation falls short. We explored how, no matter how much inner work we do, we all hit moments where we simply can't do it alone. Bri shares how her own life transitions have made her increasingly reliant on her "humans" to co-regulate, and how allowing yourself to be seen and supported in your struggles can lead to greater personal healing and growth. Together, we di...
Aug 20, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 33
This episode is a sneak peek into Stacie's upcoming book and the latest segment on The HX Podcast that will offer valuable insights into the human experience (HX) and its impact on personal and professional growth. Her perspective as a CHRO, executive lader, board member, wife, and mother, combined with her own transformative experiences, provide a unique lens through which she examines the often unquestioned equation of hustle with worth. This bookcast episode delves into the challenges of brea...
Aug 13, 2024•17 min•Season 3Ep. 32
As conference and event season heats up I find myself traveling, speaking and attending more events. Historically this has come with a mixed bag of anxiety, overwhelm, exhaustion and obligation. I love the speaking and meaningful connection, and, many moments I drag myself back to my hotel room (which is not my safe space with my person) just to feel the dread of doing it again the next day. This season I decided to remove the victimology of that pattern and take back how to curate my own best H...
Aug 06, 2024•9 min•Season 3Ep. 31
Hey Humans! Today, we're diving into some practical tools and ideas to help you, your team, and your organization start exploring AI in bite-sized ways. It's perfectly normal to feel a bit uncomfortable and to have some fear about all the unknowns and constant changes happening around us. In this series, we want YOU to take the seat of the Humanist at the table. Let's discuss how AI can actually have a positive impact on humanizing work inside our organizations, even as we acknowledge and addres...
Jul 30, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 30
Hey humans, this is Stacie Baird, and welcome back to the HX podcast. We're continuing our series, HX in an AI World, where we're exploring how to humanize the integration of AI and technology in our organizations. Last week, I gave you a simple assignment to reduce fear around generative AI. Today, we'll build on that by discussing how to get more comfortable with these tools and introducing another assignment to help you integrate technology into your daily routine. I also shared my experience...
Jul 23, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Hey humans, Stacie Baird here! In this episode of the HX podcast, we're diving into a hot topic everyone's talking about: artificial intelligence. Yep, AI, or artificial intelligence, is everywhere, and while some folks are getting tired of the buzz, it's crucial to understand how it impacts our work in HR and the human experience within organizations. I've been immersing myself in research and discussions to bring you the most relevant insights. Our goal? To demystify AI and show how it can enh...
Jul 16, 2024•12 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Hey humans, in this final episode of our "Spectrum of Growth" series, we dive into the art of embodiment. Bri Morsa and I explore the challenging journey of assuming positive intent, the internal work it demands, and how it transforms our interactions. Discover why noticing and naming your feelings is just the beginning, and learn the powerful impact of moving from self-criticism to self-compassion. I hope you listened to the previous two episodes as well, as it's an essential part of this journ...
Jul 09, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 27
In today's episode, we're diving deeper into the complex world of narcissism with our incredible guest, Bri Morsa. This is the second part of our series on this topic. If you've missed our last episode I highly recommend taking a listen to it! We explore the spectrum of narcissism, from full-blown personality disorders to more subtle, everyday behaviors. We also get into the crucial role of vulnerability when dealing with narcissistic individuals. How do you navigate these challenging relationsh...
Jul 02, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Today's episode is the first of a small three-part series that dives into the challenges of dealing with narcissism, both at work and in personal life. Joining me is the insightful Bri Morsa, who's been a close friend and collaborator for years. We'll explore the spectrum of narcissism, how to recognize it, and the importance of self-awareness and boundaries. Plus, we'll share personal stories, including a pivotal moment in my journey and a recent conversation with my daughter about vulnerabilit...
Jun 25, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 25
I'm diving into a topic that's particularly challenging yet incredibly relevant—narcissistic behavior. Have you ever dealt with someone who has an inflated sense of self-importance, craves admiration, and shows little empathy? If so, this episode is for you. Join me as I unpack how to identify these behaviors and share practical strategies to navigate interactions with such individuals. Whether it's a difficult conversation with a colleague or managing employee relations, understanding these dyn...
Jun 18, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 24
In this episode, I share a personal story from my early days and a tough week I recently had. Reflecting on these experiences, I discuss the Japanese art of Kintsugi , which beautifully repairs broken pottery with gold, making the item even more valuable. This metaphor extends to our lives—our scars and setbacks can contribute to our unique beauty and strength. I recount my struggles with reverting to old habits under stress and the exhaustion that followed. These moments reminded me of how far ...
Jun 11, 2024•12 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Hey humans, this is Stacie Baird and today we're diving into the all-too-familiar feeling of exhaustion and puzzle culture. Remember when wearing exhaustion like a badge of honor was seen as a rite of passage in our careers? I can relate—I used to think rest was a sign of weakness. But now, in my mid-forties, I've learned that exhaustion can stem from various sources—stressful times, traumatic events, or just the day-to-day grind. I'm here to ask you again: are you exhausted? For years, I lived ...
Jun 04, 2024•9 min•Season 3Ep. 22
In this episode I explore the critical importance of self-compassion, self-regulation, and personal growth. Reflecting on experiences from my career and drawing inspiration from the film "Up in the Air," I discuss the concept of vicarious trauma and the emotional toll that difficult conversations can have on us. I'll also talk about some practical self-regulation techniques, such as a four-step breathing exercise for upregulation and a grounding exercise for downregulation, to help us manage str...
May 28, 2024•11 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Hey humans, this is Stacie Baird and welcome to the HX Podcast! Yesterday was International HR Day , and to honor our amazing friends in HR, the next few episodes will be dedicated to you. As someone deeply entrenched in this space, alongside my team, I want to reflect on where we've been, what we've achieved, and offer you some valuable insights to help you carve out space for yourself in your demanding roles. In this episode, we'll explore the challenges of working in HR. Why does it sometimes...
May 21, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 20
In this episode, Holly Norton and I get into our personal journeys within the realm of HR, sparked by our attendance at the Workhuman Conference. We reflect on the evolution of our careers, from starting in HR to navigating various roles in consulting, private equity, and back to consulting again. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the importance of authenticity, compassion, and empathy in HR, especially when faced with difficult situations such as terminations or supporting individuals t...
May 14, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 19
In this conversation, I sat down Dr. Nate Regier, Founder and CEO of Next Element , and author of Compassion Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results. We talked about so many wonderful topics focused on the importance of compassion and accountability in leadership and organizations. We explored how it can be applied to create meaningful change, as well as the challenges of navigating conflict and the need for a mindset shift in order to embrace vulnerability and authenticity....
May 07, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Looking at all of the data and research, the challenges for HR professionals continue to rise. The latest study showed that HR, more than nearly any other career, has the highest rate of burnout and it's not getting any better. In a study of 1,300 HR professionals, HR Executive sited 41% of CHROs said they would likely leave their roles or be looking for a new opportunity this year. What is going on? How do we move things in a different direction. Join me for this series as I look for answers to...
Apr 30, 2024•11 min•Season 3Ep. 17
We have some really interesting opinions and perspectives in store for you coming up centering around the human experience as well as the future of work, AI, and the human connection in general. I wanted to take this episode to give you a baseline for where we are going to explore. I reflected on how the Transform event (and others) affected me. Not just from a standpoint of the talent and experts that were there, but, based on my upbringing and personality. It became clear that a huge part of t...
Apr 23, 2024•12 min•Season 3Ep. 16
John Baldino is an HR pro with over 30 years of experience that includes strategic planning, organizational development, coaching, leadership development, training, and so much more. But what drew me to John was his focus on the real mission of our profession - the care for people. John talks about his background and what drew him to HR, and his role as President of Humareso . We talk about an environment that encompasses joy, and how they strive to operate in that state at work. We talk about a...
Apr 16, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Today is a short episode - it's based in part on an experience I encountered at the Transform conference at which I recently spoke. Are we having enough genuine, meaningful conversations? I ran into a friend and after the conversation, I realized how energizing and rewarding those conversations can be, especially when we can reflect on them, and the value that they provide. Again, it's a brief one - but a gentle reminder of the power of taking that step to having a meaningful conversation with s...
Apr 09, 2024•4 min•Season 3Ep. 14
