In this bold and unfiltered episode of The Work Wire, Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, and Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, dismantle the myths surrounding one of the most misused phrases in today’s workplace lexicon: psychological safety. Far from being a license for comfort or an excuse to dodge accountability, psychological safety—originally defined by Harvard’s Dr. Amy Edmondson—is about creating a culture where people can take interpersonal risks without fear of retal...
Jun 19, 2025•35 min
In this thought-provoking episode of The Work Wire, Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, and Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, break down one of the most audacious talent policies in recent memory: Shopify’s new rule that no new hires will be approved unless teams can prove that AI cannot do the job. This isn't just a headline—it's a signal flare. The age of AI-first hiring has officially begun. Bob and Johnny go deep on: What this policy means for the future of work—and worker...
Jun 05, 2025•36 min
In this episode of The Work Wire, Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, and SHRM President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor Jr. dig into a controversial practice making headlines: Meta’s “Do Not Rehire” lists—and the silent consequences they carry for careers. What happens when a top performer is quietly marked as ineligible for rehire—without explanation, without appeal, and with no way to challenge the label? Johnny and Bob unpack the complexities behind this increasingly common practice and explor...
Apr 18, 2025•32 min
In this insightful second part of The Work Wire podcast, hosts Bob Goodwin and Johnny C. Taylor Jr. delve deeper into the ramifications of the "BullDOGE Era," examining critical topics impacting the workforce today. From the rapid adoption and disruptive potential of AI, to the tangible effects of newly imposed tariffs, Bob and Johnny unpack what these changes mean for both employers and employees. They explore the vital need for ongoing reskilling and lifelong learning, discuss the shifting res...
Apr 03, 2025•27 min
In this eye-opening episode of *The Work Wire*, Bob Goodwin is joined by Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President & CEO of SHRM, to unpack the sweeping changes taking shape under what Bob dubs the "Bulldoze Era"—a rapid-fire effort to dismantle bureaucracy, slash federal agencies, and upend traditional policies. From the Department of Education's possible shutdown to AI-fueled layoffs and the implosion of DEI initiatives, nothing is off the table. Together, Bob and Johnny explore: What "efficiency" r...
Mar 27, 2025•41 min
In this compelling episode of The Work Wire, Bob Goodwin sits down with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President & CEO of SHRM, to unpack his recent Congressional testimony on the state of education, workforce readiness, and untapped talent pools. Johnny shares unfiltered insights on why America’s education system is failing both students and employers, why traditional degrees aren’t always the answer, and how skills-based hiring, vocational training, and a shift in mindset can solve the growing tale...
Mar 08, 2025•34 min
With major executive orders and shifting workplace trends, the balance of power between employers and employees is changing fast. Bob Goodwin and Johnny C. Taylor Jr. discuss the federal return-to-office push, the future of DEI, and why companies are reevaluating how they measure employee value. Is the remote work era over? What’s next for workplace culture? Find out in this must-listen episode of The Work Wire.
Feb 25, 2025•34 min
A CEO's harsh firing of 90% of his employees via Slack reveals significant issues in leadership, communication, and employee accountability. The incident serves as a poignant reminder for leaders about the importance of setting expectations, cultivating a respectful culture, and demonstrating emotional intelligence in challenging situations. • A shocking story of a CEO firing 90% of his staff • Analyzing both sides of the conflict between the CEO and employees • The implications of employee inte...
Feb 09, 2025•33 min
What if the hierarchical structures that have defined our workplaces are holding us back from true productivity and profitability? Join us as we explore "The Great Flattening" trend reshaping the business landscape for 2025 with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM. Despite record profits and soaring stock market performances, companies are reconsidering the role of middle management and contemplating workforce reductions. Together with Johnny, we unravel the historical cycles of corp...
Jan 26, 2025•34 min
Join us for an insightful conversation with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., CEO and President of SHRM, as we uncover the essence of embracing change in a rapidly evolving world. Discover how swift advancements in technology, like AI tools such as ChatGPT, demand that we adapt or risk obsolescence. We'll explore how embracing change transforms potential stress into powerful advantages, propelling us into the future with confidence.Inspired by a riveting keynote at SHRM 24 in Chicago, we discuss the metapho...
Dec 11, 2024•35 min
Unlock the secrets to effective leadership decision-making with insights from Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM. Discover how Johnny navigated the weighty consideration of a potential role as Secretary of Labor, sharing the emotional complexities and strategic thinking involved. This episode promises to equip you with a robust decision-making framework, focusing on clarifying values and identifying your "true North Star" to guide your professional and personal choices.Explore the p...
Dec 03, 2024•32 min
Can your off-duty escapades lead to a pink slip? Join us in a captivating discussion featuring Johnny C. Taylor Jr., CEO and President of SHRM, as we dissect the case of Joe Gall, a tenured professor dismissed for producing pornographic content. Together, we explore the complexities of First Amendment rights for public sector employees and the potential professional fallout from personal activities. Using a viral incident in Central Park as a cautionary tale, we shine a light on the precarious l...
Nov 26, 2024•33 min
Unlock the secrets to fostering civility and respect in the workplace amidst post-election tensions with insights from Johnny C. Taylor Jr., the President and CEO of SHRM, and your host, Bob Goodwin. We tackle the thorny issue of post-election workplace dynamics, sharing strategies to cultivate a culture that values diverse perspectives—even when political views clash. Learn how HR professionals can lead the charge, ensuring productive and respectful conversations while advocating for policies t...
Nov 19, 2024•34 min
The tragic death of actor Matthew Perry sparks a compelling exploration of power dynamics in celebrity circles, with a spotlight on ego, charisma, and wealth. In this thought-provoking episode of WorkWire, I sit down with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., president and CEO of SHRM, to dissect these intricate relationships and their consequences. Through Perry's unfortunate overdose and the involvement of his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, we reveal the often unseen struggles of those who navigate the professio...
Oct 31, 2024•38 min
Are you ready to rethink how pay structures can transform the workplace? Join us for a captivating conversation with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, as we unpack the compelling world of incentive-based pay. This episode opens up a window into the rising trend of pay-for-performance models, not just in sales but spreading to various other sectors. We'll take you behind the curtain of compensation structures, weighing the perks against the pitfalls, and explore how this model chan...
Oct 31, 2024•36 min
Unlock the secrets to combating burnout in the workplace with insights from Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM. Burnout is more than just an individual issue; it's a complex problem influenced by political unrest, economic uncertainty, and personal challenges. In this compelling discussion, discover why addressing burnout is a shared responsibility between employers and employees and learn about the full spectrum of factors that contribute to employee well-being. Taylor sheds light ...
Oct 02, 2024•33 min
When 100-hour work weeks become the norm, who pays the ultimate price? Join us on this gripping episode of the Work Wire as Johnny C. Taylor Jr., CEO of SHRM, and I uncover the startling realities of extreme work hours faced by junior bankers at Bank of America. We pull back the curtain on the life-threatening consequences of relentless overwork, sharing harrowing anecdotes from a Wall Street Journal article that spotlight the dire need for recovery periods. By drawing parallels to high-level at...
Sep 25, 2024•29 min
What happens when a beloved CEO like Howard Schultz steps down, and how does that impact the corporate culture at a giant like Starbucks? We explore this and more with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, as we dissect the leadership hurdles and cultural shifts following the latest CEO departure at Starbucks. Learn from the contrasting story of Brian Nickel's remarkable turnaround at Chipotle, emphasizing the necessity of clear company culture and how a CEO's influence can redefine s...
Sep 18, 2024•32 min
Can psychedelics boost business performance? Join Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, and Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, as we delve into tech executives using ketamine and psilocybin for enhanced focus, creativity, and empathy. We discuss the risks and ethical concerns of self-prescribing these drugs, the balance between short-term benefits and long-term impacts, and draw parallels to performance-enhancing drugs in sports. We also explore if historical geniuses like Leonard...
Jun 28, 2024•35 min•Ep. 35
What if non-compete agreements are holding back your career? Join us for an insightful episode of The Work Wire as we welcome Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, and Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, to dissect the controversial world of non-compete clauses. With recent FTC developments shaking up the landscape, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the potential economic benefits and legal challenges ahead. Discover how these changes could impact wages, entrepreneurial activit...
Jun 21, 2024•34 min•Ep. 34
Join Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, and Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, on The Work Wire as they discuss California's proposed "right to disconnect" law. This episode challenges traditional views on work-life balance, offering insights into the benefits of allowing employees to truly recharge. Dive into the nuances of work-life integration versus balance, and explore the impact of state regulations on productivity and employee well-being. The conversation examines the wo...
Jun 14, 2024•34 min•Ep. 33
Can background checks truly make or break the safety and integrity of your workplace? Join us for an insightful conversation as Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club and Johnny C Taylor Jr, President and CEO of SHRM, shares his eye-opening personal experiences that highlight the critical importance of thorough background checks. We discuss how these essential measures can coexist harmoniously with DEI initiatives, creating a balanced and secure environment where both safety and diversity thrive....
Jun 07, 2024•42 min•Ep. 32
Are traditional resumes becoming relics of the past? Tune in as I, Bob Goodwin, alongside the insightful Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, unravel the complex tapestry of talent acquisition. We dive into the debate over whether industry experience and academic pedigree should remain the linchpins of the hiring process, potentially sidelining untapped talent. Together, we navigate the promises and pitfalls of skills-based hiring, dissecting how AI is revolutionizing the way HR navi...
May 24, 2024•36 min•Ep. 31
Join SHRM President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor Jr. and President of Career Club Bob Goodwin as we explore the future of work in a post-pandemic world. This episode delves into the complexities of hybrid work environments, balancing remote flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration. We discuss how hybrid models impact diverse employee demographics, especially underrepresented minorities, and the role of empathy in the workplace. Addressing proximity bias and its career implications, we...
May 17, 2024•38 min•Ep. 30
Discover why being a follower might just be as crucial as being a leader with Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club and Johnny C. Taylor Jr., SHRM's President and CEO. This episode takes a surprising turn as we scrutinize the societal obsession with leadership and the overlooked art of followership.Prepare to have your notions of success and influence turned on their head as we uncover what it means to be an exemplary follower in a world transfixed by leaders.
May 15, 2024•31 min•Ep. 29
In the latest episode of Work Wire, Bob Goodwin of Career Club and Johnny Taylor Jr. from SHRM go deep into the evolving landscape of workplace loyalty, sparked by a recent Business Insider article by Aki Ito on its perceived decline. The discussion explores the historical shift from a "company man" mentality to today's more transactional employee-employer relationships influenced by globalization and technological advancements. Johnny emphasizes the dual role of employers and employees in the e...
May 03, 2024•39 min•Ep. 28
Join us for a thought-provoking episode of The Work Wire, featuring Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, and Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of SHRM. Dive into a compelling conversation about fostering civility in the workplace amidst increasing social and political tensions. Bob and Johnny explore the challenges of workplace toxicity, highlighting the shift from traditional issues like discrimination to modern concerns such as political discord. Discover SHRM’s ambitious initiative t...
Apr 26, 2024•34 min•Ep. 27
Join Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, and Johnny Taylor, CEO of SHRM, in a compelling podcast where they explore strategies for fostering civil and respectful communication in the workplace. They'll dive into effective methods that both employers and employees can use to ensure that all voices are heard and respected. Tune in for expert insights on enhancing dialogue and building a more collaborative work environment.
Apr 23, 2024•34 min•Ep. 26
Join us for a compelling episode of Work Wire as we explore the nuances of the recruitment process with a focus on enhancing the candidate experience. This discussion covers the challenges and strategies involved in treating candidates as valued customers and the impacts these practices have on employer branding.The conversation begins with an examination of prevalent issues in recruitment, such as ghosting and the often lengthy and inefficient interview cycles. Insights are shared on regional v...
Apr 19, 2024•39 min•Ep. 25
In this enlightening episode of The Work Wire, hosts Johnny Taylor Jr. and Bob Goodwin welcome Indian business titan Shiv Shivakumar to explore the evolution and future of leadership. Shiv, with his extensive experience from PepsiCo India to Advent International, offers a deep dive into the transformative traits required for today's leaders. The discussion unfolds across four segments, starting with how leadership has morphed in our digital age, to practical strategies for thriving in a VUCA wor...
Apr 12, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 24
