Shows
The TroopHR PodcastEp 32. Reimagining Leave: How Deborah Hanus, CEO of Sparrow Is Transforming Compliance and Compassion in HRIn this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with , CEO and founder of Sparrow, to uncover why employee leave remains one of the most complex, costly, and emotionally charged responsibilities in HR. From a background in reinforcement learning at MIT and Google Brain to building a leave management platform that’s already saved organizations over $200 million in payroll costs, Deborah shares her remarkable journey into the intersection of AI, compliance, and compassionate employee care.The conversation dives deep into how fragmented legislation and outdated policies have left HR leaders overwhelmed and employees unsupported. De...2025-04-1521 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 31. Minisode: Lillian Gilbreth and the Radical Power of Empathy at WorkIn this miniepisode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley spotlights Lillian Gilbreth, an often-overlooked pioneer who quietly reshaped the future of work. Long before terms like “employee experience” or “ergonomics” existed, Lillian was asking questions that still challenge leaders today: Can efficiency and empathy coexist? How do we design systems that serve both business goals and human needs?From being one of the first women in America to earn a PhD in applied psychology to running a consulting firm as a widowed mother of 12, Lillian’s legacy offers powerful lessons for HR professionals navigating today’s AI-driven, f...2025-04-0106 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 30. Behind the Curtain: Managing Burnout & Building HR on Broadway with Manny BejaranoBroadway may be dazzling under the lights, but what happens behind the curtain? In this episode, Taylor Bradley sits down with Manny Bejarano, a seasoned HR leader in the theater industry, to explore burnout in live performance, the evolving role of HR in arts organizations, and the unique challenges of managing talent both on and off stage.Manny shares his experience working in Broadway and regional theater, highlighting why wellness, rest, and operational strategy are crucial for sustaining performers, crew, and administrative teams. From tech week marathons to the importance of...2025-03-1131 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 29. Reinventing Yourself: Career Growth, Confidence & The Power of Change with Lan PhanWhat does it really take to reinvent yourself, whether it’s a career pivot, a shift in workplace positioning, or embracing new challenges? In this powerful episode, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Lan Phan, transformation coach and author of Do This Daily, to explore how small, consistent actions lead to lasting change.Lan shares her deeply personal journey from resisting change to becoming an expert in transformation, revealing the mindset shifts and daily habits that fuel success. Together, they unpack imposter syndrome, career advocacy, and the often-overlooked power of betting on yourself. If you’ve ever felt...2025-02-2527 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 28.Hiring for Startup Growth: Finding Stage-Appropriate Talent with Natalie LedbetterIn this episode of The TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with startup talent expert Natalie Ledbetter to dive into one of the biggest challenges in high-growth companies—hiring the right people at the right time. Natalie, a seasoned Chief People Officer and startup advisor, shares her framework for identifying the ideal talent DNA for each phase of a company's growth.They explore why hiring a big-name executive from a later-stage company can backfire in an early-stage startup, how founders should think about strategists, problem-solvers, and executors, and the hidden costs of misaligned hires—from lost runw...2025-02-1121 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 27. Navigating Employment Law in 2025: Trends, DEI Backlash, and HR Challenges with Julie Werner, Partner at Lowenstein Sandler LLPListener's Note: For context, this episode was recorded one week before President Trump assumed office, which is why he is referred to as President-elect.In this episode of The TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Julie Werner, an experienced employment lawyer with over 27 years at Lowenstein Sandler LLP, to unpack the critical trends shaping employment law in 2025. Together, they explore the ramifications of recent legal decisions and political shifts on HR practices, including the FTC's proposed non-compete ban, “reverse discrimination” cases reaching the Supreme Court, and the rollback of affirmative action in workplaces.Ju...2025-01-2632 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 26. 2025 HR Trends & Talent Outlook: A Conversation with Chief Talent Officer, Michelle Schreck at Flatiron Search PartnersIn this episode of TroopHR, Taylor Bradley sits down with Michelle Schreck, Chief Talent Officer at Flatiron Search Partners, to explore what's ahead for HR and talent acquisition in 2025. From the resurgence of leadership development programs to evolving remote work policies, Michelle shares valuable insights from both the employer and candidate perspective. She discusses how the job market has shifted from the candidate-driven frenzy of 2021 to a more balanced state, while offering practical advice for both hiring managers and job seekers. The conversation takes an insightful turn as they explore how AI is reshaping HR practices and why authentic...2025-01-1333 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 25. Transforming Compensation Cycles with AI: Insights from Amee Parekh, CEO of Stello AIIn this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley explores the evolving landscape of compensation strategies with Amee Parekh, CEO of Stello AI. Amee, a tech-savvy HR leader with a software engineering background, shares her journey from HR leadership to leveraging AI to revolutionize how organizations approach pay planning.Discover actionable insights on crafting effective compensation philosophies, overcoming common challenges in compensation cycles, and the transformative potential of AI in optimizing budget allocation, pay equity, and communication strategies. From breaking down the role of predictive analytics to creating more engaging and transparent manager-employee dialogues, Amee sheds light...2024-12-0929 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 24. Redefining High Performance: Insights from Joy Sybesma, Founder of ScaleJoy, and Alli Trussell, SVP of People at Bilt RewardsHost Taylor Bradley sits down with Joy Sybesma, Founder of ScaleJoy, and SVP of People at Bilt Rewards Alli Trussell, to redefine what high performance looks like in today’s workplace. Together, they explore how clarity, self-awareness, and adaptability drive success at individual, team, and organizational levels.Joy and Alli share actionable insights on designing performance frameworks that align with distinct organizational missions, shaping leadership expectations, and driving sustainable growth. Drawing on vivid analogies like the “LeBron James team dynamic,” they illustrate the art of playing to individual strengths while fostering collective success. Paired with practical concepts such a...2024-11-2537 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 23. The Future of Recruiting: AI, Automation, and Human Connections with Anthony Onesto, Chief People Officer at SuzyIn this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley speaks with Anthony Onesto, a recruitment industry veteran, to discuss how AI is revolutionizing recruiting. Onesto explores the significant shifts technology has introduced to the recruiting landscape, from mobile advancements to LinkedIn, and emphasizes AI's potential to automate repetitive tasks, enabling recruiters to focus on human connections.Onesto and Bradley ‘delve’ into common fears surrounding AI, notably concerns over job security and skill relevance. They discuss the perspective that AI will likely automate tasks rather than entire roles, freeing recruiters to be more strategic. Anthony underscores the impor...2024-11-1137 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 22. Navigating Politics in the Workplace with Jen Fox and Pete TurokIn this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley tackles the thorny issue of political discourse in today's workplace with HR veteran, Jen Fox, and conflict resolution expert, Pete Turok. The discussion challenges the traditional "no politics at work" rule, exploring why this approach may no longer be feasible in our hyper-connected world. Fox shares insights from her deep experience in HR, discussing how "politics will get into you" regardless of workplace policies, while Turok introduces the concept of "brave spaces" as an alternative to traditional safe space thinking. Their conversation offers practical guidance for HR leaders...2024-10-2741 min
The Modern People Leader: Forward-Thinking HR204 - Tracy Avin (Founder, TroopHR)Tracy Avin, Founder of TroopHR, joined us on The Modern People Leader.
We talked about how TroopHR was born, the importance of community in HR, the challenges HR professionals face in today’s business climate, and the need for support networks.
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Use code MPL-LIVE-50 to get 50% off your ticket for MPL Live Miami on December 10th. Buy Tickets Here.
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Timestamps:
(6:57) Tracy’s journey to founding TroopHR
(10:57) What a day in Tracy’s life looks like
(12:59) The meaning of community for HR leaders2024-10-2353 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 21. Hot Takes on HR's Hottest Topics with The Huerta 'Brothers': Daniel and Stephen from Modern People LeaderIn this episode of TroopHR, Taylor Bradley sits down with Daniel and Stephen Huerta, the dynamic duo behind the Modern People Leader podcast. The often mistaken brothers are actually cousins-turned-business partners whuch share their unique journey into HR tech and offer a candid look at the industry's most pressing issues. The conversation spans a wide range of topics, from the lasting impact of remote work to the challenges of implementing meaningful DEI initiatives. Daniel and Stephen discuss the delicate balance of political discourse in the workplace, the transformative potential of AI in HR, and the ongoing struggle t...2024-10-1441 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 20. Nurturing Leadership Through Mentorship: Luck Dookchitra,VP, People & Culture at LeapsomeIn this episode, Taylor Bradley engages in an insightful conversation with Luck Dookchitra, an experienced HR leader, about the transformative power of mentorship in career development and organizational growth. Luck shares her wealth of experience in both receiving and providing mentorship, offering valuable insights for HR professionals at all career stages.Key topics discussed:The importance of mentorship in personal and professional growthStrategies for being an effective mentor and menteeNavigating the delicate balance of providing candid feedback to executivesThe unique challenges of working with founder CEOs vs. career CEOsBuilding trust a...2024-09-3032 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 19. Building Resilient Organizations: Rory Sacks on Transforming L&D for Business ImpactIn this episode of TroopHR, Taylor Bradley sits down with Rory Sacks, a seasoned Learning & Development leader, to explore the evolving landscape of talent development. Rory shares his unique perspective on building organizational resilience through strategic L&D initiatives, challenging traditional approaches to training and onboarding.Key topics discussed:- Reframing L&D as a driver of business resilience and adaptability- Strategies for effective onboarding and orientation in resource-constrained environments- Leveraging AI and technology to enhance learning experiences and measure impact- The importance of aligning L&D initiatives...2024-09-1534 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 18. Labor Day Minisode: Sweeping Away Barriers, Anna Bissell, America's Trailblazing CEOIn this mini-episode, host Taylor Bradley takes us on a journey back to the late 1800s, exploring the inspiring story of Anna Bissell. Widely recognized as America's first female CEO, Anna's tale is a testament to breaking barriers and redefining leadership in the face of systemic constraints. It's a great story of a legendary leader in workforce history to reflect on after Labor Day.Credits: TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.2024-09-0305 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 17. Unlocking the Power of Executive Storytelling: Featuring Jared Cozart and LeAnne Harper, Co-Founders of UnlockIn this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley dives deep into the art of storytelling with experts Jared Cozart and LeAnne Harper, co-founders of Unlock. Together, they explore how compelling narratives can transform HR leadership and set professionals apart in a competitive corporate landscape. Discover how to harness storytelling to inspire, persuade, and build lasting connections, both in your career and within your team.Key Topics:The Essentials of Masterful Storytelling: Learn what makes a story memorable and how HR leaders can use this skill to stand out.Discovering Your Superpowers...2024-08-2641 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 16. Transforming Employee Experience through Product Management Principles: A Conversation with Jessica Zwann, COO at TalentfulIn this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley engages with Jessica Zwann, a former CHRO and current COO, to delve into the dynamic world of HR leadership. Jessica narrates her unique career transition from journalism and law to HR and operations, highlighting essential skills for HR leaders aspiring to broader roles. She discusses the integration of HR initiatives with business objectives and the application of product management principles to HR, as detailed in her book "Built for People." Additionally, Jessica offers a sneak peek into her forthcoming book on finding purpose in work and introduces t...2024-08-1133 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 15. Bridging Venture Capital and HR Leadership in Startups with Rebecca Price, VC Partner at Primary Venture PartnersIn this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley explores the intersection of venture capital and HR leadership with Rebecca Price, a seasoned HR executive turned VC partner at Primary Venture Partners. Rebecca offers a deep dive into the venture capital landscape, detailing the role of VC firms in nurturing startups and the various specializations within the industry. She shares her unique insights as an operator within a VC firm, emphasizing how Primary Venture Partners leverages operational expertise to support its portfolio companies.Rebecca also discusses her transition from HR leadership to venture capital, providing valuable...2024-07-2829 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 14. From Macro to Micro: Navigating Labor Economics, HR Trends, and Compensation StrategiesIn this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley takes listeners on a journey from broad labor market trends to granular compensation strategies. The episode features three distinguished guests, each offering unique insights into different aspects of the evolving workforce landscape.First, Ron Hetrick Vice President, Staffing Strategy and Sr. Labor Economist at LightCast, discusses macro-level labor market trends. He delves into demographic shifts, immigration's role in workforce growth, and the challenges facing various industries in filling positions. Ron also addresses the impact of technology and AI on job creation and displacement.Next, Erica...2024-07-1559 minThe TroopHR PodcastMinisode 4th of July: James G Thompson & The Double V Campaign of WW2In this special 4th of July mini-episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley shares an inspiring story of an unsung hero in the history of the American Workforce. Taylor recounts the courageous actions of James G. Thompson, who played a role in the development of the American workforce and laid groundwork for the civil rights movement.The episode explores Thompson's experience as an African-American worker during World War II, highlighting the contradictions between fighting for freedom abroad while facing discrimination at home. Taylor details Thompson's powerful letter to the Pittsburgh Courier, which proposed the influential "Double...2024-07-0206 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 12. “Do This Daily” with Lan Phan, Author & Founder of Community of SevenTaylor Bradley sits down with Lan Phan, accomplished author of "Do This Daily" and founder of Community of Seven, to explore the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership. Lan shares her journey from corporate executive to purveyor of equitable talent development, emphasizing the critical need to democratize access to leadership training. She illuminates the key differences between managers and leaders, offering practical strategies to cultivate trust, psychological safety, and a culture of inclusive innovation.Throughout the episode, Lan underscores the importance of empowering even the least powerful voices within an organization, fostering a sense of belonging across generations...2024-06-1629 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 11. Thriving in a multi-generational Workforce with Helen Dayen CEO of the Dayen GroupTaylor Bradley sits down with Helen Dayen, the dynamic CEO of the Dayen Group, to dive deep into the intricacies of navigating a multigenerational workforce. With now up to five possible generations collaborating in workplaces, Helen illuminates the key differences between them, from their unique relationships with technology to their distinct communication styles and evolving workplace expectations. She provides HR executives with a treasure trove of actionable strategies to create impactful training programs, design engaging awareness campaigns, and effectively attract and retain top talent across generations.Throughout the episode, Helen emphasizes the critical importance of cultivating adaptability, o...2024-06-0327 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 10. Reimagine Inclusion - Transform Your Workplace with Mita Mallick Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact at CartaHost Taylor is joined by Mita Mallick, Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact at Carta, an accomplished Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Mita shares the inspiration behind her book Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace.Mita and Taylor discuss eye-opening examples of persistent gender bias in areas like pay equity and performance reviews. Mita gives practical advice for HR leaders to uncover and address these issues.The discussion also covers the recent DEI backlash, with Mita helping HR executives craft a...2024-05-2134 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 9. Transforming the Workplace Insights from Zamena Ladak and Josh Saterman | TroopHR Retreat 2024In this powerful episode from the 2024 TroopHR retreat, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Zamena Ladak, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Business Development at Assemble, and Josh Saterman, CEO of Saterman Connect, to discuss the critical topics of transformation and inclusion in today's ever-changing workplace. Zamena and Josh share their insights on leading through change, communicating effectively during layoffs, fostering a culture of belonging, and authentically embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion values into organizations. And they do it all with joy and a powerful sense of humor! Mentioned in the Podcast Arrive D...2024-05-0740 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 8. Bridging the Gap Between HR and Business Operations: Insights from SkillCycle's Co-Founder, CCO Rebecca TaylorTaylor welcomes Rebecca Taylor, co-founder and Chief Customer Officer at SkillCycle, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and its intersection with HR leadership. Drawing from her extensive experience in both HR and business operations, Rebecca shares valuable insights on how COOs and HR leaders can effectively collaborate to drive business success while prioritizing employee needs. Key topics include aligning HR initiatives with business objectives, leveraging data to make informed decisions, navigating the challenges of layoffs, and developing essential skills for managers. Rebecca also shares her personal journey transitioning from HR to...2024-04-2231 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 7. Cultivating High-Performing Teams with Charter's Massella Dukuly and Emily GoligoskiIn this episode, host Taylor speaks with Massella Dukuly, Head of Workplace Strategy + Innovation and Emily Goligoski, Head of Research, SVP from Charter about the practice of building and sustaining high-performing teams. They define key traits, share tips for attracting and retaining talent, and walk through a real case study.Masella and Emily provide guidance on metrics to track the business productivity of our teams, even advocating that people leaders track employee sentiments around their own level of meaningful impact on initiatives. Highlights for people leaders include: fostering psychological safety to deal with healthy tensions, creating shared...2024-04-0740 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 6. Evolving the CHRO Role with Shari Chernak, Executive Consultant @ MercerIn this episode we sit down with Shari Chernak, an Executive Consultant with Mercer that specializes in HR leadership and organizational transformation. Drawing from her extensive career at top consulting firms and in-house roles, Sherry shares insights from leading the research of Mercer's "Voice of the CHRO" survey, highlighting the evolving challenges and opportunities facing CHROs today. From navigating board interactions to embracing technology and fostering a culture of coaching, Sherry offers actionable advice for HR leaders looking to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. Tune in as we explore key trends and strategies shaping the future of HR...2024-03-2426 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 5. The Cost of Tolerating Underperformance with Melanie Naranjo, VP of People at EthenaJoin us on The TroopHR Podcast as we explore the cost of tolerating underperformance with Melanie Naranjo, VP of People at Ethena. Melanie shares practical insights on defining and measuring performance, navigating tough conversations, and the significant impact tolerating underperformance can have on high performers. Discover valuable strategies for fostering accountability and growth while embracing experimentation over perfection. Mentioned in the Episode:The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business by Patrick LencioniIf you would like to learn more about joining our community please visit troophr.com and you...2024-03-1025 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 4. A Team of One with Alicia Henriquez, Head of People LiveBlocksJoin us for great practical takeaways in our conversation with Alicia Henriquez, Head of People at LiveBlocks, as she delves into the unique challenges and strategies for thriving as a team of one in HR. From wearing multiple hats to prioritizing effectively, Alicia shares valuable insights for "lone wolves" in the HR world. As an added bonus, Alicia also shares best practices when it comes to implementing an L&D strategy as a team of one. Mentioned in the Episode:The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins If you would like to learn...2024-02-2523 minThe TroopHR PodcastMini-sode The 2024 TroopHR Retreat with Tracy Avin, Founder of TroopHRElevate your HR game when you join us at the 2024 TroopHR Retreat. Set in the stunning locale of Naples, Florida, the Retreat will be the perfect blend of professional development and social interaction.TroopHR Founder, Tracy Avin gives us an exclusive peek into what’s in store for attendees at this year’s annual event. Attendees will participate in small, expert-led and peer-to-peer discussions focusing on helping HR leaders elevate their careers by seizing new opportunities in the modern workplace and learning how to overcome its toughest challenges. Members will...2024-02-1806 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 3. The Human Aspect behind the Visa Process with Judy Husbands, Partnerships Manager at MobSquadIn this insightful episode, we delve into the human side of the visa process with Judy Husbands, the Partnerships Manager at MobSquad, a valued TroopHR partner. Judy offers unique perspectives drawn from her own immigration journey, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusivity and seamless transitions for individuals relocating to Canada. Beyond the complexities of paperwork, Judy shares heartfelt stories, including a touching account of fulfilling a young girl's dream from Ukraine. Join us as we uncover the personal narratives behind immigration, intertwined with Judy's remarkable career journey.Mentioned in the Episode:The Gift of...2024-02-1221 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 2. 2024 Priorities - Beyond Business Insights with Jill Katz, Founder & Chief People Officer Assemble HR ConsultingJill Katz, the Founder and Chief People Officer at Assemble HR Consulting, sits at a unique intersection, working with clients in various industries and stages of growth. From this vantage point, Jill offers insights on the top-of-mind issues for her clients in 2024. Ranging from the office versus remote work debate to acknowledging the impact of world events has on teams, she provides actionable advice for turning volatility into an opportunity to lead with candor, courage and care. Mentioned in the Episode: Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace by Mita MallickI...2024-01-2525 minThe TroopHR PodcastEp 1. Charting the HR Landscape: 2024 Insights with Angela Cheng-Cimini, CHRO at Harvard Business PublishingJoin us for an illuminating conversation as Angela Cheng-Cimini, CHRO of Harvard Business Publishing, shares her expert insights and visionary perspectives into the HR landscape of 2024. In this episode, we delve into crucial HR topics such as workplace flexibility, the return to office, pay transparency, mental health support for employees, and the evolving role of management. Get ready to gain valuable perspectives and navigate the future of HR with us.Connect With Ustroophr.comHost: Taylor BradleyGuest: Angela Cheng-Cimini SVP & CHRO of Harvard Business Publishing2024-01-0924 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastCrafting Remote Work Connections: Tracy Avin's Troop HR Approach to Building a Vibrant Culture - ep. 067Send us a textWelcome to another episode of Remotely One, the podcast delving into the ever-evolving realm of remote work! In this episode, hosts Rick and Kaleem engage in a fascinating conversation with Tracy Avin, a remarkable professional singer, breast cancer survivor, and the visionary founder of Troop HR—a thriving community for people leaders. Tracy takes us on a journey from her New Jersey roots to her remote work experiences, culminating in the establishment of Troop HR during the COVID-19 pandemic.Beginning with her foray into remote wo...2023-11-2931 min
The HR Sound Off Podcast ShowMeet my HR Community - TroopHR with Tracy AvinWelcome to the HR Sound Off Podcast show created by an HR professional for HR professionals. This week I sat down with Tracy Avin. Tracy is an experienced Human Resources professional and a leader in building online communities around the needs of HR people. She has built a thriving community called TroopHR to make sure that HR people get access to the resources they need to do their jobs better.
Tracy has spent the last 20+ years as an entrepreneur working at the intersection of HR, healthcare, and startups. In 2013, she started the Post'd People Group, a network...2023-01-0933 min