From Government to Growth: Lessons in HR Leadership Across Sectors
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, and how HR professionals can advocate for fairness in any environment.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsCheck out this episode’s sponsor: Oyster HR, Inc.Connect with Kimberly on LinkedInCheck out Walker Advertising and End Workplace AbuseSupport the show
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20:29
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20:29
Offsites Are the New Office: How to Drive Connection and Alignment in a Distributed World
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 business goals and measuring impact through feedback and engagement metrics.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jared on LinkedInCheck out OffsiteSupport the show
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24:26
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24:26
How Tone-Deaf Leadership Is Undermining Hybrid Work (And What to Do About It)
Many leaders still cling to outdated management styles focused on visible productivity rather than actual outcomes, despite a dramatic shift toward distributed teams.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. This conversation challenges traditional views on managing distributed teams and offers practical advice for fostering effective, outcome-driven organizations in today’s hybrid work environment.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsCheck out this episode’s sponsor: Oyster HR, Inc.Connect with Brian on LinkedInCheck out Brian’s newsletter on Substack: Work ForwardSupport the show
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27:41
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27:41
AI at Work: Why Businesses Need a New Playbook
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 just focusing on cost-cutting? The way businesses approach AI could be the difference between leveraging it as a competitive advantage or letting it slip by as a missed opportunity.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsCheck out this episode’s sponsor: Oyster HR, Inc.Connect with Steve on LinkedInCheck out Cadigan Talent VenturesSupport the show
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28:21
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28:21
Why Middle Managers Struggle—And How to Set Them Up for Success
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 organizational boundaries through genuine connections with colleagues, which proves invaluable during tough decisions. This episode offers practical advice for those navigating this difficult leadership transition.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Chris on LinkedInCheck out Chris’ websiteSupport the show
The People Managing People podcast, hosted by David Rice, aims to inspire people leaders, managers, and HR professionals as they build the workplace of the future and develop the talent it needs to thrive. Our guests are innovators and thought leaders exploring topics ranging from technology to performance management, workplace culture and employee experience.
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