HR Fresh Take serves to provide insight on the latest national and global happenings impacting our HR community from the perspective of local Philly HR, talent, and business leaders. Our goal will be to provide timely, hyper-local insight to our Philly SHRM community that is easily applicable to their workforce and workplace. HR Fresh Take is a production of Philadelphia SHRM. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved.
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31 recent
May 7, 2026Episode 450 min
Menopause at Work: Conversation HR Needs to Lead
Menopause and perimenopause are one of the most overlooked workplace issues. What employees are experiencing often gets misread as performance issues, poor attendance, or “burnout,”. For this episode, we’re taking a bit of a detour from our usual format to bring you a conversation from the Take a Pause with MenoPalz Podcast for which I was honored to be a guest. We’ll discuss how symptoms can affect the mid-career professional and how HR can lead with confidence, credibility, and care.We'll also talk about how to equip managers to have respectful conversations, build accommodation readiness, and create a culture where employees don’t have to suffer in silence. Thank you to MenoPalz founders, Deborah McCarthy and Raquel Riggle, and Mare Krammes, as well as fellow PA SHRM State Council colleague, Angela Hummel for being a part of this joint podcast. Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org
February 25, 2026Episode 341 min
Beyond Interest Rates: What the Fed Wants HR to Know
Think the Federal Reserve only deals with interest rates? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with experts from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia to reveal little‑known but powerful tools designed to support workforce and economic mobility. Deborah Diamond and Theresa Dunne break down two resources that can help HR professionals rethink talent pipelines, skills‑based hiring, and local economic impact.Discover how "Eds & Meds" shape Philadelphia’s workforce and why understanding your region’s economic ecosystem is critical for strategic HR planning. A must‑listen for HR and business leaders seeking data‑driven insight.To learn more about the tools discussed, visit:PhiladelphiaFed.org/OMEPhiladelphiaFed.org/AnchorEconomyMore about our guests:Deborah DiamondAs the senior director of engagement and initiatives, Deborah and her team develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders in the Third District to better understand how economic conditions affect residents, workers, and small businesses. She also focuses on the “anchor economy” locally and nationally to understand how universities and hospitals shape local economic opportunity.Theresa DunneTheresa Dunne is a community development research analyst in the Community Development and Regional Outreach Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Her research interests lie at the intersection of community development and public health. Currently, she works on topics related to digital equity and device access, equitable wealth in the city of Philadelphia, and the broad economic impacts of anchor institutions on regional economies.Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org
November 4, 2025Episode 231 min
Turning Awareness into Action: Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence in Your Organization
In this courageous and eye-opening episode of HR Fresh Take, host Dr. Jo sits down with survivor, advocate, and author Dr. Jennifer Gardella to explore how domestic violence—often considered a private issue—profoundly impacts the workplace. From emotional trauma to legal and financial barriers, Dr. Gardella shares her personal journey and offers actionable insights for HR professionals and organizational leaders.Listeners will learn:The hidden costs of domestic violence on employee well-being and productivityThe importance of psychologically safe environments and trauma-informed policiesWhat coworkers and leaders can say (and avoid saying) to support survivorsHow organizations can partner with local resources and offer meaningful accommodationsThis episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to building compassionate, inclusive, and resilient workplaces. Trigger warning: This episode contains sensitive content related to domestic violence. Please listen with care.If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to your local domestic violence center or call the National Domestic violence hotline at 800-799-SAFE. Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org
October 8, 2025Episode 143 min
Fostering Inclusive Workplaces for Neurodiverse Talent
We’re kicking off our 4th season by talking about neurodiversity in the workplace—what it means, why it matters, and how HR leaders can foster truly inclusive environments. Joining the discussion are Laura Sibbald McAnulty, Executive Director of the Neurodiversity Employment Network (NENPHL); Joseph Riddle, Director of Neurodiversity in the Workplace (NITW), and Alberta Blum, Lead Executive Talent Partner for Radian.We’ll discuss hiring, team dynamics, accommodations, and the power of universal design as well as how small shifts in culture and communication can benefit everyone.Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org
August 19, 2025Episode 1216 min
Finale - HR in the Age of AI: Opportunities and Obstacles
In our final installment of our series, HR and Age of AI Opportunities and Obstacles, our guests examine the dual impact of AI on mental health. Highlighting both the benefits and challenges it presents. We also discussed building cultures of care and the role of AI as a tool to enhance workplace practices.Special Thanks to our Contributors:Scott J Prendergast is a Professional Speaker, Certified Coach, Author,College Professor and Mental Health Advocate based in Philadelphia, PAand owner of Scotty P Inspiration LLC. A graduate of Temple University,Scott speaks about the importance of acknowledging mental health insociety, and encourages techniques to overcome the everyday mentalobstacles that hold us back in life. Danny Goldberg is a Workplace Culture Expert, acclaimed speaker, and award-winning entrepreneur who helps organizations navigate today’s most urgent workplace challenges. With a focus on building future-proof teams that are resilient, adaptable, and free from burnout, Danny empowers leaders to create cultures of engagement, innovation, and connection.Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org
July 29, 2025Episode 1116 min
Part 5 - HR in the Age of AI: Opportunities and Obstacles
In the penultimate episode of our series, HR and the Age of AI: Opportunities and Obstacles, our guests discuss the importance of curiosity and adaptability in navigating AI technology. We also highlight the protection of sensitive data as well as the role of organizational culture in fostering a safe environment for experimentation and growth.Special Thanks to our ContributorsKelly Jones is the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. For over 25 years, Kelly Jones has held several progressive and strategic human resource and operations assignments. His career has spanned several industries, including financial services, aerospace and hospitality.Cherise V. Stewart MS, SPHR is a Human Resource Leader with over 15 years of experience designing and implementing people-centered strategies that drive employee engagement and retention initiatives. As VP of Human Resources at Valley Youth House, Cherise leads the HR, Training, and Development function for 400 plus employees who work everyday as a catalyst for youth to achieve their desired futures through genuine relationships that support families, ensure safe places, and build community connections.Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org
July 15, 2025Episode 1025 min
Part 4 - HR in the Age of AI: Opportunities and Obstacles
In part 4 of our series, HR and Age of AI - Opportunities and Obstacles, our guests share their perspectives on how AI is transforming HR practices from improving the employee experience to enhancing recruitment processes. We also discussed the importance of maintaining empathy and humanity in HR especially as AI technology advances, as well as the need for adaptability and agility among HR professionals.Special Thanks to our Contributors:Gaetan Giannini - Vice President for Adult and Graduate Education at Alvernia University.Dana Scarcella is a leadership consultant with more than 20 years experience, specializing in creating high performance cultures. Dana is on a mission to help people achieve their impossible goals and help leaders get extraordinary results.Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org
July 1, 2025Episode 922 min
Part 3 - HR in the Age of AI - Opportunities and Obstacles
In part 3 of our series: HR in the Age of AI - Opportunities and Obstacles, our guests share their diverse perspectives on skills, tools, and relationships HR professionals need to effectively manage and lead in the age of AI. The conversation also touches upon overcoming the fear of AI with practical advice on low-risk initiatives and personal experimentation.Special thanks to our contributors:Blair Corcoran de Castillo - As Opportunity@Work’s Vice President of Policy, Blair leads the organization’s partnerships with the public sector, guiding the strategy to support policy shifts to enable STAR mobility nationally and in regions across the U.S.Shane Lloyd - As the Chief Diversity Officer at Baker Tilly, Shane leads the firmwide diversity, inclusion, and belonging strategy and advises executive leadership at Baker Tilly. Prior to joining the top 10 professional services firm based in the United States, he worked at Amazon within their Worldwide Consumer and Global DEI teams.Audrey Mickahail - is Senior Vice President, Private Sector & Membership Experience, at Opportunity@Work. In this role, she is responsible for the organization’s Private Sector business as well as the team that ensures a high quality and consistent customer experience with Opportuniy@Work through its service offerings to help employers, philanthropies, regional consortia, and the public sector enable economic mobility for workers who are Skilled through Alternative Routes (STARs).Celeste Warren - is Vice President, Global Diversity and Inclusion Center of Excellence. As the leader for Merck’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Center of Excellence, she is responsible for working with Merck’s global leaders to advance and embed diversity and inclusion throughout the organization to enhance the employee experience and maximize business performance. Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org
June 17, 2025Episode 823 min
Part 2 - HR in the Age of AI: Opportunities and Obstacles
In Part 2 of our series, HR and the Age of AI: Opportunities and Obstacles, our guests share their unique perspectives on how AI is transforming HR practices from creating culture to enhancing neurodiversity inclusion. We also discussed the need for critical thinking and human oversight in AI applications, as well as the legal implications and ethical considerations.Special thanks to our contributors:Michael S. Cohen Partner, Duane Morris’ Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group. Michael concentrates his practice in the areas of employment law training and counseling.Kevin Davis - Principal, Epic Insurance Brokers and Consultants. His focus is on crafting innovative benefits strategies for his diverse clients. He is also a Board member of the Neurodiversity Employment Network (NEN).Catherine Preim, Senior Business Partner, Baker Tilly US, a leading advisory CPA firm. She serves as a leader within the Talent Management Business Partner team; she partners with leadership in the Pennsylvania/West Virginia market in the development and execution of their people strategy and advises on various people-related mattersMerrick Rosenberg, CEO, Take Flight Learning, affectionately known as The Bird Guy, is not just an author, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur. He is a true visionary! In 1991, he founded Team Builders Plus, one of the first companies in the United States. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for today’s team building industry.Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org
June 3, 2025Episode 718 min
Special Series: HR in the Age of AI - Opportunities and Obstacles (Part 1 with Charlene Li)
Discussing the benefits and challenges of AI can help reduce anxiety around its integration and use. When HR professionals understand the advantages and limitations of AI, they can develop a balanced perspective and in turn, foster collaboration and proactive planning, ensuring that AI is integrated responsibly and ethically.In this special multi-part series: HR in the Age of AI - Opportunities and Obstacles, recorded during the 2025 Philly SHRM Symposium, we got the perspectives from nationally and locally recognized speakers from different industries on the issue of AI and HR. We asked our guests on what HR professionals may need to tackle this technology that has already revolutionized the workplace. First up, we'll talk with bestselling author, CEO and our keynote speaker, Charlene Li. She shares her insights on navigating leadership in the age of AI, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, curiosity, and imagination.More about Charlene...Charlene is a Bestselling Author, CEO, Harvard Alumnus and Expert in Disruption, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work.After earning an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and an A.B. degree magna cum laude from Harvard College, Charlene has spent the past three decades helping people see the future and thrive through disruption. She has advised executives and boards to recognize the vital truth that companies can’t simply innovate in order to stay competitive. They must transform.As a sought-after expert on disruptive transformation, leadership, customer experience, and the future of work, Charlene has worked with hundreds of organizations—ranging from Adobe to Southwest Airlines and 14 of the Dow Jones Industrial 30 companies—to provide her insights to support a winning strategy for disruptive growth and a plan to identify and seize an opportunity no one else has the audacity or confidence to reach for.Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org
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