HR Problem Solver

Hosted by HR Catalyst Consulting

Business Entrepreneurship

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Helping small and medium size businesses solve their HR issues and develop people strategies to drive success.

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43 recent

June 5, 2026Episode 4452 min

Employment Law Considerations

Having the proper legal support regarding managing employee matters is critical for small and medium-sized businesses. As a business owner/leader, you wear many hats – well intentioned business owners can find themselves entangled in legal issues that could have been avoided with the right guidance. Having the correct information provides peace of mind, knowing that your business practices are compliant with current regulations. This allows you to safeguard your business, protect your employees, and set the foundation for long-term success ensuring your business thrives in a compliant and ethical manner.My guest for this podcast is Adam Dougherty, board certified labor and employment law attorney by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Adam counsels employers throughout Texas and the United States on a daily basis concerning a multitude of cutting-edge and high stakes employment advice matters including terminations, disciplinary actions, and leave and accommodation issues. Adam also regularly prepares handbooks, personnel policies, noncompete agreements, employment agreements, and complex separation agreements. In addition to litigating in state and federal courts and arbitration proceedings on various discrimination, FLSA, and noncompete matters, he also regularly appears before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and various state agencies. Adam also conducts anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training and workplace investigations.In addition to representing companies all across the state of Texas, Adam also maintains a national and international practice, representing companies operating in each of the 50 states and across the globe. In light of his unique experience representing multi-state employers, he serves on the Steering Committee of the firm’s Multistate Advice and Counseling Practice Group.Adam is co-creator, along with Sean Urich, of “Monthly Conversations with Adam and Sean,” an interactive employment law briefing held regularly in Dallas for legal and HR professionals. The briefings are also broadcast live to a national and international audience. See recent topics and other presentations in “Speeches” on the Ogletree Deakins website at https://ogletree.com/people/adam-t-dougherty/Your HR Problem Solver host is Mark Mitford, a strategic HR leader who is business and HR focused. Mark is a management team advisor with 20+ years working as an HR executive in mid-size to Fortune 50 companies. He brings in depth, hands on experience successfully leading and advising company and business leaders through all life cycle stages. Mark is viewed as a key advisor to C-Level Executives and has strengths in Improving Company Culture, Performance Management, Compensation Benchmarking, Employee Engagement, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Coaching, Succession Planning and Mergers and Acquisitions. During his career, Mark has successfully held HR executive positions in companies such as PepsiCo, Ericsson, Nortel, Telmar, Texas Instruments and Safeco. Mark has also worked for private equity backed organizations, S Corporations, and publicly traded firms and has lived and worked extensively overseas. He has led several Enterprise wide transformations including Cultural Change and IT transformational change at Fortune 500 companies. He holds two Masters’ degrees, one in Organizational Psychology, and an MBA in Strategy and International Management. In 2013, Mark transitioned from a Corporate HR career to start his own HR Strategic consulting company, HR Catalyst, www.hrcatalystconsulting.com

March 3, 2026Episode 4342 min

The Power of HR Technology Platforms

Great HR technology makes a real difference for organizations. Every company needs people, processes, and technology to work well. As an organization grows it needs more than a payroll system. A good HRIS (Human Resources Information System) can store employee files, do payroll, support the hiring process, store employee reviews and track vacation time all in one system. Our discussion will give you a great overview of what you need to think about when moving to a comprehensive HR system for your company that can truly support the company, its managers and employees.My guest for this podcast is Ashley Martin, Enterprise Solutions Director with Exponent HR. Ashley is a results-driven Director of Sales with extensive experience in the SaaS technology sector, specializing in building and nurturing executive relationships to drive revenue growth. Experience developing strategic initiatives and collaborating with C-suite executives to align sales strategies with company objectives. Adept at identifying market opportunities, cultivating partnerships, and delivering tailored solutions to meet complex client needs. A dynamic leader committed to fostering a culture of excellence.Your HR Problem Solver host is Mark Mitford, a strategic HR leader who is business and HR focused. Mark is a management team advisor with 20+ years working as an HR executive in mid-size to Fortune 50 companies. He brings in depth, hands on experience successfully leading and advising company and business leaders through all life cycle stages. Mark is viewed as a key advisor to C-Level Executives and has strengths in Improving Company Culture, Performance Management, Compensation Benchmarking, Employee Engagement, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Coaching, Succession Planning and Mergers and Acquisitions.During his career, Mark has successfully held HR executive positions in companies such as PepsiCo, Ericsson, Nortel, Telmar, Texas Instruments and Safeco. Mark has also worked for private equity backed organizations, S Corporations, and publicly traded firms and has lived and worked extensively overseas. He has led several Enterprise wide transformations including Cultural Change and IT transformational change at Fortune 500 companies. He holds two Masters’ degrees, one in Organizational Psychology, and an MBA in Strategy and International Management. In 2013, Mark transitioned from a Corporate HR career to start his own HR Strategic consulting company, HR Catalyst, www.hrcatalystconsulting.com

January 15, 2026Episode 4246 min

Legacy Leadership

We hear a lot about leadership today, but what does it actually take to be a leader? Leaders are not necessarily born with the needed characteristics to lead, they can be intentionally cultivated. Let’s take a closer look and break it down to the most basic concepts. Today my guest is J. Lee Whittington, Ph.D., Dean & Professor of Management at the Gupta College of Business at University of Dallas. He focuses his teaching, research, and consulting in the areas of Leadership, Organizational Behavior and Spiritual Leadership. His research has been published in The Leadership Quarterly, Journal of Management, Academy of Management Review, Journal of Organizational Behavior, Journal of Applied Social Psychology, Journal of Managerial Issues, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Business Strategy, and the Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management. His book, Biblical Perspectives on Leadership and Organizations was published by Palgrave-Macmillan in August 2015. He is also a co-author with Tim Galpin and Greg Bell of the book, Leading the Sustainable Organization. His newest book, Enhancing Employee Engagement: An Evidence-Based Approach was co-authored with DBA students Simone Meskelis and Enoch Asare, Gupta professor Sri Beldona.Prior to joining the University of Dallas, he served on the faculty at Texas Wesleyan University and The University of Texas at Arlington. He has received multiple awards for his excellence in teaching and research. While at UTA he was twice recognized as the Outstanding Undergraduate Professor and nominated for The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. At Wesleyan, J. Lee was named the MBA Professor of the Year, received the Heads Above the Crowd award, and named a Guardian of the Golden Shears. J. Lee’s industry experience includes over twenty years in manufacturing and distribution. He has held executive positions in marketing, logistics, and general management. His consulting experience includes executive coaching and leadership development engagements with Life Church, Nokia, FedEx-Kinko’s, RadioShack, Siemens, Penson Financial Services, Vendor Resource Management, Reynolds Metals, Ball Container, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, Valor Telecom, City of Arlington, City of Southlake, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Your HR Problem Solver host is Mark Mitford, a strategic HR leader who is business and HR focused. Mark is a management team advisor with 20+ years working as an HR executive in mid-size to Fortune 50 companies. He brings in depth, hands on experience successfully leading and advising company and business leaders through all life cycle stages. Mark is viewed as a key advisor to C-Level Executives and has strengths in Improving Company Culture, Performance Management, Compensation Benchmarking, Employee Engagement, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Coaching, Succession Planning and Mergers and Acquisitions.During his career, Mark has successfully held HR executive positions in companies such as PepsiCo, Ericsson, Nortel, Telmar, Texas Instruments and Safeco. Mark has also worked for private equity backed organizations, S Corporations, and publicly traded firms and has lived and worked extensively overseas. He has led several Enterprise wide transformations including Cultural Change and IT transformational change at Fortune 500 companies. He holds two Masters’ degrees, one in Organizational Psychology, and an MBA in Strategy and International Management. In 2013, Mark transitioned from a Corporate HR career to start his own HR Strategic consulting company, HR Catalyst, www.hrcatalystconsulting.com

August 26, 2024Episode 4133 min

The Purpose of Employee Development

Employee development may be more important than ever in today’s changing job market. Employee development is mutually beneficial for both employees and businesses as employees improve existing competencies and develop new skills while supporting the goals of business and filling skill gaps. We are talking with our guest Christina Rossini about some of the employee development initiatives happening at her company. Christina graduated from University of Oklahoma before returning home to Dallas for a B2B sales career in the telecom industry. After ten years of serving small and mid-sized companies’ IT departments, she left the corporate world and spent the next five years running two start-ups: first, importing and distributing specialty Mexican coffee, and later re-launching her family’s electrical contracting business, R Squared Electric. In 2023, she joined commercial interior design firm Go Studio as its inaugural Chief of Staff, supporting business operations and company strategy. Christina is former chair of Conscious Capitalism Dallas, a member of Vistage, and serves on the advisory council for St. Cecilia Catholic School in Dallas. Christina lives in Oak Cliff with her husband Mark and two blue heelers.Your HR Problem Solver host is Mark Mitford, a strategic HR leader who is business and HR focused. Mark is a management team advisor with 20+ years working as an HR executive in mid-size to Fortune 50 companies. He brings in depth, hands on experience successfully leading and advising company and business leaders through all life cycle stages. Mark is viewed as a key advisor to C-Level Executives and has strengths in Improving Company Culture, Performance Management, Compensation Benchmarking, Employee Engagement, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Coaching, Succession Planning and Mergers and Acquisitions.During his career, Mark has successfully held HR executive positions in companies such as PepsiCo, Ericsson, Nortel, Telmar, Texas Instruments and Safeco. Mark has also worked for private equity backed organizations, S Corporations, and publicly traded firms and has lived and worked extensively overseas. He has led several Enterprise wide transformations including Cultural Change and IT transformational change at Fortune 500 companies. He holds two Masters’ degrees, one in Organizational Psychology, and an MBA in Strategy and International Management. In 2013, Mark transitioned from a Corporate HR career to start his own HR Strategic consulting company, HR Catalyst Consulting with the goal of helping small to mid-market companies in growth or change and in need of Human Capital leadership to drive their continued growth and success. You can reach us through our website – hrcatalystconsulting.com

June 17, 2024Episode 4035 min

Putting Culture at the Center

Let's don't make things more complicated than they really are. Having a great company culture can actually be rooted in the basics and made to be pretty simple. Today, we are looking at some of the foundational elements of a great culture that every organization should have at their center.Glen Morrell started his career in the Fortune 500 world, working in various finance and accounting roles. Glen joined Littlestown Foundry almost 40 years ago and worked in the finance role and moved into leadership positions in the company. Glen continues to work at the foundry as a Director providing leadership oversight and counsel in several areas. Glen gives us insight into how their culture was created at the 100+ year old foundry and how it is kept alive and continues to make the foundry an employer of choice. Your HR Problem Solver host is Mark Mitford, a strategic HR leader who is business and HR focused. Mark is a management team advisor with 20+ years working as an HR executive in mid-size to Fortune 50 companies. He brings in depth, hands on experience successfully leading and advising company and business leaders through all life cycle stages. Mark is viewed as a key advisor to C-Level Executives and has strengths in Improving Company Culture, Performance Management, Compensation Benchmarking, Employee Engagement, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Coaching, Succession Planning and Mergers and Acquisitions.During his career, Mark has successfully held HR executive positions in companies such as PepsiCo, Ericsson, Nortel, Telmar, Texas Instruments and Safeco. Mark has also worked for private equity backed organizations, S Corporations, and publicly traded firms and has lived and worked extensively overseas. He has led several Enterprise wide transformations including Cultural Change and IT transformational change at Fortune 500 companies. He holds two Masters’ degrees, one in Organizational Psychology, and an MBA in Strategy and International Management. In 2013, Mark transitioned from a Corporate HR career to start his own HR Strategic consulting company, HR Catalyst Consulting with the goal of helping small to mid-market companies in growth or change and in need of Human Capital leadership to drive their continued growth and success. You can reach us through our website – hrcatalystconsulting.com

March 4, 2024Episode 3844 min

Leveraging Employee Strengths

In today’s episode, we look at what would happen if we as organizational leaders, begin to reshuffle the tasks within job descriptions to match up to everybody's giftings/genius? If employees are working in their gifting area, they are more productive and fulfilled. Working outside their giftings/genius leads to being frustrated and unfulfilled in their work. Our guest is Darin Hollingsworth. With over 28 years in training, coaching and leadership development, both in ministry and through the corporate sphere, Darin has dedicated his career to cultivating leaders and teams. Through RP3 Coaching & Renewal, he has led countless leadership sessions and facilitated Working Genius workshops. Darin’s background includes strategic leadership in a multi-site ministry, overseeing talent acquisition, team dynamics, and program management, as well as implementing organizational change initiatives. This diverse experience has enabled him to develop and implement comprehensive leadership systems, manage significant budgets, and foster environments of continuous learning and development for the organizations he works with. Darin’s approach is rooted in practical leadership skills, with an emphasis on strategic planning, team building, and innovative problem-solving, ensuring leaders are well-equipped to navigate today's dynamic business landscape.Your HR Problem Solver host is Mark Mitford, a strategic HR leader who is business and HR focused. Mark is a management team advisor with 20+ years working as an HR executive in mid-size to Fortune 50 companies. He brings in depth, hands on experience successfully leading and advising company and business leaders through all life cycle stages. Mark is viewed as a key advisor to C-Level Executives and has strengths in Improving Company Culture, Performance Management, Compensation Benchmarking, Employee Engagement, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Coaching, Succession Planning and Mergers and Acquisitions. During his career, Mark has successfully held HR executive positions in companies such as PepsiCo, Ericsson, Nortel, Telmar, Texas Instruments and Safeco. Mark has also worked for private equity backed organizations, S Corporations, and publicly traded firms and has lived and worked extensively overseas. He has led several Enterprise wide transformations including Cultural Change and IT transformational change at Fortune 500 companies. He holds two Masters’ degrees, one in Organizational Psychology, and an MBA in Strategy and International Management. In 2013, Mark transitioned from a Corporate HR career to start his own HR Strategic consulting company, HR Catalyst Consulting with the goal of helping small to mid-market companies in growth or change and in need of Human Capital leadership to drive their continued growth and success. You can reach us through our website – hrcatalystconsulting.com

February 1, 202446 min

The 5 R's of HR

In this episode, we are discussing the People Equation and the 5 R’s of HR in relation to the employee life cycle. The 5 R's which include recruiting, ramping, rewarding, retaining and removing are significant to the journey of each employee within the company and the overall success of your business. Remember, your employees are your most valuable asset and how you leverage their talents and capabilities during their employment will be the difference in your company being good or great. Our guest today is Mike Rose, founder and CEO of Return On Energy, Inc. He is an accomplished speaker, author and entrepreneur. He possesses a unique gift for conveying complex ideas in a manner that is both accessible and engaging. Mike’s knowledge and experience spans over 25+ years with a dedication to driving a positive and profitable culture which has earned him numerous accolades and recognition. Before his successful business exit as CEO of Mojo Media Labs, his company was a three times INC 5000 fast growing company in America, INC Best Workplaces in America, American Marketing Association agency of the year and a Forbes Small Giant winner.Your HR Problem Solver host is Mark Mitford, a strategic HR leader who is business and HR focused. Mark is a management team advisor with 20+ years working as an HR executive in mid-size to Fortune 50 companies. He brings in depth, hands on experience successfully leading and advising company and business leaders through all life cycle stages. Mark is viewed as a key advisor to C-Level Executives and has strengths in Improving Company Culture, Performance Management, Compensation Benchmarking, Employee Engagement, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Coaching, Succession Planning and Mergers and Acquisitions. During his career, Mark has successfully held HR executive positions in companies such as PepsiCo, Ericsson, Nortel, Telmar, Texas Instruments and Safeco. Mark has also worked for private equity backed organizations, S Corporations, and publicly traded firms and has lived and worked extensively overseas. He has led several Enterprise wide transformations including Cultural Change and IT transformational change at Fortune 500 companies. He holds two Masters’ degrees, one in Organizational Psychology, and an MBA in Strategy and International Management. In 2013, Mark transitioned from a Corporate HR career to start his own HR Strategic consulting company, HR Catalyst Consulting with the goal of helping small to mid-market companies in growth or change and in need of Human Capital leadership to drive their continued growth and success. You can reach us through our website – hrcatalystconsulting.com

January 3, 2024Episode 3636 min

Having a Focused Leadership Strategy

Today we are talking about what it looks like to have a healthy leadership strategy in your organization. Leading through influence – not authority which creates a healthy culture for growing leaders. We discuss various components of having an intentional strategy as being a differentiator for your business and the core characteristics of a healthy leader.Our guest is Justin Winstead, CEO and Leadership & Improvement Coach. Justin grew up in a rural area with meager means and could have easily given up on his goals. Instead, he chose to use his circumstances as motivation to create a better life for himself. He pursued an education, attended seminary, and started his own successful business. Justin's story is an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity in their lives, showing that with a clear purpose and a productive mindset, anything is possible. Today, Justin is a leader in his field, having sold his successful insurance company to pursue his passion for coaching and consulting full-time. Through the Improver Group, Justin is helping other faith-driven business owners and leaders to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. His insight-focused coaching, consulting, and training has helped countless individuals and companies to be better versions of who they were meant to be.Your HR Problem Solver host is Mark Mitford, a strategic HR leader who is business and HR focused. Mark is a management team advisor with 20+ years working as an HR executive in mid-size to Fortune 50 companies. He brings in depth, hands on experience successfully leading and advising company and business leaders through all life cycle stages. Mark is viewed as a key advisor to C-Level Executives and has strengths in Improving Company Culture, Performance Management, Compensation Benchmarking, Employee Engagement, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Coaching, Succession Planning and Mergers and Acquisitions. During his career, Mark has successfully held HR executive positions in companies such as PepsiCo, Ericsson, Nortel, Telmar, Texas Instruments and Safeco. Mark has also worked for private equity backed organizations, S Corporations, and publicly traded firms and has lived and worked extensively overseas. He has led several Enterprise wide transformations including Cultural Change and IT transformational change at Fortune 500 companies. He holds two Masters’ degrees, one in Organizational Psychology, and an MBA in Strategy and International Management. In 2013, Mark transitioned from a Corporate HR career to start his own HR Strategic consulting company, HR Catalyst Consulting with the goal of helping small to mid-market companies in growth or change and in need of Human Capital leadership to drive their continued growth and success. You can reach us through our website – hrcatalystconsulting.com

December 1, 2023Episode 3533 min

Leadership Success Tools

Most people are not born a great leader. They have to grow into it with time, effort, development and training. Today, we discuss some key areas of developing leadership tools that can take you to the next level.Our guest in today's episode is Richard Best, President/CEO of Lead Executive Consulting. Richard serves as an executive coach and consultant with extensive experience coaching senior executives and high-potential leaders. He specializes in developing leadership behaviors and emotional intelligence, exchanging less desirable behaviors for those exemplifying true leadership. Richard helps clients strengthen their interpersonal effectiveness and leadership impact, resulting in increased opportunities for their career and personal success. He has coached executives to identify development areas, create fresh perspectives for growth and overcome obstacles in making measurable and sustained changes. Richard has extensive experience working with executives from a variety of industries.Your HR Problem Solver host is Mark Mitford, a strategic HR leader who is business and HR focused. Mark is a management team advisor with 20+ years working as an HR executive in mid-size to Fortune 50 companies. He brings in depth, hands on experience successfully leading and advising company and business leaders through all life cycle stages. Mark is viewed as a key advisor to C-Level Executives and has strengths in Improving Company Culture, Performance Management, Compensation Benchmarking, Employee Engagement, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Coaching, Succession Planning and Mergers and Acquisitions. During his career, Mark has successfully held HR executive positions in companies such as PepsiCo, Ericsson, Nortel, Telmar, Texas Instruments and Safeco. Mark has also worked for private equity backed organizations, S Corporations, and publicly traded firms and has lived and worked extensively overseas. He has led several Enterprise wide transformations including Cultural Change and IT transformational change at Fortune 500 companies. He holds two Masters’ degrees, one in Organizational Psychology, and an MBA in Strategy and International Management. In 2013, Mark transitioned from a Corporate HR career to start his own HR Strategic consulting company, HR Catalyst Consulting with the goal of helping small to mid-market companies in growth or change and in need of Human Capital leadership to drive their continued growth and success. You can reach us through our website – hrcatalystconsulting.com

November 6, 2023Episode 3432 min

Using Behavioral Assessments to Hire Great Talent

Today we are looking at using behavioral assessments for more successful hiring outcomes. When evaluating candidates, hiring teams tend to focus on hard skills like computer proficiency or technical aptitudes, but even a highly qualified candidate can be wrong for a job if they lack the right soft skills such as emotional intelligence, collaboration and problem-solving. Here we discuss how behavioral assessments can be used to help hiring teams support decision-making to determine who can work most effectively in the organization. Our guest today is Melanie Shaffer, President/Founder of Talent Suite. She has spent over 16 years in the Talent Management space both in a boutique firm setting and in a national publicly held recruiting firm where she received numerous awards for her national rankings and client feedback. She has always had a passion for partnering with her clients to understand their business challenges, values and culture allowing her to become a trusted advisor in developing meaningful and measurable talent performance strategies. Melanie equips her clients with the ability to align, measure & design optimal human capital performance for selecting and managing talent by providing turnkey solutions, processes, training and coaching. Your HR Problem Solver host is Mark Mitford, a strategic HR leader who is business and HR focused. Mark is a management team advisor with 20+ years working as an HR executive in mid-size to Fortune 50 companies. He brings in depth, hands on experience successfully leading and advising company and business leaders through all life cycle stages. Mark is viewed as a key advisor to C-Level Executives and has strengths in Improving Company Culture, Performance Management, Compensation Benchmarking, Employee Engagement, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Coaching, Succession Planning and Mergers and Acquisitions. During his career, Mark has successfully held HR executive positions in companies such as PepsiCo, Ericsson, Nortel, Telmar, Texas Instruments and Safeco. Mark has also worked for private equity backed organizations, S Corporations, and publicly traded firms and has lived and worked extensively overseas. He has led several Enterprise wide transformations including Cultural Change and IT transformational change at Fortune 500 companies. He holds two Masters’ degrees, one in Organizational Psychology, and an MBA in Strategy and International Management. In 2013, Mark transitioned from a Corporate HR career to start his own HR Strategic consulting company, HR Catalyst Consulting with the goal of helping small to mid-market companies in growth or change and in need of Human Capital leadership to drive their continued growth and success. You can reach us through our website – hrcatalystconsulting.com