HR Spot

Hosted by Linda Michaels

Business

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Introducing HR Spot Podcast Looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of Human Resources? Look no further than HR Spot, the ultimate podcast destination for HR professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and career and business owners who don’t have an HR person. Hosted by industry experts, HR Spot offers a fresh, insightful, and engaging approach to all things HR. Each episode delves into the core challenges and trends shaping the HR landscape, providing practical solutions, best practices, and thought-provoking discussions. Why should you tune in to HR Spot? Here are a few reasons: 1. Expert Insights: HR Spot brings you firsthand insights from seasoned HR leaders, consultants, and thought influencers. Get a glimpse into their experiences, triumphs, and lessons learned, empowering you with the knowledge to tackle today's toughest HR issues. 2. Cutting-Edge Topics: From remote work and employee well-being to diversity and inclusion initiatives, HR Spot covers a wide range of relevant topics. Stay in the loop with the latest HR practices, strategies, and emerging trends that can make a real impact on your organization's success. 3. Practical Guidance: HR Spot focuses on actionable takeaways that you can implement immediately. Discover practical tips, tools, and resources designed to streamline your HR processes, foster employee engagement, and drive positive change within your organization. In a world where HR practices are constantly evolving, HR Spot is your trusted compass, guiding you towards excellence in HR management. So, don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to broaden your HR horizons. Tune in to the HR Spot podcast and unlock the path towards HR success!

Listen to episodes

59 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 6021 min

Episode #60 - Strategic Thinking Series #5 - Why Great Leaders Build Leaders - Not Followers

Leadership is not about having all the answers or being involved in every decision. True leadership is about creating clarity, developing confidence in others, and building an organization that can grow beyond any one individual. We hope today’s conversation challenges you to step back, empower those around you, and intentionally develop the next generation of leaders. Thanks for listening to HR Spot, and we look forward to bringing you more practical strategies to help you become a more intentional and strategic leader.

June 10, 2026Episode 5923 min

Episode #59 - Strategic Thinking Series #4: The Difference Between Busy Leadership and Effective Leadership

In this episode of HR Spot’s Strategic Thinking Series, Linda and Gary dive into the difference between being a busy leader and being an effective leader. Many leaders spend their days reacting to problems, putting out fires, and staying involved in every detail — but constant busyness does not always lead to organizational success. This conversation explores the hidden costs of reactive leadership, the warning signs leaders may be stuck in survival mode, and the practical shifts needed to build stronger systems, empower managers, and create long-term organizational stability. Whether you are a business owner, executive, or people leader, this episode provides valuable insight into leading with greater intention, clarity, and strategic focus.

June 1, 2026Episode 5822 min

Episode #58 - Strategic Thinking Series #3 - The Cost of Leading without a Plan

If your business constantly feels reactive, chaotic, or stuck putting out fires, this episode is a must-listen. In “The Cost of Leading Without a Plan,” Linda and Gary unpack the hidden impact that lack of strategic direction has on culture, turnover, leadership, and business growth. This conversation is filled with practical insights that will help leaders step back, think differently, and create stronger alignment across their organization. Whether you lead a small business or a growing team, this episode will challenge you to move from constant reaction to intentional leadership.

May 28, 2026Episode 5721 min

Episode #57 - Strategic Thinking Series #2: Three Habits of Strategic Leaders

If you’ve ever felt stuck reacting to problems instead of leading with intention, this episode is for you. In “3 Habits of Strategic Leaders,” we break down the simple but powerful habits that separate reactive managers from truly strategic leaders. Gary and I share practical insights, real-world examples, and leadership shifts that can help you think bigger, make smarter decisions, and create stronger business outcomes. Whether you lead a team, run a business, or want to grow as a leader, this conversation will challenge you to step out of the weeds and lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.

May 19, 2026Episode 5619 min

Episode #56 - Strategic Thinking Series #1: Why Most Leaders Stay in Reactive Mode

If you feel like your days are spent constantly putting out fires, handling employee issues, reacting to problems, and struggling to get ahead, this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, Linda and Gary break down why so many leaders stay stuck in reactive mode and how it quietly impacts culture, retention, growth, and overall business success. You’ll walk away with practical insights on how to shift from survival mode into strategic leadership, create stronger systems, develop better managers, and build a business that no longer depends on constant chaos to function. Whether you’re a business owner, executive, manager, or HR leader, this episode will challenge the way you think about leadership — and help you start leading with greater intention and strategy.

May 13, 2026Episode 5522 min

Episode #55 - Why AI is Becoming Essential in the Day to Day of HR

In today’s workplace, AI is no longer a “nice to have” for HR — it is quickly becoming essential to staying efficient, strategic, and competitive. HR professionals are being asked to do more than ever before: manage compliance, support employees, recruit top talent, analyze workforce trends, and help leaders make smarter business decisions — often with limited time and resources. AI helps HR teams get out of the weeds by automating repetitive tasks, streamlining communication, improving hiring processes, generating faster insights, and creating more time for strategic leadership. Organizations that embrace AI are finding ways to move faster, make better decisions, and create stronger employee experiences, while HR professionals who ignore it risk falling behind in an increasingly technology-driven workforce.

May 5, 2026Episode 5420 min

Episode #54 - The Conversations Leaders Avoid and Why They Cost You Everything

Most leaders don't struggle because they lack strategy, they struggle because they avoid the conversations that actually drive results. In this episode of HR Spot, Linda Michaels and Gary get real about the tough conversations leaders put off—and the hidden cost of that silence. From performance issues and cultural misalignment to pay, accountability, and termination decisions, they break down how avoidance quietly impacts morale, retention, and the bottom line. If you’ve ever hesitated to address something you know matters, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to step into those conversations—and lead at a higher level.

May 1, 2026Episode 5315 min

Episode #53 - If We Took Over Your HR Tomorrow, Here's What We'd Fix First

What if you woke up tomorrow and someone took over your HR… what would they find—and more importantly, what would they fix first? In today’s episode of HR Spot, Gary and I are pulling back the curtain and walking you through exactly what we see when we step into an organization for the first time. From hidden compliance risks to unclear roles and overwhelmed managers, we’re sharing the first five things we tackle to bring structure, clarity, and real business impact. If you’ve ever wondered what’s working, what’s not, and where to start—this episode is for you.

April 20, 2026Episode 5217 min

Episode #52 - HR Firefighter to Strategic Leader: How to Get Out of the Weeds

In this episode of HR Spot, Linda Michaels and Gary dive into one of the most common challenges facing HR professionals and business leaders today—being stuck in “firefighting mode.” They explore what it looks like when HR is buried in day-to-day issues, why even the most capable leaders get pulled into the weeds, and the real business impact of staying reactive. More importantly, they share practical strategies to break the cycle, including building scalable systems, developing stronger managers, and shifting into a true business-minded approach. If you’re ready to move from overwhelmed and reactive to confident and strategic, this episode will give you the clarity and direction to start leading at a higher level.

March 30, 2026Episode 515 min

Episode #51 - Stop Managing HR. Start Leading a Business

If you’re a business owner or leader who feels pulled into the day-to-day challenges of managing people, this episode is for you. It will help you shift your perspective from reacting to HR issues to using HR as a strategic driver of business success. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how your people, leadership, and systems directly impact growth, performance, and profitability—and what you can do differently to get out of the weeds. If you’re ready to lead with intention, build stronger teams, and make smarter business decisions, this conversation will give you the clarity and direction to start.