HR Superstars

Hosted by 15Five

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202

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Jun 2026

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About the show

HR and People Ops can be challenging, but there's a community of others who've been in your shoes. HR Superstars is the podcast from 15Five that connects you with confident and respected strategic people leaders who have conquered a myriad of challenges and now have valuable and actionable insights to share. In each episode, our host, Adam Weber, VP of Community at 15Five, will talk to some of the world's leading innovators in the HR/People Ops space willing to share their insights and advice to help you in your journey. We get real with topics like being a strategic business partner to the rest of the organization, how to have difficult conversations while maintaining empathy, and how to make DEI a part of your cultural DNA instead of just lip service. 15Five is here to help you do what matters most—develop your workforce, create a strong employer brand, and be respected as the strategic business partner you are. Come join thousands of your fellow HR Superstars, we're so excited to have you.

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June 16, 2026Episode 20437 min

Why Manager Support Needs to Move Beyond Training with Sara Canaday

Managers are being asked to do more than ever. They're expected to coach, support well-being, drive performance, and navigate uncertainty, often without the necessary systems or tools to do it effectively. In this episode of HR Superstars, Karina Young sits down with Sara Canaday, leadership strategist and award-winning author, to explore how HR can better support managers. Sara explains why manager overload is often a systemic issue, not a skill issue, and discusses how HR can transition from one-time training to real-time enablement. She also discusses how AI can help managers reduce cognitive overload while still leading with discernment and authenticity. You'll learn: Why manager overload is a system issue, not a skill gap How HR can shift from training to real-time support How AI reduces overload, supports tough conversations, and improves decisions Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Sara Canaday (04:58) Manager struggles are a systems issue (06:35) Why HR needs to shift from training to enablement (14:03) Misconceptions about managers & coaching (20:26) How AI can help leaders move from overload to clarity Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Manager Enablement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/resources/ebook/15fives-manager-enablement-playbook-for-hr-leaders?hsLang=en?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2026_Podcast&utm_content=ebook For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Sara Canaday's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saracanaday/

June 2, 2026Episode 20333 min

HR as the Anchor in AI Transformation with Jeff Smith

Implementing AI isn't about systems or workflows alone. It's a human transformation that touches every role, skill, and interaction. This is why HR needs to lead the change. In this episode, Karina Young is joined by Dr. Jeff Smith, author and COO at 15Five, to discuss how HR can guide organizations through this shift. Jeff shares strategies for managing change with empathy, upskilling employees, and creating systems where humans and AI complement each other. They also discuss the importance of trust, communication, and engagement in making AI adoption successful. What you'll learn: The importance of HR leading AI transformation, not just IT or executives How to address fears and resistance around AI Key skills for employees and managers to thrive in an AI-powered workplace Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Jeff Smith (07:02) AI as a rethinking of work, not a productivity tool (12:47) Managing FOBO and resistance (15:11) Long-term planning for AI adoption (25:41) The AI maturity framework (30:33) The mindset shift that HR needs right now Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Register to 15Five Next: https://www.15five.com/15five-next-2026-registration Download 15Five's HR Outcomes Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/hr-outcomes-playbook-unlocking-the-true-business-value-of-hr/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=HR For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Jeff Smith's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsmithphd/

May 19, 2026Episode 20213 min

The Shift from Doing Work to Leading It with Karina Young

What if the way we develop leaders is exactly why they end up stuck in the day-to-day instead of driving results? In this episode of HR Superstars, Karina Young, VP of People at 15Five, makes the case that most organizations are developing strong people managers when what the business needs are system leaders. If your leaders are struggling, this episode will help you figure out why and what HR can do about it. You'll learn: Why promoting top individual contributors into leadership roles often backfires The difference between developing people managers vs. system leaders How to spot when a leader is stuck in execution mode Why coordination — not expertise — is the defining skill of great senior leaders How HR can take ownership of the leadership development gap Join us as we discuss: (00:00) What makes a great leader (01:52) Is your organization enabling leadership or execution? (05:00) The common problem in leadership development (09:24) Coordination is a key leadership skill Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Manager Enablement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/resources/ebook/15fives-manager-enablement-playbook-for-hr-leaders?hsLang=en?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2026_Podcast&utm_content=ebook For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Karina Young's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

May 5, 202640 min

Building the Mindset and Systems To Break HR's Reactive Cycle with Lisa Young

Most HR professionals didn't step into HR to spend their days putting out fires — but that's exactly where so many end up. When the reactive cycle takes hold, confidence fades, credibility takes a hit, and the meaningful work keeps getting pushed to "next week." In this episode, Karina Young sits down with Lisa Young, founder of HRHQ, an online HR community and education platform, to talk about what it actually takes to break out of survival mode. Lisa works with HR professionals to build the mindset, systems, and communication skills needed to stop reacting and start leading — and in this conversation, she shares exactly how. What you'll learn: Why your mindset has to shift before any system or habit can work How to manage your energy, not just your time, to create space for proactive work The small, practical steps that move HR from reactive to strategic Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Lisa Young (03:37) What reactive HR actually looks like day-to-day (08:40) Why your mindset has to shift before anything else can (15:27) Building resilience when you're holding space for everyone else (24:03) The systems and habits that create space for proactive work (38:00) What transformation actually looks like from the inside out Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's HR Outcomes Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/hr-outcomes-playbook-unlocking-the-true-business-value-of-hr/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=HR For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Lisa Young's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-young-exceedhr/

April 21, 202627 min

Why PIPs Should Be About Improvement and Not Punishment with Karina Young

Performance Improvement Plans often get a bad rap. When they're misused or poorly implemented, PIPs can create more harm than good. In this episode of HR Superstars, Karina Young, VP of People at 15Five, clears up the misconceptions and explains how PIPs can be a valuable tool for employee growth. Karina shares how PIPs should be about clarity, alignment, and development, not punishment. She discusses how to provide consistent feedback, set clear expectations, and offer the support employees need to succeed. You'll learn: Why clarity and communication are essential to create effective PIPs How to identify role mismatches instead of focusing solely on performance Why investing in PIPs can save time and costs in the long run Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Why PIPs are essential in the workplace (05:29) Employee growth and manager accountability (12:03) Misconceptions about PIPs (19:16) Actionable strategies in creating a PIP (22:04) The key role of communication (23:30) What you should know about PIPs as an employee (25:12) Motivating employees and shaping career trajectories Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Performance Review Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/review-process-playbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Performance For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

April 7, 202631 min

Aligning Performance and Pay To Retain Top Talent with Roger Lee

Compensation is often treated as a once-a-year task when it should be viewed as an ongoing, strategic tool that drives business success year-round. In this episode of HR Superstars, Karina Young chats with Roger Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Comprehensive, about how HR leaders can change their approach to compensation. Roger breaks down how to move beyond the annual merit cycle, ditch the spreadsheets, and adopt systems that enable real-time, data-driven pay decisions. You'll learn how to use compensation to boost performance, retain top talent, and stay ahead in today's competitive landscape. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Roger Lee (06:06) Why compensation and performance systems are often siloed (08:45) Top risks of disconnected pay-for-performance strategies (14:45) Why companies still rely on the once-a-year merit cycle (22:11) How HR can use compensation data to strengthen leadership (24:50) Building a continuous compensation strategy for today's workforce Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's HR Outcomes Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/hr-outcomes-playbook-unlocking-the-true-business-value-of-hr/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=HR For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Roger Lee's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerrlee/

March 24, 202644 min

Leading Through Uncertainty: Building Trust and Resilience with Kat Kibben

Uncertainty is an inevitable part of HR leadership, but how can we navigate it with confidence and clarity? In this episode of HR Superstars, Karina Young is joined by Kat Kibben, founder of Three Ears Media and recruiting expert, to explore practical ways HR leaders can build resilience and lead effectively in times of change. Kat shares her personal journey, from living in a van to becoming a business owner, and offers unique insights into how HR can embrace uncertainty, build trust, and lead with empathy. She dives into the power of self-awareness, resilience, and how HR professionals can shift from managing policies to becoming true people leaders who inspire and empower teams. This conversation challenges HR leaders to step beyond traditional approaches and take on the uncertainty of the workplace with renewed energy and a focus on people-first leadership. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Kat Kibben (02:54) Why uncertainty always lands on HR's desk (08:03) Navigating tough conversations and building trust (15:53) Leading with conviction, not perfection (17:27) The importance of resilience in HR leadership (26:01) How van life taught Kat to lead under pressure (42:23) Practical tools for building resilience within your team Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Employee Engagement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/engage-to-excel-15fives-employee-engagement-playbook/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Employee For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Kat Kibben's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinakibben/ Check out Kat's book The Bounce Back Factor at bouncebackfactorbook.com.

March 10, 202646 min

How to Create Manager Programs That Stick with Nicole Roberts

Leadership training is one of the most common investments organizations make, but it is also one of the easiest to get wrong. Many companies track attendance, but few measure whether managers actually lead differently afterward. In this episode of HR Superstars, Karina Young sits down with Nicole Roberts, Founder & President of People Solutions Group, to discuss how to design leadership development that managers actually use in their day-to-day work. They explore how HR leaders can identify the right problems before launching training, measure leadership effectiveness in real time, and help managers apply new skills immediately. Nicole also shares practical ways to strengthen leadership development, even with limited resources. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Nicole Roberts (04:58) Defining the problem before designing training programs (06:38) Common gaps in leadership development and training (11:50) Adapting leadership development to industry-specific needs (25:00) Balancing personalized training with scalable programs (41:35) Measuring success and adjusting leadership development programs (44:52) The power of gratitude in leadership Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Employee Engagement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/engage-to-excel-15fives-employee-engagement-playbook/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Employee For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Nicole Roberts' LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrobertshr/

February 24, 202642 min

Questions Every HR Leader Should Be Able to Answer with Dana Calder and Dieter Veldsman

The future of HR is here, and it's evolving faster than ever. Recorded live at the HR Superstars Summit, Karina Young asks Dana Calder and Dr. Dieter Veldsman the five burning questions HR leaders are asking as they navigate this new, data-driven, and AI-powered era of work. As HR teams encounter new challenges and opportunities, this episode provides actionable insights on how to remain focused, strategic, and forward-thinking. Tune in to discover the key trends, innovations, and strategies that will define the future of HR and empower you to lead with confidence in an ever-changing workplace. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstars: Dr. Dieter Veldsman & Dana Calder (05:34) What deserves HR's attention? (14:53) Making an impact with simple HR programs (20:1) What exit surveys really reveal (29:38) Where AI adds the most strategic value (38:04) The simplest path from insight to action Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Employee Engagement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/engage-to-excel-15fives-employee-engagement-playbook/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Employee For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Dr. Dieter Veldsman's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dieterveldsman/ Dana Calder's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danacalder/

February 10, 202641 min

Innovation Starts with HR with Kate O'Neill

Technology decisions can shift dramatically when HR steps in with a human-centered perspective. In this episode, Kate O'Neill, CEO of KO Insights and author of What Matters Next, explains how HR can influence innovation before decisions are locked in. She shares why employee experience, ethics, and organizational performance belong at the center of technology conversations, not after rollout plans are set. You'll hear practical ways HR can gather partial answers, synthesize insight, and guide leaders through uncertainty while staying grounded in values, privacy, and workplace communication. If you want HR leadership that builds credibility and influence, this conversation offers clear frameworks you can apply today. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Kate O'Neill (04:22) Digital transformation vs. innovation (09:54) How HR can influence without being the decision maker (14:15) Common mistakes when rolling out change and new tools (22:38) Finding the right pace in technology decisions (28:54) Carrying culture forward into the AI age Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Performance Review Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/review-process-playbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Performance For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Kate O'Neill's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateoneill/