Parent. Boss. Leader.

Hosted by Laura Munson

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Jul 2025

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About the show

Parent. Boss. Leader. is a podcast for professionals and working parents who want to build their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Host Laura Munson, VP of Sales & Strategy at ATR International, discusses leadership insights and life experiences gathered from her time in the fast-paced world of the staffing industry, all while attending to her other full-time job: motherhood. Join Laura as she talks with other industry leaders about key staffing trends and the daily issues every boss must face.

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44 recent

July 24, 2025Episode 813 min

From Contract to Career: The Power of Strategic Placements in Staffing

In this episode, we explore the real impact of effective staffing through Sheena’s journey—from joining GSK as a contractor nearly eight years ago to becoming a thriving, full-time team member. Her story is a testament to how strategic placements not only support company goals but also create life-changing career opportunities. Whether you're a hiring manager or a staffing professional, this conversation sheds light on why contract-to-hire strategies matter more than ever.Episode Highlights:How Sheena’s contract role at GSK turned into a long-term careerThe importance of contractor conversions in workforce planningWhat traits hiring managers look for during a contract periodThe benefits for companies and candidates in the contract-to-hire modelHow staffing agencies can set talent up for long-term successAdvice for contractors hoping to earn a permanent spot

June 26, 2025Episode 722 min

Engineering Talent, Evolved: Building Bold Teams & Smarter Workplaces

Welcome back to Parent. Boss. Leader., powered by ATR International! In this energizing episode, host Laura Munson chats with engineering leader Sunita Shah of Shield AI about building elite teams, championing women in leadership, and making hybrid work… work.🔍 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:Why Sunita is highly selective when building engineering teamsHer must-haves when partnering with recruitersHow parenting reshaped her career prioritiesThe origin story behind the San Diego Women’s Leadership groupCulture + retention tips for hybrid teamsA leadership lesson that stuck with her for life

March 6, 2025Episode 638 min

Fernando Hernandez (Coca-Cola): Building Billion-Dollar Impact & Innovation

Imagine building billion-dollar programs that truly change lives. That's Fernando Hernandez's story. Laura Munson explores his journey—from pioneering marketing to transforming global diversity. Discover his 'why,' his work-life balance, and his AI vision. Hear how he champions unity and builds purpose-driven teams. This is leadership, innovation, and making a real difference, distilled.Episode Highlights: Fernando's Impact: Multi-billion dollar program builder, focused on results.Leadership: Passion, purpose, and diversity as unification.-Innovation: AI leverage and future-proofing.Work-Life: Family prioritization, "seasons" of parenting.Team: Passion and business-savvy hires.-Supplier Tips: Market knowledge, video, social media.And much more!

February 6, 2025Episode 521 min

HR Leadership Unplugged: Growth, Grit & Work-Life Wins

In this episode of Parent. Boss. Leader., host Laura Munson sits down with HR leader Kerry to discuss career growth, leadership in HR, and balancing work and family life. With nearly two decades of experience, Kerry shares insights on operational excellence, talent development, and positioning yourself for promotions. Tune in for practical advice and timeless strategies that can benefit both professionals and leaders in any industry. Episode Highlights: How a passion for languages and culture led to a thriving HR career. The importance of mastering your current role, building transferable skills, and finding the right mentors. Kerry’s approach to setting boundaries, prioritizing family, and staying organized. Why strong performance, self-advocacy, and mentorship are essential for career advancement. How HR professionals create value through benefits, talent development, and cultural agility. And much more!

January 14, 2025Episode 419 min

In the Ring of Staffing: Michael Olivares Drops the Gloves

In this episode of Parent. Boss. Leader., Michael Olivares, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at ASML and boxing & fitness trainer, shares how his boxing discipline shapes his approach to staffing and talent acquisition. Get ready for knockout insights on overcoming challenges, building effective teams, and achieving success in both career and life. Episode Highlights: How Michael transitioned from boxing and the Navy into talent acquisition and staffing. Best practices for recruiters to create a positive experience, with a focus on communication, follow-through, and active listening. Michael discusses awareness, emotional intelligence, and empathy as critical skills for recruiters to develop in order to excel. How understanding company culture and processes can enhance a recruiter’s role and foster stronger relationships with candidates. Michael emphasizes the value of asking for guidance from leadership, especially for junior recruiters. And much more!

December 20, 2024Episode 327 min

Bradley Garner on Talent Acquisition Trends: What's Shaping 2025

Join Laura Munson, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at ATR International, as she sits down with Bradley Garner, a Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition with a remarkable background in the Air Force. Together, they explore pivotal shifts in talent acquisition, from the transformative role of AI in recruitment strategies to preparing for the dominance of Gen Z in the workforce. Gain actionable insights from Bradley’s inspiring career journey and learn how businesses can navigate the evolving recruitment landscape in 2025 and beyond. Episode Highlights: Bradley's Air Force Journey: Discover how 20+ years in the military shaped his approach to leadership and recruitment. AI in Hiring: A dive into how technology is streamlining yet complicating talent acquisition. Preparing for 2025: Key strategies for attracting and retaining Gen Z talent, who will soon dominate the workforce. Industry Overlaps: How talent acquisition and staffing share goals yet face unique challenges. Actionable Advice: Bradley's tips for recruiters navigating a tech-driven and candidate-heavy job market. And much more!

December 6, 2024Episode 224 min

Expecting and Excelling: Hiring Insights and Maternity Leave Advice with Ashley Wilson

What does it take to navigate a career while expecting a baby? Join us as we sit down with Ashley Wilson, a seasoned Contingent Workforce Program Manager, to discuss her experiences of interviewing while pregnant, managing unexpected challenges, and planning for maternity leave. Ashley shares actionable advice for professionals and employers alike, highlighting the critical role of preparation, communication, and support systems. Whether you're an expectant parent or a business leader, this episode offers invaluable insights into balancing career growth with life’s big milestones. Episode Highlights: Ashley shares her experience interviewing while pregnant and offers practical advice for job-seekers in similar situations. Insights into strategies for expectant mothers to plan their leave effectively and communicate with employers. How staffing agencies provide vital support to organizations during maternity leave transitions. The professional and personal growth Ashley experienced through navigating pregnancy and maternity leave during her career. Key takeaways for employers on fostering an environment that supports expectant mothers and new parents. And much more!

November 21, 2024Episode 123 min

AI, HR, and Parenting: Michelle Magnetti’s Insightful Journey

We’re back and better than ever! Kicking off Season 4 of Parent. Boss. Leader., hostLaura Munson welcomes Michelle Magnetti, a seasoned HR leader and talent acquisition expert. Michelle shares her inspiring career journey, dives into how AI is reshaping the workforce, and explores what the future of work might hold for businesses and families alike. From the evolving roles in talent acquisition to the skills needed for the next generation to thrive in an AI-driven world, Michelle provides actionable advice for businesses, HR professionals, and parents. Don’t miss this engaging season opener packed with fresh insights and forward-thinking strategies! Episode Highlights Michelle’s Career Journey: Key roles and milestones that shaped her path in HR leadership. The AI Revolution in Talent Acquisition: How AI is transforming hiring strategies and workforce management. Future Workforce Trends: Predictions for major shifts in roles and skills over the next decade. Parenting in the AI Era: Michelle’s perspective on preparing her children to succeed in an AI-driven future. A New Chapter: Insights into Michelle’s transition from corporate HR and her aspirations to contribute innovative HR solutions. Advice for HR Professionals: How to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. And more!

October 18, 2024Episode 1335 min

Building Agile Teams: Tailoring Hiring for Innovation with Kia Mir Sanaei

In this episode of Parent. Boss. Leader., Kia Mir Sanaei, Senior Director at Tandem Diabetes, shares his innovative approach to hiring and leadership in the medical device industry. From tailoring job descriptions to leading agile teams that develop life-changing healthcare solutions, Kia offers valuable insights on building a diverse, high-performing workplace. Tune in for practical advice on improving hiring practices and creating a supportive work environment. Episode Highlights: Kia shares his path to leading agile teams at Tandem Diabetes and his passion for advancing healthcare technology. He explains the importance of customized job descriptions and structured interviews to attract top talent. Kia emphasizes working with his team to define the right mix of technical and soft skills for each role. As a parent, Kia discusses creating a compassionate, inclusive work environment, blending human empathy with technological advancements. And much more!

August 8, 2024Episode 1245 min

Future-Proofing Staffing: Insights and Predictions with Branden Thompson

In this episode of Parent. Boss. Leader., host Laura Munson sits down with Branden Thompson, a tech leader and engineering manager, to discuss his unique journey from the entertainment industry to the tech world. Brandon shares his passion for unbiased education for children, the importance of parental involvement, and how his diverse experiences have shaped his leadership style. Episode Highlights: Branden's passion for ensuring parents take the lead in their children's education. Challenges of parenting in a digital age and the impact of social media on kids. Branden's career transition from media to tech and how he balanced personal values with professional growth. Advice for avoiding student loans and the value of starting at a community college. And much more! Listen in as Branden delves into the challenges of balancing ethical considerations with career aspirations, the evolving nature of bullying in the digital age, and his advice for young professionals navigating their own career paths.