Personnelity

Hosted by Lauri Rollings and Nicolle Farup

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May 2025

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About the show

The mission of this podcast is to honestly approach the issues employers face in trying to not only create but actualize healthier, more just, diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. We will engage with guests to talk about specific topics and situations related to workplace diversity issues who can help bring light to different perspectives. Through these conversations, we will explore possible tools, solutions and resources for employers and employees alike. Join us as we work toward real change in our workplaces.

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21 recent

May 19, 202538 min

Doreen Cannon on Being a Groundbreaker in the Construction Industry

Send us Fan MailTune in for an inspiring conversation with a trailblazer in the construction industry, Doreen Cannon. Doreen is a Journeylevel Plumber at Plumbers Local 55 in Cleveland, Ohio. She is the President of the nonprofit Greater Cleveland Council of Tradeswomen. Doreen is also the Past President of Plumbers Local 55, the first woman elected to that position. She currently serves as the Northeast Region Director for the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE). She is also a retired instructor for Plumbers Local 55, where she taught a number of courses, including a harassment course she developed to ensure all plumbers in her local could feel safe on their job sites.Learn more about the host Lauri Rollings here.Lauri Rollings is the CEO of Lauri Rollings and Associates, LLC. She is a lawyer by trade who has more than 20 years of experience providing strategic advice and solutions as an attorney, an executive director of construction trade associations, and as a consultant. Her services help businesses run more efficiently and promote recruitment and retention of a diverse, productive workforce. Rollings previously served as Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon and Executive Director of the Plumbing Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors’ Alliance of Milwaukee. Before joining the construction industry, she practiced law for more than a decade representing clients in a broad range of industries. Before that, she was a newspaper reporter. Rollings graduated with honors from both Stanford Law School and the University of Wisconsin.Theme Music: Coffee and Conversation from https://www.podcast.co/music

March 15, 202536 min

Tracey Griffith on Building Family-Sustaining Careers

Send us Fan MailJoin me for an inspiring and informative conversation about building family-sustaining careers in construction with Tracey Griffith, the new Executive Director of the Building and Construction Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin, the second woman to serve in that role. She is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in workforce development and outreach, specializing in the union construction industry. In her new role, Tracey works with 17 local building trade unions, representing over 6,000 workers, to ensure fair wages, workplace safety, and worker protection on all construction projects. She supports union apprenticeship and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion to expand the workforce. She also supports and advocates for ordinances and policies that promote and protect workers by building relationships with regional stakeholders.Previously, she held leadership positions at Midwest Urban Strategies, Walbec Group, and WRTP | BIG STEP, where she worked with industry to develop strategies to meet their workforce needs, championed recruitment strategies, and successfully built diverse talent pipelines to ensure construction project success.Tracey's contributions to workforce innovation have earned her prestigious accolades, including the 2022 Champions in Action Award and multiple Women in Construction Awards. A founding member of EmpowHER, she remains committed to driving diversity, collaboration, and growth in union trades.Learn more about Building and Construction Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin here. Contact Tracey at executivedirector@btrades.com.Learn more about apprenticeship here.Learn more about the host Lauri Rollings here.Lauri Rollings is the CEO of Lauri Rollings and Associates, LLC. She is a lawyer by trade who has more than 20 years of experience providing strategic advice and solutions as an attorney, an executive director of construction trade associations, and as a consultant. Her services help businesses run more efficiently and promote recruitment and retention of a diverse, productive workforce. Rollings previously served as Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon and Executive Director of the Plumbing Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors’ Alliance of Milwaukee. Before joining the construction industry, she practiced law for more than a decade representing clients in a broad range of industries. Before that, she was a newspaper reporter. Rollings graduated with honors from both Stanford Law School and the University of Wisconsin.Theme Music: Coffee and Conversation from https://www.podcast.co/music

February 9, 202540 min

Judaline Cassidy on How Jobs Don't Have Genders®

Send us Fan MailPlease join me for an inspiring and fun conversation with plumbing superhero Judaline Cassidy. Judaline is a plumber in New York City with UA Local 1 and the founder of Tools and Tiaras Inc., a nonprofit that shows girls that Jobs Don't Have Genders® through workshops and summer camps where they learn how powerful tools feel in their hands and how creative, fulfilling and lucrative a career in trades can be.As a motivational speaker and podcast host, Judaline shares insights on grit, equality, leadership, and construction. She has spoken at numerous conferences and been featured on platforms like CBS News, BBC America, CNN, News Nation and Fox Business Network. She was named a L'Oreal Paris 2023 Woman of Worth and a CNN 2020 Champion for Change.Learn more about Tools and Tiaras at https://www.toolsandtiaras.org/.Learn more about the coloring book at https://iapmo.org/newsroom/press-releases/iapmo-publishes-children-s-coloring-book and https://iapmostore.org/my-mom-is-a-plumbing-superhero/.Learn more about the host, Lauri Rollings, at laurirollings.com.Lauri Rollings is the CEO of Lauri Rollings and Associates, LLC. She is a lawyer by trade who has more than 20 years of experience providing strategic advice and solutions as an attorney, an executive director of construction trade associations, and as a consultant. Her services help businesses run more efficiently and promote recruitment and retention of a diverse, productive workforce. Rollings previously served as Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon and Executive Director of the Plumbing Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors’ Alliance of Milwaukee. Before joining the construction industry, she practiced law for more than a decade representing clients in a broad range of industries. Before that, she was a newspaper reporter. Rollings graduated with honors from both Stanford Law School and the University of Wisconsin.Theme Music: Coffee and Conversation from https://www.podcast.co/music

November 23, 2024Episode 61 hr 2 min

Bullying in the Legal Profession with Stephanie Scharf and Roberta Liebenberg

Send us Fan MailThe Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism recently released a report called Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change. The studies’ authors are joining us to discuss their findings and recommendations.Stephanie Scharf, J.D., Ph.D., is a Partner at Scharf Banks Marmor LLC, and Roberta D. Liebenberg, J.D., is a Partner at Fine, Kaplan and Black, R.P.C. Ms. Scharf and Ms. Liebenberg are also Principals of The Red Bee Group, LLC, a consulting firm that advises corporations, law firms, and not-for-profits about growth and innovation. They use data-based strategies to advise about policy changes, board effectiveness, talent development, and leadership.The ReportThe Red Bee GroupLearn more about the host, Lauri Rollings.Lauri Rollings is the CEO of Lauri Rollings and Associates, LLC. She is a lawyer by trade who has more than 20 years of experience providing strategic advice and solutions as an attorney, an executive director of construction trade associations, and as a consultant. Her services help businesses run more efficiently and promote recruitment and retention of a diverse, productive workforce. Rollings previously served as Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon and Executive Director of the Plumbing Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors’ Alliance of Milwaukee. Before joining the construction industry, she practiced law for more than a decade representing clients in a broad range of industries. Before that, she was a newspaper reporter. Rollings graduated with honors from both Stanford Law School and the University of Wisconsin.

November 4, 202439 min

Keep Your Employees from Falling off the Benefits Cliff with Parsley Employer Software Solutions

Send us Fan MailDid you know your employees or potential employees could lose access to their public benefits, like childcare subsidies or Medicaid, if they accept a new position or even a small wage raise? This is a phenomenon known as the "benefits cliff," which could impact your ability to recruit new employees or retain the ones you have.Learn strategies to avoid costly employee turnover during this conversation with Lana Wood. She is the founder of Parsley Employer Software Solutions, a data-driven entry wage and benefits management company working to find solutions that empower employers and their employees through benefits strategy at the intersection of public and private benefits.Learn more about the host, Lauri Rollings.Lauri Rollings is the CEO of Lauri Rollings and Associates, LLC. She is a lawyer by trade who has more than 20 years of experience providing strategic advice and solutions as an attorney, an executive director of construction trade associations, and as a consultant. Her services help businesses run more efficiently and promote recruitment and retention of a diverse, productive workforce. Rollings previously served as Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon and Executive Director of the Plumbing Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors’ Alliance of Milwaukee. Before joining the construction industry, she practiced law for more than a decade representing clients in a broad range of industries. Before that, she was a newspaper reporter. Rollings graduated with honors from both Stanford Law School and the University of Wisconsin.Theme Music: Coffee and Conversation from https://www.podcast.co/music

October 29, 2024Episode 546 min

How empowHER Is Empowering Women in Construction Trades with Kilah Engelke and Christina Breitlow

Send us Fan MailJoin me for a discussion of the important work the empowHER organization is doing to recruit women into the construction trades, to retain them once they are in the trades, and to encourage them to take on leadership positions in their organizations.Kilah Engelke is a cement mason who was recently elected the first woman Business Manager of the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA) Local 599 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is the co-founder and President of empowHER, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making tradeswomen visible and normalizing the role of women in construction.Christina Breitlow is a plumber currently working as a foreman for Mattox Plumbing in Madison, Wisconsin. She is the co-founder and Vice President of empowHER. She also serves as recording secretary and a labor representative for the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Plumbers Local 75.Learn more about empowHERLearn more about the host, Lauri RollingsLauri Rollings is the CEO of Lauri Rollings and Associates, LLC. She is a lawyer by trade who has more than 20 years of experience providing strategic advice and solutions as an attorney, an executive director of construction trade associations, and as a consultant. Her services help businesses run more efficiently and promote recruitment and retention of a diverse, productive workforce. Rollings previously served as Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon and Executive Director of the Plumbing Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors’ Alliance of Milwaukee. Before joining the construction industry, she practiced law for more than a decade representing clients in a broad range of industries. Before that, she was a newspaper reporter. Rollings graduated with honors from both Stanford Law School and the University of Wisconsin.Theme Music: Coffee and Conversation from https://www.podcast.co/music

October 8, 2024Episode 436 min

Using Employee Recognition, Gratitude, and Mindfulness to Boost Productivity and Reduce Turnover with Lori Saitz

Send us Fan MailLori Saitz is an employee well-being consultant. Her innovative approaches to creating thriving workplaces have delivered results. Some of businesses have experienced a 30+% reduction in workplace stress and anxiety, 81% more engagement, and up to 200% ROI. Her newsletter Workplace Zen shares ideas for reducing burnout and increasing employee engagement and productivity. Check out her business, Zen Rabbit at https://zenrabbit.com/Learn more about the host, Lauri Rollings, at laurirollings.comLauri Rollings is the CEO of Lauri Rollings and Associates, LLC. She is a lawyer by trade who has more than 20 years of experience providing strategic advice and solutions as an attorney, an executive director of construction trade associations, and as a consultant. Her services help businesses run more efficiently and promote recruitment and retention of a diverse, productive workforce. Rollings previously served as Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon and Executive Director of the Plumbing Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors’ Alliance of Milwaukee. Before joining the construction industry, she practiced law for more than a decade representing clients in a broad range of industries. Before that, she was a newspaper reporter. Rollings graduated with honors from both Stanford Law School and the University of Wisconsin.Theme Music: Coffee and Conversation from https://www.podcast.co/music.

August 29, 2024Episode 336 min

Growing the Workforce with Tracey Carey of Midwest Urban Strategies

Send us Fan MailLearn how your local workforce investment boards connect and skill up people for family sustaining careers and help employers grow their workforces. Tracey Carey is the Executive Director of Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS), a workforce innovation laboratory that is a consortium of 13 of the largest urban workforce boards in the Midwest. Its mission is to grow business investment and expand and diversify talent in the Midwest.In this episode, hear about how MUS has been expanding the registered apprenticeship model to create careers in fields like early childhood education and healthcare.Learn more at https://www.midwesturbanstrategies.comCheck out Lauri Rollings at laurirollings.com

May 3, 2024Episode 246 min

David Polk on Solving the Workforce Shortage By Expanding Apprenticeship

Send us Fan MailPlease join me for a discussion with David Polk, Director of the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, about how he and the Bureau are expanding the apprenticeship model to help solve the workforce shortage in sectors like nursing and teaching. We also discuss why apprenticeship is the best-kept secret to a successful career.David is a third-generation plumber by trade who completed a registered apprenticeship with Plumbers Local 75. He also holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree focused in Business Administration and Management from Cardinal Stritch University. After spending more than a decade as a plumber with the City of Milwaukee, David became Associate Dean at Milwaukee Area Technical College, the largest technical college in Wisconsin. He currently leads the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards which creates, implements and enforces policy regarding all things apprenticeship for the State of Wisconsin and is the oldest registered apprenticeship model in America. He has led the Bureau to having a record number of registered and youth apprenticeships. David was recognized as one of 52 most influential black leaders in the state of Wisconsin by the publication Madison365 in 2022. He is also a board member of Secured Futures and an advisory board member of the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).Learn more about the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards at: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/Theme Music: Coffee and Conversation from https://www.podcast.co/music.About the Host: Lauri Rollings is the CEO of Lauri Rollings and Associates, LLC. She is a lawyer by trade who has more than 20 years of experience providing strategic advice and solutions as an attorney, an executive director of construction trade associations, and as a consultant. Her services help businesses run more efficiently and promote recruitment and retention of a diverse, productive workforce. Rollings previously served as Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon and Executive Director of the Plumbing Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors’ Alliance of Milwaukee. Before joining the construction industry, she practiced law for more than a decade representing clients in a broad range of industries. Before that, she was a newspaper reporter. Rollings graduated with honors from both Stanford Law School and the University of Wisconsin.

February 15, 202450 min

Designing a Career that Actually Fits You

Send us Fan MailDo you feel burned out or that you are in the wrong career? Find out why so many of us (especially women in leadership roles) feel that way and what you can do about it by listening to my discussion with Julie Bonasso.Julie is a graduate of Temple Law School who is a consultant and coach specializing in professional well-being and executive health coaching. An experienced corporate lawyer and Master Certified Coach, she helps clients integrate self with career to accelerate growth. The cornerstone of her coaching is leveraging well-being as the pathway to success. She is the founder and CEO of Julie Bonasso Coaching.How to Reach Julie: juliebonasso.com hello@juliebonasso.com Other Resources We Discuss in this Episode: Machiavelli for Women, by Stacey Vanek Smith https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Machiavelli-for-Women/Stacey-Vanek-Smith/9781982121754Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228 (1989)https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/490/228/Whistling Vivaldi by Claude M. Steelehttps://wwnorton.com/books/Whistling-Vivaldi/Theme Music: Coffee and Conversation from https://www.podcast.co/music.About the Host: Lauri Rollings is the CEO of Lauri Rollings and Associates, LLC. She is a lawyer by trade who has more than 20 years of experience providing strategic advice and solutions as an attorney, an executive director of construction trade associations, and as a consultant. Her services help businesses run more efficiently and promote recruitment and retention of a diverse, productive workforce. Rollings previously served as Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon and Executive Director of the Plumbing Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors’ Alliance of Milwaukee. Before joining the construction industry, she practiced law for more than a decade representing clients in a broad range of industries. Before that, she was a newspaper reporter. Rollings graduated with honors from both Stanford Law School and the University of Wisconsin.