The HR Cartel Podcast

Hosted by timkt

Business Management

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Jun 2026

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About the show

A fearless podcast dissecting Australian workplaces, HR absurdities, employment law, unions & staff from a business-centric perspective, relieving challenges for employers.

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60 recent

June 24, 20261 hr 3 min

(099) Executive Head Hunter - Dan Moussa

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Moussa, founder of Thirdway Advisory and host of the Founders Fire podcast, to unpack what it really takes to make the right senior hire inside a founder-led business. We talk about why founders operate differently, the pressure that comes with building a business, and why the wrong executive hire can create more problems than it solves. Dan shares his approach to executive search, including why businesses need to do the “pre-season” work before going to market, how to get internal alignment before hiring, and why the best person for the role often isn’t the one with the flashiest CV. We also cover: Why the right hire can genuinely change a business The danger of hiring just to “fill a seat” Why founders need to think about their 3-year plan before hiring The importance of internal alignment before going to market Why culture, personality and workplace dynamics matter How senior hires can fail when the business isn’t ready for them Why transparency during recruitment is critical The difference between superstar hires and “glue” hires What actually attracts top-level people into founder-led companies This is a great conversation for founders, business owners and leaders who are thinking about growth, leadership structure and the people decisions that shape the next stage of business. Thirdway Advisory - https://www.thirdwayadvisory.com.au/ Dan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-moussa-thirdway/ The Founders Fire Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/033vkbhxwzNFnazB69Udj3 The HR Cartel - https://www.hrcartel.com/

May 27, 20261 hr 5 min

(098) Australians never voted to kill the 'fair go'; a chat with Phil Di Bella

In this episode, Tim is joined once again by Phil DiBella, founder of Di Bella Coffee and The Coffee Commune, for a raw and direct conversation about the pressure facing Australian small businesses, employers and the hospitality industry. Phil shares his perspective on why the current political and economic system is making it harder for micro, small and medium businesses to survive, let alone grow. From payroll tax and fringe benefits tax to rising wages, shrinking margins and declining disposable income, this conversation breaks down how government decisions are flowing directly into the day-to-day reality of business owners and workers. The discussion also explores why Phil believes Australia needs more accountability in politics, why business owners are feeling increasingly handcuffed, and why the next generation may be losing the desire to start businesses of their own. What We Cover Why Phil believes the current political system is broken and lacking true accountability The growing pressure on employers with 5 to 200 staff How payroll tax, fringe benefits tax and compliance are making it harder to look after employees Why cafes and hospitality businesses are a strong indicator of the broader economy The real reason a $5 coffee may no longer be sustainable Why disposable income should be the true measure of whether Australians are better off The impact of government policy on small business confidence Why Phil is worried about the next generation of business owners The importance of supporting micro, small and medium businesses Why “follow the money” matters when looking at politics, advocacy and industry groups

May 1, 202638 min

(097) Why Internal HR Teams Will Collapse Within 5 Years

In this episode, Tim Dive explains why internal corporate HR teams are heading for a major reckoning over the next three to five years. He breaks down how decades of poor positioning by the HR profession, combined with sweeping workplace law changes under the current government, have created an environment where traditional HR capability is no longer enough. This episode covers: • why HR has shifted too far away from real technical capability • how the HR business partnering model has weakened the profession • why line-by-line workplace compliance is now unavoidable • why above-award pay and salary assumptions no longer provide real protection • how Fair Work disputes and regulator activity are escalating • why businesses now need real-time wage and payroll compliance capability • how Cartel.OS and HR Cartel’s wage compliance tools are designed to respond to this new reality If you’re a business owner, operator, HR consultant or adviser trying to navigate today’s hostile workplace relations environment, this episode explains what has changed, why it matters, and what to do next. Register now for our wage compliance tool webinar: https://streamyard.com/watch/jPxSyeMqD5Aq Cartel.OS - The HR Cartel HR management platform https://www.hrcartel.com/cartel-os Learn more about The HR Cartel https://www.hrcartel.com

March 25, 202640 min

(096) The ALP Broke The Fair Work Commission, Blames A.I. Let's Call Them Out!

The Fair Work Commission says AI is overwhelming the system. We say that's a lie. In this episode, Tim breaks down the real numbers behind the Commission's so-called volume crisis and exposes what's actually driving the explosion in claims. He pulls apart the Fair Work Commission President's own reporting, compares year-on-year application data, and shows that AI accounts for only 24% (of the 70% increase) - a fraction of the increase the Commission wants you to believe. The rest? Union delegate rights, CFMEU administration fallout, gender under-evaluation projects, award reviews, and a flood of new legal avenues created by the Australian Labor Party's legislative changes since 2022. Key arguments from this episode: Justice Adam Hatcher celebrated a 30%+ volume increase in 2023–24 and called it a success. This year's increase is only 24%. So what changed? The CFMEU alone generated over 1,000 complaints and 444 general agreement approvals the Commission had to process. Union delegate rights had to be written into 122 modern awards, creating massive administrative load. If AI is powerful enough to cause the crisis, why hasn't the Commission adopted AI to solve it? The Commission is pushing cases off its desk and into other jurisdictions rather than dealing with them If you run a business and you're caught in the Fair Work system right now, you need to understand why it's broken and who actually broke it. The Commission doesn't have an AI problem. It has an accountability problem Show notes: https://www.hrleader.com.au/law/26146-fwc-saw-27-increase-in-lodgments-in-fy24#:~:text=By%20Jerome%20Doraisamy%20%7C%20November%2001,on%20the%20previous%20reporting%20period. www.hrcartel.com/contact or Phone 07 5651 0066 to speak to our advice team.

March 13, 202641 min

(095) - While Regulators & Unions go ballistic, AI is rescuing Aussie Employers.

Tim Dive hosts a no-holds-barred episode covering a fresh joint ATO and Fair Work Ombudsman crackdown on contracting arrangements, the industries under scrutiny (construction, road transport, cleaning, IT and more), and how sham contracting risks are being pursued. He also discusses rising AI disruption and union demands, the push for work‑from‑home rights, and Australia’s energy vulnerabilities, plus practical next steps, a webinar link and how to contact the HR Cartel for help. www.hrcartel.com/contact or Phone 07 5651 0066 to speak to our advice team. HR Cartel Contractor Webinar recording - https://streamyard.com/42metdgbsbaqjjnt FWO and ATO Joint Press Release - Targeting contractor Arrangements - https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2026-media-releases/march-2026/20260313-sham-contracting-media-release

February 18, 202633 min

(094) How to design your team to grow, not explode

Before you hire anyone else, listen to this episode! Tim explains how small and growing businesses should approach organisation design using strategy as the guide, why it matters, and when to act. The episode highlights common growth milestones (5, 10, 15, 25, 50+ employees), tells you how to spot problems (broken communication, duplicated roles, shared accountabilities), and contrasts functional versus divisional structures. Practical advice covers future workforce modelling, identifying skill gaps, protecting customer experience during growth, and simple next steps to avoid expensive restructures. Show Links: Join our next free webinar! https://streamyard.com/watch/wfKsCZp9qugp Visit The HR Cartel www.hrcartel.com Join the Cartel! https://www.hrcartel.com/join-the-cartel Member Mention: www.surepower.com.au Follow our socials: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehrcartel/?viewAsMember=true Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hr_cartel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566832529478 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehrcartel

February 11, 202634 min

(093) Top 3 Threats That Will Blindside Employers in 2026

Tim Dive outlines the top risks Australian employers should prepare for in 2026, focusing on AI being used by employees in disputes and investigations, growing contractor and sham‑contracting exposure, and the rise in Fair Work claims and flexible working disputes. He offers practical advice on record‑keeping, when to settle versus fight, the high‑income opt‑out for contractors, and urges employers to seek experienced HR/IR support to manage compliance and reduce risk. Visit The HR Cartel www.hrcartel.com Join the Cartel! https://www.hrcartel.com/join-the-cartel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehrcartel/?viewAsMember=true Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hr_cartel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566832529478 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehrcartel

February 4, 202633 min

(092) Massive Shift in Leadership Style A Must in 2026 - Here's Why.

Host Tim Dive explains the shift that has occurred over the previous 4 years, and why Leadership styles must change to support small businesses dealing with individual-employee-centered issues, created by new regulations and positive duty obligations. He outlines five human elements leaders must consider, Physical, Psychological, Social, Philosophical and Capability, and offers practical advice on one-on-one leadership, flexible systems, and family-friendly workplaces. The episode also includes a member shout-out to Eden Retreat - check the links for more. Member Shout Out - Eden Retreat - www.eden.com.au Visit The HR Cartel www.hrcartel.com Join the Cartel! https://www.hrcartel.com/join-the-cartel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehrcartel/?viewAsMember=true Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hr_cartel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566832529478 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehrcartel

January 14, 202633 min

(091) 2026 HR Alert: The Fall of DEI, compliance, and political IR games

Tim makes 3 bold predictions for 2026; DEI will die, the ALP and Unions will continue their rampage on the IR framework to win back popularity, and HR Consultants will try to convince us all they’re leadership experts. The December 2025 tragedy has resulted in most of the nation finally admitting its government is lacking significant capability. The failures in the IR portfolio are becoming visible everywhere, and the ALP now has two years to win back support. What does this mean for workplaces, HR and IR? More change, upheaval and chaos, with a growing cohort of “HR Experts” that are finding themselves ill-equipped to assist employers handling the fall out. Follow us on our links to get updates and snippets of gold. Show notes: Gender Pay Gap Myth - Senate Enquiry Clip https://youtu.be/tQnUCY-b9U8?si=GJ5VpXo_487kiZfw Visit The HR Cartel www.hrcartel.com Join the Cartel! https://www.hrcartel.com/join-the-cartel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehrcartel/?viewAsMember=true Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hr_cartel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566832529478 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehrcartel

December 11, 20251 hr 1 min

(090) 2025 In Review & What to Expect in 2026

Episode 90 reviews the year and outlines major workplace risks ahead for employers, focusing on wage theft legislation, Fair Work Ombudsman actions, and mounting payroll compliance challenges. Tim discusses upcoming changes, Payday Super, the NES review (including potential reproductive leave and reduced work hours), the rise in compliance burdens, and how businesses may respond with redundancies, offshoring, and technology. Practical steps and cautionary examples are offered for small and medium businesses to prepare for investigations, undertakings, and the shifting relationship between unions, government and industry in 2026. Show links: Donations to the ALP: https://donation.watch/en/australia/party/ALP/donors Visit The HR Cartel www.hrcartel.com Join the Cartel! - https://www.hrcartel.com/join-the-cartel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehrcartel/?viewAsMember=true Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hr_cartel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566832529478