The TroopHR Podcast

Hosted by Tracy Avin

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the TroopHR Podcast, where we bring you the best of HR and business thought-leadership in a casual coffee chat format. Our mission at TroopHR is to empower HR professionals to advance their careers, personal development and build better organizations. We promise fresh, actionable content from master practitioners, industry leaders, translating their seasoned experience into practical advice. Join us for insights, strategies and tactical take-aways to drive the HR profession forward. The TroopHR Podcast will help guide you to discover the keys to success to overcome HR challenges, and make a meaningful impact as a People Leader.

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60 recent

August 25, 202621 min

Ep. 63. What Leaders Get Wrong About Conflict: The Underlying Problem of Performance Issues with Deepa Pulipati

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Host Taylor Bradley welcomes Deepa Pulipati, Executive Advisor, Conflict & Change Management, Tula Advisory. Deepa spent years as a licensed marriage and family therapist mediating child custody disputes in San Francisco Superior Court before moving into executive coaching. She defines coaching as creating the conditions for people to solve their own problems, and she is direct with leaders about it. She holds the container, they do the work. Taylor and Deepa get into conflict competency, why most performance and culture problems are conflict problems in disguise, and the process she runs when two leaders cannot work together. She walks through what those sessions look like and the three outcomes she sees, including the one where someone leaves and both sides are better for it. They also cover why HR teams struggle to mediate internally, and how governance and process can quietly undercut psychological safety. Mentioned in the Episode: • Tula Advisory – www.tulacoach.com For more information about joining our community, upcoming events, and additional resources, please visit troophr.com. Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

August 11, 2026Episode 6017 min

Ep. 62. Arrive, Drive, Thrive: Josh Saterman on Building High-Performing Organizations

What separates great leaders from great titles—and how can organizations develop leadership at every level? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley welcomes back Josh Saterman, CEO of Saterman Connect and co-author of Arrive, Drive, Thrive . Josh shares the leadership framework behind the book, exploring how professionals evolve from emerging leaders to senior leaders while learning to manage, navigate, and ultimately lead through change. Along the way, he discusses the importance of developing talent with—not at—your teams, the power of common language, and why leadership exists far beyond organizational charts. The conversation also dives into practical leadership development strategies, including Josh’s Five T’s model, the role of trust and healthy communication in organizational effectiveness, and how leaders can balance artificial intelligence with human intelligence. From Patrick Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions of a Team to the growing need for curiosity, collaboration, and clear decision-making, this episode offers actionable insights for HR leaders and executives looking to build resilient, high-performing cultures. Mentioned in the Episode: • Arrive, Drive, Thrive by Joshua Saterman, Gerald Hutchinson, and Nettie Nitzberg • Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team • Saterman Connect – satermanconnect.com For more information about joining our community, upcoming events, and additional resources, please visit troophr.com. Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

July 28, 2026Episode 6120 min

Ep. 61. Unlocking People Power: Jasmine Moseley Beal on Organizational Alignment and Change Management

Why do so many transformation efforts fail and what role does organizational structure play in determining success? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Jasmine Moseley Beal, Founder of Virtue Key, to explore how misaligned organizational structures create barriers to execution, performance, and growth. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience, Jasmine explains why organizational alignment is ultimately about interconnectivity, and how involving the right people early can dramatically improve change adoption and business outcomes. The conversation covers common causes of failed transformation initiatives, including AI implementations that lack employee buy-in, ineffective goal-setting processes, and the dangers of operating in silos. Jasmine shares practical insights on simplifying performance management, creating inclusive change strategies, and why CHROs must speak the language of business and finance to drive meaningful impact. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies for unlocking “people power” and positioning HR as a catalyst for organizational growth and agility. To learn more about Jasmine Moseley Beal and Virtue Key, visit virtuekey.com or connect with her on LinkedIn. For more information about joining our community and upcoming events, please visit troophr.com. Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

July 14, 2026Episode 6218 min

Ep. 60. From Accidental CEO to Building Resilient Teams with Thach Nguyen, Founder & CEO of Plenty

What does it really take to transition from HR leader to founder—and how do you build a culture that can withstand the pressures of growth? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Thach Nguyen, Founder and CEO of Plenty Search, to explore the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating resilient organizations. Drawing on experiences from hypergrowth companies like Airbnb and Sword, Thach shares how an unexpected consulting practice evolved into a thriving business, the imposter syndrome that accompanied becoming an "accidental CEO," and why strong relationships are often the foundation of entrepreneurial success. The conversation dives into practical advice for HR leaders and founders alike, including how to communicate effectively with entrepreneurs, why business metrics matter more than HR jargon, and the importance of building cultures grounded in accountability and humanity. Thach also opens up about the public nature of failure, the role of emotional regulation and therapy in leadership, and how prioritizing people has helped Plenty maintain a culture with no regrettable attrition. Whether you're considering entrepreneurship, partnering with founders, or looking to strengthen your organization's culture, this episode offers valuable insights on leading with authenticity and building teams that thrive. If you would like to learn more about joining our community and upcoming events, please visit troophr.com . Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

June 23, 2026Episode 5821 min

Episode 59: Rethinking Workplace Performance with Melissa NG Goldner CEO of Malu Journey

What if the way we measure employee engagement and workplace performance is completely outdated? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Melissa Ng Goldner, Founder and CEO of Malu Journey and Head of Strategy and Research at Coqual, for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of work, employee sustainment, and why “work-life balance” may be one of the most misleading phrases in HR today. Melissa challenges traditional HR metrics like engagement surveys and compliance-driven performance measures, arguing that organizations should instead focus on psychological safety, capacity, recovery, and long-term employee sustainability. Together, they explore the hidden impact of layoffs and organizational change, the growing fear of irrelevance in the age of AI, and why leaders must learn to support the whole human—not just the employee ID number. Melissa also shares insights from her Stanford-backed research on employee sustainment, introduces the “Fit to Thrive Index,” and offers practical frameworks for HR leaders looking to build resilient, high-performing teams in today’s rapidly evolving workplace. If you would like to learn more about joining our community and upcoming events, please visit troophr.com. Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

June 9, 2026Episode 5720 min

Ep. 58 Neurodiversity at Work with Racheal Pallares Founder of Neurodiversity Training Institute

What if the key to building stronger, more innovative teams starts with removing the “boxes” we place people in? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with neurodiversity advocate and founder of the Neurodiversity Training Institute, Racheal Pallares, to explore how organizations can create workplaces where different ways of thinking are not just accommodated—but celebrated. Racheal shares her journey from psychology and recruiting into becoming a leading voice in workplace neurodiversity, including the powerful story of how a simple hiring shift transformed a high-turnover mortgage auditing team into a thriving, engaged workforce. Together, Taylor and Racheal unpack common misconceptions about ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent experiences, while offering practical guidance for HR leaders, managers, and teams on building inclusive systems through universal design. From reducing cognitive load to rethinking accommodations and leadership practices, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for creating healthier workplace ecosystems where every employee can thrive. To learn more about Racheal Pallares and the Neurodiversity Training Institute, connect with her on LinkedIn or visit her website. For more information about the TroopHR community, upcoming events, and resources, visit troophr.com. Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

May 26, 2026Episode 5421 min

Ep. 57 From IT to CPO: Building a People-First Culture That Scales with Paul Yater

What does it take to build a culture so strong it drives a $7B business and why might the best HR leaders come from outside HR? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Paul Yater, Chief People Officer at 84 Lumber, to explore how culture truly becomes a company’s competitive advantage. Paul shares his unconventional journey from IT to HR and how his deep understanding of the business helped him reshape recruiting, onboarding, and employee development at scale. From “Lumber Camp” training to AI-powered recruiting and a relentless focus on listening to frontline employees, Paul offers a practical blueprint for building a people-first organization that promotes from within and delivers real career mobility. If you’re an HR leader or operator looking to strengthen culture, modernize talent strategies, or better align people operations with business outcomes, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and visit troophr.com to learn more about our community and upcoming events. Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley

May 12, 2026Episode 569 min

Ep 56. The Jumping Cactus: Reflections from the 2026 TroopHR Retreat

What happens when HR leaders step away from the noise of their roles and into a space designed for real connection, reflection, and growth? In this special TroopHR episode, host Taylor Bradley reflects on his experience at the 2026 TroopHR Retreat in Arizona, sharing a personal perspective on the power of community in HR. From unexpected moments of connection and vulnerability to insights on professional growth, intentional space, and the human side of leadership, Taylor captures what makes the TroopHR community so impactful. Through stories of hallway conversations, inspiring sessions, and even a few unforgettable moments from "jumping cacti" to stargazing, this episode highlights how creating space for HR leaders to simply “be” can lead to meaningful renewal, perspective, and lasting relationships. If you’re an HR leader looking for authentic community, fresh perspective, and space to recharge, this episode is for you. Be sure to follow the podcast, share it with your network, and learn more about upcoming TroopHR events at troophr.com.

April 21, 2026Episode 5522 min

Ep 55. Leading Through AI: How Jalie Cohen is Redefining Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of Automation

How can leaders embrace AI without losing the human edge and what does it really take to bring teams along for the journey? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Jalie Cohen, CHRO at Radiology Partners, to explore the evolving intersection of AI, leadership, and human capability. Jalie shares how Radiology Partners is leveraging AI to augment—not replace—radiologists, addressing workforce shortages while improving patient care. The conversation dives into the real challenge of AI adoption,human change management, along with practical insights on self-education, multigenerational communication, and how leaders can use AI to enhance decision-making, efficiency, and strategic thinking. If you’re navigating AI in your organization or looking to future-proof your leadership approach, this episode offers a grounded, real-world perspective you won’t want to miss. For more insights, resources, and upcoming TroopHR events, visit troophr.com and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast. Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

April 7, 20268 min

Ep 54. Frances Perkins: The Architect of the Modern American Workplace

Before the weekend existed as we know it, before child labor laws, before Social Security — there was Frances Perkins standing on a sidewalk in Greenwich Village watching history burn. On March 25, 1911, Perkins witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire firsthand — 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women, killed in minutes because factory doors were locked from the outside. That moment didn't just move her. It changed the trajectory of American labor history. In this mini-sode, host Taylor Bradley traces the remarkable life of Frances Perkins — from social worker to the first woman ever appointed to a U.S. presidential cabinet. When FDR asked her to serve as Secretary of Labor in 1933, she didn't just say yes. She walked into the room with a list of demands: a 40-hour workweek, a minimum wage, unemployment insurance, a ban on child labor, and Social Security. Over her 12 years in office — the longest tenure of any Labor Secretary in history — she turned that list into law. Every Friday afternoon when you shut down your laptop and head into the weekend, you're living inside the world Frances Perkins built. What you'll hear in this episode: The story of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and why it was a turning point in American labor How Perkins leveraged her expertise to become the architect of the New Deal's worker protections The landmark legislation she championed: the Fair Labor Standards Act (1938) and the Social Security Act (1935) Why her legacy is the foundation of the modern American workplace Key Takeaway: Leadership isn't about being the loudest voice. It's about the clearest vision and the most persistent heart. For more information about joining our community and upcoming events like the TroopHR Retreat, please visit troophr.com . Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should consult their own legal counsel or qualified legal professional for advice regarding their specific situation. Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley