True Stories at Work: fresh from HR

Hosted by Michelle Aronson

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Latest episode

Oct 2025

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About the show

True Stories at Work is a podcast where we discuss the best things about working in Human Resources: the people, the stories and the things that happen at work that we didn’t even know about …workplace confessions!

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29 recent

October 20, 2025Episode 28

It’s Not Enough to Know, You Have to Grow: Kristen

In this episode of True Stories at Work, host Michelle Aronson sits down with Kristen, an attorney with a fascinating career path that began at a west coast startup. Kristen shares her journey through different work cultures—from startups to law firms—highlighting the challenges of creating a culture that aligns with personal values and the importance of self-awareness in leadership. She discusses her eye-opening experiences, including an outrageous comment from a managing partner comparing employees to toilet paper. Kristen also shares insights on the impact of poor workplace behavior, the importance of mental health, and the need for genuine leadership. Want to learn a bit more? Kristen shared some favorite books, which include: The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership, Between the Hour of Dog and Wolf, and Thinking Fast & Slow. She shared them because they are all about people at work – everyone always says that businesses should be making smart decisions, but humans are the ones running the businesses. These books remind us to bring humanity into the workplace… everyday. No workplace confessions to share, so consider sharing yours 🙂 00:00 It’s Not Enough to Know, You Have to Grow: Kristen 00:05 Introduction 01:55 True Stories at Work 25:30 Culture + Strategy Lab 26:01 Workplace Confession? 26:38 Haiku for Kristen Stories are what we remember and how we connect, so please share yours with me. Let’s talk about your people strategy Tell a story! Make a Workplace Confession Host: Michelle Aronson

July 1, 2025Episode 28

Love and Learning Curves in HR: Tracy

In this episode of True Stories at Work, host Michelle Aronson introduces Tracy, an HR executive who got her first HR job the good old fashioned way, nepotism… but absorbed everything and grew from that first big break. Tracy reflects on her early ‘black and white’ thinking and the pivotal moment she was forced to report to a coworker she couldn’t stand, only to discover a valuable mentor and friend. She shares her personal growth journey, echoing Taylor Swift’s advice to sometimes look in the mirror to find the problem. Tracy’s story also includes a romantic twist: meeting and marrying her husband at work, and how she navigated that tricky situation. The discussion includes navigating love and career, dealing with managerial missteps, and the stark challenges HR professionals face pre- and post-pandemic. Tune in for a blend of juicy, heartfelt, and insightful moments that reveal the true human side of HR. 00:00 Intro 01:27 Tracie’s Story 04:25 Stories at Work 27:46 Workplace Confessions Needed 28:45 Culture + Strategy Lab 29:21 Haiku for Tracie Resources Curious about love at work, here are some links to get started: 2024 Workplace Romance Research What Coworkers Really Think About Office Romances | Psychology Today How to Approach an Office Romance (and How Not To) Stories are what we remember and how we connect, so please share yours with me Tell a story! Make a Workplace Confession Ask a question+ make a suggestion Host: Michelle Aronson

March 8, 2025Episode 2734 min

Beyond the Resume: The Art of People and Potential: Brett

In this episode of ‘True Stories at Work,’ host Michelle Aronson chats with Brett, a seasoned HR professional who grew up in a family of headhunters. Brett shares her unique journey into the world of human resources, highlighting the lessons she learned from her father and her knack for finding hidden talent. She discusses her early career aspirations, the pivotal moments that led her into HR, and her innovative methods for sourcing hard-to-find candidates. Brett also opens up about personal experiences that have shaped her empathetic approach to leadership and recruiting. Through candid anecdotes and thoughtful insights, this episode offers a genuine look into the joy and challenges of working in HR. 00:00 Introduction 01:45 True Stories at Work 31:10 Workplace Confession 33:22 Culture + Strategy Lab 33:47 Haiku Resources Curious about Tikkun Olam + Chiron at work, here are some links to get started: What makes ‘Tikkun Olam’ Jewish? – Unpacked (jewishunpacked.com) What’s Chiron In Astrology? The Minor Planet Is Known As The “Wounded Healer” (bustle.com)   Stories are what we remember and how we connect, so please share yours with me! Let’s talk about your people strategy Tell a story! Make a Workplace Confession Ask a question+ make a suggestion   Haiku for Brett Brett knows, heart not head, is how we shine, because, well… it’s not about you.

December 15, 2024Episode 2627 min

From Dinner Taboos to HR Realities: Sex, Politics, and Tacos: Leah Part 2

Have you ever wondered about the hidden dramas lurking in office emails? In this ‘True Stories at Work’ episode, meet Leah, the former girls’ basketball coach turned legal sensei. Leah had so many great stories to share, that her stories cover two episodes. Episode one shared her experience working on employment challenges involving everything from bank heists to ‘mouse jigglers?’ This episode explores the wild world of e-discovery, revealing surprising tales of sexual misconduct (and preferences), tasteless pranks, and the complexities of addressing political tensions at work. This show covers the gamut of taboo dinner topics, which reinforces the importance of creating a culture of respect and professionalism at work. 00:00 Introduction 01:37 More of Leah’s Stories at Work 25:33 Workplace Confession 26:59 Culture + Strategy Lab 27:13 Haiku for Leah Curious about e-discovery + harassment training at work, here are some links to get started: The Overlooked Benefits of Workplace Harassment Prevention Check out this resource to learn more about E-discovery. Let’s talk about your culture + strategy Tell a story! Make a Workplace Confession Haiku for Leah. Leah spills the tea. Sex, politics, on the plate. Taboo topics served.

November 25, 2024Episode 2533 min

HR Secrets Revealed: Imperfect Humans at Work: Leah Part 1

In this episode of True Stories at Work, host Michelle Aronson introduces Leah, a management-side attorney with great insights and stories about the human side of work. Leah takes us through her journey from dreaming of being the boss to finding her path into employment law. We explore the imperfections of humans at every level of the workplace, including two executives caught in an intimate embrace after hours on a conference room table. We discuss some legal challenges of remote work (mouse jigglers, anyone?) and the evolving impact of AI on HR practices, while emphasizing the importance of keeping human connection at the heart of performance management. Don’t miss the workplace confession about a stairwell romance, brought to life by an AI voice. And stay tuned for the next episode where we discuss the off-limit dinner party trifecta of: sex, tech, and politics! 00:00 Introduction 02:33 Leah’s Story 10:34 Stories at Work 30:18 Workplace Confessions 32:32 Culture + Strategy Lab 32:47 Haiku for Leah A bit about Leah: Leah Stiegler is a principal and management-side employment lawyer at the Virginia-based law firm Woods Rogers. She stars in her own YouTube series, What’s the Tea in L&E, where she and a colleague tackle – with good humor and straightforward advice – topics that HR leaders really need to navigate. What is your favorite piece of leadership advice? Strive for servant leadership. A manager who is willing to put on flame-resistant overalls on the manufacturing floor is going to be one with fewer complaints against him. A few favorite HR resources: Bloomberg Law helps me in my practice, local SHRM chapters are always incredible for networking. Stories are what we remember and how we connect, so please share yours with me Let’s talk about your people strategy Tell a story! Make a Workplace Confession Host: Michelle Aronson

October 14, 2024Episode 2436 min

From Forensic Finance to HR Heights: People are What Truly Impact the Numbers: Jolene

Have you ever wondered about how your people and culture influence your business financials? In this True Stories at Work episode you get to meet Jolene who began in Financial Forensics on wall street to turning around companies through HR… using culture as her gateway drug into shaping companies for the better. You’ll hear how moving 33 times during the grades K-12 impacted her ability to connect quickly and build trust. Jolene shares her union negotiation tactics, call to action for leaders to be authentic, and how to solve HR problems by looking at them from a different angle. You will also learn how she used those connection skills during her union negotiations. We discuss the challenge of entitlement, catty behavior at work and how incredible it can be when you don’t do things the way you’ve always done them. And don’t miss the workplace confession, read in an AI voice, to hear some of the more subtle ways that culture drives financials by reducing theft or sabotage at work. Timeline 00:00 Introduction 02:19 Jolene’s Story 08:07 Stories at Work 30:27 Workplace Confession 36:15 Culture + Strategy Lab 36:30 Haiku for Jolene Resources Curious about the cost of culture on your company + the value of authenticity at work, here are some links to get started: Not Just Soft Skills: Corporate Culture as a Key Company Value Driver | Columbia Business School Managing Authenticity: The Paradox of Great Leadership (hbr.org) What is Authentic Leadership? (The Theory and Model) (youtube.com)   Stories are what we remember and how we connect, so please share yours with me Let’s talk about your people strategy Tell a story! Make a Workplace Confession Host: Michelle Aronson Editor: Bella Hutchins

September 11, 2024Episode 324 min

Bring Your Zing: The Art of Building a Strong Culture: Stella

In this episode of True Stories at Work, host Michelle Aronson sits down with Stella, an HR executive, who shares her journey from sales to Human Resources during the 2009 housing crisis. Stella opens up about the art of building a strong company culture, highlights the core values driving her employees, and reflects on her career journey across three different industries. Don’t miss the workplace confession to find out what happens when three people try to hide in the same closet—for very different reasons! 00:00 Introduction 03:12 Stella’s Story 09:12 Stories at Work 22:22 Workplace Confession: The Closet Incident 24:48 Culture + Strategy Lab 25:04 Haiku for Stella   Resources Curious about the importance of culture or where to begin building one, here are some links to get started: Corporate Culture In A New Era: Views From The C-suite (harvard.edu) Changing Company Culture Requires a Movement, Not a Mandate (hbr.org) Stella drops some wisdom: Stella’s favorite resources? Other HR professionals. Building a network of experts as a sounding board is essential—especially if they’re smarter than you! And don’t forget to offer support in return. Stella’s best friend, a labor & employment attorney, is a prime example of how handy these connections can be. Nurture your network so you’re always one connection away from the answer or advice you need. Stories are what we remember and how we connect, so please share yours with me Let’s talk about your people strategy Tell a story! Make a Workplace Confession Host: Michelle Aronson Editor: Bella Hutchins

July 30, 2024Episode 2240 min

From Smoothie Bar to HR Star: Luck, Timing and Hard Work: Norah

Have you ever considered how luck and timing impact your career? In this episode of True Stories at Work, meet Norah, who worked VERY hard but also showed up in the right place at the right time with the right skills. From her serendipitous encounter at a smoothie shop to landing her first formal HR role at a bank during the 2008 financial collapse – she shares the moments that changed her career. We also discuss the challenges of office romance, return-to-work strategies, and how assuming positive intent could transform your workplace. At the end, you’ll hear a workplace confession about the awkward moment when you accidentally send a text message complaining about a co-worker directly to that annoying co-worker, and how to recover if that ever happens to you. From Smoothie Bar to HR Star: Luck, Timing and Hard Work 00:00 Introduction 02:14 About Norah 14:58 Norah’s Stories 30:39 Workplace Confession 40:14 Culture + Strategy Lab 40:48 Haiku for Norah Resources Curious about finding or being a good mentor + how to apologize, here are some links to get started: What’s the Right Way to Find a Mentor? The best way to apologize (according to science) (youtube.com)   Stories are what we remember and how we connect, so please share yours with me Let’s talk about your people strategy Tell a story! Make a Workplace Confession   Host: Michelle Aronson Editor: Bella Hutchins

June 13, 2024Episode 2134 min

Accidentally HR: From Car Sales to the C-Suite: Keri-Lynne

In this episode of ‘True Stories at Work,’ Michelle Aronson interviews Keri-Lynne (KL), a seasoned HR professional who transitioned from sales and marketing to human resources by accident. KL shares her unique journey from selling cars to becoming a Chief People Officer, highlighting the importance of career ownership, empathy in leadership, and navigating challenges during the pandemic. She also discusses her experiences with global HR projects and the critical role of culture in organizations. The episode concludes with KL’s perspectives on career growth, a listener’s workplace confession, and advice for taking charge of one’s career.   Accidentally HR: From Car Sales to the C-Suite: Keri-Lynne 00:00 Introduction 02:39 About KL 12:34 Stories at Work 30:59 Workplace Confessions 34:16 Haiku for KL Haiku KL’s a baller. Wants you hustling for big dreams, you’re the shot caller.   Resources Curious about career development + having essential conversations at work, here are some links to get started: What’s Holding Back Your Career Development? (hbr.org) A Managers Guide to Having the Most Essential Conversations With Your Employees Wanna be a Baller – for your listening enjoyment 🙂 About our guest: Keri-Lynne Shaw is a Fractional Chief People Officer who started in the trenches and learning the hard way, KL has mastered the nuances of compensation dynamics and is dedicated to empowering people to recognize their market and negotiate with intent. Stories are what we remember and how we connect, so please share yours with me Let’s talk about your people strategy Tell a story! Make a Workplace Confession Host: Michelle Aronson Editor: Bella Hutchins

May 23, 2024Episode 1933 min

Rockstar to Recruiter: Living on the Talent Acquisition Treadmill: Travis

This episode of ‘True Stories at Work’ hosted by Michelle Aronson features a conversation with Travis, an experienced HR professional and Talent Acquisition leader. Travis shares his journey from aspiring to be in a rockstar to falling into Human Resources. Travis discusses the challenges, surprises, and emotional moments he has faced in his career. He reflects on a powerful moment with an executive coach that changed his outlook on leadership and his life. We discuss the importance of HR in business strategy, the value of coaching, and the need for companies to be transparent and aligned in their values and actions. 0:00 Rockstar to Recruiter: Living on the Talent Acquisition Treadmill: Travis 00:01 Introduction 02:05 Travis’ Story 11:36 Stories at Work 28:41 Workplace Confession 33:11 Haiku for Travis Resources Curious about the benefits of coaching + how to set yourself up for success in college and life, here are some links to get started: Leaders Need Professional Coaching Now More Than Ever (hbr.org) The Secret Syllabus – A Guide to the Unwritten Rules of College Success Stories are what we remember and how we connect, so please share yours with me Let’s talk about your people strategy Tell a story! Make a Workplace Confession Host: Michelle Aronson Editor: Bella Hutchins