What The HR!

Hosted by TCSHRM -Twin Cities Society for Human Resources Management

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

What the HR! is an award-winning podcast. Presented by TCSHRM and hosted by Becky Lauseng, Jay Olson, and Lena Scullard. The podcast provides insights, strategies, and anecdotes that explore how to build better businesses through modern people practices and approaches. Topics covered include Organizational Development, Employee Engagement, Listening Strategies, Succession Planning, Performance Management, Company Culture, Transformation, Talent, and Leadership. INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.

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June 3, 2026Episode 18651 min

Episode 120: A Case for Mental Health First Aid

Nicole is the Director of Human Resources at Bauer Design Build, where she leads people strategy with a focus on building people-first workplaces that align culture with business growth. Her work sits at the intersection of culture, operational reality, and mental health, creating environments where people feel seen, supported, and safe to speak up. With experience in highly structured industries and a pivot into construction, she brings a practical, real-world perspective on what actually builds trust in tough, traditional environments, and why presence matters more than programs. Nicole is also a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and passionate mental health advocate who has trained over 40% of her organization in recognizing, responding to, and supporting coworkers in distress. She believes mental health belongs not just in benefits conversations, but as a leadership and operational priority that directly impacts culture, retention, and employee well-being. Beyond HR, Nicole is a proud mom of two (who may or may not cringe at her cheering from the sidelines), the wife of a first responder, a lover of books, sparkles, pastries, and coffee. Guest: Nicole Van Heel | Director of Human Resources for Bauer Design Build Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-van-heel/ Contact info: Email: nicoleboerbon@gmail.com Host: Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

May 21, 2026Episode 1171 hr 0 min

Episode 119: Slaying the Myths of Success

Scott Mason—The Myth Slayer—is a 2x TEDx speaker, executive coach, attorney, author, and former senior New York City government and nonprofit executive. A graduate of Columbia Law School, Scott spent more than two decades leading complex, high-impact initiatives across government, legal, nonprofit, and mission-driven organizations. This included serving as second-in-command of New York City’s central administrative court and as General Counsel and head of operations for the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelters. Today, Scott translates Greek myths into practical leadership tools that help professionals name hidden patterns, lead with greater courage, and build stronger, healthier organizations. He has spoken for SHRM chapters, bar associations, nonprofits, leadership summits, and professional audiences across the country. Guest: Scott Mason: The Myth Slayer | Executive Coach for Next Chapter Leaders | 2x TEDx Speaker | Name Your Toxic Myth — Then Write a Hero Story | I Want Your Future to Be EPIC Website: https://www.MyFreedomRocks.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themythslayer/ Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

April 22, 2026Episode 11749 min

Episode 118: From Performance to Purpose: What Alignment Really Means

Laura King has had over 30,000 career conversations across two decades as an executive recruiter. She's sat with leaders at every level: the ones hitting their stride, the ones grinding without traction, and the ones doing everything right on paper and still falling short. She learned that the gap between potential and performance almost always comes down to the system around people, not the people themselves. Every transformation — especially now, with AI reshaping how work gets done — has to pass through the human layer. How people make decisions. How they take ownership. How they work together under pressure. Most organizations want to make that transition. They just haven't been given the tools to redesign it. That insight is the foundation of UNLOK. As Co-Founder & CEO, Laura translates what she observed in 30,000 conversations into a working methodology that diagnoses the operating environment and gives organizations a path forward. She's done listening. Now she's unlocking what organizations are actually capable of. Guest: Laura King: Executive Recruiter | Author & Speaker https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraking1/ Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

April 8, 2026Episode 1171 hr 9 min

Episode 117: The Human Advantage: Leading Through Wellbeing

Nikki Peters is the Founder and CEO of Studio 9 to 5, a national workplace wellness company transforming how organizations support employee health, energy, and performance. With 20 years of experience in the corporate wellness sector, Studio 9 to 5 has partnered with companies across healthcare, government, finance, and commercial real estate to deliver programs that improve engagement, resilience, and workplace culture. Guest: Nikki Peters: Founder & CEO of Studio 9 to 5 Wellness https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkipeters/ Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

March 11, 2026Episode 1841 hr 3 min

Episode 116: Bringing Emotional Intelligence to Every Conversation – Even in an AI World

Amy Jacobson is an EI and human behaviour specialist, delivering emotional intelligence programs, keynotes & workshops across Australia internationally. She is a twice Wiley-published author of 'Emotional Intelligence: A simple and actionable guide to increasing performance, engagement and ownership', and the new book ‘The Emotional Intelligence Advantage: Mastering change and difficult conversations’. Amy is a sought-after media commentator whose mission is to break down misconceptions around E.I., help people to increase their emotional intelligence and create purpose-driven teams who get results! Guest: Amy Jacobson: Emotional Intelligence Specialist https://www.linkedin.com/company/finding-your-y/about/ Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

February 25, 2026Episode 18254 min

Episode 115: Nobody Likes a Bad Manager - Not Even Your Money

Jeffery Robinson is the Senior Program Director at Build Wealth MN, where he leads financial education, coaching, workforce development, and housing counseling programs that help families build stability and generational wealth. His work is rooted in his personal mantra: “Because Somebody Did It for Me.” A graduate of the University of Minnesota–Morris, Jeffery co-founded Imani, a student organization supporting Black men on a predominantly white campus. Before joining Build Wealth, he spent over 20 years as a Senior Quality Control Mortgage Underwriter, evaluating mortgage-backed securities across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and abroad, experience that gave him a deep understanding of the financial barriers families face. Jeffery first came to Build Wealth as a client seeking support for his own family. Inspired by the transformation he experienced, he became a volunteer, contractor, coach, and ultimately Senior Program Director, now helping thousands move toward financial stability. When he’s not meeting with clients or strengthening programs, you’ll find Jeffery running the trails of Minneapolis and St. Paul, training for his next marathon, both in life and on the pavement. Eric Howell is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, workforce strategist, and innovator with over 15 years of experience advancing economic empowerment and career mobility across diverse communities. As the Senior Innovation & Expansion Director at Build Wealth MN, he oversees the flagship Pathways to Increase Employment & Earnings Potential (PEEP) workforce program and has been instrumental in taking Build Wealth’s Financial Stabilization Program Online curriculum to national scale. Eric leads statewide and national strategies that integrate workforce development, financial wellness, and technology—strengthening talent pipelines and expanding opportunities for individuals and families. Prior to this role, he served as Director of Workforce, Wealth, and Housing Solutions, and Operations at the Urban League Twin Cities, and he is the founder of the Urban Tech Institute, a virtual IT training school supporting learners of African descent. A dynamic national and international speaker and professional actor, Eric engages audiences with powerful insights on leadership, innovation, motivation, and community transformation. Passionate about creating sustainable pathways to success, he champions collaborative solutions that uplift families, strengthen organizations, and drive measurable, lasting change. Guests: Jeffery Robinson | Senior Program Director https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-robinson-905643206/ Eric Howell | Innovation and Development Strategist | Career and Organizational Management Consultant | Public Speaker & Facilitator | Educator https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericchowell/ Host: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

February 12, 2026Episode 1801 hr 5 min

Episode 114: Human-Centered Hiring in an AI World

Paul DeBettignies, better known online as Minnesota Headhunter, is a Minnesota IT Recruiter who builds IT teams with startups and tech companies, creates recruiting strategies for Fortune 500 clients, author of the Minnesota Headhunter blog, the longest running regional recruiter blog and an Advisor to ToggleGreen. He is a frequent local and national speaker, trainer and subject matter expert on recruiter, HR, career, networking and social media topics. Recent activities include presentations at Twin Cities Startup Week, Google for Entrepreneurs, Michigan Recruiters Conference, University of Minnesota, CHS, MinneBar and ERE and interviews with NPR, WCCO AM (CBS) Radio & TV, KSTP TV (ABC), MSP Business Journal, Minneapolis StarTribune and Dice.com Paul is involved in the Minneapolis and St Paul technology, marketing and social media communities as a sponsor, volunteer and mentor and is the founder of Midwest Recruiting Bootcamp. Guest: Paul DeBettignies | Senior Talent Strategist & Advisor | Speaker | MN tech Scene Advocate | https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnheadhunter/ Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

January 28, 2026Episode 17849 min

Episode 113: Finding the Courage to Speak Up, Stand Out, and Shine

A 6-time award-winning keynote speaker Meredith Breitstein tours the world encouraging leaders to step into their destiny, walk through fear, and SHINE by finding their courage. She specializes in helping teams, and her audiences speak up, stand out, and command a room with their presence. After coaching thousands of leaders she has learned there are 5 steps all of us can take to level UP and start right away. In her most requested Keynote Meredith teaches her 5-step framework to reveal how all teams and leaders can S. H. I. N. E. In Meredith's TEDx talk "Don't waste a minute, shine RIGHT NOW" she inspires her audiences to take fast, committed action to show up powerfully so they can SHINE after adversity. She is frequently hired as a Motivational Speaker, Emcee, and a Leadership Trainer for organizations to help leaders and teams standout and SHINE. She loves teaching clients how to level up their courage to power up their presence and be SEEN! Guest: Meredith Breitstein | Motivational Keynote Speaker, Master Leadership Trainer, TV Talk Show Host | https://www.linkedin.com/in/themeredithshow/ Contact info: o Email: Meredith@TheMeredithShow.com Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

January 15, 2026Episode 1761 hr 10 min

Episode 112: The Habits of Future-Ready Leaders: Talent, AI, and What Actually Matters

Rick Rittmaster is a Leadership and Talent Development expert who leads the Leadership Solutions practice at Strategic Talent Partners and is a Co-Founder at Groveland Leadership. With over a decade of experience partnering with CEOs and senior executives, he helps organizations enhance leadership capability and drive sustainable growth. Rick is known for his unique ability to make complex leadership strategies attainable and actionable. He designs practical solutions that not only address the root causes of leadership challenges but also resonate across organizations, bringing leadership development to broader audiences. He holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and has spent more than 10 years in Talent Management roles with companies including UnitedHealth, MTS Systems, and Starkey Hearing Technologies. Rick regularly presents at national leadership conferences, webinars, and industry panels, sharing insights on leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and talent strategy. Guest: Rick Rittmaster | Leadership & Talent Development Expert at Strategic Talent Partners, and Co-Founder at Groveland Leadership | linkedin.com/in/richardrittmaster Contact info: o Email: rrittmaster@strategictalentpartners.com Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

December 3, 2025Episode 17452 min

Episode 111: Unlocking Human Potential: Neuroscience, Coaching, and AI for Better Leaders

Heather Polivka helps leaders create workplaces where people thrive, great talent stays, and businesses grow. Whether clients are responding to a changing talent market, fueling high growth, or navigating accelerated change, Heather guides leaders to cultivate a way of working that fuels their business and empowers their people. She has been doing that for more than two decades at companies of all sizes. Her journey includes leadership roles at major brands such as Target—where she spent a decade in product management and development—and the Lenox Group, where she served as Managing Director of Product Marketing, honing her expertise in consumer behavior and brand strategy. Guest: Heather Polivka | Founder & CEO of Awesome People Leaders | https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherpolivka/ Contact info: o Email: heatherp@awesomepeopleleaders.com o Schedule Time with me at: https://meetings.hubspot.com/heatherpapl/meetings o LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherpolivka/ o Our website: https://www.awesomepeopleleaders.com/ Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.