• The Business Case for Supporting Care Givers in the Workplace
    Jun 20 2024

    With the prevailing mentality that workers should “leave life at the door”, it’s no wonder that the struggle to balance the demands of family and career has only gotten more difficult. This is especially true for employees who care for others such as children, elderly parents, and family members at home who are sick or have disabilities. According to the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), Caregivers are the fastest-growing workplace identity group, making up 73% of the workforce. Employer support of this population will be crucial to remain competitive in attracting, engaging and retaining top talent.

    In this final episode of season 2 of "HR Fresh Take", we’ll talk with TC Riley, Senior Director of Data & Analytics at Cariloop; a digital platform that helps families manage their loved one's care needs by connecting them to an employer-sponsored caregiver support platform. Also joining the conversation is Philly SHRM Chapter President Catherine Priem who’s passion for employer support of caregivers in the workforce is the catalyst for this topic. Your host for this episode is podcast producer, Theresa Velykis.

    More about TC
    TC Riley has held various data leadership roles throughout his career and worked in the financial compliance and marketing industries before joining Cariloop. The burden of caregiving costs employers both in productivity and talent. Cariloop delivers caregiver support benefits designed to support caregivers, equipping HR leaders to nurture a more effective and loyal workforce. At Cariloop, TC and his team handle all applicable internal and external (client) reporting but specialize in Value Engineering and identifying the true financial impact of providing an employee population caregiving support benefits.

    Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, phillyshrm.org

    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • Special Episode - Politics and HR
    Apr 30 2024

    Political factors can have a significant impact on how HR manages an organization’s culture, talent, and other areas. Politically motivated trends either brought upon by the C-Suite or employees can leave HR in a precarious position to manage expectations of organizational change in relation to these movements.

    In this episode, recorded during the 2024 Philadelphia SHRM Symposium, our podcast hosts got the perspective from 12 of our nationally and locally recognized speakers on the issue of HR and Politics. We asked our guests what HR professionals need to be prepared for the external political influences and movements that may potentially lead to disruption within their organizations.
    Sharing hosting duties are cohosts and producers of HR Fresh Take: Dr. Jo Vazquez; Kaela Blanks; Brisilda Doma; Ed Rogers; Kena Sears; Theresa Velykis, and Ragine Williams. They will be asking questions of our guests on this provocative topic.

    Please Note: You can listen to all of our speakers or to your favorite one. The choice is yours. You can either scroll to the specific speaker's timestamps or (if your podcast platform supports it) or go to the "Chapters" tab or section and choose.

    1:38
    Gary Dumais, Psy.D., SPHR is a Business Psychologist & Human Resource Consultant at Select Human Resources. He talks with podcast Executive Producer, Dr. Jo Vazquez
    9:31
    Andy Sholly, Chief People Officer at National Fitness Partners. National Fitness Partners is one of largest and most successful Planet Fitness Franchisees.
    17:22
    Bethany Adams Associate Director, Marketing & Strategy, Villanova University. She talks with our podcast co-host, Kaela Blanks.
    25:51
    Kelly Jones, Philly SHRM Symposium Chair and Moderator of the CHRO panel. He talks with our podcast producer, Ragine Williams
    32:16
    Sulaiman W. Rahman who is the CEO of DiverseForce, a company specializing in inclusive human capital solutions. He talks with our podcast producer Theresa Velykis.
    40:19
    Joyel Crawford, an award winning Certified Professional Career Coach, Certified Virtual Presenter, TEDx Speaker, and Leadership Development Consultant at Crawford Leadership Strategies. She talks with Director of Symposium programming, Ed Rogers
    48:17
    Scott J Prendergast, a Keynote Speaker and Mental Health Advocate based in Philadelphia, PA and owner of Scotty P Inspiration LLC. He is also the author of “From Rock Bottom To Rock Solid: Learning To Navigate Life Through The Lens Of Hope".
    53:46
    Lauren Williams, CEO of Workplace Harmony, a dynamic group of HR experts (think Avengers) that helps women -owned and minority small businesses thrive with leading high performing teams and building better workplaces.
    1:01:48
    Kendra Davis-Roberts is Owner & Principal Analyst, KDR Analytics Her expertise spans across People Analytics, HRIS, Recruiting, HR operations, and Program Management.
    1:08:39
    Dr. Michael Brenner is founder and CEO of Right Chord Leadership. He collaborates with leaders and teams at all levels to strengthen the essential skills needed for peak performance. He talks with podcast producer, Kena Sears.
    1:16:44
    Michael S. Cohen, a partner in Duane Morris’ Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group. Michael concentrates his practice in the areas of employment law training and counseling.
    1:25:39
    Naomi Barrett, the Director of Global Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at EisnerAmper, a global Accounting and Advisory firm.
    1:34:23
    Philly SHRM President Catherine Preim. She is a Senior Business Partner with Baker Tilly US, a leading advisory CPA firm. She talks with podcast producer Brisilda Doma.

    Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, phillyshrm.org

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Apprenticeships: A Talent Strategy for HR
    Mar 5 2024

    There’s a significant gap between the skills of today’s workers and the complex skill sets needed for the future of work. A recent report by Korn Ferry states that by 2030, more than 85 million jobs could be unfilled because there aren’t enough skilled people to take them.
    Often thought of as a staple of trade careers, apprenticeship programs are becoming a tangible solution for companies searching for new talent.

    In this episode, hosted by Kena Sears, Producer of HR Fresh Take and Board Member of Philly SHRM, we’ll talk with Haniyyah Sharpe-Brown, Local Market Lead at Accenture and Apprentice Champion in the Philadelphia Apprenticeship Network and Jessica Randall, Apprenticeship Program Manager at Drexel University. We will explore the “learn and earn” apprenticeship model as well as discuss best practices on how you can develop a program in your organizations.

    More about our guests...

    Haniyyah is an award-winning communications strategist and public relations professional. She is a creative thinker and innovative in her approach to create collaborative opportunities for others and most importantly, can motivate people around her to turn their ideas into reality. A graduate of Temple University with a B.A. in Journalism, Mrs. Sharpe-Brown brings over 10 years of extensive experience (locally, regionally and nationally) in the communications field with special focus on public relations, social media, community relations and strategic planning. Her experience in diverse communication disciplines includes national, local and state politics; education within prisons; diversified opportunities for black journalists and women in media; and support for adult learners and non-traditional students. A strong advocate of community empowerment, Mrs. Sharpe-Brown works tirelessly to serve communities through volunteer service and diligently contributes to the efforts of socially conscious young entrepreneurs in Philadelphia. Haniyyah serves as Market Development Lead Philadelphia for Accenture and is an Apprentice Champion at Philadelphia Apprenticeship Network

    Jessica started her career at a Delaware based community college where her interest in supporting non-traditional students was sparked. She later began working at NYC’s, The Door: A Center of Alternatives leading a team forming career pathways for system involved youth entering medical, IT and construction fields. Her current work in Drexel University’s registered apprenticeship program is providing new career pathways for Cybersecurity and Medical Assistants via apprenticeship models.


    Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, phillyshrm.org

    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • The Black HR Experience
    Feb 9 2024

    What does it mean for HR leaders to bring their whole self to work when their identities are not the majority?
    Being an HR leader is already challenging, but being the only one who looks like you only amplifies those challenges.

    On this episode of HR Fresh Take, we’re revisiting the conversation from our June 2023 event “The Black HR Experience”, hosted by Philly SHRM and the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR),

    We’ll dive into the Black experience and how that intersects with leadership roles within Human Resources and the organizations at large. We'll also discuss other areas such as allyship, psychological safety, and retaining Black talent.

    We’re joined by Orien Barnes, VP of Organizational Development and Effectiveness at CHOP, Alain Doroseau, VP of Client Services at CCI Consulting, and Dr. Tanya O’Neill, Director of Organizational Development at Temple University Health System & Philly SHRM Board member.

    Leading the discussion is Co-host and Producer of HR Fresh Take, Kaela Blanks.

    More about Orien….

    Orien Barnes serves as Vice President of Organizational Effectiveness and Development, at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Orien is responsible for enterprise-wide vision, strategy, development, and communication of best-in-class practices to address organizational effectiveness, leadership development, learning and employee experience.

    Prior to joining CHOP, Orien spent 18 years at AmeriHealth Caritas in positions of increasing responsibility. Her last role at AmeriHealth was Vice President, HR Learning, Talent Management & Organizational Development, where she was responsible for developing the strategy and overseeing the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that enhance organizational performance, facilitate professional development, and build strategically necessary capabilities and competencies.

    Orien holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Science from Spelman College and a master’s degree in Adult Training and Organizational Psychology from St. Joseph’s University. She believes it is an honor to serve the employees, patients, and families of CHOP. One of her favorite quotes from Robert Greenleaf captures her leadership approach – “The servant-leader is servant first…it begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first.”

    While Orien has served in many roles in her career, her most important role is mom to her daughters, Madison and Jordyn.

    More about Alain….

    As Vice President, Client Services, Alain builds and maintains business relationships with leading HR executives in the Greater Philadelphia region. He has deep expertise in HR services and strategies and helps clients implement human capital management solutions that drive business performance.

    Prior to joining CCI Consulting, Alain worked for Insperity, a professional employer organization, where he provided human capital solutions and Fortune 500 HR tools to small and midsize business owners. A significant portion of his time was spent providing methods to C-suite executives so they could mitigate owner liability and risk. Additionally, Alain designed and launched successful proposals focused on retaining high potential talent and enhancing team effectiveness. He also created and delivered training and change management programs across functional areas.

    Known for his dynamic professional style and creative approach to working with clients, Alain thrives on helping businesses provide the healthiest and most bountiful workplace environment. He strives to unlock an organization’s potential through analyzing data, identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), and, most importantly,

    Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, phillyshrm.org

    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • The Ethical Dimensions of AI in HR
    Jan 9 2024

    Within the last decade, there has been a rapid expansion in the availability of and interest in artificial intelligence-based tools to perform HR tasks such as hiring, training, benefits, or employee engagement.
    However, the use of AI in HR raises concerns given AI’s potential for problems in areas such as data privacy and bias. These concerns are further amplified in the HR context where decisions can have significant impacts on people’s lives.
    In this episode, we’ll talk with Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos, an HR Technology and Management company and host of the podcast, HR Bytes.
    We’ll discuss the risks and ethical considerations of using AI tools in HR as well as ways to mitigate challenges so that organizations are able to implement this technology in an effective and responsible way.

    More about Jay…

    Jay Polaki has spent the last two decades in several leadership positions across industries, as a business partner, executive human resources consultant, and human resources director. Throughout her career, Jay has impacted how some of the most important HR functions are defined and executed. At HR Geckos, Jay continues to create, fuel, and encourage next-gen ideas, practices, and tools on Human Resources Technology, Leadership Development, Talent, and Compensation Strategies. Jay holds the Senior Human Resources Professional (SPHR) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications. She attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUe), graduating with a master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Jay is an official contributing member of the Forbes Human Resources Council and engages global audiences with stories that have defined her work and career in the field of Human Resources over the past two decades.

    Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, phillyshrm.org

    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • The "December Dilemma"
    Nov 28 2023

    The proverbial saying around the holidays is that "it's the most wonderful time of the year!" But for HR professionals, it can be a time of stress in the workplace. Every December, HR is faced with the difficult task of adequately acknowledging the various religious and secular holiday traditions within an organization.

    In this episode, we'll talk with Nina Boe, Senior Workplace Program Associate at Tanenbaum*. We'll discuss the dilemmas organizations face when trying to accommodate different beliefs during the holiday season as well as all year round.
    Leading the discussion is Producer and Co-host of HR Fresh Take, Kaela Blanks. Also joining in is Executive Producer, Dr. Jo Vazquez.

    More about Tanenbaum...

    Tanenbaum is a secular and non-sectarian non-profit that promotes justice and builds respect for religious difference by transforming individuals and institutions to reduce prejudice, hatred, and violence.

    More about Nina Boe...

    Nina Boe (she/her/hers) is a Senior Workplace Program Associate at the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding. Prior to this role, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in North Macedonia working with Romani non-profit organizations. Nina earned her Master of Public Administration and BAs in Political Science and East European Studies from the University of Washington. Her academic, professional, and personal areas of interest have long included linguistic, cultural, and religious diversity across the world. In her spare time, Nina enjoys learning new languages and exploring New York City.

    Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, phillyshrm.org

    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • Special Episode - An HR Halloween
    Oct 24 2023

    Halloween is around the corner. It's time for spooky stories, tricks and treats. But for HR professionals, scary stories from the workplace happen all year round.

    It makes us wonder with all the laws, rules, and regulations in place, why are businesses and the people in them still making head-scratching, face-palmed decisions that could potentially get them into a house of horrors of litigation.

    In this episode of HR Fresh Take, we share a few horror stories submitted by the HR community in the Philadelphia area. The names were changed to protect the innocent AND the guilty. We'll also have a little fun talking about the stories and share some insight.

    So grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the show!

    Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, phillyshrm.org

    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • Leadership Development Trends in the Next Decade
    Oct 3 2023

    How are companies developing leaders in today’s fast paced business world?

    Consider these statistics:

    While 83% of organizations believe it’s important to develop leaders at every level of the company, only 5% of businesses have implemented leadership development at all levels. In addition, only 48% of employees view their company’s leadership as “high quality.” and 79% of employees will quit due to a lack of appreciation.

    As a follow-up to our Spring 2023 Premier Signature event, “10 Trends for Leadership Development in The Next Decade”, we’re inviting back the event’s speaker, leadership expert, executive coach, trainer, and book author Shawn Doyle CSP. He’ll highlight two cutting edge trends that can help organizations develop highly effective leaders, improve morale, and increase retention.

    Also joining in the discussion is Richard Foronjy, VP of Day Programming and Theresa Velykis, Past President of Philly SHRM.

    More about Shawn...

    Shawn Doyle is a training and development expert and proud to carry the CSP
    designation, (that is a Certified Speaking Professional), designated by the
    National Speakers Association with only 12% of speakers in the world carrying
    that designation, which is a mark of quality and excellence.
    Spending over three decades in the world of personal and
    professional development, Shawn while Vice-President of Learning
    and Development at Comcast, cofounded their Corporate University
    which was responsible for training and development for over 90,000
    employees. Now as CEO of his own company, New Light Learning &
    Development, home of Shawn Doyle Training, he has the good fortune
    to work with amazing clients including The White House, Lockheed
    Martin, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, U.S. Army, Aberdeen Proving
    Grounds, Disney, Comcast, ABC, NBC, MSNBC, Pfizer, Merrill Lynch,
    Kraft, Coca-Cola and IBM to name a few.
    ShawnDoyleTraining.com


    Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, phillyshrm.org

    Show more Show less
    37 mins