Episodes

  • 81. Talking on Eggshells: Transforming directives into collaborative questions to enhance workplace communication and foster true teamwork.

    81. Talking on Eggshells: Transforming directives into collaborative questions to enhance workplace communication and foster true teamwork.
    Jul 16 2024
    In this engaging episode of the Human Capital Podcast, Jeff Hunt returns from a break with his batteries recharged and dives into a profound discussion with Sam Horn, a renowned communication strategist and author of "Talking on Eggshells." Sam shares her career journey, emphasizing the pivotal moments that shaped her expertise in effective communication and leadership. She highlights the significance of her "power three" – close family and friends, meaningful work, and daily nature walks – as the foundation of her gratitude and fulfillment. Sam recounts a critical leadership lesson where self-doubt led her to decline a major managerial role, later realizing her capability to succeed in that position. The conversation explores the vital role of language in fostering a positive workplace environment and the power of listening and situational awareness. Sam and Jeff provide practical strategies for leaders to enhance communication, reduce workplace resistance, and promote genuine collaboration. By shifting from authoritative commands to collaborative asks, they illustrate how leaders can create more dynamic and cooperative workspaces.
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    42 mins
  • 80. Leading With Heart & Purpose: Mid-year trends to shape your leadership skills. Insights on purpose-driven leadership, mental health, experimentation, AI, and transparency.

    80. Leading With Heart & Purpose: Mid-year trends to shape your leadership skills. Insights on purpose-driven leadership, mental health, experimentation, AI, and transparency.
    May 28 2024
    In this solo episode, Jeff delves into the evolving landscape of leadership as we approach the midpoint of 2024. He highlights five key trends that are reshaping how leaders can effectively guide their teams with empathy and purpose. From finding purpose beyond profits, to leveraging AI, and building trust through transparency, Jeff provides practical insights and real-world examples to help leaders navigate the complexities of today's business environment. Tune in to discover how you can lead with heart and inspire your team in the year ahead. Thank you for listening to Human Capital. We will be pausing new episodes for another 8-weeks, but please stay tuned for a great lineup of inspiring and insightful guests.
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    14 mins
  • 79. Habits of Valuable Employees: Continuous learning, embracing change, and fostering open communication to drive growth and innovation.

    79. Habits of Valuable Employees: Continuous learning, embracing change, and fostering open communication to drive growth and innovation.
    May 14 2024
    This week join Jeff in his engaging conversation with Verne Harnish, an acclaimed author and leadership expert. Verne shares invaluable insights on leadership, values, and change. Drawing from his extensive experience, he emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning and remaining open to change in today's dynamic business landscape. Jeff and Verne delve into the critical role of fostering healthy conflict and open communication within teams to facilitate better decision-making and build trust. They also discuss the significance of core values as guiding principles for both employees and leaders, highlighting their role in shaping organizational culture. This episode offers actionable strategies for driving growth and fostering a culture of innovation within any organization with practical advice and real-world examples.
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    36 mins
  • 78. Strategic Human Resources: From compliance to empowerment, the strategic evolution of HR, and the challenges in fostering closer collaboration with executive leadership.

    78. Strategic Human Resources: From compliance to empowerment, the strategic evolution of HR, and the challenges in fostering closer collaboration with executive leadership.
    Apr 30 2024
    In this episode, Jeff invites Donna Hamlin, PhD to delve into the transformative journey of the HR department from its origins as primarily compliance-focused to its current role as a strategic advisor within organizations. Donna is CEO of BoardWise and an expert in corporate governance and strategic human capital management. Jeff and Donna highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by HR professionals. Their conversation explores HR leaders' need to develop strategic thinking skills and foster closer collaboration with executive leadership to drive organizational change and deliver high value.
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    36 mins
  • 77. A Culture of Sales: The pivotal role of a strong sales mentality. Engagement, communication, and customer-centric strategies for long-term success.

    77. A Culture of Sales: The pivotal role of a strong sales mentality. Engagement, communication, and customer-centric strategies for long-term success.
    Apr 16 2024
    In this illuminating episode, Jeff delves into the crucial interplay between organizational culture and sales strategy with Alice Heiman, a renowned sales leader and consultant. Together, they navigate the intricate landscape of modern business, highlighting the indispensable value of a strong sales mentality that emphasizes customer relationships, strategic market growth, and clear communication. Alice and Jeff bring the need for a clear exit strategy to the vital importance of aligning team strategies with long-term goals, and dynamics of customer relationships, and stress the necessity of multiple touchpoints. Alice advocates for a structured approach where top-tier clients have direct connections not just with sales, but also with product specialists, engineers, and senior executives, ensuring enhanced customer satisfaction and retention.
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    36 mins
  • Being True at Work (Replay): Becoming comfortable bringing our true selves to work, authentically and imperfectly. Leadership courage, calmness, connection, and curiosity.

    Being True at Work (Replay): Becoming comfortable bringing our true selves to work, authentically and imperfectly. Leadership courage, calmness, connection, and curiosity.
    Apr 2 2024
    Join Jeff Hunt in an engaging replay of a previous episode of the Human Capital podcast, featuring Cassandra Goodman, a distinguished figure in the world of business and leadership. Cassandra is known for her impactful roles in companies like GE, Adobe, and Mastercard, bringing a refreshing perspective to leadership with her latest book "Being True." In this conversation, Jeff and Cassandra delve into the "True Leadership" concept, encouraging us to move away from conventional leadership paradigms. Cassandra discusses the profound impact of understanding our inner nature, embracing all aspects of ourselves, and leading with empathy and effectiveness. They share insights on how cultivating self-awareness and authenticity can lead to not only personal fulfillment but also create a positive ripple effect in organizational culture.
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    42 mins
  • 76. Social Presence: Proactively navigating social presence in virtual meetings as presenter or attendee with greater intentionality, presence, and productivity.

    76. Social Presence: Proactively navigating social presence in virtual meetings as presenter or attendee with greater intentionality, presence, and productivity.
    Mar 19 2024
    42 mins
  • 75. Embracing Authenticity: Dispelling company culture myths. How to embrace authenticity and storytelling. A roadmap for engagement and improved communication.

    75. Embracing Authenticity: Dispelling company culture myths. How to embrace authenticity and storytelling. A roadmap for engagement and improved communication.
    Mar 5 2024
    In this episode, Jeff interviews Kelly Ann Doherty the current Executive VP and Chief Administrative Officer at the Mr. Cooper Group, overseeing a very large aspect of the company’s people and operations functions. She has nearly 20 years of experience serving some of the nation’s leading organizations in both Communications and People Ops. Jeff and Kelly Ann delve into corporate communication myths, emphasizing the dual role of both the "little C" in everyday dialogue with employees, and the "big C" of strategic messaging. They highlight the power of authenticity in fostering genuine connections and share innovative approaches like "Cooper Con," a conference with fun segments like "Hot Takes" to engage employees. They discuss how communication can be a strategic and competitive advantage, and how to assess your effectiveness at it, both individually and corporately. Their conversation also explores storytelling's impact on culture and brand equity, using personal experiences to drive employee engagement. Strategies for bridging generational gaps and practical tips for enhancing communication skills round out this dynamic discussion, as Kelly Ann shares a roadmap for personal and professional growth in corporate communication.
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    47 mins