All teams strive for stronger connections, better communication, and true alignment. Offsites can help make that happen—but only when designed with purpose. In this episode, Jared Kleinert , Founder and CEO of Offsite , shares what makes an offsite truly effective. He explains how to move beyond basic event planning and create experiences that deepen engagement, reinforce company culture, and boost retention. He also discusses how HR leaders can gain executive buy-in and ensure your offsite is more than just a line item on the budget. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Jared Kleinert (05:23) Why in-person retreats are more effective than remote meetings (07:38) The logistics behind successful offsite planning (12:58) How offsites improve company culture and strategic alignment (17:09) Employer branding and attracting a multigenerational workforce (28:05) Making the business case for offsites and long-term ROI Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube, Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s Performance Review Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here . Jared Kleinert’s LinkedIn - click here ! The Offsite Blog - click here ! Offsite’s website - click here !…

How do you create a workplace where employees feel valued, engaged, and inspired to stay? Mark Crowley , author of Lead From the Heart and a pioneer in human-centered leadership, believes it starts with cultivating a culture of care. Drawing on groundbreaking research and decades of experience, Mark explains how emotions, trust, and belonging shape employee well-being and performance. Mark also shares the science behind the heart’s role in decision-making, revealing how positive emotions, like safety and appreciation, lead to innovation and loyalty. He shares actionable insights for managers and HR leaders on creating a thriving team dynamic—one that balances well-being and performance for long-term success. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Mark Crowley (01:25) How life shaped Mark’s leadership approach (04:28) The moment Mark recognized his leadership style (08:12) The heart’s role in leadership and performance (15:20) The “rule of four” for workplace emotions (16:53) Addressing resistance to heart-centered leadership (24:13) Tips for HR to drive meaningful change (28:28) HR needs both a heart and a backbone (31:26) Belonging’s impact on team performance (36:45) The power of one-on-ones for remote teams Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s Employee Engagement Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here . Mark Crowley’s LinkedIn - click here !…

Burnout isn’t a sign of overwork—it’s a sign of internal misalignment. In this replay episode, leadership coach Jim Marsden reframes burnout as a powerful signal to realign with your values and purpose. He shares advice on how to combat burnout by embracing curiosity, reconnecting with nature, and finding small but meaningful moments of perspective. Jim also introduces his "street-of-life" metaphor, a framework for identifying stress states and shifting to a more grounded, intentional mindset. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Jim Marsden (04:09) The deep roots of burnout (07:57) Why it’s important to find perspective (13:57) The street-of-life concept for navigating stress (19:45) Supporting others during burnout (24:07) Practical steps to regain balance (32:05) Avoiding big decisions during stress and finding small wins (34:42) Dare to imagine: Aligning your work with what truly brings you alive Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook! And don’t forget to sign up for the HR Superstars Summit 2025 here . For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here . Jim Marsden’s LinkedIn - click here !…

This episode marks an exciting new chapter for HR Superstars as Adam Weber passes the mic to Karina Young , the new host and VP of People at 15Five. Adam reflects on his journey as the podcast's host, sharing highlights, lessons, and the incredible connections he’s made with HR leaders around the world. Karina steps in to share her vision for the future of the podcast, focusing on empowering managers, navigating organizational change, and exploring cutting-edge trends in HR. With a passion for creating thriving workplaces, Karina aims to spotlight innovative strategies and foster meaningful conversations with today’s leading people leaders. Join us as we celebrate Adam’s legacy and welcome Karina’s fresh perspective on shaping the future of HR leadership. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Karina Young (00:52) Adam reflects on his journey with HR Superstars (02:11) Meet Karina: the new host of HR Superstars (03:08) Karina’s focus on scaling and manager empowerment (07:17) How early career experiences shaped Karina’s HR approach (10:28) What excites Karina in being the host of HR Superstars (19:13) Karina interviews Adam on favorite podcast moments (24:42) Adam shares proud memories and lessons learned (29:10) Adam’s parting advice on authenticity Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn . Here are Adam's favorite episodes from this season: HR Superstars LIVE From Austin! Amplifying Positivity in the Workplace with Claude Silver Finding Success in Results-Only Work Environments with Cali Ressler Finding Solid Ground Amidst Burnout with Jim Marsden Click here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here .…

As we go into 2025, we must keep this in mind... Empathy isn’t a personality trait. According to Liesel Mertes , Founder of Handle with Care Consulting , it’s an essential workplace skill we need to hone. And at the same time, people who go through disruptions and hard times have to eventually return to the office and add value to the organization. There’s a balance between having empathetic conversations and being honest about the nature of the employer/employee relationship. In this episode replay, Liesel shares practical ways to strengthen your empathy muscle as a manager, HR leader, and friend. She explains what is and isn't effective at helping someone through hardship and offers tangible tools to care for people well. Join us as we discuss: [09:00] How to handle the pivotal first moments after a disruptive event [15:30] Creating an “empathy menu” [20:00] Managing change fatigue [23:00] Rituals to care for yourself as an HR leader [28:00] Metabolizing the hard stories you hold [35:00] Balancing fortitude and empathy Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn . For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here . Liesel Mertes’ LinkedIn - click here !…

Your company’s mission and values can shape its culture globally. In this episode, Jignasha Amin , Former Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at DISCO , shares how organizations can create a consistent and unified culture across different locations and generations by embedding core values into every part of the business. Jignasha explains how this approach strengthens employee engagement and drives long-term success. By aligning everyone from leadership to new hires around a shared mission, companies can build a culture that thrives worldwide. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Jignasha Amin (02:28) Key elements of a successful global workforce strategy (09:18) How Jignasha built a unified culture across a global, multi-generational workforce (13:41) Employee recognition programs that reinforce company values (16:55) How engaged employees boost productivity and business performance (18:20) Jignasha’s strategies for addressing disengaged employees and fostering re-engagement (25:06) Embracing the multi-generational workforce and its unique motivations (27:16) Tailoring development opportunities for all generations with HR technology Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s Employee Engagement Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here . Jignasha Amin’s LinkedIn - click here !…

How do you turn managers into mentors for a higher retention rate? Clint Pulver, Emmy Award Winner, Top Keynote Speaker, and #1 Bestselling Author, believes it starts with connection and setting high standards. Drawing from his research and over 11,000 undercover interviews, Clint reveals how having a “mentor manager” can be the secret to employee engagement and commitment. Clint shares how leaders can move beyond traditional management by implementing strategies like status interviews and fostering meaningful conversations. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and continual growth, showing how the right leadership approach can turn challenges into opportunities. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Clint Pulver (06:15) How great leaders create a workplace people never want to leave (07:07) Mentorship’s role in shaping better careers (14:30) Why self-awareness makes better leaders (18:49) Implementing the “mentor manager” concept at scale (23:42) Three essential questions leaders should ask (26:39) The importance of having a Director of Happiness Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here . Clint Pulver’s LinkedIn - click here !…

How do you gain founders' trust and lead HR in high-growth companies? Kelli Dragovich , Former Chief People Officer at Pendo.io , believes it all begins with understanding who they are and what they care about. With over two decades of HR leadership, Kelli reveals how she’s built successful partnerships with visionary founders while navigating the complex world of company culture and leadership. She highlights the importance of adaptability and staying focused on long-term career growth while remaining true to your leadership style. Kelli’s perspective offers a roadmap for HR leaders to balance business priorities with personal values, helping them navigate challenges and thrive in their roles. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Kelli Dragovich (04:16) Kelli’s transition to executive coaching and her business-first approach to HR (07:06) Challenges of working with founders and aligning HR with their unique leadership styles (13:04) How to choose the right organizations and leaders to work with (16:44) Advice for mid-level HR leaders looking to level up their careers (24:45) The value of networking and looking beyond your current role Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here . Kelli Dragovich LinkedIn - click here !…

In a world filled with cynicism, one force stands stronger: optimism. In this episode, Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX , offers a refreshing perspective on amplifying positivity while steering clear of toxic positivity. She shares how an unexpected meeting with Gary Vaynerchuk led her to New York and to a role tasked with building "the single greatest human organization." Drawing from her past in hospitality and advertising, Claude shares insights on transforming traditional HR, managing a large organization with empathy, and leading by example. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Claude Silver (02:23) Claude’s journey to leadership and authentic optimism (09:55) Why optimism is crucial for leadership (15:06) Top performers focus on the present, not the past (20:20) Making fast decisions and building trust at scale (22:41) Building a service-oriented HR team (27:04) The power of HR communication in shaping culture (30:12) Owning your space and initiating change without waiting Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here . Claude Silver’s LinkedIn - click here !…

Can a strong HR-COO partnership transform employee engagement and company culture? Jon Rosenson and Molly Perenic believe it absolutely can. As leaders at Expedient , Jon and Molly share how their close collaboration has led to a thriving work environment where employees are engaged and aligned with the company’s goals. They discuss the power of clear communication, the impact of small but meaningful changes, and the importance of meeting employees where they are—whether in the office or remotely. Jon and Molly also provide insights into scaling tribal knowledge and fostering a culture of continuous feedback, demonstrating how a united leadership team can drive significant positive change across an organization. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Jon Rosenson and Molly Perenic (03:52) Defining employee engagement and its impact on organizational success (06:14) Encouraging feedback and creating a culture of psychological safety (07:25) The impact of small changes (09:50) Scaling tribal knowledge across a growing organization (13:01) Adapting engagement strategies for different worker types (19:54) Flexibility in a 24-hour work environment (23:47) Leadership reflections and the importance of cross-team collaboration Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s Employee Engagement Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here . Molly Perenic LinkedIn - click here ! Jon Rosenson LinkedIn - click here !…

Share your impact to instill belief across the company. As an HR leader, you can inspire your team and create a culture of trust by consistently showcasing the meaningful work you're doing. In this episode, Adam Weber , host of HR Superstars, explores how the best HR leaders build company-wide confidence through transparency and storytelling. He shares practical steps for communicating successes in a way that resonates with every level of the organization. From crafting compelling narratives to using every available medium, this episode will guide you on making your initiatives not just seen but truly believed in. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) An introduction to the fifth secret (01:33) An overview of the Five Secrets (03:01) The fifth and final secret that differentiates top HR leaders (03:50) Balancing optimism with transparency (04:39) The power of repetition in communication (06:42) Three steps to inspire company-wide change Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.* Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here .…

It’s time to speak the language of the business while elevating the HR professional. And to do this, there must be a mindset shift. As the CEO of People Leader Accelerator, Andrew Bartlow draws on his experience to reveal how HR leaders can shift from traditional roles to becoming strategic business partners. He breaks down the critical importance of aligning HR goals with the company’s top priorities and how this alignment can redefine the value HR brings to the table. Andrew also offers clear, actionable strategies for overcoming common challenges like burnout and disconnected goals. By focusing on business impact and adopting a management consultant mindset, HR leaders can elevate their roles and make a lasting difference in their organizations. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Andrew Bartlow (02:20) What’s most broken about HR today (03:08) The shift in HR’s role over the last five years (04:45) How to elevate HR professionals to strategic roles (11:39) How to act as a management consultant within HR (16:42) Prioritize business needs within your strategy (17:54) Dealing with burnout within HR (21:02) Personal strategies for managing your workload and priorities Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here . Andrew Bartlow LinkedIn - click here !…

While HR leaders often juggle many challenges, Adam Weber, Host of HR Superstars, suggests that effective people management is one of the most critical issues they face. Adam shares that strategic HR is not about doing everything yourself but about leveraging the power of your managers. He introduces the fourth secret from the top 5% of HR leaders, highlighting the necessity of activating managers to drive organizational success. Adam also shares compelling statistics that underscore the impact of managerial efficiency on employee engagement and performance while offering practical strategies to empower managers, such as creating clear expectations, providing ongoing support and resources, and implementing a system to assess managerial effectiveness. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Introduction to the fourth secret of the top 5% of HR leaders (01:11) The superhero mindset in HR and its drawbacks (05:05) The importance of activating managers (05:12) One-third of HR time is spent on issues caused by poor managers (08:41) Practical steps to support and empower managers Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.* Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s Manager Enablement Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here .…

The key to retention lies in understanding why employees truly stay. In this episode, Adam Weber sits down with Dr. Sherry Woosley , Director of Analytics and Research at Elentra, to explore the surprising phenomenon of being "busy but bored" and how it impacts motivation and retention. Sherry explains the difference between meaningful engagement and mere task completion. She shares insights on innovative solutions like Fun Day Friday initiatives that not only challenge employees but also rejuvenate their interest in their work. Sherry also discusses why employees stay, from job adventure to skill development, and why personalized meaning is crucial for satisfaction. Her advice on balancing work loyalty and future career growth provides a comprehensive approach to fostering a thriving workplace. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) An introduction to the episode with Sherry Woosley (03:06) The impact of COVID-19 on employee retention (05:03) What motivates employees to stay at their jobs (07:49) What work-life balance mean to different employees (10:48) Exploring boredom in the workplace (12:53) Understanding the concept of "busy but bored" (15:04) Strategies for managing different types of boredom (22:33) How to combat boredom by focusing on the future of employees Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s HR Leader’s Guide to Reducing Regrettable Turnover! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here . Sherry Woosley LinkedIn - click here !…

Ever felt like your career is stuck in a loop of rejection and frustration? @Adam Weber, Host of HR Superstars, offers insights for HR leaders facing constant roadblocks when pitching innovative ideas. In this episode, Adam shares the third secret of top HR performers:––how to show courage when pitching your ideas. Drawing on examples from his own experiences, Adam discusses the importance of confidently presenting, understanding the business context, and leveraging data to strengthen your pitch. He also provides practical steps and motivational advice for handling rejection and fighting for a "yes." Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Introduction to the episode (01:52) The importance of pitching with courage in HR (07:07) How to turn rejection into success (08:56) Seeking approval vs. selling ideas effectively (11:24) Maximizing manager effectiveness through key talent metrics Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube , Or tune in on our website . Original podcast track produced by Entheo . Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.* Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn . Click here to download 15Five’s Manager Enablement Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here .…