HR Happy Hour Network

AI and the Next Evolution of Performance Management
Host: Steve Boese
Guest: Brian Hancock, Partner at McKinsey & Company

Summary
On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese sits down with Brian Hancock, Partner at McKinsey & Company, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of human resources.
Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for people, Brian explains how organizations can use it to strengthen the human side of work - from improving performance management and coaching to creating more meaningful employee experiences. The conversation explores where AI can reduce administrative burden, provide better insights for managers, and help employees grow while maintaining trust and transparency. Steve and Brian also discuss one of the biggest challenges organizations face today: balancing personalized employee experiences with concerns around privacy, surveillance, and ethical AI use. As companies continue investing in AI-powered HR technology, leaders must ensure these tools enhance relationships instead of replacing them.
Whether you're an HR leader, people manager, or executive preparing your organization for the future of work, this episode offers practical insights into using AI responsibly while keeping people at the center of every decision.

Topics include:
How AI is changing day-to-day HR operations
Ways AI can support better coaching and manager effectiveness
How organizations can build trust while introducing AI-powered tools
The importance of balancing personalization with employee privacy
Why successful AI adoption depends as much on culture as technology
What HR leaders should be preparing for as AI capabilities continue to evolve


Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.
We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

How AI and Assumptions are Shaping Hiring in 2026
Hosts: Mervyn Dinnen
Guest: Ken Ward, Talent Acquisition Leader

Summary
On this episode of HR Means Business, Mervyn is joined by talent acquisition leader Ken Ward to explore what today's hiring market looks like from the perspective of an experienced executive candidate.
Drawing on more than 30 years in talent acquisition, Ken shares what he's learned while navigating his own career transition, including how AI is changing recruitment, why judgment still matters more than technology, and how senior professionals can rethink visibility, networking, and career positioning. He also discusses how studying counseling has changed the way he approaches leadership, decision-making, and professional resilience.
The conversation offers a thoughtful look at hiring from both sides of the table and challenges many of the assumptions surrounding AI, executive recruiting, and the future of talent acquisition.

Key Takeaways
Why senior talent acquisition professionals face unique challenges in today's hiring market
How AI is influencing recruiting—and where human judgment remains essential
The changing role of LinkedIn, personal branding, and professional visibility
Why hiring decisions should prioritize curiosity and critical thinking over certainty
How counseling skills can strengthen leadership, recruiting, and career resilience
Practical advice for experienced professionals navigating career transitions

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.
We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

Rebuilding Workplace Connection in the Age of AI and Hybrid Work
Host: Steve Boese and Trish Steed
Guest: David Goldstein, Founder of TeamBonding

Summary
On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese is joined by David Goldstein, Founder of TeamBonding and author of Beyond Trust Falls: The Definitive Guide to Building Teams That Click, to explore how team building has evolved beyond traditional activities into meaningful experiences that strengthen workplace culture.
David shares how intentional team experiences can create psychological safety, uncover hidden talents, and help employees build stronger relationships across roles, generations, and work environments. They discuss why play, curiosity, and even failure are essential parts of innovation and how shared experiences can improve trust, communication, and collaboration.
The conversation also explores the growing need for human connection in an increasingly digital and AI-driven workplace, the impact of charitable team experiences, and why investing in relationships is a critical part of building teams where people can do their best work.

Topics include:
Moving beyond outdated team-building stereotypes
Creating safe environments where employees can contribute and take risks
The role of play in creativity, innovation, and problem-solving
Building connection across hybrid teams and multiple generations
Why meaningful experiences create lasting workplace impact
The importance of belonging and human connection in the future of work


Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.
We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

Why Gen Z is Rethinking Careers: The Rise of Skilled Trades
Hosts: Jack McFarlane and Nicholas Schlemmer
Guest: Jake Adams, Journeyman Carpenter

Summary
In this episode of The Play by Play Podcast, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer revisit the world of blue-collar work with returning guest Jake Adams, a journeyman carpenter who first joined the show at the beginning of his career journey. The conversation explores why Gen Z is rethinking traditional career paths, the growing interest in skilled trades, and how technology and AI are impacting hands-on work. Jake shares his experience moving from apprentice to journeyman, what he has learned along the way, and how mentorship, work ethic, and new opportunities are shaping the future of blue-collar careers.

Takeaways
Why skilled trades are becoming a more attractive career option for younger generations
How AI and technology are influencing construction and trade industries
The value of apprenticeships, hands-on learning, and career exploration
How mentorship and reverse mentorship are changing workplace dynamics
Why career growth does not always follow a traditional four-year college path


Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.
We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

Leadership in the AI Era: How Great Managers Create Clarity Through Change
Host: Steve Boese and Trish Steed
Guest: Ben Brooks, Founder & CEO at PILOT

Summary
On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome leadership expert and Pilot founder Ben Brooks for a timely conversation on leading through uncertainty. As AI, economic shifts, and rapid workplace change continue to reshape organizations, they explore why clarity, decisive leadership, and strong workplace culture have become competitive advantages. The discussion also covers psychological safety, meaningful feedback, and practical strategies for helping teams stay aligned, adaptable, and ready for what's next.

Takeaways
Clear communication and explicit expectations foster trust and performance.
Leadership involves making tough decisions thoughtfully and ethically.
Organizations benefit from defining shared ways of working and culture.
Feedback readiness is crucial for growth and development.
Leaders should focus on strengths and prioritize what matters most.


Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.
We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.