PCTY Talks: HR, People and Culture

Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace with Jenny Jeep Johnson

Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace positively impacts work by increasing innovation and creativity, improving problem-solving abilities, and creating a better understanding of the needs and strengths of all employees. Join host Shari Simpson and guest Jenny Jeep Johnson as they address common misconceptions and stigmas surrounding neurodiversity, highlighting the importance of education and open-mindedness in creating a more inclusive work environment.

Guest Bio: Jenny Jeep Johnson, Actor, Speaker, Lawyer, Sales Leader

As a proud Millennial, Jenny Jeep Johnson's resume and interests read a bit like a tasting menu.  Formal education includes BA in Theatre and English from Marquette University, a Juris Doctor from NIU Law, and continuing education certificates from Cornell University.  Jenny has acted professionally, held public office, established herself as a public speaker, and won multiple sales awards.  Her most recent adventure has her managing accounts for a luxury appliance company while raising three children with her husband and two rascally dogs.

Finding Your Unique Style with Jade Simmons

Jade Simmons is a classically trained concert pianist who, over time, has added speaking to her audience and mixing different genres of music into her repertoire to create what she calls "concert adventures." Simmons believes that imposter syndrome can be overcome by focusing on creating something new instead of imitating what has come before. Listen in as Jade Simmons and host Shari Simpson discuss how you tackle making a lasting impact in your organization and the world around you.

Mentioned in Episode:

• Website: https://jadesimmons.com/

Guest: Jade Simmons, World-class concert pianist, powerhouse activational speaker, and CEO of Jade Media Global

Acclaimed creator of mind-blowing transformational experiences and named one of the “Best Keynote Speakers” (Northstar Meetings), Jade spent the first few years of her career performing as a classical concert pianist. Following an artistic epiphany, she pivoted from playing the piano to impressing audiences to using the piano as the vehicle by which to provide the inspiration, entertainment, and transformation that profoundly moves them instead. The results have been, well…darn impressive.

No stranger to pushing boundaries to see bold results, this concert pianist turned world changer is brought in by the likes of corporations like Barron’s, Mass Mutual, Royal Bank of Canada, DOW, Raytheon, the Hershey Company, Genentech, Valic, Pfizer, and Nationwide to redefine purpose, inspire seismic shifts in mindset, and activate audiences to go out and instantly start living more consequential lives of impact.

Hourly Employee Management with Traci Chernoff

Do you manage an hourly workforce? You're not alone. A recent study found that around 60% of businesses in the US rely on hourly employees. But managing a shift-based workforce can be tricky. If you're not careful, you could wind up with scheduling nightmares and angry employees. Join Traci Chernoff and host Shari Simpson as they discuss the benefits of modern workforce management tools used to optimize staffing levels and keep employees informed.

Guest Bio: Traci Chernoff, Senior Director of Employee Engagement, Legion Technologies

Traci Chernoff is the Director of Employee Engagement at Legion Technologies and an experienced HR leader. Before joining Legion, Traci spent nearly a decade in key HR leadership roles for both luxury and big-box retailers like Target, directly supporting retail management and hourly teams across North America. Recently, Traci worked as a Director of Human Resources for global luxury retailer SMCP, where store managers could reduce the time spent on scheduling by 50% with Legion Workforce Management. Traci is the host and creator of the podcast "Bringing the Human back to Human Resources," where she destigmatizes HR by uniting employee demands and business needs while simultaneously challenging the perceptions and stigmas surrounding HR.

Mentioned in the episode:

• Podcast: Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources
• Company: Legion Technologies
• LinkedIn: Traci Chernoff

 

Helping Women in Leadership Stay Engaged with Dr. Mira Brancu

A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that women are now just as likely as men to hold managerial jobs. While this is a great step forward, it also brings new challenges for both companies and women in leadership. One of the most important issues facing managers today is keeping these leaders engaged and motivated. Join Dr. Mira Brancu and host Shari Simpson as they discuss tips for helping women in leadership stay on track and achieve their goals.

Guest: Dr. Mira Brancu, Consulting Psychologist & CEO/Founder, Brancu & Associates

Dr. Mira Brancu helps executives, and their teams, lead well today and better navigate tomorrow. Her organization development consulting firm, Brancu & Associates, was awarded the 2021 Corporate Philanthropy Award for supporting under-served women professionally and economically. Dr. Brancu brings two decades of experience in healthcare and academia, including an award-winning leadership career at the US Department of Veterans Affairs and a faculty appointment at Duke University. Dr. Brancu is also a contributor to Psychology Today and Thrive Global and the author of Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics.

Mentioned in the episode:

• McKinsey Article: https://leanin.org/women-in-the-workplace
• Mira Brancu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirabrancu/

 

Building DEIA Advocates at Work with Holly Norton

You might think, as a manager or HR professional, that you’re already doing all you can to advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in your workplace. But there are always ways you can step up your game – and building a team of diversity advocates is one great way to do it. Join Holly Norton and host Shari Simpson as they discuss ways to create a DEIA-friendly workplace.

Guest: Holly Norton, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Division Group Program Manager, County of San Diego | Department of Human Resources

Holly Norton is a Program Manager with the Department of Human Resources Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) division in the County of San Diego. She has worked as a learning and development professional for over 15 years across academic, secular, corporate, and government. In every position, she has found ways to leverage her passion for creating opportunities for transformational growth and connection.

Mentioned in the episode:

• County of San Diego: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hr.html
• Holly Norton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-chow-norton/

What You Need to Know About Gen Z in the Workplace with Hana Ben-Shabat

There’s a new generation in the workforce, and if you want to understand them, you need to learn about Gen Z. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s, this group is already making its mark on the world. So, what’s different about Gen Zers? Join Hana Ben-Shabat and host Shari Simpson as they talk about what Gen Z wants from work and how managers can start preparing for them now.

Guest: Hana Ben-Shabat, Founder, Gen Z Planet

Hana is the founder of Gen Z Planet ─ a research and advisory firm. She helps business leaders to prepare for the next generation of employees and consumers. In this role, Hana combines her passion for insights with her commitment to support the integration of the next generation into society. As an award-winning management consultant who was named one of the “Top 25 Consultants” by Consulting Magazine, Hana is a sought-after speaker and business commentator and is the author of the book Gen Z 360: Preparing for the Inevitable Change in Culture, Work, and Commerce.

Mentioned in the episode:

• Hana Ben-Shabat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanabenshabat/
• Book: Gen Z 360 https://amzn.to/3UPA75l
• Website: https://genzplanet.com/

Retaining Women in the Workplace with Jess Von Bank

There's been much talk lately about the gender wage gap, and rightly so. However, another issue that deserves more attention is the retention of women in the workplace. Too often, women leave their jobs or switch careers because they feel stalled or unsupported. Listen in as Jess Von Bank and host Shari Simpson talk about supporting and retaining women in the workplace.

Guest: Jess Von Bank, Head of Brand Strategy, Leapgen

Jess Von Bank is an 18-year industry veteran and impassioned evangelist of the modern candidate and employee experience. As both a former recruiting practitioner and an expert in bringing TA Tech and HCM vendor solutions to market, Jess looks to broaden their executive mindset to better design and deliver a workforce experience that exceeds the expectations of talent and the needs of the business.

Jess offers specialized expertise in talent acquisition, recruitment marketing, employer branding, DEI&B, brand-building, and storytelling.

Jess is the Head of Marketing for Leapgen, a digital transformation company shaping the Now of Work. She also runs the Now of Work, Leapgen’s global community for HR, Talent, and workforce experience professionals. 

Jess is an active community emcee, ambassador for women’s and girls’ organizations, and President of Diverse Daisies, a nonprofit for girls’ enrichment and empowerment. She lives in Minneapolis, where she races for free swag and raises her 3 daughters.

Mentioned in the episode:

• Leapgen: https://www.leapgen.com/

 

Revamping Total Rewards with Kim Seals

Are you happy with your company's Total Rewards Program? If not, you're not alone. A recent study found that less than half of employees are satisfied with their current benefits package. So, what can be done to make Total Rewards more appealing? Listen in as Kim Seals and host Shari Simpson discuss tips on how to create a rewarding experience for both your employees and your bottom line!

Guest: Kim Seals, Senior Partner, West Monroe Partners

Kim Seals is a Senior Partner in West Monroe’s Human Capital Management practice. Kim has spent more than 25 years of her career in global human resource consulting, corporate and leadership roles. Her expertise includes leading M&A transactions, HR service delivery transformation, talent, compensation, benefits, and recruiting program design, as well as technology development, selection, and implementation globally.

Prior to joining West Monroe, Kim was a Managing Partner at Sapient Insights Group, a research and advisory consulting firm. Kim previously spent 15 years at Mercer in several positions, including Atlanta Market Leader, Global Talent Technology Solutions Leader, and HR Effectiveness Global Practice Leader.

Mentioned in the episode:

• West Monroe Partners: https://www.westmonroe.com/our-team/kim-seals