Episodes
When Laurie first stumbled into the HR world, what struck her was not just the depth of paperwork but the human stories behind each form and policy. On this episode of Punk Rock HR, fast forward several decades, and Laurie is sitting down with Angela Cheng-Cimini, an HR expert with an enviable three-decade portfolio, to share those very tales that have shaped our careers and the field of human resources. Together, we unwrap the evolution of HR from a back-office function to a strategic...
Published 03/11/24
Published 03/04/24
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, discover the secrets to aligning your career with your personal values as Laurie chats with BlogHer co-founder Elisa Camahort Page. We walk down memory lane, reminiscing about the early internet days that revolutionized communication and fostered female empowerment through blogging. Elisa and Laurie’s conversation is a goldmine for understanding the delicate balance between nurturing a company's growth and adhering to your original mission—even when boardroom...
Published 03/04/24
Imagine a world where leaders aren’t buried in spreadsheets and are fully present, creating a heartbeat within their organizations through genuine connections. On this episode of Punk Rock HR, that's the future Kevin Brady, a pharmaceutical industry veteran and founder of Performance Unlocked, envisions. Kevin and Laurie examine the inevitable revolution in leadership, where artificial intelligence offloads our analytical burdens, causing leaders to cultivate empathy and forge deeper...
Published 02/26/24
Have you ever wondered how to navigate your first big conference without getting lost in the shuffle? On this episode of Punk Rock HR, Laurie teams up with Samara Jaffe, co-founder and general manager of Transform, and Josh Schwede, HR tech guru, to share the insider track for newcomers. It's all about striking the perfect balance between self-care and forging deep connections rather than sprinting through every scheduled event. But there's more to a conference than just showing up. It's...
Published 02/19/24
Unlock the secrets to a healthier financial and emotional life with Aja Evans, a licensed mental health counselor and financial therapist. This episode of Punk Rock HR is a deep dive into the intricate connection between our financial behaviors and emotional well-being. Aja helps us see beyond the numbers, revealing how trauma can shape our relationship with money and why the advice to “just budget better” is often a superficial solution to a complex issue. Alongside Aja, we examine the...
Published 02/12/24
Receiving a tough piece of feedback can sting, but it can also be the catalyst for phenomenal career growth. On this episode of Punk Rock HR, this revelation sets the stage for Laurie’s discussion with Mita Mallick, a luminary in diversity, equity, and inclusion, whose insights and experiences as a marketer, best-selling author, and mother are reshaping the narrative of today's workplace. Their conversation spans from personal trials in the professional world to the myths that stifle true...
Published 02/05/24
Venture capital and HR technology veteran Jason Corsello from Acadian Ventures joins Laurie in an insightful discussion about the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in the workplace. In this episode of Punk Rock HR, Jason and Laurie explore the impact of AI technology on innovation and productivity as it expands within Acadian's portfolio. Their conversation delves into the exciting potential and lurking concerns of AI's role in the future. They debunk the myth of its...
Published 01/29/24
Have you ever felt tongue-tied or had your mind blank in the middle of a conversation? You're not alone. On this episode of Punk Rock HR, you’ll get strategies to conquer those moments. Laurie’s guest is communication expert Matt Abrahams, who unpacks the essentials of his book Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot. They explore the science of crafting messages that resonate with audiences and the power of speech variation to keep their attention...
Published 01/22/24
Ever wonder how a split-second decision could redefine safety in your life? On this episode of Punk Rock HR, LaToya "Ladi Ammo" Workman joins Laurie to unravel the layers of personal security and empowerment, sharing her expertise in managing risk in the digital realm while advocating for physical safety. With her track record as a top-tier cybersecurity professional by day and a personal security instructor by night, LaToya offers unique strategies to fortify our daily lives, from wielding...
Published 01/15/24
Have you ever wondered if failure could be the secret ingredient to success? On this episode of Punk Rock HR, join Laurie as she sits down with the brilliant Dr. Amy C. Edmondson, the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, and explore the essential role of failure in our professional and personal growth. Amy shares her expertise on psychological safety and how it serves as the foundation for innovation, drawing on insights from her new book, "Right Kind...
Published 01/08/24
On this episode of Corporate Drinker, uncover the potential of ketamine therapy in treating alcohol use disorder and trauma. Laurie’s conversation with Dr. Hani El-wafi, a board-certified psychiatrist and expert in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, promises to demystify the nature of cravings and addiction, shedding light on Buddhist concepts and exploring mindfulness and nutrition in fostering healing. You will also get a firsthand account of the often daunting world of psychiatric emergency...
Published 10/30/23
Have you ever found yourself clutching a soda at a conference or corporate event, deflecting questions about your choice of beverage? Has anyone ever guessed if you're pregnant, in recovery, or part of the LDS church? Mary Ellen Slayter, founder and CEO of Rep Cap, knows precisely how you feel. We journey alongside her through the maze of conference lingo, unraveling the intricate ties between work, culture, and alcohol. Together, we navigate the sometimes choppy waters of gender dynamics...
Published 10/23/23
Before juggling a demanding career and the joys of motherhood, Karina Monesson—a Senior Manager of Human Insights, Research, and Advisory at UKG—found herself spiraling into the abyss of addiction.  In this episode of Corporate Drinker, Karina candidly recounts her entanglement with alcohol and subsequent recovery to paint a sobering picture of addiction's effects on both personal and professional life. We also tackle the often overlooked motherhood penalty in the workplace and the balancing...
Published 10/16/23
Join me as I welcome Dr. Ben Yerxa, the CEO of Opus Genetics, into our series on the intersection of alcohol and work culture. Dr. Yerxa brings his vast leadership experience to the table, giving us an invaluable perspective on cultivating a healthy work environment. We delve into the intricate dynamics of alcohol in professional settings, ranging from corporate board dinners to the daily operations of a biotech company, and discuss the importance of mindful drinking. Get ready for a...
Published 10/09/23
The very essence of work, culture, and leadership is in flux. Are you prepared to keep up? Today, Laurie welcomes Daniel Chait, co-founder and CEO of Greenhouse Software, who guides us through this shifting landscape. Daniel uncovers the changing dynamic between employees and corporations in the modern age, emphasizing how remote work opportunities have boosted employee empowerment and self-actualization. He explains how this evolution has transformed the role of a CEO and how leaders can...
Published 10/09/23
On this episode of Corporate Drinker, step into the world of addiction and recovery with Laurie’s guest, Dr. Scott Kellogg, an acclaimed clinical psychologist specializing in addiction. Laurie’s conversation with Dr. Kellogg delves into the fascinating intersection of work, culture, and alcohol, particularly in the current pandemic climate. You'll gain a fresh perspective on how addiction intertwines with identity and how crucial it is to meet people where they are. Dr. Kellogg brings a...
Published 10/02/23
Are you aware that your workplace dynamics are being subtly manipulated by alcohol? That's right: from happy hours to casual Fridays, incorporating alcohol into our work culture has profound impacts that we seldom consider.  Join Laurie as she explores this topic with the brilliant Kate Bischoff, a Minneapolis-based employment attorney who offers her unique perspective on the complex relationship between work, culture, and alcohol. They delve into the roles of “optimal” and “sub-optimal”...
Published 09/25/23
Have you ever wondered about the real cost of alcohol in the corporate world?  Brace yourself for an enlightening conversation with Ken Makimsy Middleton, the author of Bamboozled. Laurie and Ken unravel the insidious dangers of alcohol, discussing how it keeps us in a cycle of mediocrity and threatens our professional growth.  Ken opens up about his personal journey, sharing how alcohol, initially a false confidence booster, hindered his progress. They also tackle this complex relationship...
Published 09/18/23
Ever wonder how societal pressures and expectations can drive you towards unhealthy coping mechanisms?  On this episode of Corporate Drinker, Laurie’s conversation with Celeste Yvonne, a sober mom advocate, author, and certified recovery coach, will make you rethink the pervasive “mommy wine culture.” Celeste gets candid about her journey of sobriety, five and a half years in the making, and how her experiences in the hustle and bustle of corporate America for 20 years clashed with the harsh...
Published 09/11/23
Could your choice of drink impact your career, culture, and health?  Join Laurie as we navigate the intricate world of alcohol, work, and culture with her guest, Dr. Lipi Roy. This renowned doctor, writer, international speaker, and media personality is a titan in addiction medicine. She’ll debunk some common misconceptions about alcohol, including the ubiquitous theory surrounding the health benefits of wine. Dr. Roy will also explore the need for businesses, leaders, and HR departments to...
Published 09/04/23
Today, on The Corporate Drinker, Laurie invites you on an extraordinary journey of bravery, resilience, and self-discovery with her guest, Bryan Wempen. With an openness that is at once jarring and inspiring, Bryan translates his personal battles with alcohol addiction into a narrative that brings to light the often unaddressed issue of substance abuse in the corporate world. We dive head-first into the murky waters of his past, tracing the path from his early days of drinking to his arduous...
Published 08/28/23
What if we told you that the corporate world could be playing a significant role in triggering addiction and mental health issues?  It's time to challenge perceptions and spark meaningful dialogues as we welcome Cheryl Brown Merriwether, Vice President and Executive Director at the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education. With her experience in HR management, adult education, and lived experience of addiction, we uncover unsettling truths about substance misuse in the...
Published 08/21/23
Ever wondered how to transform workplace dynamics with a heart-centered approach and a dash of courage?  Join us as we reveal these secrets with Claude Silver, the Chief Heart Officer at Vayner X. Claude takes us on a compelling journey, sharing stories from her early days in advertising, where she defied the norms and chose not to participate in strip club-related client meetings. Her reminiscences underscore the essence of authenticity and the richness each of us contributes to our...
Published 08/14/23
Have you ever wondered how unseen forces of elitism might drive the dynamics of your workplace? Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Leah Goodridge, an attorney and city planning commissioner from Brooklyn, New York, who has some thought-provoking insights to share about this very subject. Leah draws our attention to the often-overlooked intersection of work and alcohol and how it contributes to a culture of exclusivity and perpetuates financial insecurity among young professionals. ...
Published 08/07/23