Join Wendy Sellers and JC as they shed light on an old-school mentality that still persistently influences hiring decisions: the necessity of having a college degree. This episode explores the phenomenon known as the 'paper ceiling', where employers continuously overlook the potential of individuals without a degree; in fact, about 40% of individuals who gain skills through alternative routes are often neglected due to the 'degree requirement.' Reliance on degrees can cause companies to miss out on a more diverse talent pool, leading to creative stagnation and a lack of resilience. Wendy and JC argue that besides highly technical professions like medicine, many job requirements can be met through practical experience, continuous learning, and certification programs. Even degrees do not always guarantee the development of essential soft skills, so employers could benefit more by investing in training and autonomy for their employees. With eye-opening insights and tangible suggestions, this episode is a wake-up call to all employers to rethink the conventional emphasis on college education. Recognizing that a shift in mindset can significantly improve hiring decisions, workforce diversity, and organizational resilience, this episode serves as a rallying cry to break the paper ceiling.

We discuss "4 Ways to Leverage Adversity for a Competitive Advantage" with Steve Gavatorta. Steve provides Customized Learning & Development Solutions and is a Speaker/Trainer/Coach/Author of In Defense of Adversity. This topic is essential because a leader who can incorporate these four foundational pillars (listed below) will create a competitive advantage for their organization and a culture where employees want to work: 1) Create a culture of acceptance and acknowledgment, 2) Prepare people to succeed, 3) Encourage people to learn from failure, and 4) Create a culture of reflection Reach out to Steve at http://www.gavatorta.com/ or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavatorta/

Wendy Sellers announces the release of resources geared towards enhancing company culture and effective leadership. The 'HR Lady' reveals valuable tools in the form of e-books, audiobooks, and a free booklet. She introduces her free booklet, 'The Five Pillars of Company Culture,' newly republished and available for download on www.thehrlady.com, offering insightful advice on upholding company culture in every business decision. More exciting news: the free booklet has now been curated into an easily accessible audio format! For those preferring to listen and learn, rush to www.thehrlady.com to enjoy the free audio version. Wendy also proudly announces the release of two audiobooks, 'Suck It Up, Buttercup: Be a Leader People Will Follow by Choice' and another book about dealing with difficult people and leaders too. These insightful books are excellent resources for new management and seasoned leaders seeking practical advice garnished with a pinch of humor.

Professor Amy Keeley, an accomplished professor with an extensive background in the HR industry, joins Wendy. With her strong passion for business, marketing, and profound knowledge from years of HR management, Professor Keeley provides a unique lens to approach our conversation. She offers invaluable advice for managers seeking to amplify the confidence levels of their teammates, accentuating the importance of empathy and acknowledging strengths. With a focus on forging authentic connections with remote team members, this episode is a rich resource for any leader looking to foster a more confident, productive, and satisfied workforce made up of all genders. Connect with Professor Amy Keely here https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-j-keely-8123822/

Expert Insights with Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady®. One of the key elements I've found crucial in HR success is fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity within the workplace. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest HR trends and technologies is essential. However, perhaps the most crucial aspect of HR success is effective, two-way communication and ongoing feedback. Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady® offers expert HR advice and management training to handle pesky employee challenges while becoming and staying an employer of choice. www.thehrlady.com

Wendy Sellers and JC engage Richard Blank, CEO of a Costa Rican call center, in an enlightening discussion on call center culture, attrition, and the pivotal role of gamification. Richard shares how he stumbled upon an opportunity to work in a friend's center in Costa Rica and subsequently fell in love with not just the place but also its culture and people. Richard discusses the challenging aspects of managing a thriving call center. He emphasizes optimizing call centers, striking the perfect balance between maintaining the dignity of employees and getting the best out of them. They delve into the core of call center culture and discuss the power of effective communication, active listening, and creating a conducive environment for growth and development. This podcast is impactful for those in the call center industry and anyone interested in fostering a dynamic and high-performing team culture. Connect with Richard https://www.linkedin.com/in/costaricascallcenter/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessprocessoutsourcingcallcenter/posts/10159754066951586/

Welcome back to a fresh episode of our podcast featuring our conversation with esteemed guest, Tony Chatman. Tony is a dynamic personality in the realm of workplace culture, renowned for his unique insights and substantial expertise. In our engaging discussion, we delve into his journey from being a chemical engineer to becoming a sought-after corporate relationship expert and author, sharing his wisdom to transform workplaces one at a time. Discover more about Tony Chatman at TonyChatman.com, or connect with him on social platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For those yet to read Tony's inspiring book, it's available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and Goodreads. Open up a new chapter of workplace harmony with Tony's enlightening perspective!

Welcome to the insightful discussion with Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, and her co-host JC, as they dive deep into entrepreneurship and business management with their navigator, Jessica Millhiser, a celebrated operations, processes & procedures consultant, hiring strategist, and speaker. This episode brings together diverse minds with a shared goal: to support business owners in their entrepreneurial journey. They advise not to underestimate the power of good documentation when mitigating risk, even if your business is still a one-person show. One thing is clear: the secret to successful entrepreneurship lies in a well-defined strategy, and this conversation is a significant first step in that direction. Connect with the hosts and the guests on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendythehrlady/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimconnors/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamillhiser/

Podcast interview with Drew Donaldson Founder, CEO, & Small Business Advocate @ Gro•Haus https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewrdonaldson/ Tune in now to hear Drew & Wendy discuss coaching. #thehrlady

In this thought-provoking episode, Wendy Sellers and JC, our hosts, engage in a frank discussion with Rae, a young millennial worker (borderline Gen Z)and digital advertising expert. This conversation explores the changing expectations and aspirations of millennials within their work environment. It highlights the influence of world events, online dialogues and personal experiences on these evolving perspectives. Rae provides insightful thoughts on the generational shift in work expectations, emphasizing the urgent need for employers to understand and adapt. Using real-time data sharing, the hosts' expertise, humor, and personal experiences, they delve into key economic realities affecting the workforce, which includes housing market trends and layoffs. This episode serves as a valuable resource for business owners, HR teams, and operational managers trying to understand the developing work paradigms of younger generations. Rae discusses the delicate balance between personal life and work, the significance of remote working, opportunities for professional development, and their expectations for the company's management and HR team. Rae expresses their apprehension about companies prioritizing profit over their workforce, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Their insights into company culture, professional development, and transparent feedback mechanisms provide listeners with a unique perspective on the evolving workplace dynamics. The episode ends with a call to action for listeners, primarily HR professionals, to consider Rae's insights in their decision-making processes. The value of transparent communication, work-life balance, and professional growth opportunities are underlined as crucial factors in cultivating a healthier and more productive work environment. FYI: The guests name was changed for confidentiality purposes, as well as fear of retribution, which is very sad yet another reality of todays world.

Embark on an enlightening journey into the world of leadership with The HR Lady® Podcast. This podcast not only equips you with strategic tools to master employee attraction, but also transforms your perspective towards becoming an employer of choice. Our approach is direct, unfiltered, and conducive, designed to overhaul your company's culture. We dive deep into robust discussions, unpacking real-life challenges faced in the workplace. We do not just highlight the issues but also offer actionable strategies for tackling them. Our podcast isn't all business, though; we believe that a touch of humor keeps the conversation engaging. So, get ready to learn, laugh, and lead differently with The HR Lady® Podcast. The modern workplace is evolving, and so should your strategies – jump in now!

We speak with Titus Walker, CEO and founder of Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL), a rapidly expanding esports platform for professional gamers. The challenge of attracting and actually retaining staff continues in 2024. Advice: focus on what the employee's passion and goals are, then help them attain it and watch retention soar! Website: www.UELEsports.com

Employees and candidates still have many options in 2024, even if the quit rate slowed. There are many job openings with hard to find skills, including a positive attitude. We chat with Lindsay Stanton, President or Digi-Me and discuss attracting candidates and retaining employees - a strategy is required before the job ad goes live! Candidates have some work to do as well. Her company helps solve recruitment challenges. https://digi-me.com/

Today, we chat with Dan Purvis, CEO & Founder at Velentium, a Technology Expert and Entrepreneur who designs and develops Medical Devices. Dan is also the Author of "28 Days to Save The World". About the book: In 2020, engineering firm Velentium faced an unprecedented ask: partner with a small medical device company and a very large vehicle manufacturer to increase emergency ventilator production from hundreds per month to thousands per week—in just 28 days. https://benbellabooks.com/shop/28-days-to-save-the-world/

Employee Retention: What Employees Want in 2024 (part 2). Wendy chats with Ammie Michaels, 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘏𝘙 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰 and HR consultant. We discuss employee retention, what makes people stay (or leave) companies, and the new FLSA Independent Contractor rule effective March 11, 2024. Connect with Ammie https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammiemichaels and https://www.wolfpackhr.com/.

Employee Retention: What Employees Want in 2024 (part 1). Wendy chats with Ammie Michaels, 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘏𝘙 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰 and HR consultant. We discuss employee retention, what makes people stay (or leave) companies, and the new FLSA Independent Contractor rule effective March 11, 2024. Connect with Ammie https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammiemichaels and https://www.wolfpackhr.com/.

Wendy Sellers speaks urgently about the shifting laws regarding independent contractors. This change is set to take full effect in March 2024, replacing the existing rules established in 2021. This mandate prompts employers to pay close attention to their current contractors on their "payroll" or "books". Violating these new laws, either deliberate or accidental, could lead to serious penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or wage-related obligations of exceptional amounts. Moving forward, these new rules will apply the economic reality test using six factors to distinguish whether someone is an independent contractor or a W-2 employee. The factors to consider include the role of the individual service to the business, the contractor's investment in facilities and equipment, the nature and degree of control by the employer or contractor, opportunities for profit and loss, initiative with judgement or foresight for success, and lastly, the persistence of the relationship. A violation identified as willful or intentional may extend the two-year statute of limitations for making amendments to three years. Check with employment attorneys or HR consultants to help them navigate this complex and evolving landscape.

Hear from Melissa Simmons here, who is an Experienced COO and Executive Coach and the founder of Luminology, an executive leadership program centered on introspective coaching and strategic planning. In this oidcast, we discuss the philosophy is curiosity. Get more info at her website https://www.luminology.co/ #thehrlady #curiosity #introspective

Listen to Vanessa Broers here, who is a Transformational Speaker, Author, and Coach who is known as a “Culture Shaman". She works in depth with companies to shift their culture to one that honors the human experience in service of human performance. Learn more at her website https://www.vanessabroerscoaching.com/ #thehrlady #podcast #culture

On March 11, 2024, the 2021 Independent Contractor Rule ends, and the FLSA Rules Change, making it more challenging to classify individuals as contractors. The official website and "final rule" information can be found at this website https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/10/2024-00067/employee-or-independent-contractor-classification-under-the-fair-labor-standards-act The Department of Labor's Application of the Economic Reality Test (1) the extent to which the services in question are an integral part of the `employer[']s' business; (2) the amount of the so-called `contractor's' investment in facilities and equipment; (3) the nature and degree of control by the principal; (4) opportunities for profit and loss; . . . (5) the amount of initiative judgment or foresight required for the success of the claimed independent enterprise[;] and [(6)] permanency of the relation.”  The guidance cautioned that no single factor is controlling, and “ordinarily a definite decision as to whether one is an employee or an independent contractor under the [FLSA] cannot be made in the absence of evidence as to [the worker's] actual day-to-day working relationship with [their] principal. Clearly a written contract does not always reflect the true situation.”  PS: The first federal lawsuit against this updated was filed on January 16. Stay tuned!