Skip to content
onlyHuman

We’re Only Human Podcast

HR is a challenging field. It’s easy to forget that in spite of the tools, technology, and resources at our disposal, at the end of the day we’re only human. How can we tailor our approach so that we take into account the diverse needs of individuals while still moving forward as an organization in a highly competitive landscape?

We’re Only Human is a podcast focused on the intersection of people and technology in the workplace. We talk with practitioners, vendors, consultants–a wide spectrum of voices to help us all learn and improve our practices. Topics can range from talent acquisition trends to improving performance management practices, new research on engagement, or even case studies of successful organizations with leading practices in HR, talent, or learning.

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks talks with Kelly Burlage, Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Lineage. They discuss strategies for improving the recruitment process, creating better impacts for candidates, and the challenges faced by TA leaders today. Kelly shares insights on the role of artificial intelligence in recruitment, the importance of focusing on people, and the value of internal mobility. They also explore practical advice for leaders receiving pressure to adopt AI and the significance of building strong business partnerships within HR. Additionally, Kelly highlights the achievements of her team in transforming their reputation...
Published on: 2025-05-05
By Ben Eubanks
In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in a detailed conversation with Alicia Jones, a senior HR business partner for a global medical company. They delve into the complex role of an HR business partner, discussing essential skills like understanding the business context, influencing, and synthesizing data insights. Alicia shares her career experiences, the importance of integrity and resiliency, and the challenges HR teams face today. The discussion provides valuable advice for current and aspiring HR business partners keen on making a significant impact in their organizations.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:41 Alicia Jones' Background and Experience01:26...
Published on: 2025-04-24
By Ben Eubanks
In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks chats with Matt Leitzman, VP of Talent Acquisition at MasterCard, and Craig Drysdale, VP of Talent and Engagement at Leonardo. The discussion delves into the role of AI in hiring, effective candidate screening techniques, and the evolving landscape of talent acquisition. Both guests highlight their organizations' experiences with AI-driven tools for screening, such as automated interview scheduling and video assessments, and emphasize the importance of testing, human connection, and strategic alignment with hiring managers. The episode provides valuable insights for improving candidate experience, recruiter efficiency, and making data-driven hiring decisions.00:00...
Published on: 2025-04-10
By Ben Eubanks
In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks connects in an insightful discussion with Debra Squyres from Bonusly and Hope Weatherford from Fountain. They delve into strategies to improve workplace performance and the evolving nature of performance management. The conversation covers the significance of real-time feedback, building trust between managers and employees, leveraging recognition platforms, and the importance of addressing the human element in work environments. Both guests share practical tips for managers to enhance employee engagement, foster personal growth, and create meaningful relationships within teams.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:45 Hope Weatherford's Background and Insights01:55 Debra Squyres' Background...
Published on: 2025-03-17
By Ben Eubanks
In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Michael Cleavely, founder of CoComply, to discuss the complexities of compliance in contingent workforce management. Michael shares the journey of CoComply, a platform that assists organizations in classifying, managing, and discovering their contingent and non-permanent workforce. The conversation delves into the challenges companies face with worker classification, common compliance risks, and the two-fold benefits of leveraging AI in compliance tools for both risk mitigation and strategic workforce optimization. They also explore the broader implications of having a total workforce view, encompassing all talent acquisition channels. Michael provides...
Published on: 2025-03-10
By Ben Eubanks
In this episode, Kellee Webb shares the remarkable journey of Cenikor Foundation since 2009, growing from 82 employees across three locations to nearly 600 employees today, with 75 people in their corporate office (or "operations support," as they call them at Cenikor). The discussion highlights significant milestones such as the adoption of technology, the creation of a robust back office support system including a call center, and the strategy behind twelve acquisitions. The conversation delves into leadership development programs, employee motivations, and the importance of compassion and servant leadership in a service-oriented organization. The transformative impact of expanding services like...
Published on: 2025-02-26
By Ben Eubanks
In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in a dynamic conversation with Ryan Faught, HR leader at Milo's Tea Company. Ryan shares insights into Milo's unique culture, emphasizing values like safety, responsibility, and integrity, along with their 'HAT' values: Hungry, Agile, and Together. The discussion delves into how Milo's fosters cross-departmental collaboration, continuous improvement, and leadership development through authentic leadership pillars and comprehensive feedback mechanisms. Ryan highlights the importance of having a 'teachable spirit,' celebrating wins, and maintaining humility while growing both personally and professionally within the company. Whether discussing the joy of discovering hidden talents...
Published on: 2025-02-10
By Ben Eubanks
In this episode of ‘We’re Only Human,’ host Ben Eubanks sits down with Jen McCann and Maria Jugin from Insperity to discuss the evolving landscape of human resources. The conversation covers a range of topics including the increasing interest and uncertainty surrounding AI, strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent, and the differences in priorities between business and HR leaders. Jen and Maria also highlight the importance of aligning company vision with HR practices and the challenges companies face as they expand and adapt. The episode offers actionable insights for HR leaders looking to move from administrative tasks to strategic...
Published on: 2025-02-03
By Ben Eubanks
In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks welcomes Nikhil Arora, CEO of Epignosis, the parent company of TalentLMS. They explore various facets of learning and development, focusing on mindsets, supporting employee growth, and the impact of AI. Nikhil shares insights from TalentLMS's data, revealing that over 50% of employees prioritize growth opportunities and discusses the importance of transitioning from fixed to growth mindsets. Additionally, they discuss strategies for incorporating soft skills training, leveraging AI ethically, and maintaining employee mental wellness in a hybrid work environment. The episode offers practical advice for leaders aiming to enhance their organization's...
Published on: 2025-01-20
By Ben Eubanks
In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks engages in an enlightening conversation with Jason Lawson, an HR veteran with over 30 years of experience. They delve into the importance of building strong relationships with leaders, the critical role of trust in the workplace, and the evolving views on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Jason shares profound insights on making HR policies more humane and treating employees as individuals. He highlights the significance of moving beyond administrative tasks to become a strategic partner in the business. Jason also stresses the role of creating a community at work, even...
Published on: 2025-01-13
By Ben Eubanks
In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks sits down with Jeff Palkowski, an HR leader with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an active volunteer with SHRM. They discuss the unique challenges of public sector HR, the importance of mental health and employee well-being, and how to support managers in addressing these issues. Jeff also shares insights from his role as the incoming state director for Wisconsin SHRM, emphasizing the value of creating connections at HR events. Additionally, he offers advice on being proactive in HR rather than just a 'fire extinguisher,' drawing from his popular blog post...
Published on: 2025-01-06
By Ben Eubanks
With so many employers thinking about the coming year and how to create a positive workplace, we have to consider leadership and manager selection since that is a crucial part of the big picture. In this illuminating rebroadcast episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks delves into effective leadership selection with Ji Yun Kang, Senior Advisor for Leader Assessment and Development at Mayo Clinic. The discussion covers Mayo Clinic's specific criteria for assessing leadership qualities, the importance of values alignment, and the substantial impact of good leadership on employee well-being and retention. Kang also explores the onboarding process, transition...
Published on: 2024-12-09
By Ben Eubanks
With so many employers thinking about the coming year and how to create a positive workplace, we have to consider leadership and manager selection since that is a crucial part of the big picture. In this illuminating rebroadcast episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks delves into effective leadership selection with Ji Yun Kang, Senior Advisor for Leader Assessment and Development at Mayo Clinic. The discussion covers Mayo Clinic's specific criteria for assessing leadership qualities, the importance of values alignment, and the substantial impact of good leadership on employee well-being and retention. Kang also explores the onboarding process, transition...
Published on: 2024-12-09
By Ben Eubanks
In this episode of 'We're Only Human',  host Ben Eubanks welcomes Patrika Hardnett, the Customer Eminence Leader at Kyndryl, to discuss the innovative concept of customer eminence. Patrika shares how companies can use this approach to create deeper connections and build powerful, lasting relationships with their customers. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the customer's journey, passion, and personal story rather than just the outcomes of a project. Patrika also provides insights into creating a culture that keeps the customer's voice at the forefront and offers her expertise on implementing customer eminence in organizational practices. Tune in to learn...
Published on: 2024-11-25
By Ben Eubanks
In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in an illuminating discussion with David Wilkins, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Talent Neuron. They explore the use of data to drive insights into strategic workforce planning and talent acquisition. David delves into Talent Neuron's innovative practices, including their proprietary EVP sentiment analysis framework, which helps companies understand and compete more effectively in the labor market. They touch on various real-world applications, including skill evolution, location planning, and diversity hiring tactics. The conversation underscores the importance of aligning employer value propositions with brand consistency and sentiment analysis to...
Published on: 2024-11-18
By Ben Eubanks