The TroopHR Podcast

What if the AI tools your team keeps testing are teaching you more than you think?

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Jessica Zwaan, Best-Selling Author and VP People Strategy & Operations, Leapsome to explore how HR teams are using AI today, and why the people who have spent years in this field are the ones best placed to lead what comes next.

Jessica describes vibe coding as “a paintbrush with AI,” a way to take an idea from rough concept to working prototype in about an hour. She shar...

What if the change you’re resisting is actually an invitation to see your life, and your work, differently?

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with best-selling author, speaker, and former HR leader Sarah Aviram to explore what happens when we step outside of our routines and learn to navigate uncertainty with greater curiosity and confidence.

Sarah shares the story behind her new book, The Scenic Route: Following My Inner Compass Across 12 Countries in 12 Months, inspired by the year she spent working remotely while traveling around the world. What began as...

Most HR leaders were rewarded early for getting things done. Over time, that habit can keep you stuck in the weeds and away from the work only you can do.

In this TroopHR Podcast episode, host Taylor Bradley talks with leadership coach and author Madhu Krishnappa Maron about how HR leaders can shift from constant doing to strategic leadership. Madhu spent 20 years as an HR leader before starting her coaching practice, and she shares practical ways to make that shift without burning out.

In this episode, we cover:

On this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley talks with Livia Martini, Chief People Officer at Wellhub, about well-being at work now that AI is changing how people do their jobs. 

Livia describes well-being as feeling good across the parts of life that matter most: physical and mental health, money, sleep, relationships, and work. She also explains why "work-life balance" misses the point. Work and life aren't two separate things to weigh against each other. Employees show up as whole people, and companies that treat well-being as someone else's problem give up their chance to h...

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Host Taylor Bradley welcomes Deepa Pulipati, Executive Advisor, Conflict & Change Management, Tula Advisory.

Deepa spent years as a licensed marriage and family therapist mediating child custody disputes in San Francisco Superior Court before moving into executive coaching. She defines coaching as creating the conditions for people to solve their own problems, and she is direct with leaders about it. She holds the container, they do the work.

Taylor and Deepa get into conflict competency, why most performance and culture problems are conflict problems in disguise, and the process...

What separates great leaders from great titles—and how can organizations develop leadership at every level?

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley welcomes back Josh Saterman, CEO of Saterman Connect and co-author of Arrive, Drive, Thrive. Josh shares the leadership framework behind the book, exploring how professionals evolve from emerging leaders to senior leaders while learning to manage, navigate, and ultimately lead through change. Along the way, he discusses the importance of developing talent with—not at—your teams, the power of common language, and why leadership exists far beyond organizational charts.

The co...

Why do so many transformation efforts fail and what role does organizational structure play in determining success?

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Jasmine Moseley Beal, Founder of Virtue Key, to explore how misaligned organizational structures create barriers to execution, performance, and growth. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience, Jasmine explains why organizational alignment is ultimately about interconnectivity, and how involving the right people early can dramatically improve change adoption and business outcomes.

The conversation covers common causes of failed transformation initiatives, including AI implementations that lack employee...

What does it really take to transition from HR leader to founder—and how do you build a culture that can withstand the pressures of growth?

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Thach Nguyen, Founder and CEO of Plenty Search, to explore the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating resilient organizations. Drawing on experiences from hypergrowth companies like Airbnb and Sword, Thach shares how an unexpected consulting practice evolved into a thriving business, the imposter syndrome that accompanied becoming an "accidental CEO," and why strong relationships are often the foundation of en...

What if the way we measure employee engagement and workplace performance is completely outdated?

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Melissa Ng Goldner, Founder and CEO of Malu Journey and Head of Strategy and Research at Coqual, for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of work, employee sustainment, and why “work-life balance” may be one of the most misleading phrases in HR today. Melissa challenges traditional HR metrics like engagement surveys and compliance-driven performance measures, arguing that organizations should instead focus on psychological safety, capacity, recovery, and long-term employee sustainability.

To...

What if the key to building stronger, more innovative teams starts with removing the “boxes” we place people in? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with neurodiversity advocate and founder of the Neurodiversity Training Institute, Racheal Pallares, to explore how organizations can create workplaces where different ways of thinking are not just accommodated—but celebrated.

Racheal shares her journey from psychology and recruiting into becoming a leading voice in workplace neurodiversity, including the powerful story of how a simple hiring shift transformed a high-turnover mortgage auditing team into a thriving, engaged workforce. Togeth...

What does it take to build a culture so strong it drives a $7B business and why might the best HR leaders come from outside HR?

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Paul Yater, Chief People Officer at 84 Lumber, to explore how culture truly becomes a company’s competitive advantage. Paul shares his unconventional journey from IT to HR and how his deep understanding of the business helped him reshape recruiting, onboarding, and employee development at scale. From “Lumber Camp” training to AI-powered recruiting and a relentless focus on listening to frontl...

What happens when HR leaders step away from the noise of their roles and into a space designed for real connection, reflection, and growth?

In this special TroopHR episode, host Taylor Bradley reflects on his experience at the 2026 TroopHR Retreat in Arizona, sharing a personal perspective on the power of community in HR. 

From unexpected moments of connection and vulnerability to insights on professional growth, intentional space, and the human side of leadership, Taylor captures what makes the TroopHR community so impactful. Through stories of hallway conversations, inspiring sessions, and even a few unforgettable moments f...

How can leaders embrace AI without losing the human edge and what does it really take to bring teams along for the journey?

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Jalie Cohen, CHRO at Radiology Partners, to explore the evolving intersection of AI, leadership, and human capability. Jalie shares how Radiology Partners is leveraging AI to augment—not replace—radiologists, addressing workforce shortages while improving patient care. The conversation dives into the real challenge of AI adoption,human change management, along with practical insights on self-education, multigenerational communication, and how leaders can use...

Before the weekend existed as we know it, before child labor laws, before Social Security — there was Frances Perkins standing on a sidewalk in Greenwich Village watching history burn.

On March 25, 1911, Perkins witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire firsthand — 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women, killed in minutes because factory doors were locked from the outside. That moment didn't just move her. It changed the trajectory of American labor history.

In this mini-sode, host Taylor Bradley traces the remarkable life of Frances Perkins — from social worker to the first woman ever appointed to a U.S. presid...

How can HR leaders build real trust with employees while keeping pace with compliance, technology, and the rise of AI?

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Nicola Barry of AirMason to explore how HR teams can rethink policies, onboarding, and employee handbooks to better balance compliance with culture. 

Nicola shares how generative AI can help HR professionals streamline policy creation, extract key insights from complex legislation, and reduce time spent on repetitive legal reviews, freeing teams to focus on clarity, employee experience, and trust-building across the organization. Together, t...

What does it really take to become a transformational leader—and why is self-awareness the starting point?

In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Sonja Mustiful, executive coach and founder of Essence of Coaching, to explore the journey of transformational leadership in today’s ever-evolving workplace. Sonja breaks down the difference between leadership and title, introduces the concept of “connection quotient” alongside emotional intelligence, and shares practical strategies for building trust through transparency, accountability, and integrity. From leveraging 360-degree feedback to navigating change with clarity, this conversation offers HR executives and people leaders...

What does it really look like to support employees through grief at work—and why are most organizations getting it wrong?

In this deeply human and practical conversation, Taylor Bradley sits down with CJ Infantino, founder of Unvoiced, to explore the realities of grief in the workplace. After losing his wife in 2020, CJ experienced firsthand how traditional bereavement policies, performance expectations, and manager discomfort often fail grieving employees. Together, they unpack common misconceptions about grief (including the myth of a timeline), the physiological and performance impacts leaders often miss, and why codifying bereavement leave policies is both a...

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley dives deep into the evolving role of compensation with Bobby Benfield, CEO of OpenComp. Together, they unpack how compensation can be transformed from a static system into a strategic, trust-building tool for talent retention and organizational success.

Bobby shares actionable insights on crafting a strong pay philosophy, the pitfalls of misalignment between HR and finance, and how OpenComp’s platform empowers companies to ditch outdated spreadsheets in favor of real-time, scalable compensation data. From navigating merit cycles to equipping managers for difficult conversations, Bobby emphasizes the importance of cl...

What does it take for a CHRO to become a CEO?

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Katie Stricker, executive advisor and founder of The Potential Equation, to explore what it means for HR leaders to boldly step into broader operational roles, including the C-suite. 

Katie shares the eye-opening moment that sparked her mission: recognizing how many CHROs are already operating like presidents or COOs—without the title. From breaking down limiting beliefs around P&L ownership to mapping career pivots using her “three-column filter,” Katie offers...

What does it really take for an HR leader to step into the COO seat? In this episode, Taylor Bradley sits down with Jamie Coakley, Chief Operating Officer at Electric, to explore her remarkable journey from recruiter to HR leader to executive operator. With over eight years helping scale Electric from its early days, Jamie unpacks the mindset shifts, skills, and business fluency required to evolve from HR into a broader operational role.

Jamie shares how being a recruiter honed her ability to read people, why owning problems end-to-end is the hallmark of a true operator, and...

In this forward-looking episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley is joined by Nicole Gunara, Principal Immigration Attorney, Manifest Law, to explore what HR leaders need to know as they prepare for a pivotal year in immigration and employment law. From potential Supreme Court rulings on birthright citizenship to sweeping changes in the H-1B lottery system that favor higher wage roles, Nicole outlines how 2026 will redefine compliance, strategy, and risk for talent teams.

She also shares how leading organizations are transforming immigration from a reactive process into a proactive talent advantage—leveraging tools like I-9 an...

What happens when high-achieving women doubt their success—and how does it ripple through the workplace? In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, Taylor Bradley is joined by executive coach Melanie Manning and workplace conflict mediator Kenya Salaudeen for a powerful conversation on the link between imposter syndrome and organizational friction.

Drawing from coaching sessions, personal insights, and HR leadership experience, Melanie and Kenya unpack how feelings of self-doubt can quietly erode confidence, hinder performance, and even escalate workplace conflict. They explore practical strategies to help individuals name and overcome imposter feelings, and offer guidance for HR le...

Can HR become the leader of AI adoption in the workplace?

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Theresa Fesinstine, a 25-year HR veteran and founder of PeoplePower.ai, to explore the transformative potential of generative AI in HR. From busting the myth that AI is too technical for HR pros to sharing real-world use cases like NotebookLM and HR Harriet, Theresa makes a compelling case for why now is the time for HR to embrace the AI shift—not fear it.

The conversation unpacks how HR can move beyond ad...

What does it really mean to lead yourself before leading others? In this powerful episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Erin Coupe — author, executive coach, and founder of Authentically EC — to unpack the essence of self-leadership. Erin shares her deeply personal journey from toxic workplaces, including her time at Goldman Sachs, to building a purpose-driven business that helps leaders realign with their values and find fulfillment both at work and in life.

From the neuroscience of self-awareness to the courage required to embrace vulnerability, Erin reveals how true leadership begins with how we t...

In this special lightning-round minisode, host Taylor Bradley is joined by a very special TroopHR member for a rapid-fire Q&A on one of the most pressing topics in HR today: artificial intelligence. From hot takes on hyper-automation and ethical accountability to surprising reflections on emotional labor and feedback anxiety, this episode explores where AI ends and human empathy begins.

Tune in for bold, fast-paced insights on hiring, buzzword fatigue, and who’s really accountable when algorithms go wrong—all delivered with speed, humor, and clarity by our mystery guest.

Want more sharp conversations at the...

What if your next great hire lives halfway across the world? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Madeline Grecek, Global Director of People at Remote, to explore how distributed teams are not only reshaping hiring but also transforming how we approach performance, engagement, and workforce planning.

Madeline shares her own journey from higher ed to tech, and how remote work unlocked career-defining opportunities—for her and thousands of others. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Remote has redesigned its performance management model to deliver real-time feedback and predictive talent in...

What happens when immigration policy shifts overnight and your employees are caught in the crossfire?

In this powerful episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with immigration attorney Matthew Hellrung to unpack the real-time impact of evolving U.S. immigration policy on both individuals and companies. Drawing from his deep legal experience and personal immigrant ties, Matthew explores how the current political landscape has reshaped the experience for visa holders, HR teams, and global talent.

From increased scrutiny at borders and visa stamp denials to unexpected audits and secondary inspections, Matthew offers a...

In this mini-episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with immigration attorney Nicole Gunara of Manifest Law, to unpack the latest executive order impacting H1B visas. Nicole breaks down what we know, what remains uncertain, and what HR practitioners can do right now to protect their employees and organizations. From a $100,000 fee to unclear definitions of “renewals,” she shares timely legal insights, practical risk-mitigation steps, and alternative visa pathways HR teams should consider.

Need to speak to Manifest Law, visit manifestlaw.com

For more information about joining our community, please visit troo...

Ever wondered if you might be someone else's bad boss story? In this thought-provoking episode of the TroopHR podcast, Taylor Bradley reconnects with Mita Mallick, WSJ and USA Today bestselling author, for a candid conversation about her latest book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses. Drawing from her own career and surprising discoveries (including a personal “burn book” of former bosses), Mita explores how toxic leadership shows up in unexpected ways—even in well-meaning managers.

Together, Mita and Taylor unpack modern workplace dynamics: the rise of the midnight-email manager, the danger...

How do you turn feedback into a force for career transformation? In this powerful episode, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Ben Brooks, founder of Pilot, to break down the critical (and often misunderstood) difference between evaluative and developmental feedback—and why HR leaders must master both. From tackling the “rearview mirror” of performance reviews to fostering forward-looking growth conversations, Ben offers a refreshingly actionable framework for building a feedback culture that drives potential, not just performance.

Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for structuring meaningful career development meetings, crafting single-point feedback objectives, and reframing leadership as a b...

How do you foster deep team connection in a remote-first world? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Talentful COO Jessica Zwaan and Offsite CEO Jared Kleinert to unpack the future of workplace connection. Drawing from their extensive leadership experience, Jessica and Jared explore the essential ingredients of strong remote team culture—including trust, creativity, and intentionality.

They offer real-world strategies from hosting high-impact offsites to implementing daily async rituals that cultivate alignment and engagement. Jessica shares how Talentful creates unforgettable employee experiences like their “Belly Full” dinners for top performers, while...

What if the key to employee retention in an AI-driven world isn’t just about teaching new skills—but helping people rediscover why they work?

In this episode, Taylor Bradley welcomes back Rebecca Taylor, Co-Founder and CCO of SkillCycle, for a compelling conversation around the release of their 2025 State of Skills Report. Rebecca shares how AI, economic turbulence, and shifting employee expectations are reshaping the way people approach growth at work. From pre-pandemic career ladders to today’s search for purpose and security, the data tells a clear story: employees aren’t waiting to be told what to do—th...

What keeps HR leaders up at night in 2025? In this lively and insightful live episode from the TroopHR Retreat, Mita Mallick is joined by Chelsea Kaden, Chief People Officer at Warby Parker, and Trey Boynton, Chief Diversity and People Officer at Chief, to explore how HR leaders are navigating change, rebuilding trust, and shaping the future of work.

With humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom, the trio dives into Gallup’s latest findings on employee disengagement, the rising pressure around wellbeing, and why listening—not just surveying—is the new superpower for HR teams. Chelsea shares her bold approa...

What if our definition of ambition is actually holding us back? In this thought-provoking episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley is joined by executive coach and author Amina AlTai to explore a radical reframe of ambition—one rooted in well-being, purpose, and sustainable growth. Drawing from her new book The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living, Amina shares deeply personal stories and research-backed insights that challenge hustle culture and offer a new framework for career success.

Together, they unpack the hidden costs of unchecked ambition, the gendered dynamics around the word “genius,” and th...

What makes a great founder, and how can HR leaders become one?

In this candid and deeply personal conversation, Taylor Bradley sits down with Thach Nguyen, founder of executive search firm Plenty, to explore the evolving role of the founder-CEO and what it takes to lead with conviction, humility, and purpose. A self-described "accidental founder," Thach shares his unconventional path from HR leader to entrepreneur, the emotional highs and lows of building a business, and how self-awareness has become his most powerful leadership tool. From setting the right cultural tone to knowing when to push (and when...

What does successful onboarding really look like in a startup? In this candid and strategy-packed episode, TroopHR host Taylor Bradley sits down with Cindy Gordon, a seasoned Chief People Officer, to reframe how people leaders should approach their first 90 days—especially in high-growth, fast-paced environments.

Cindy shares invaluable insights drawn from her own recent experience stepping into a new executive role, emphasizing why the traditional “listening tour” might not cut it when speed and impact are paramount. She unpacks the realities of being brought in to "fix something," the importance of quick wins to build trust, and how to...

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with , CEO and founder of Sparrow, to uncover why employee leave remains one of the most complex, costly, and emotionally charged responsibilities in HR. From a background in reinforcement learning at MIT and Google Brain to building a leave management platform that’s already saved organizations over $200 million in payroll costs, Deborah shares her remarkable journey into the intersection of AI, compliance, and compassionate employee care.

The conversation dives deep into how fragmented legislation and outdated policies have left HR leaders overwhelmed and employees unsupported. De...

In this miniepisode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley spotlights Lillian Gilbreth, an often-overlooked pioneer who quietly reshaped the future of work. Long before terms like “employee experience” or “ergonomics” existed, Lillian was asking questions that still challenge leaders today: Can efficiency and empathy coexist? How do we design systems that serve both business goals and human needs?

From being one of the first women in America to earn a PhD in applied psychology to running a consulting firm as a widowed mother of 12, Lillian’s legacy offers powerful lessons for HR professionals navigating today’s AI-driven, f...

Broadway may be dazzling under the lights, but what happens behind the curtain? In this episode, Taylor Bradley sits down with Manny Bejarano, a seasoned HR leader in the theater industry, to explore burnout in live performance, the evolving role of HR in arts organizations, and the unique challenges of managing talent both on and off stage.

Manny shares his experience working in Broadway and regional theater, highlighting why wellness, rest, and operational strategy are crucial for sustaining performers, crew, and administrative teams. From tech week marathons to the importance of...

What does it really take to reinvent yourself, whether it’s a career pivot, a shift in workplace positioning, or embracing new challenges? In this powerful episode, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Lan Phan, transformation coach and author of Do This Daily, to explore how small, consistent actions lead to lasting change.

Lan shares her deeply personal journey from resisting change to becoming an expert in transformation, revealing the mindset shifts and daily habits that fuel success. Together, they unpack imposter syndrome, career advocacy, and the often-overlooked power of betting on yourself. If you’ve ever felt...