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Struggling to afford executive-level HR talent but need more than basic compliance? On this episode of HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney break down the power of fractional HR leadership. Unlike traditional consultants who make recommendations and move on, fractional leaders embed within organizations as true partners — drawing from diverse experience to solve people problems, build scalable HR systems, and create psychological safety for employees who may hesitate to approach internal HR. The team shares real-world transformations, from repairing toxic cultures to replacing ineffective practices with strategic talent systems. They also highlight the surprising financial upside: eliminating costly PEOs, negotiating better benefits, and implementing right-sized HR tech that often saves companies tens of thousands. What makes fractional HR unique is its adaptability — leaders scale their involvement to match business needs, diving in during growth or crisis and stepping back when stability returns. We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

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YouTube Video UExXRnBuMF9zaTZyMVBBaTVKTVZZMWlHMW5JaXBpNmNwRS44QzVGQUU2QjE2NDgxM0M4

Fractional HR: Big Expertise at a Fraction of the Cost | S4E7

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast September 11, 2025 8:00 am

The HR nightmares never stop coming — and in this episode of Leath HR, co-hosts Lisa, Amy, and Greg crack open the inbox to tackle more of your most head-scratching workplace dilemmas. From surveillance concerns to emotional outbursts, they share the stories that keep managers second-guessing and employees walking on eggshells. What happens when your CEO installs Alexa devices in every conference room? The crew talks about the fine line between workplace convenience and perceived privacy invasion — and how to communicate tech policies in a way that builds trust instead of suspicion. From virtual happy hours that drift into too-casual territory, to political messages on clothing, to the surprisingly divisive practice of taking Zoom calls from bed, Lisa, Amy, and Greg weigh in on where to draw the line. They balance empathy with practicality, offering strategies that protect company culture without killing morale. Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

This video is private.

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YouTube Video UExXRnBuMF9zaTZyMVBBaTVKTVZZMWlHMW5JaXBpNmNwRS5ENjI1QUI0MDI5NEQzODFE

Inbox Files Open Again | S4E6

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast August 21, 2025 8:01 am

Lisa Leath and the HR Nightmares team open up their inbox to tackle real-world workplace dilemmas ranging from micromanaging bosses to unconventional emotional support animals. The team provides practical advice for HR professionals and managers navigating these challenging situations. The conversation takes fascinating turns as the team unpacks how trust issues manifest in management styles, exploring why some leaders feel compelled to verify every sick day claim or monitor employees' social media activity. They provide practical guidance for addressing these behaviors without creating additional workplace tensions, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches and direct communication. Throughout the episode, the HR Nightmares team brings their combined decades of experience to these real-world scenarios, offering solutions that balance compliance with compassion. Whether you're an HR professional facing similar challenges, a manager looking to improve your leadership approach, or simply someone fascinated by workplace dynamics, you'll find valuable insights and practical takeaways to apply in your own professional life. Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

This video is private.

3 1

YouTube Video UExXRnBuMF9zaTZyMVBBaTVKTVZZMWlHMW5JaXBpNmNwRS41RTNBREYwMkI5QzU3RkY2

Audience HR Nightmares: Inbox Flies Open | S4E5

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast August 7, 2025 8:01 am

Workplace whiplash is real. Since the pandemic, companies have swung wildly between remote, hybrid, and return-to-office mandates—and employees are feeling the impact. In this episode of HR Nightmares, Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney unpack the real reasons behind these shifts. Is it truly about collaboration and culture, or are deeper motives at play—like commercial real estate, poor management, or quiet downsizing? Drawing from their HR consulting work, the hosts share powerful client stories and challenge the logic of outdated office mandates—especially when workers are commuting just to sit on Zoom calls. They explore the human toll of sudden policy reversals, like employees being forced to relocate or leave jobs entirely. The takeaway? Rigid one-size-fits-all policies don’t work. Flexibility, performance-based decisions, and clear expectations are the future of work—and this episode offers actionable ideas to get there. Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

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Remote Work Reality Check | S4EP4

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast July 10, 2025 8:00 am

Is the entry-level job... extinct? In this episode of HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney dive into the AI-fueled shake-up that’s redefining what it means to “get your foot in the door.” As automation handles more of the repetitive and routine, many roles that once served as launchpads for new grads are either vanishing or morphing beyond recognition. The team explores which industries are still welcoming humans with open arms—think healthcare, construction, sales, and data science—and why some skills will always outmatch a machine. They also call out the frustrating trend of “entry-level” roles requiring 3–5 years of experience and unpack the growing disconnect between higher education and hiring realities. Whether you're a recent grad wondering where the jobs went, a parent trying to make sense of this new world, or an employer rethinking early-career hiring, this episode is packed with honest talk, sharp insights, and a few laughs along the way. Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcast. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

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Is AI Killing Entry-Level Jobs? | S4EP3

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast June 26, 2025 9:01 am

In this episode of HR Nightmares, Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney tackle one of the most challenging scenarios HR leaders face: immigration enforcement in the workplace. What do you do when ICE shows up unannounced? The team shares real-life stories, including the heartbreaking account of an employee deported after decades in the U.S., and breaks down actionable strategies for employers—from conducting regular I-9 audits to setting up clear front desk protocols. More than just compliance, the conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy and support for remaining staff. Learn how to prepare your business legally while maintaining compassion for your workforce during these disruptive events. Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcast. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

This video is private.

2 1

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S4EP2: When ICE Comes Knocking: A Guide for HR Professionals

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast May 15, 2025 7:00 am

Welcome to Season 4 of HR Nightmares. Today, Lisa Leath (Chief People Officer at Vantaca), Beth Looney (Senior Consultant at Leath HR Group), and Amy Conway (Senior Consultant at Leath HR Group) tackle artificial intelligence in the workplace. Is AI revolutionizing business or threatening jobs? Let's find out. Our hosts examine how differently businesses are adopting AI tools—from hesitant small companies to organizations seeing dramatic productivity gains. The conversation shifts to practical AI applications in HR and business operations, revealing how these tools are transforming everything from administrative tasks to complex assessments.

Welcome to Season 4 of HR Nightmares. Today, Lisa Leath (Chief People Officer at Vantaca), Beth Looney (Senior Consultant at Leath HR Group), and Amy Conway (Senior Consultant at Leath HR Group) tackle artificial intelligence in the workplace. Is AI revolutionizing business or threatening jobs? Let's find out.

Our hosts examine how differently businesses are adopting AI tools—from hesitant small companies to organizations seeing dramatic productivity gains. The conversation shifts to practical AI applications in HR and business operations, revealing how these tools are transforming everything from administrative tasks to complex assessments.

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YouTube Video UExXRnBuMF9zaTZyMVBBaTVKTVZZMWlHMW5JaXBpNmNwRS4yQjZFRkExQjFGODk3RUFD

S4 EP1: AI in the Workplace: Friend or Foe?

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast May 14, 2025 12:30 pm

This week, the HR Nightmares crew tackled the legal spaghetti bowl that is non-compete agreements and the proposed FTC ban, and they brought in the big legal guns—Katie Greene, Attorney from Michael Best. Lisa dove into the hot topics keeping employment lawyers and HR leaders up at night—non-compete bans, overtime thresholds, and employee classifications. She managed to make compliance sound almost exciting! Katie chimed in with the latest on how courts are treating non-competes and the non-exempt/ overtime rollercoaster. Fun times ahead when those 2nd round January FLSA salary floor exemption changes hit! In classic HR Nightmares style, the group offers some (semi-)comforting words to those recently canned. Lisa suggests turning your non-competes into "barely-competes" by keeping them specific and narrow—otherwise, see you in court. With remote work a norm, Katie and Lisa remind us that if your trade secrets are spilling out of Zoom calls, it's time to get serious about information security. Follow Leath HR Group on socials and tell your friends to tune in on YouTube or wherever audio podcasts are!

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YouTube Video UExXRnBuMF9zaTZyMVBBaTVKTVZZMWlHMW5JaXBpNmNwRS5DRUQwODMxQzUyRTlGRkY3

Non-Compete and Overtime Woes: HR's Summer Blockbusters | S3E6

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast August 29, 2024 1:45 pm

Tired of team meetings that sound like a pack of hyenas arguing? This episode's all about unlocking the secret weapon of assessments! We delve into the Tracom Social Styles model, where Ashley breaks down the four basic human types: the charging Drivers, the lovable Amiables, the bubbly Expressives, and the meticulous Analyticals. Think of it as your guide to navigating the office jungle! Great assessment facilitators train you to speak fluent "people" by adapting your communication style to each type. Imagine a world where your colleagues actually understand what you're saying! Lisa throws down the "Don't Be a Quizmaster" gauntlet, reminding us that these assessments are tools, not fortune cookies. We dish on the misuse of assessments in hiring, like bombarding candidates with unpaid quizzes or letting unqualified managers decipher their deepest desires. Assessments are all about self-awareness and communication, not replacing good old-fashioned emotional intelligence. Let us know what your favorite assessments are and why!

Tired of team meetings that sound like a pack of hyenas arguing? This episode's all about unlocking the secret weapon of assessments!

We delve into the Tracom Social Styles model, where Ashley breaks down the four basic human types: the charging Drivers, the lovable Amiables, the bubbly Expressives, and the meticulous Analyticals. Think of it as your guide to navigating the office jungle! Great assessment facilitators train you to speak fluent "people" by adapting your communication style to each type. Imagine a world where your colleagues actually understand what you're saying!

Lisa throws down the "Don't Be a Quizmaster" gauntlet, reminding us that these assessments are tools, not fortune cookies. We dish on the misuse of assessments in hiring, like bombarding candidates with unpaid quizzes or letting unqualified managers decipher their deepest desires. Assessments are all about self-awareness and communication, not replacing good old-fashioned emotional intelligence. Let us know what your favorite assessments are and why!

3 0

YouTube Video UExXRnBuMF9zaTZyMVBBaTVKTVZZMWlHMW5JaXBpNmNwRS5DNkMwRUI2MkI4QkI4NDFG

Unlock the Secrets of Workplace Behaviors: Beyond the Personality Assessment Maze | S3E3

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast July 31, 2024 8:00 pm

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Struggling to afford executive-level HR talent but need more than basic compliance? On this episode of HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney break down the power of fractional HR leadership. Unlike traditional consultants who make recommendations and move on, fractional leaders embed within organizations as true partners — drawing from diverse experience to solve people problems, build scalable HR systems, and create psychological safety for employees who may hesitate to approach internal HR. The team shares real-world transformations, from repairing toxic cultures to replacing ineffective practices with strategic talent systems. They also highlight the surprising financial upside: eliminating costly PEOs, negotiating better benefits, and implementing right-sized HR tech that often saves companies tens of thousands. What makes fractional HR unique is its adaptability — leaders scale their involvement to match business needs, diving in during growth or crisis and stepping back when stability returns. We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

This video is private.

2 0

YouTube Video UExXRnBuMF9zaTZyMVBBaTVKTVZZMWlHMW5JaXBpNmNwRS44QzVGQUU2QjE2NDgxM0M4

Fractional HR: Big Expertise at a Fraction of the Cost | S4E7

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast September 11, 2025 8:00 am

The HR nightmares never stop coming — and in this episode of Leath HR, co-hosts Lisa, Amy, and Greg crack open the inbox to tackle more of your most head-scratching workplace dilemmas. From surveillance concerns to emotional outbursts, they share the stories that keep managers second-guessing and employees walking on eggshells. What happens when your CEO installs Alexa devices in every conference room? The crew talks about the fine line between workplace convenience and perceived privacy invasion — and how to communicate tech policies in a way that builds trust instead of suspicion. From virtual happy hours that drift into too-casual territory, to political messages on clothing, to the surprisingly divisive practice of taking Zoom calls from bed, Lisa, Amy, and Greg weigh in on where to draw the line. They balance empathy with practicality, offering strategies that protect company culture without killing morale. Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

This video is private.

3 0

YouTube Video UExXRnBuMF9zaTZyMVBBaTVKTVZZMWlHMW5JaXBpNmNwRS5ENjI1QUI0MDI5NEQzODFE

Inbox Files Open Again | S4E6

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast August 21, 2025 8:01 am

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Struggling to afford executive-level HR talent but need more than basic compliance? On this episode of HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney break down the power of fractional HR leadership. Unlike traditional consultants who make recommendations and move on, fractional leaders embed within organizations as true partners — drawing from diverse experience to solve people problems, build scalable HR systems, and create psychological safety for employees who may hesitate to approach internal HR. The team shares real-world transformations, from repairing toxic cultures to replacing ineffective practices with strategic talent systems. They also highlight the surprising financial upside: eliminating costly PEOs, negotiating better benefits, and implementing right-sized HR tech that often saves companies tens of thousands. What makes fractional HR unique is its adaptability — leaders scale their involvement to match business needs, diving in during growth or crisis and stepping back when stability returns. We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

This video is private.

2 0

YouTube Video UExXRnBuMF9zaTZyMVBBaTVKTVZZMWlHMW5JaXBpNmNwRS44QzVGQUU2QjE2NDgxM0M4

Fractional HR: Big Expertise at a Fraction of the Cost | S4E7

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast September 11, 2025 8:00 am

The HR nightmares never stop coming — and in this episode of Leath HR, co-hosts Lisa, Amy, and Greg crack open the inbox to tackle more of your most head-scratching workplace dilemmas. From surveillance concerns to emotional outbursts, they share the stories that keep managers second-guessing and employees walking on eggshells. What happens when your CEO installs Alexa devices in every conference room? The crew talks about the fine line between workplace convenience and perceived privacy invasion — and how to communicate tech policies in a way that builds trust instead of suspicion. From virtual happy hours that drift into too-casual territory, to political messages on clothing, to the surprisingly divisive practice of taking Zoom calls from bed, Lisa, Amy, and Greg weigh in on where to draw the line. They balance empathy with practicality, offering strategies that protect company culture without killing morale. Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

This video is private.

3 0

YouTube Video UExXRnBuMF9zaTZyMVBBaTVKTVZZMWlHMW5JaXBpNmNwRS5ENjI1QUI0MDI5NEQzODFE

Inbox Files Open Again | S4E6

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast August 21, 2025 8:01 am

Lisa Leath and the HR Nightmares team open up their inbox to tackle real-world workplace dilemmas ranging from micromanaging bosses to unconventional emotional support animals. The team provides practical advice for HR professionals and managers navigating these challenging situations. The conversation takes fascinating turns as the team unpacks how trust issues manifest in management styles, exploring why some leaders feel compelled to verify every sick day claim or monitor employees' social media activity. They provide practical guidance for addressing these behaviors without creating additional workplace tensions, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches and direct communication. Throughout the episode, the HR Nightmares team brings their combined decades of experience to these real-world scenarios, offering solutions that balance compliance with compassion. Whether you're an HR professional facing similar challenges, a manager looking to improve your leadership approach, or simply someone fascinated by workplace dynamics, you'll find valuable insights and practical takeaways to apply in your own professional life. Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

This video is private.

3 1

YouTube Video UExXRnBuMF9zaTZyMVBBaTVKTVZZMWlHMW5JaXBpNmNwRS41RTNBREYwMkI5QzU3RkY2

Audience HR Nightmares: Inbox Flies Open | S4E5

Leath HR Group | HR Nightmares Podcast August 7, 2025 8:01 am

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