Episodes

  • Busted, Broken, and Leaky: Fixing America’s Education-to-Workforce Pipeline

    Busted, Broken, and Leaky: Fixing America’s Education-to-Workforce Pipeline
    Mar 8 2025
    In this compelling episode of The Work Wire, Bob Goodwin sits down with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President & CEO of SHRM, to unpack his recent Congressional testimony on the state of education, workforce readiness, and untapped talent pools. Johnny shares unfiltered insights on why America’s education system is failing both students and employers, why traditional degrees aren’t always the answer, and how skills-based hiring, vocational training, and a shift in mindset can solve the growing talent crisis. They also discuss: • Why employers struggle to find job-ready candidates despite record education spending • The growing importance of trade schools and alternative career pathways • How AI and globalization are changing the future of work • The untapped potential of military veterans, differently-abled workers, and second-chance hires It’s time to rethink education, hiring, and the way we prepare people for work. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation!
    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • Return to Office, DEI, and Trump 2.0: What’s Next for Work?

    Return to Office, DEI, and Trump 2.0: What’s Next for Work?
    Feb 25 2025
    With major executive orders and shifting workplace trends, the balance of power between employers and employees is changing fast. Bob Goodwin and Johnny C. Taylor Jr. discuss the federal return-to-office push, the future of DEI, and why companies are reevaluating how they measure employee value. Is the remote work era over? What’s next for workplace culture? Find out in this must-listen episode of The Work Wire.
    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • The Work Wire - Unpacking Extreme Leadership Decisions and Their Impact

    The Work Wire - Unpacking Extreme Leadership Decisions and Their Impact
    Feb 9 2025
    A CEO's harsh firing of 90% of his employees via Slack reveals significant issues in leadership, communication, and employee accountability. The incident serves as a poignant reminder for leaders about the importance of setting expectations, cultivating a respectful culture, and demonstrating emotional intelligence in challenging situations. • A shocking story of a CEO firing 90% of his staff • Analyzing both sides of the conflict between the CEO and employees • The implications of employee integrity in unpaid roles • The importance of emotional intelligence in leadership • Recruitment and cultural fit as preventative measures • Self-reflection and humility as essential leadership qualities • The human cost of volatility in leadership styles
    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • The Work Wire - Navigating 'The Great Flattening' and Middle Management's Future

    The Work Wire - Navigating 'The Great Flattening' and Middle Management's Future
    Jan 26 2025
    What if the hierarchical structures that have defined our workplaces are holding us back from true productivity and profitability? Join us as we explore "The Great Flattening" trend reshaping the business landscape for 2025 with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM. Despite record profits and soaring stock market performances, companies are reconsidering the role of middle management and contemplating workforce reductions. Together with Johnny, we unravel the historical cycles of corporate restructuring, from re-engineering to centralization, and confront the complex challenges that today's businesses face, even when traditional economic indicators suggest stability. Middle managers, often the unsung heroes of the corporate world, are more critical than ever. We dive into how these crucial players can shift perceptions and showcase their indispensable value. By aligning their roles with key performance indicators and effectively communicating their achievements, middle managers can secure their careers and climb the corporate ladder. Drawing parallels to sports teams, we discuss how removing obstacles and supporting team members can drastically enhance overall performance, making a compelling case for the essential nature of these roles in ensuring an organization's success. In our engaging conversation with Johnny, we also touch upon the broader themes of career development and HR support, emphasizing the significance of embracing new ideas and approaches. Through personal anecdotes, we highlight the importance of self-assessment and staying prepared for future opportunities. As we navigate this evolving landscape, Johnny's expert insights provide a roadmap for individuals eager to thrive in their professional environments. Stay tuned for future episodes where we continue to offer valuable guidance and inspiration for building a successful career.
    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • The Work Wire - Embracing Change and Resilience in Leadership

    The Work Wire - Embracing Change and Resilience in Leadership
    Dec 11 2024
    Join us for an insightful conversation with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., CEO and President of SHRM, as we uncover the essence of embracing change in a rapidly evolving world. Discover how swift advancements in technology, like AI tools such as ChatGPT, demand that we adapt or risk obsolescence. We'll explore how embracing change transforms potential stress into powerful advantages, propelling us into the future with confidence.Inspired by a riveting keynote at SHRM 24 in Chicago, we discuss the metaphor of buffaloes versus cows in tackling adversity. Much like buffaloes charging into storms, purposeful leadership is about confronting challenges head-on and steering teams through turbulent times. With insights from Seth Godin's "The Dip," we highlight the power of resilience and purpose, motivating people to push beyond the initial highs of a new journey through the inevitable dips that follow.Our episode also navigates the complexities of skepticism in change management, distinguishing between skeptics and cynics. We highlight the value of diverse perspectives in enhancing decision-making and fostering inclusive environments. Through personal stories, we emphasize the importance of commitment and genuine feedback, building trust, and resilience during change and uncertainty. Join us as we explore the art of effective communication in leadership, ensuring everyone's voice is heard and valued.
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • The Work Wire - Exploring Decision-Making in Leadership

    The Work Wire - Exploring Decision-Making in Leadership
    Dec 3 2024
    Unlock the secrets to effective leadership decision-making with insights from Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM. Discover how Johnny navigated the weighty consideration of a potential role as Secretary of Labor, sharing the emotional complexities and strategic thinking involved. This episode promises to equip you with a robust decision-making framework, focusing on clarifying values and identifying your "true North Star" to guide your professional and personal choices.Explore the powerful four C's framework—Convictions, Clarity, Confidence, and Contagiousness—that forms the backbone of sound decision-making. Johnny emphasizes the journey from understanding one's core beliefs and skills to achieving clarity, which fosters authentic confidence. This confidence naturally spreads, inspiring not only yourself but those around you. Through captivating anecdotes, including a story about Jeff Bezos, we examine the role of intuition and the importance of defining your impact and legacy, especially in roles driven by service rather than financial gain.Navigate the often intricate process of leadership decision-making, where balancing personal values with professional duties becomes a delicate act. Johnny shares the significance of trusting one's intuition, consulting trusted advisors, and committing fully to chosen paths. We stress the necessity of avoiding poor decisions amidst multiple good solutions and the importance of considering the broader impact on family and colleagues. Join us as we provide a practical approach to these challenges, drawing from real-world experiences to guide you through the maze of leadership and decision-making.
    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • The Work Wire - Personal Choices in a Corporate Culture

    The Work Wire - Personal Choices in a Corporate Culture
    Nov 26 2024
    Can your off-duty escapades lead to a pink slip? Join us in a captivating discussion featuring Johnny C. Taylor Jr., CEO and President of SHRM, as we dissect the case of Joe Gall, a tenured professor dismissed for producing pornographic content. Together, we explore the complexities of First Amendment rights for public sector employees and the potential professional fallout from personal activities. Using a viral incident in Central Park as a cautionary tale, we shine a light on the precarious line between personal freedom and the potential reputational harm to employers.We unravel the challenging terrain HR navigates when off-duty conduct clashes with company values. From tattoos to language, societal shifts continue to reshape workplace norms, creating gray areas that demand careful consideration. How do organizations maintain their image while fostering diversity and inclusivity? This episode confronts the tensions inherent in these challenges, offering insights into the evolving expectations of workplace culture and the delicate balance companies must strike.As we shift focus to cultural norms and leadership, we reflect on how unexpected issues within diverse teams can redefine company culture. A controversial interview attire incident ignites a conversation on the need for clear cultural values while embracing diverse perspectives. By examining organizations like Chick-fil-A, known for their defined principles, we explore the benefits of openness in fostering growth and innovation. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of the continuous evolution of workplace dynamics and the pivotal role of diversity in shaping future leaders.
    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • The Work Wire - Post Election Reactions from the Office

    The Work Wire - Post Election Reactions from the Office
    Nov 19 2024
    Unlock the secrets to fostering civility and respect in the workplace amidst post-election tensions with insights from Johnny C. Taylor Jr., the President and CEO of SHRM, and your host, Bob Goodwin. We tackle the thorny issue of post-election workplace dynamics, sharing strategies to cultivate a culture that values diverse perspectives—even when political views clash. Learn how HR professionals can lead the charge, ensuring productive and respectful conversations while advocating for policies that transcend political divides.In this episode, we also explore the future of workplace policy amid an AI-driven economy. From innovative strategies for skills development and workplace immigration to managing healthcare costs, we uncover the crucial role of HR in guiding companies through these challenges. Hear our thoughts on balancing leadership instincts with strategic oversight, and join us in a hopeful discussion about job growth and workforce development. Together, we envision a thriving workforce ready to embrace future opportunities, where trades are respected alongside college degrees, and every employee feels seen and heard.
    Show more Show less
    34 mins