299: The Human Cost of AI in HR with Scott Stratten
Scott Stratten, speaker and author joins Punk Rock HR to talk about the hype, fear, and noise around AI in HR. Instead of focusing on tools, he asks why they exist in the first place and what they mean for the future of work. From AI bots in interviews to the risk of HR jobs disappearing in the next 24 months, Scott brings the truth. He calls for the act of slowing down, asking better questions, and remembering that HR’s role is to defend humanity at work.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why interviews with AI bots are dehumanizing for candidates
The biggest red flags HR should watch for with AI adoption
How “efficiency” is often a cover for economic cruelty
Why HR jobs may vanish in 24–36 months without reinvention
What a pre-mortem can teach us about slowing down AI adoption
How referrals and relationships still drive most hiring
Why universal basic income is entering the conversation
The true value of HR: advocacy and human connection
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298: Navigating AI and Global Work with Laura Maffucci
Laura Maffucci, Head of HR at G-P, joins Punk Rock HR to explore how AI and global employment solutions are reshaping the HR landscape. From “agentic AI” and compliance challenges to the human side of leadership, Laura shares what HR leaders need to know about embracing AI responsibly while unlocking global talent with Employer of Record services.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
What an Employer of Record (EOR) is and why it matters in today’s global labor market
The difference between generic AI and “agentic AI” built for safe, HR-specific use
Why HR jobs aren’t going away, but the work is changing
How leaders can create safe AI adoption practices at work
Real HR use cases for AI, from summarizing investigations to tracking compliance changes
The risks of over-relying on AI and why human judgment remains essential
Why global talent strategy is becoming a must-have for companies
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297: Supporting Caregivers at Work with Blair Whitman
Blair Whitman, VP of Client Success at Homethrive, joins Punk Rock HR to talk about the stigma around caregiving, why it’s a workforce issue, and how companies can move beyond performative support. From personal caregiving stories to the ROI of real benefits, Blair shares how employers can create cultures that support both productivity and compassion.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why many people don’t identify as caregivers and why it matters
How caregiving impacts careers, especially for women
What managers can do to support employees under strain
The difference between EAPs and deeper caregiving support
How caregiving benefits deliver real ROI for companies
Why including men in the caregiving conversation is essential
The unexpected joy and beauty that come with caregiving
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296: Real HR with Robin Schooling
Robin Schooling, a luminary in the HR field, joins the Punk Rock HR Podcast for a compelling conversation about her new book, “Real HR: What It Is, What It Can Be, and How to Get There.”
Robin shares personal and professional milestones, including a health scare that inspired her to complete her decade-long writing project. Her story is one of resilience and passion, challenging the absurdities of the HR world and advocating for practices grounded in authenticity. Laurie and Robin explore the intriguing contradictions within the field, highlighting Robin’s unwavering commitment to reshaping HR into a more genuine and impactful profession.
The episode addresses common myths about HR, including the misconception that HR should handle all emotional labor and solely protect the company. Laurie and Robin argue for a more nuanced understanding of HR’s role in ensuring fair systems and highlight the growing importance of technology in the workplace. With anecdotes of resourcefulness in budget-constrained environments, such as utilizing emerging technologies like SMS-based chatbots, they showcase the ingenuity required to thrive in HR today.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights for those eager to see HR evolve beyond traditional confines, offering inspiration and innovative ideas for making significant strides in the field.
In this episode, you will hear:
Robin Schooling’s book, “Real HR: What It Is, What It Can Be, and How to Get There”
Insights into Robin's personal and professional journey, including a health scare that inspired her to complete her book
Debunking common HR myths, such as HR's role in emotional labor and solely protecting the company
Emphasizing the importance of fair and equitable systems in HR practices
Exploring the integration of technology in HR, including early adoption of tools like SMS-based chatbots
Resourcefulness in HR, especially in budget-constrained environments
Advocating for authentic, innovative, and impactful HR practices that challenge traditional boundaries
Resources from this Episode
Robin Schooling website: robinschooling.com
Connect with Robin on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robinschooling
Find Robin on Threads: www.threads.com/@robinschooling
Get “Real HR: What It Is, What It Can Be, and How to Get There”: realhrbook.com
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Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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295: Well-Being with Christine Muldoon
Facing a brain tumor and navigating menopause were not challenges Christine Muldoon ever anticipated would redefine her role as a leader and a woman. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience and empathy that arise from confronting personal health challenges head-on.
On this episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, Christine, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at WebMD Health Services, offers an intimate look at her journey toward well-being, highlighting the importance of self-care and robust support systems both at home and in the workplace.
As societal expectations shift, so too does the landscape of workplace well-being. Christine and Laurie explore the evolving strategies that now prioritize an employee's mental and emotional health in tandem with physical well-being. Christine's commitment to breaking down the stigma around menopause in the professional world is both inspiring and necessary, as she shares her vision for a more inclusive and understanding approach to women's health issues at work. Her insight is a reminder of the vital role organizations play in nurturing an environment where all employees feel valued and supported.
At the heart of the conversation is a call to action for organizations to create a culture of well-being that extends beyond mere programs. Christine details how WebMD Health Services is leading the charge with personalized initiatives like WebMD One, which seamlessly incorporates health coaching and wellness challenges to build a sense of community and connection among employees. By sharing success stories and emphasizing the need for open dialogue, Christine and Laurie hope to inspire a movement toward workplaces where well-being isn't just an afterthought but a cornerstone of daily operations.
In this episode, you will hear:
Christine Muldoon's personal journey with a brain tumor and menopause, and its impact on her leadership style and well-being focus
Evolution of workplace well-being strategies, emphasizing mental, emotional, and caregiving support
Importance of creating a supportive and inclusive work culture that addresses women's health issues, like menopause
WebMD Health Services' initiatives, such as WebMD One, to foster community and connection through personalized well-being programs
Role of health coaching and digital tools in enhancing employee wellness and setting personalized health goals
Breaking the stigma of menopause in the workplace and promoting open dialogue and education
Empowering organizations to integrate well-being into their culture beyond mere programs, enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction
Resources from this Episode
WebMD Health Services: https://www.webmdhealthservices.com/
4 Ways To Support Women’s Well-Being at Work: www.webmdhealthservices.com/resources/tip-sheets/4-ways-to-support-womens-well-being-at-work
Christine Muldoon on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christine-muldoon-0417525
WebMD Health Services Podcasts: www.webmdhealthservices.com/podcasts
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.
Welcome to the Punk Rock HR Podcast, hosted by the influential and unconventional Laurie Ruettimann. This podcast breaks away from the traditional constraints of the HR world to bring you candid and compelling conversations with some of the most disruptive and innovative minds in the business. Each episode, Laurie dives deep into critical topics surrounding the real world of work, exploring the modern workplace's nuances, and challenging the status quo of HR.
Guests range from renowned thought leaders, authors, and entrepreneurs to HR professionals and individuals who have reshaped the way we approach work and organizational culture. Punk Rock HR is not your usual HR talk. It’s a blend of insight, wit, and irreverence, aiming to bring a fresh, unfiltered perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing today’s workforce.
Whether you’re an HR professional looking to revamp your approach, a leader trying to understand the people side of the business better, or just someone interested in the dynamics of the modern workplace, this podcast is your ticket to engaging discussions and actionable insights. Expect energizing conversations, guests with big ideas, and a punk rock twist, with episodes released every Monday.
Follow the Punk Rock HR Podcast to keep your finger on the pulse of work, leadership, and human resources. Your journey towards a more progressive and enlightened workspace starts here!