262: What HR Leaders Really Look for in Top Talent with Bruce Wallace
b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck
Release Date: 10/08/2024
b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck
In this episode, Erin and Nicole swap stories about the work traumas that shaped them—some painful, some funny, all of them unforgettable. From leadership flops and job losses to the quiet moments that hit a little too hard, they unpack the professional PTSD that left a lasting impression (and taught them what not to repeat). <p> If you’ve ever wondered why a small comment still haunts you—or how to make meaning out of a mess—this one’s for you. <p> Here’s what you’ll hear: <p> 1.) Why your “superpower” might actually be a trauma response <p> 2.) What...
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If stress has ever hijacked your brain mid-meeting or made you question your own success, this episode is for you. Dr. Rebecca Heiss—stress physiologist, keynote speaker, and author of Springboard and Instinct—joins us to unpack the science behind stress and how to harness it as a powerful force for growth, resilience, and confidence. <p> Here’s what you’ll hear: <p> 1.) Her Fear(less) Formula, a 3-step process for dealing with stress <p> 2.) What the Hedonic Treadmill is and how it explains why you often feel stressed <p> 3.) What the Winners Effect is...
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What if the key to better work wasn’t more hustle—but deeper connection? In this episode, Shasta Nelson dives into the surprising science of friendship, why belonging matters more than ever, and how your relationships at work could be the hidden driver behind your success (and sanity). <p> Shasta Nelson is a former pastor turned pioneer on the topics of loneliness and friendships, She's an in-demand keynote speaker, popular media resource, and author of three books in which she teaches how to build healthy relationships, including The Business of Friendship: Making the Most of the...
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In this episode, Rashad Rayford brings the energy (and the poetry) with a fresh take on owning your voice, trusting your timing, and turning fear into fuel. From embracing boredom to battling imposter syndrome, Rashad breaks it all down with humor, heart, and a spoken-word mic drop you won’t want to miss. <p> Rashad Rayford is an award-winning speaker, actor, and poet featured at TEDx, on NPR, and in The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He's also a MOTH Story Hour GRANDslam champion. Rashad is known for his high-energy presentations that blend storytelling, spoken word, and...
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What does it take to build a leadership legacy that lasts? Stephanie Chung knows. <p> As the first African American president of a private jet company—and now a sought-after speaker, author and board member—she’s lived the kind of career most only dream about. <p> In this episode, she shares the pivotal moments, tough lessons, and mindset shifts that helped her rise, lead with purpose, and leave a mark that matters. <p> Here’s what you’ll hear: <p> 1.) The time she TRIED to say "no thank you" to a big-girl job and what transpired <p>...
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In this episode, Erin and Nicole tackle something we all need to get better at: ignoring. (Ignoring—strategically, of course.) <p> Whether your inbox is flooded, your DMs are piling up, or you're just plain overstimulated, this episode is your permission slip to stop responding to everything like it’s a fire drill. <p> Here’s what you’ll hear: <p> 1.) Why every message doesn’t deserve a reply—and how to tell the difference <p> 2.) How to stop treating work like a courtroom (you’re not on trial, promise) <p> 3.) Practical ways to...
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Networking isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s directly tied to your promotions, paycheck, and how others perceive your value. In this episode, Erin sits down with speaker, author, and networking expert Julie Brown to unpack why networking is critical for your career growth and how to do it more effectively (and authentically). <p> Julie brings the data, the tough love, and the practical steps — from small, doable actions you can take today to common mistakes that are sabotaging your efforts, including the two most boring questions that kill any conversation. If you’ve been...
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What if the setback is the setup? <p> In this episode, Angela Gargano shares how she went from biochemist to 6x American Ninja Warrior—and the mindset moves that kept her climbing (literally). From her RIGHT framework to delusional action, this convo is your reminder that even when everything feels off track… it might just be going right <p> <p> Angela Gargano is a 6x American Ninja Warrior, Miss Fitness America 2016, 3x Cover Girl, international keynote speaker, and the founder of the Pull-Up Revolution, where she’s helped thousands of women conquer their first...
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What does it really take to leave a legacy as a leader? <p> In this solo episode, Erin is coming in hot with a message that’s been on her mind for a while—one that’s part pep talk, part practical how-to: how to leave a real leadership legacy (and no, it’s not about working yourself to death or following every rule in the book). <p> <p> From the awkwardness of admitting she left a legacy… to the specific things she did (and wishes she had done), this episode is packed with straight talk, strategic insight, and stories you’ll carry with you. <p> <p>...
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What if the chaos you’re experiencing isn’t a crisis… but a transformation? <p> In this episode, Nicole opens up about turning 49, revisiting her own evolution, and what it’s taken to stay grounded when the world keeps shape-shifting. <p> <p> From embracing therapy to rewriting her definitions of success, she lays out a real-life-tested five-point plan for navigating seasons of massive change — without losing yourself (or your sense of humor). <p> <p> There’s some tough love, some funny sidebars (we’re looking at you, custom bra fitting), and a...
info_outlineCurious what really makes those elusive HR professionals' brains itch? Us too. So we knew we had to bring in the big guns to ask. In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Wallace, Chief People Officer at Newman’s Own.
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Bruce became Chief People Officer at Newman’s Own in September 2020, overseeing Human Resources for both Newman’s Own, Inc. and Newman’s Own Foundation. He brings over 25 years of HR experience across industries including healthcare, retail, consumer products, and financial services.
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Before joining Newman’s Own, Bruce served as VP and Senior HR Business Partner at Prudential Financial, where he provided HR support to key areas such as Product & Pricing, Sales, and Operations. His career began in sales and sales management before transitioning into HR, where he gained experience working with start-ups and Fortune 50 companies.
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Bruce holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from the University of Connecticut, a Master’s in Human Resources and Finance from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and an executive coaching certification from Columbia University.
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On the personal side, Bruce has three daughters -- two taxer-payers, and one college junior – and lives in the Greater Hartford area with another HR professional, his wife of 25 years.
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Some of the things you'll hear are:
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- What he believes is the Career Advancement Conundrum and how to get through that
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- The #1 thing he looks for when he's keeping an eye on talent that'll rise
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- The biggest misstep you can make in an interview
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- Newman's Own's innovative 50% Ruled initiative
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- The 3 things he needs every day to make work suck less
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<p> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-wallace-0613/">Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-wallace-0613/ </a> <p>
<p> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/newmans-own/mycompany/">Newman’s Own LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newmans-own/mycompany/ </a> <p>
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If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at <a href="https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie">https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie </a>
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To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: [email protected] <p>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Do-ish-Authentic-Superpowers/dp/1736376535/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=you+do+youish&qid=1634564333&sr=8-1">Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" </a>
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DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.<p></em>
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Tweetable Comments</b><br></p>
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"As long as you're learning and staying open to where each step can take you, you'll remain adaptable in how you grow and apply your experience. This flexibility allows you to move within an organization without being locked into one path."
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“Everyone has different perspectives. So it's really just allowing the perspective of each person to contribute to the success of the organization.”
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"The best days I have are when I get three belly laughs."
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"Our number one job as leaders is to knock down barriers and give people the things they need."
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