How to Design a Boardroom-Worthy Performance Strategy
HR Superstars
Even though people are at the heart of business outcomes, HR leaders still struggle to be seen as essential voices at the executive table. In this episode, , VP of People at 15Five, sits down with , Chief Product and Marketing Officer at 15Five, to talk about how to show up in the boardroom with clarity and confidence. Jeff shares lessons from working closely with HR leaders over the years and offers practical guidance on how to present people strategy as business strategy. They cover how to prepare for board meetings, tell compelling stories with data, and answer tough questions without...
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Equipping Managers Without Overwhelming HR with Yen Tan & Morgan Webb
HR Superstars
HR leaders are feeling the squeeze. With limited resources and growing pressure to improve engagement, performance, and retention, many are tasked with building manager support systems from scratch, often without the time or tools to do it effectively. In this episode, , Senior Strategic Advisor at 15Five, and , Evangelist, Expansion & Manager Products at 15Five, share how HR can take a more focused and sustainable approach to manager enablement. They discuss why blanket training programs rarely work, how to use data to identify where support is needed most, and why piloting and...
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Is HR’s Strategic Role at Risk? What the Data Tells Us, And What to Do About It with Will Howard & David Hawthorne
HR Superstars
HR teams are moving from external hiring to internal impact. , Practice Lead at , shares the latest research behind HR’s shift in priorities, showing why retention and leadership now take the lead. , Chief People Officer at t, brings a real-world lens to the data. He explains how to move from reactive to strategic, why data literacy matters, and how to rethink people leadership from the ground up. Together, they explore how HR can stay relevant by aligning with business goals and building the kind of leadership that drives results. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstars: Will...
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Why Retention Starts with Better Managers with David Hawthorne
HR Superstars
Trends are everywhere, but translating them into real business impact takes more than reading a report. It takes HR leaders who understand their business and know how to turn insights into strategy. , Chief People Officer at , shares how he brings 2025 HR trends to life by aligning people strategy with business goals. He breaks down how to scale leadership, strengthen culture, and improve retention in a high-growth environment, from hiring the right people and developing frontline managers into future executives. He also explains why HR can’t operate in a silo—and how becoming a true...
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Solving the Conundrum of International Distributed Teams with Alexandra Erman
HR Superstars
Global teams give companies access to top talent and fresh perspectives, but managing them comes with challenges—time zones, cultural differences, and keeping everyone aligned. , Chief People Officer at , knows what it takes to lead international teams successfully. In this episode, she shares how to foster connection across borders while respecting local cultures. She explains why businesses should move beyond country-centric mindsets and build people strategies rooted in flexibility, trust, and autonomy. Alexandra also dives into the role of clear communication and pay equity in creating a...
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Putting a Human Touch on Data-Driven HR with Brittany Rohde
HR Superstars
Being data-driven doesn’t mean sacrificing the human side of HR. Data can be used to guide decisions while keeping people at the center. , Head of People at , believes that HR can be both analytical and people-focused. She shares how to scale sustainably by using automation wisely, bringing employees into key decisions, and building trust through transparency. Brittany also explains why data literacy is an essential skill for HR leaders—helping them make better decisions, strengthen teams, and drive long-term success. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Brittany...
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Discovering Your Leadership Voice with Susannah Robinson
HR Superstars
What kind of leader do you want to be? Pause and really think about that. Or better yet, write it down on paper. , Founder and President of emphasizes the importance of defining your leadership vision. In this episode, she explains how self-awareness, trust, and consistency shape leadership and why your approach should evolve over time. Having guided countless leaders through this process, Susannah shares how authenticity builds trust and fosters accountability. She also gives advice to help HR leaders become more business-minded, ensuring their work drives tangible...
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How to Break the Burnout Cycle with Brittany Fowler and Stephanie Smith
HR Superstars
HR teams provide emotional, mental, and strategic support to their organizations, but who’s supporting them? As burnout among HR leaders reaches alarming levels, it’s clear that those responsible for employee well-being often struggle themselves. Recorded live at the 5th HR Superstars Summit, this episode features at Kickstarter and at Tagboard as they share their personal experiences with burnout, the warning signs to watch for, and the strategies they’ve implemented to create a healthier, more sustainable approach to HR. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR...
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Stop the BS and Thrive at Work with Kelly Mackin
HR Superstars
There is no magic formula for creating a happy and engaged workforce. Every employee has unique needs and values, and understanding those differences is the key to building thriving teams. , CEO of , explains why a one-size-fits-all approach to engagement doesn’t work. Her firsthand experience in a toxic work environment inspired her to develop a framework for understanding the 28 human motives that drive well-being. By uncovering what matters most to each individual, both leaders and team members can co-create a healthy culture where everyone feels seen and supported. Kelly also...
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Why Your Offsite Isn’t Working (Yet) with Jared Kleinert
HR Superstars
All teams strive for stronger connections, better communication, and true alignment. Offsites can help make that happen—but only when designed with purpose. In this episode, , Founder and CEO of , shares what makes an offsite truly effective. He explains how to move beyond basic event planning and create experiences that deepen engagement, reinforce company culture, and boost retention. He also discusses how HR leaders can gain executive buy-in and ensure your offsite is more than just a line item on the budget. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Jared...
info_outlineBurnout isn’t a sign of overwork—it’s a sign of internal misalignment.
In this replay episode, leadership coach Jim Marsden reframes burnout as a powerful signal to realign with your values and purpose. He shares advice on how to combat burnout by embracing curiosity, reconnecting with nature, and finding small but meaningful moments of perspective.
Jim also introduces his "street-of-life" metaphor, a framework for identifying stress states and shifting to a more grounded, intentional mindset.
Join us as we discuss:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Jim Marsden
(04:09) The deep roots of burnout
(07:57) Why it’s important to find perspective
(13:57) The street-of-life concept for navigating stress
(19:45) Supporting others during burnout
(24:07) Practical steps to regain balance
(32:05) Avoiding big decisions during stress and finding small wins
(34:42) Dare to imagine: Aligning your work with what truly brings you alive
Resources:
For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.
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Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn.
Click here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook!
And don’t forget to sign up for the HR Superstars Summit 2025 here.
For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here.
Jim Marsden’s LinkedIn - click here!