HR unConfidential

Offering a behind-the-scenes look at life in Human Resources and what’s really happening in the workplace. With a combined 30+ years of HR experience, Gina & Turiya share unfiltered, entertaining true stories on various topics relevant to anyone in the workplace (whether you work in HR or not!) They also offer listeners practical tips and advice on workplace related topics - minus the HR lingo and corporate buzzwords!

The Exits We Can’t Afford: Black Women, Work, and What We’re Losing 03/19/2026

The Exits We Can’t Afford: Black Women, Work, and What We’re Losing In this powerful episode, Turiya and Gina are joined by gender economist, speaker, and founder/CEO of Pipeline to unpack the alarming rise in Black women exiting the U.S. workforce and what it reveals about the state of work today. We explore the data behind the trend, the workplace dynamics driving it, and why this is more than a diversity issue but also a business and economic one. From burnout and bias to policy shifts and leadership blind spots, this conversation challenges organizations to look deeper at who work is really working for. If you care about retention, equity, and the future of the workforce, this episode is a must-listen. to stay up to date on her research & insights Visit the Pipeline website The countdown to our 100th episode is officially on! Follow HR unConfidential for updates about our in-person celebration coming in August 2026. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us group or email at . /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/40541400

Closing the Perception Gap 02/19/2026

Closing the Perception Gap HR is one of the most visible functions at work and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Gina and Turiya are joined by Kim Zubrickas, Chief Human Resources Officer at Carl Buddig & Company, to explore how employees, leaders, and even other HR professionals perceive the function differently. We unpack why HR is often seen as enforcers or policy police, why leaders underutilize HR strategically, and where the profession sometimes holds itself back. Most importantly, we talk about how to close the gap and build more trust, clarity, and impact. Listen in for a candid conversation about the future of HR and the role we all play in shaping it. The countdown to our 100th episode is officially on! Follow for updates about our in-person celebration coming in August 2026. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com. /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/40161305

Quiet Power: Introverts at Work 01/17/2026

Quiet Power: Introverts at Work Introverts make up a huge part of the workforce — yet most workplaces are still designed for extroverts. In this episode, we’re joined by Jeri Bingham, founder of HushLoudly: Introverts Redefined, to unpack what introversion really is (and isn’t), the extra labor introverts often carry at work, and how leaders and HR teams can create environments where both introverts and extroverts thrive. We also explore the intersection of introversion, identity, and equity — and why quiet power is anything but quiet. Listen to Jeri's podcast - Follow Jeri on Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via or email at . /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/39765555

Gratitude 12/18/2025

Gratitude In the last episode of 2025, Gina & Turiya reflect on 2025 and share what's on the horizon for HR unConfidential in 2026. Spoiler alert: we'll hit the amazing milestone of our 100th episode in August 2026 and are planning an in-person celebration in the Chicago area. Please let us know your episode ideas for 2026. We'd also love to know if you'd be excited to attend and hang out with us at a 100th episode celebration next year. Check out Gina's business website: Check out Turiya's about our upcoming 100th episode. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our or email at . /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/39451505

Open to Work 11/20/2025

Open to Work In this very special episode of HR unConfidential, Gina and Turiya sit down in person at a studio in Chicago for an intimate conversation about their recent career trajectory. This informative, sometimes humorous and sometimes rather vulnerable chat offers an insight into what happens when seasoned HR professionals find themselves Open to Work for longer than expected, and how they have been best managing their time in the interim. You won’t want to miss this special episode of our podcast. Thank you to all of our listeners. Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/39106380

Dont Be Boring: The Art of Storytelling At Work 10/30/2025

Dont Be Boring: The Art of Storytelling At Work Facts & figures inform but stories inspire. In this episode, we chat with Jill Pollack, Chief Story Wrangler and founder of StoryStudio Chicago Words for Work, about why storytelling might be HR's most powerful and untapped skill. If you’ve ever struggled to get others to really understand your message or wondered why your beautifully written HR strategy deck just didn’t land, this one’s for you. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at . /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/38840470

Private Equity, HR Edition 08/22/2025

Private Equity, HR Edition In this follow-up to our Private Equity 101 episode, we’re joined by Sarah Purlee, Head of HR at S&S Truck Parts, to explore what it’s really like to lead HR inside a PE-backed company. We dig into how HR creates value in private equity, what makes the environment unique, and what HR pros should know if they’re working in — or curious about — the PE space. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our or email at /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/37918225

Bonus Episode: All In With AI! 08/07/2025

Bonus Episode: All In With AI! AI is moving fast and we can’t afford to sit on the sidelines, especially in HR. In this episode, we’re joined by Malvika Jethmalani, founder of Women Shaping AI, for a real talk on the ethical use of AI, how HR can be front & center of the integration of AI into the workplace, and what it means for jobs, skills, and the human side of work. We also discuss the urgency of ensuring women don't continue to be left behind in the AI revolution. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via or email at . /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/37715095

The Power of HR Communities 07/17/2025

The Power of HR Communities HR can be a lonely job — but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Schumm and Amy Dordek Dolinsky, co-founders of , a growing community for senior HR professionals. We talk about the importance of connection in the HR world, what it takes to build and sustain a meaningful community, and how spaces like TPC are helping leaders learn, grow, and support one another. Whether you're looking to join a community or build one yourself, this episode is full of insights and inspiration. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via or email at . /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/37437800

Private Equity 101 05/20/2025

Private Equity 101 Private equity... it’s a phrase we hear a lot these days, but what does it really mean? Gina & Turiya are joined by Gregg Kaplan, CEO of Dentologie and founder/former CEO of Redbox to break it down. Listen as we define private equity and discuss key differences & similarities between private equity and other types of companies in areas like business strategy & goals, measures of success, and leadership attributes. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via or email at . /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/36635585

De-Risky Business 04/21/2025

De-Risky Business Organizations are facing increasing risks of workplace violence, information security threats, and other factors that can destabilize their business as well as create safety concerns for employees. In this episode Gina & Turiya are joined by security expert, Ken Wheatley, Founder & Principal Advisor of Royal Security Group, LLC, to discuss the steps companies can take to de-risk their business. Listen in as they discuss recent trends and the risks they create for organizations, the role of leaders and HR professionals in proactively identifying risks and preparing their organizations to respond, and where companies can start to take the first steps in de-risking their business. Contact Ken - Book referenced in episode - Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our or email at . /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/36241050

HR All Around the World 03/20/2025

HR All Around the World How alike or different is the workplace across the globe? How do these similarities or differences influence HR strategies and practices? We're joined by two amazing global HR executives, Amrita Bhaumik and Martha Nelson Trott, to discuss all things global HR. Listen as we discuss the strategic, cultural, and operational considerations HR pros and leaders must consider to achive and sustain global success for people and the business. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com. Don't forget to check out HR is hard - BambooHR is easy! See for yourself with a free demo at Please share with us! Facebook - () LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/35785440

Fractionally Curious??? 02/20/2025

Fractionally Curious??? There's been a noticeable uptick in HR professionals transtioning to the world of fractional. Why is this the case? What is fractional and what are the pros & cons? When is fractional HR the best or worst fit for a company? Answers to these questions and more are discussed with special guest, Elles Skony, founder of Organized Chaos Consulting and the Fractional People People. Follow or visit their . Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our or email at . And don't forget to check out BambooHR. Click this link to get a free demo /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/35361225

The Power of Design Thinking in HR 01/23/2025

The Power of Design Thinking in HR In the first episode of 2025, Gina & Turiya dig into the world of Design Thinking. They are joined by two pioneers of Design Thinking in the HR space, Nicole Dessain, founder of talent.imperative and author of the Design Thinking for HR newsletter, and Nancy Harris of Restart Consulting and the Intersection podcast. Listen as they breakdown what design thinking is and ways it can be used in HR to make life easier and enhance the employee experience. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our or email at infor@hrunconfidential.com. /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/34967750

The Unsexy Truth of Job Hunting 10/31/2024

The Unsexy Truth of Job Hunting Where is the best place to apply for a job? Should I have the open to work banner on my LinkedIn profile? What's the secret to standing out in a crowd when there are so many applicants? Join Gina & Turiya and their special guest as they discuss all these questions and more. We're joined by Cassie Sturdevant, AVP of Talent Acquisition at The Chartis Group, to chat about the challenging job market we're experiencing and practical, back to basics tips for job seekers. Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/33700482

Play to Win! 08/17/2024

Play to Win! What first comes to mind when you hear we need more play at work? Gina and Turiya are joined by Jeff Harry, founder of Rediscover Your Play, to discuss the importance of play and psychological safety to make work suck less for humans while also enabling stronger business performance. Listen as we discuss what play at work actually means, ways companies can integrate play into the workplace, and the positive impact it has on the employee experience as well as innovation & creativity. Jeff's Website - Jeff on Socials - @jeffharryplays Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/32620247

Still Burning Out... 07/18/2024

Still Burning Out... Gina and Turiya first discussed burnout in titled "Burnout Intervention". Listen in as they revisit this very necessary and even more prevalent topic with special guest, Melissa Swift, VP, workforce and Organizational Change at Capgemini Invent. Melissa shares her research backed insights into what causes burnout and how organizations and individuals can recognize burnout and strategies to mitigate and address it. Melissa's Book - Please share with us! Facebook - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/32197042

Befriending AI 05/29/2024

Befriending AI What is AI? What are we excited and/or concerned about as it relates to AI & ChatGPT? What should companies and HR professionals be doing to support readiness of this evolving technology in their workplace? All this and more is discussed with our very special guest, Allyson Carter, SVP, Talent Management at The CARA Group and an early adopter of AI. Connect w/ Learn more about The CARA Group on their Check out several of the AI resources Allyson mentioned in the episode: Allyson's Favorite AI Newsletter: Upskill Yourself on AI: Check out SHRM Resources: Brandon Hall: World Economic Forum: Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/31514692

Staying the Course 04/26/2024

Staying the Course Gina & Turiya are joined by Michelle Silverthorn, Founder & CEO of Inclusion Nation. Listen as they discuss the state of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) almost 4 years post the murder of George Floyd, the importance of staying the course to ensure everyone has a safe and fulfilling workplace, and the practical actions everyone can take to advance progress. Learn more about Michelle and Inclusion Nation here - Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/30944543

Finding your Z 02/20/2024

Finding your Z Gina and Turiya are joined by Candyce Penteado and Michelle Newman, authors of Finding Your Z: An A-Z Roadmap for Realizing Your Ideal Life. Listen as they discuss a different approach to navigating life & career choices through a framework and guided reflection on what might fulfill your whole self. They also discuss how companies and leaders should evolve their thinking and approach to career navigation and development to support employees in search of their "Z". Link to their book here - Candyce's Website - Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/30028468

Modern Management 12/11/2023

Modern Management Gina and Turiya are joined by repeat guest, speaker, advisor, and author Christine Sandman Stone. Listen as they discuss Christine's newest book - The Modern Management Mentor - and dig into why such a book is needed, the key attributes of a successful manager, and what companies can do to modernize their approach to leadership & manager development. Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/29016268

All About Culture 11/27/2023

All About Culture What is culture? How is culture created & maintained? What constitutes a healthy or toxic culture? Where do you even start? Turiya & Gina are joined by culture designer & consultant, Gustavo Razzetti to answer all of these questions and more. Listen as we unpack the sometimes ambigous and misunderstood topic of organizational culture and share practical steps companies can take to cultivate a culture that works for them. Gustavo Razzetti is the founder & CEO of and the author of several books including his most recent, . Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/28801218

What makes a dream team? 09/28/2023

What makes a dream team? Gina and Turiya are joined by Scott Tannenbaum, President of the Group for Organizational Effectiveness and I/O psychologist, to discuss the importance and impact of effective teams in an organization and best practices for setting teams up for success. Scott shares data, grounded in practicality, as to the elements of an effective team and tips to create and sustain teamwork which are also featured in a book he co-wrote, "Teams That Work". Website The Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/28169459

Leadership Trends 09/05/2023

Leadership Trends Gina and Turiya are joined by LaTonya Wilkins, founder and CEO of Change Coaches, to discuss LaTonya's recent article about trends shaping the future workplace and how leaders can measure up. Listen to hear LaTonya's thoughts on the top three trends that leaders need to be aware of, how leaders can evolve to meet the changing needs of the workforce, and the role HR professionals can play to support leaders and their organization on this journey. References: Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/27946548

The Role of White Men in DEIB 08/21/2023

The Role of White Men in DEIB Gina & Turiya are joined by Mike Lynch, founder of MJL Consulting Group and DEIB consutant who focuses his efforts towards educating and coaching white men. Listen in on our discussion about the role white men play in helping or hindering DEIB efforts in the workplace. -- Mike's website - Link to book referenced in the episode - -- Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/27809202

Assessments: Tool vs. Weapon 04/18/2023

Assessments: Tool vs. Weapon Gina and Turiya are joined by Oneka Cornelius, HR and Organizational Development expert and the founder of Convergence Solutions. They discuss the world of assessments in the workplace and the various ways they are used from recruitment to leadership development and team effectivness. They also discuss how they might be misused, how HR professionals can influence proper use, and the importance of after-care for those on the receiving end of assessment results. You don't want to miss this conversation!!! Check out to learn more about Oneka and how you can work with her. Click to check out the book that Oneka contributed to. Please share with us! Facebook - | | | /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/26574543

It's Complicated! 03/29/2023

It's Complicated! Turiya and Gina are joined by Theresa Shea, EVP & General Counsel and overal legal mastermind! They discuss the dynamic world of labor & employment law, it's impacts on the workplace, and how HR and leaders are navigating the increasing demands to not only meet nationwide compliance requirments but als the increasing needs and demands of employees, Boards, shareholders, and customers. The TL;DR - complying with laws are tabelstakes and organizations must be doing much more to ensure the attraction and retention of the talent they need and create an inclusive workplace. Please share with us! Facebook - @ LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/26375271

Working Parents 03/18/2022

Working Parents Being a working parent has always required balancing and the last couple of years have only exacerbated that, particularly for those who identify as women. In this episode, Gina & Turiya are joined by author & speaker, Christine Sandman Stone. Christine is the author of The Parent Track and chats with us about her experiences and her thoughts on ways to hack parenting and raise good humans while maintaining a successful career. Check out Christine's website here: Purchase your copy of Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/22488620

Recovery in the Workplace 02/26/2022

Recovery in the Workplace Gina and Turiya are joined by Ashley Loeb Blassingame, founder and Chief People Officer of Lionrock Recovery to discuss the very important but often unspoken topic of recovery in the workplace. Ashley shares her personal experience with recovery and what HR professionals and organizations should know about supporting employees who may be active substance/alcohol users or on a path to recovery. More information about Lionrock can be found at . Check out Ashley's podcast "" on Apple Podcasts Please share with us! Facebook - LinkedIn - Email - /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/22263020

Workspace 2.0 11/02/2021

Workspace 2.0 Gina and Turiya are joined by Vicki Bartling & Emily Watkins of unispace, a leader in workspace strategy and design, to discuss how needs, design, and employee expectations of the physical workspace have evolved in recent years. We also discuss the connection between corporate real estate and employee experience and the increased role HR is playing in workspace design decisions. Learn more about unispace at . Please share with us! Facebook - | | | /episode/index/show/hrunconfidential/id/21019928

HR unConfidential

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