Lunch Conversation with DriveThruHR

Labor Relatedly: The First 100 Days—What Just Happened? Jon Hyman and Michael VanDervort are back with another episode of Labor Relatedly, and this time, they’re tackling the whirlwind of labor and employment changes in the first 100 days of the Trump administration. DEI? Shifting priorities. EEOC? New leadership, new direction. NLRB? Buckle up. Jon and Michael break down what’s happening, what’s coming next, and what it all means for employers trying to keep up. No fluff, no sugarcoating—just straight talk on the evolving world of labor policy.

Phil Wilson joins Robin for a conversation on leadership, culture, and what it really takes to create high-performing teams. We’re talking about The Leader Shift Playbook, the hard lessons he learned running LRI Consulting, and why the right mindset shifts can make or break a workplace. Connect with Phil on LinkedIn or check out The Leader Shift Playbook at yourleadershift.com.

In this episode of Drive Thru HR, hosts Robin Schooling and Michael VanDervort welcome Mark Fogel, who describes himself as the last HR Jedi. We explore the challenges and opportunities for late career professionals in HR and discuss the importance of continuous learning, networking, and adapting to the changing workplace landscape. Mark shares insights on how to navigate ageism, the gig economy, and the need for agility in organizations as he encourages listeners to define their value proposition and leverage their networks to find new opportunities. Mark is a Director and national practice consultant for Clifton Larson Allen’s Talent Management consulting practice and a former CHRO for Leviton, Marcum, and Success Academy Charter Schools. He is a Senior Adjunct Professor of distinction at Adelphi University’s Business School leading HR classes for MBA and Undergrad students in Staffing, Selection, Compensation and Global disciplines. You can catch Mark leading a session at SHRM Talent (Nashville, March 24 – 26, 2025) or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Today, February 1st, marks the anniversary of our very first show with an air date of February 1, 2010 and we take a few moments to mark the occasion. Michael and Robin also discuss the first 12 days of the Trump Administration (part deaux) including the assault on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as the massive changes afoot at the NLRB and the EEOC - and we're not even in week 2 yet!  So what's in store for HR over the next several months....and the next 4 years? They also chat about the need to move from DTHR's original home/platform (after 1,165 episodes and close to 1 million downloads on that platform alone) and look ahead to season 16 here at the Drive Thru! 

On February 1, 2025, Drive Thru HR will be celebrating the anniversary of our very first show - aptly titled "Everything HR."  (It's also quite likely that not a single soul would have predicted we would still be here 15 years later) After 1,665 episodes and well over a million listens/downloads (across all platforms), we have migrated from Blog Talk Radio to our new home base.        

Join us on this episode of DriveThruHR as we sit down with Kim Kavin, (X)co-founder of the Fight For Freelancers coalition and a leading voice in the movement to protect the rights of independent contractors. Kim shares her journey into advocacy and offers sharp insights into the challenges posed by sectoral organizing and freelance-busting legislation, such as California’s AB5, the Massachusetts ballot measure, and the PRO Act. We’ll explore why these legislative efforts have sparked such fierce debates, what they mean for the future of freelance work, and how policymakers can find balanced, bipartisan solutions. Kim also discusses the workforce transformation from 1955 to 2025, emphasizing the growing need for a labor policy that respects the rights of both traditional employees and independent contractors. If you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or HR professional, this conversation is packed with practical advice on how to get involved, protect your rights, and help shape the future of work. Don’t miss this engaging and informative discussion with one of the leading advocates for America’s independent workforce! Tune in to learn how we can ensure everyone has a seat at the labor policy table.

Protecting Your Greatest Asset – A DEI Conversation with Kelli Lester In this episode of DriveThruHR, we’re thrilled to welcome Kelli Lester, Co-founder and Partner at Onyx Rising and a seasoned DEI Coach with over 20 years of experience. Kelli has dedicated her career to helping organizations craft and execute vision-driven DEI strategies that foster inclusion and protect their greatest asset: their people. Join us as we chat about key leadership topics, including: Unpacking misconceptions about DEI and breaking through preconceived notions.Strategies for managing big organizational changes with DEI at the forefront.Exploring how intersectionality shapes impactful DEI initiatives.Authentic ways to measure progress in DEI efforts beyond the metrics. Kelli’s insights will inspire HR professionals and business leaders to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential to organizational success. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion filled with actionable advice for navigating today’s workplace challenges with empathy and strategy. Tune in and elevate your approach to leadership and inclusion!

On this DriveThruHR episode, Michael interviews Sherry Rais, the founder of Enthea, who discusses Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) and its potential as a transformative employee benefit. Enthea provides a structured approach to KAT, addressing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. KAT stands out due to its rapid, curative potential, sometimes offering relief within 4-6 hours—a notable benefit for individuals experiencing severe distress or suicidal ideation. Essential points covered include: Effectiveness: KAT has demonstrated substantial reductions in symptoms: 86% in PTSD, 67% in depression, and 65% in anxiety, with 82% of patients remaining off antidepressants a year later.Workplace Impact: Given that mental health costs employers $225 billion annually, KAT's approach could offer a more effective, cost-efficient solution for supporting employee well-being than traditional therapy and medication. The episode explores how Enthea's innovative approach to mental health care could reshape benefits packages and improve workplace productivity by addressing the root causes of mental health challenges instead of merely managing symptoms.

In this episode, we chat with Ann Manby from CWI Labs to explore the critical issues surrounding ageism in the U.S. workforce and discuss the findings of a new survey highlighting the challenges older job seekers face. Ann brings a wealth of expertise from her experience as the former Chief Workforce Development Officer for Vantage Aging, where she launched innovative workforce development initiatives, including job seeker training, digital inclusion programs, and career pathway models for older adults. The recent survey conducted by CWI Labs in August reveals that 81% of workers aged 50+ believe employers prefer younger applicants, and 59% view their age as a significant barrier to employment. With only 21% optimistic about their job prospects in the next six months, Ann shares insights on the vulnerabilities older workers face and what businesses can do to foster an age-inclusive workforce. We discuss actionable strategies companies can implement to combat ageism, the role of reskilling and upskilling older workers, and the tremendous value older employees bring to our economy. Tune in to hear Ann's insights and learn how organizations can support older workers in today’s ever-evolving job market.

In this episode of Labor Relatedly on DriveThruHR, Jon Hyman and Michael VanDervort chat about what’s happening in labor relations right now. We’ll cover the Boeing strike, the latest moves by the NLRB, and the ongoing union situation at Starbucks. We’ll also talk about stay-or-pay agreements and how they’re changing the way companies and employees deal with things like tuition reimbursement and bonuses. If you’re curious about what’s going on in the world of labor, this episode has you covered with a fun, informative conversation.

Navigating the Remote Work Dilemma with Larry Neal, CEO of Cisive The rise of remote work has brought about newfound flexibility for employees, but it's also uncovered unexpected challenges, such as the growing trend of workers secretly holding multiple jobs. This phenomenon raises pressing questions about productivity, loyalty, and workplace transparency. In this episode, we're joined by Larry Neal, CEO of Cisive, who will share his insights on how companies can detect and manage employees juggling several jobs simultaneously. We'll explore how this trend impacts businesses and discuss prevention strategies, including leveraging technology and cultivating a more robust workplace culture. We discuss how Cisive has become a leader in helping highly regulated industries optimize their talent programs, ensuring workplace safety and trust. Tune in as we tackle: How widespread is the issue of remote employees holding multiple jobs?What steps can organizations take to address this growing concern?Are there technology-driven solutions to monitor and mitigate this risk?Can creating a more engaged workplace culture prevent this behavior? Join us for an insightful conversation on the future of remote work and how businesses can protect productivity while supporting their workforce.

Returning from their summer hiatus. DriveThruHR co-hosts Michael VanDervort, and Robin Schooling sit down to discuss their personal experiences during the summer and their plans for the upcoming year. They congratulate the HR Happy Hour podcast on its fifteenth anniversary and celebrate the success of their own podcast, DriveThruHR, which is also rapidly approaching its 15th anniversary and well over a million downloads. The HR conversation touched on the decline of DEI initiatives in organizations, the challenges of remote work, and the impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry. They also discussed the political affiliations and endorsements of various labor unions and political parties and the tightness of the upcoming election. New shows with guests will resume next week.

🚨 Labor Tensions Are Heating Up Again! 🚨 Remember the "Hot Labor Summer" of 2023? Well, it's back in full force this summer of 2024! From coast to coast, we're seeing strikes, protests, and a resurgence in worker activism that’s impossible to ignore. 🌡️ 👷‍♂️ 17,000 AT&T Southeast workers are on strike, standing up against unfair labor practices. 📢 Cornell University employees are making their voices heard as they strike at the start of the academic year. 🚗 The UAW is preparing to strike at Stellantis, pushing back against broken promises. 📈 The AFL-CIO is ramping up organizing efforts in the Deep South, bringing the fight to traditionally anti-union states like Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina. As we head into the dog days of 2024, it’s clear: this summer is shaping up to be just as impactful as last year, with workers nationwide taking action against their employers. 🌍✊ 🔗 Watch our latest Labor Relatedly episode for the full rundown on these critical labor movements.  

🚨 Is the NLRB Facing Constitutional Challenges? 🚨 In the latest episode of Labor Relations Bites on DriveThruHR, we discuss the recent legal challenges filed by companies like Amazon, Trader Joe's, SpaceX, and Starbucks, questioning the constitutionality of the NLRB. 🏢⚖️ These cases could lead to significant changes, potentially impacting NLRB decisions and increasing uncertainty for employers. While the outcomes are still unclear, this is an important issue to monitor closely. Key Points: Potential implications for current and future NLRB rulings 📜Possible increase in legal and operational uncertainty for businesses 🤔 Stay informed on this evolving situation. Watch the full video for more details and additional updates on recent UAW actions in Chicago and Canton, MS, and the status of the current Boeing/IAM negotiations.      

Here are a few quick bytes on developing news stories, including:   The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) has announced it intends to explore the scope of split-income reporting on the Form LM-10 Employer Report, pursuant to section 203 of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA).Workers at Amazon’s only unionized warehouse in the U.S. elected new union leaders, according to a vote count completed Tuesday, marking the first major change for the labor group since it established an alliance with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.International Brotherhood of Teamsters Vice President at large John Palmer announced he is mounting a challenge to current President Sean O’Brien after he gave a speech at the Republican National Convention.Looking forward to dinner in Austin tomorrow night with Deb Muller and the fine folks from HR Acuity

In this episode of DriveThruHR, we dive into the transformative movement of Unbossing, which has led to the elimination of one-third of middle management positions in 2023. Our guest, Jesse Meschuk, a seasoned human capital advisor and HR expert with over 20 years of experience, will share his insights on how Unbossing is reshaping workforces and the future of work. Jesse will discuss the changing role of middle managers, the implications of Unbossing on workplace dynamics, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of this trend. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the evolving landscape of work and what to expect in a world with fewer bosses. Don’t miss this insightful discussion with Jesse Meschuk on DriveThruHR!

Michael VanDervort discusses labor relations issues of the day with guest Peter List of Labor Union News, including the recent merger/alliance between Amazon Labor Union and the Teamsters

In this episode of DriveThruHR, we chat with Jonathan Bennett, an executive coach with a rich background in business and leadership. Jonathan shares his personal journey from leaving a high-level role at a large hospital to founding and growing a successful management consulting firm. After a decade of success, he made the bold move to sell his company and start a coaching practice focused on deeply listening to leaders. We dive into the emotional and cultural challenges of mergers and acquisitions, exploring how Jonathan helps leaders navigate these complex transitions. He also talks about blending his passion for social justice into his coaching and the common hurdles C-suite leaders face. Tune in for practical advice, insightful stories, and tips on creating a positive workplace culture during M&A. Jonathan’s experience and progressive approach offer valuable lessons for leaders at any stage.

Join us on DriveThruHR as we chat with Kat Walsh of the Kat Walsh Group, a self-proclaimed "GenZologist." Kat's unique journey includes running a venture builder fund and working as a Chief Legacy Officer. She shares her insights on what makes Gen Z tick and how their work values have evolved post-pandemic. Kat explains what it means to be a GenZologist, reflecting on her diverse experiences and how they shaped her understanding of Gen Z. We discuss what motivates this generation, their shifting values since the pandemic, and why research and science may be the key to leading Gen Z employees. Kat offers tips for employers on aligning with Gen Z's values and explores whether generational differences are just a recurring trend or a genuine business challenge. Kat wraps up with her final thoughts and how you can stay connected with her. Tune in for a fresh take on the future of work!

In this episode of DriveThruHR, Michael and Robin welcome Rick Hammell, SPHR, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Helios, to discuss one of the most pressing challenges facing companies today: global payroll compliance. The Global Payroll Management Institute has highlighted this issue as a top concern for businesses worldwide. Rick brings nearly two decades of experience in human resources, with deep expertise in global payroll, managing remote workforces, and integrating AI solutions. He shares his journey, insights, and practical tips for navigating the complex landscape of payroll compliance across different countries. During the conversation, Rick explains the significance of the Global Payroll Management Institute and why payroll, though often overlooked, is mission-critical for employers. He shares a compelling horror story that underscores the importance of getting payroll right and discusses the unique challenges and rewards of managing payroll for remote workers in today's flexible work environment. We also discuss whether employers should allow remote work, the feasibility of employing digital nomads as W-2 employees, and the best practices for managing compliance issues in virtual organizations.