SpeakEasy HR

073: Stop Playing Small - Unlocking Emerging Talent

In this episode, I sit down with Frank Kitchen to talk about “playing small” in today’s workplace and what it really takes to unlock emerging talent. We explore what it actually looks like when high-potential employees hold back, why that happens, and how much of it is driven by the individual versus the environment leaders create. We also dig into how feedback, opportunity, and organizational culture either accelerate or limit growth. A key focus of this conversation is the role leaders play—often unintentionally—in shaping whether people feel safe and confident enough to step into bigger opportunities. Frank shares practical insight on how organizations can better identify readiness versus confidence, and what it takes to create an environment where emerging talent feels empowered to take risks and grow into their potential. Who should listen: People leaders, HR professionals, managers, executives, and anyone responsible for developing talent, building strong teams, or shaping workplace culture. This episode is especially valuable for those who want to better understand how to unlock potential in others and move high-performing individuals out of “playing small” and into meaningful growth.

072: Vertical Leadership - Leading from Alignment, Not Reaction

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we sit down with Willie Wibert—an engaging, hands-on leader known for building strong relationships, developing talent, and driving meaningful employee growth—to explore what it really means to lead with alignment instead of reaction. Willie brings a practical and people-first perspective to leadership, grounded in experience across training, engagement, and development. Together, the conversation unpacks how leaders can move beyond reactive decision-making and instead anchor themselves in purpose, values, and intentional action. Willie also shares his approach to developing people, championing new initiatives, and holding high expectations while creating space for individuals to grow and succeed. If you’re looking to lead with more intention, elevate your impact, and create a culture that moves beyond reaction—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

071: The LinkedIn Struggle Is Real—Here’s What to Do

In this episode, we sit down with James "JON" Keel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonkeel/] to tackle a challenge almost every professional faces but few openly admit—LinkedIn can feel like a grind. From inconsistent posting to low engagement and uncertainty around what actually works, the struggle is real. Jon breaks down why most people get stuck on LinkedIn and, more importantly, how to get unstuck. He shares practical strategies to simplify your approach, clarify your voice, and start showing up with purpose instead of pressure. This conversation dives into building authentic content, creating meaningful connections, and using LinkedIn as a tool for opportunity—not obligation.

LIVE from 2026 HR Collaborative - Morning Session

We’re going LIVE from the 2026 HR Collaborative with fast-paced 15-minute conversations featuring forward-thinking HR and leadership voices. This morning edition delivers real-time insights from the event floor—quick hits, big ideas, and practical takeaways you can use right away. Morning LIVE Guest Lineup: * Jessica Palatka * Julie Doyle * Andre Young * Sharon DeLay * Pete Schramm

LIVE from 2026 HR Collaborative - Afternoon Session

We’re going LIVE from the 2026 HR Collaborative with a fast-paced lineup of 15-minute conversations featuring leading HR and leadership voices. This afternoon edition dives into the real challenges leaders are facing today—how to better engage employees, elevate leadership impact, navigate change, and align people strategy with business outcomes. Afternoon LIVE features 4 speakers: Davis Robinson opens with a fresh take on employee engagement, challenging organizations to rethink traditional approaches by putting the employee experience at the center—not the organization. Todd Bertsch follows with a leadership shift from “fixer” to “influencer,” focusing on how great leaders build trust and become people others genuinely want to follow. Sean Olson brings a practical framework for leading change, helping leaders “ignite their SPARK” by turning resistance into resilience in times of disruption and uncertainty. LIVE from HR Collaborative Together, these conversations explore engagement, leadership influence, change management, and workforce strategy—all through a highly practical, people-first lens. Short sessions. Big ideas. Real-world application. If you’re leading people, shaping culture, or driving performance, this is a lineup you won’t want to miss!