• The 8 Laws of Employee Experience with Jacob Morgan
    2025/12/30
    In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws welcomes back Jacob Morgan to explore ideas from his upcoming book, The Eight Laws of Employee Experience: How to Build a Future-Ready Organization, releasing in February 2026. Drawing from more than 100 interviews with CHROs, Jacob shares why many organizations have lost direction since the pandemic and how well-intended employee experience efforts have sometimes drifted into entitlement, reactivity, and trend-chasing. The conversation unpacks why leaders often operate in "defense mode," how AI is being misunderstood and misused at work, and why employee experience is not an HR initiative but a shared responsibility across the organization. Listeners will also hear practical frameworks for separating trends from truths, rethinking learning and development, understanding employees beyond survey data, and designing flexibility and culture in more intentional ways. This episode offers clear perspectives for leaders who want to stop reacting and start building the future of work they actually want. Key Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and episode overview 02:00 – Why organizations have lost their way post-pandemic 05:30 – Employee experience, entitlement culture, and unintended consequences 08:00 – Why leaders are stuck playing defense instead of offense 11:00 – Trends vs truths and the risks of chasing competitors 13:00 – AI at work and the rise of "work slop" 15:00 – A framework to adapt, pause, or push back on trends 17:00 – Overview of The Eight Laws of Employee Experience 19:00 – Decoding the human signal and knowing employees beyond data 24:30 – Surveys vs real conversations and the importance of human connection 27:00 – Rethinking learning, skill-building, and application on the job 31:00 – The limits of AI and why managers still matter 34:00 – The growth framework for development, readiness, and decision-making 37:00 – Designing flexibility and the idea of a career "command center" 40:00 – Using technology to amplify humanity, not replace it 43:00 – Choosing the future you want to build as an organization 45:00 – Final reflections and where to learn more A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws Connect with Xenium HR Website: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR
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    47 分
  • How to Protect Culture When Pressure Is High with Kate McKinnon
    2025/12/23
    In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws sits down with Kate McKinnon, a fractional Chief People Officer with deep experience in high-pressure, high-visibility environments across sports and entertainment. Kate shares what it takes to protect culture when speed and stress are constant, how to address burnout and disengagement without pretending everything is fine, and why "stop, start, continue" feedback loops can help leaders turn frustration into action. They also unpack generational friction, the reality of AI reshaping HR and leadership work, and why developing first-time managers before they step into leadership is one of the most overlooked levers for performance. The conversation closes with practical ways to build belonging without huge budgets, and a reminder that grace and kindness still matter in modern workplaces. 0:00 Welcome to Transform Your Workplace + episode overview 2:00 Meet Kate McKinnon and why her background matters 4:00 Protecting culture in high-pressure, high-performance environments 6:00 Burnout, disengagement, and the power of "stop, start, continue" 9:00 Generational friction at work and how leaders can bridge the gap 11:00 Gen AI, new grads, and the future of work 13:00 Making work more human in an AI-driven workplace 15:00 Why great performers struggle as new managers 17:00 The future of learning and development: microlearning vs in-person 20:00 Belonging without big budgets: practical, low-cost ideas 22:00 Leadership lessons from crisis, M&A, and COVID 25:00 What sports culture teaches us about performance and growth 27:00 Using data, feedback, and scorecards to drive engagement 29:00 Bridging the gap from college (and military) to career 32:00 What the next decade of culture and leadership will demand 34:00 Final thoughts: grace, kindness, and what leaders should remember A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders. About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: Learn more [https://www.xeniumhr.com/] Connect with Brandon Laws: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon] About [https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws] Connect with Xenium HR: Website [https://xeniumhr.com/] Learning & Development Programs [https://xeniumhr.com/learning-development] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR] Twitter [https://twitter.com/XeniumHR] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR]
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    35 分
  • The Case for Curiosity: Why Wonder Might Be the Most Undervalued Skill in the Modern Workplace
    2025/12/16

    Van Lai-DuMone discusses her book on transforming curiosity into action through small steps. She shares her mother's refugee story of building the nail industry, emphasizes reframing limiting beliefs, and advocates for workplace cultures that welcome all ideas. The framework includes pausing, asking "what if" questions, and embracing creative chaos.

    TAKEAWAYS

    • Curiosity requires pausing to ask "what if" and "how might we" questions.
    • Small steps overcome fear and build confidence toward big goals.
    • Welcome all ideas without judgment to foster innovation and trust.
    A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST

    Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR
    Host: Brandon Laws

    In Brandon's own words:
    "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders."

    About Xenium HR

    Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience.
    Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/

    Connect with Brandon Laws

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon
    About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws

    Connect with Xenium HR

    Website: https://xeniumhr.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

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    28 分
  • Why the Return-to-Office Can't Fix Broken Work
    2025/12/09

    Sarah Escobar and Corinne Murray discuss their book "Work Then Place," arguing that return-to-office mandates alone won't drive transformation. They emphasize understanding how work actually happens before designing physical, digital, and experiential environments. The authors advocate for empirical approaches, building trust through small changes, and creating adaptive organizations prepared for AI's fourth industrial revolution.

    TAKEAWAYS

    • Work must inform place - analyze workflows first, then design environments to support them
    • Leaders must actively participate in change themselves, not just orchestrate it from above
    • Address foundational friction like burnout and connectivity before pursuing innovation
    A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST

    Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR
    Host: Brandon Laws

    In Brandon's own words:
    "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders."

    About Xenium HR

    Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience.
    Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/

    Connect with Brandon Laws

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon
    About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws

    Connect with Xenium HR

    Website: https://xeniumhr.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

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    43 分
  • Catching People Doing Things Right with Martha Lawrence
    2025/12/02

    Martha Lawrence discusses her biography of Ken Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager. She explores his journey from rejected academic to leadership legend, emphasizing his authentic servant leadership philosophy of "catch people doing things right" and how he built a values-driven company focused on people over profit.

    TAKEAWAYS
    • Ken Blanchard co-authored The One Minute Manager in 1982 after being told he couldn't write, creating one of the world's bestselling business books with its accessible, story-based approach
    • He founded his leadership company on four core values—ethical behavior, relationships, success, and learning—revolutionary for the hierarchical 1970s business culture
    • His lasting legacy centers on servant leadership and positive reinforcement: catching people doing things right rather than focusing on mistakes
    A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST

    Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR
    Host: Brandon Laws

    In Brandon's own words:
    "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders."

    About Xenium HR

    Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience.
    Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/

    Connect with Brandon Laws

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon
    About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws

    Connect with Xenium HR

    Website: https://xeniumhr.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

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    35 分
  • When Caregiving Comes to Work with Lisa Skinner
    2025/11/25

    Lisa Skinner discusses Alzheimer's care beyond memory loss, emphasizing the importance of "joining their reality" rather than correcting false beliefs. She challenges myths about late-stage awareness and stresses early planning, caregiver self-care, and workplace support as cases are projected to triple by 2050.

    TAKEAWAYS

    • Validate emotions and join their reality instead of correcting false beliefs to prevent distress.
    • Establish legal documents and discuss end-of-life wishes early while loved ones can participate.
    • Caregivers must prioritize self-care through support groups and breaks to maintain their health.
    A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST

    Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR
    Host: Brandon Laws

    In Brandon's own words:
    "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders."

    About Xenium HR

    Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience.
    Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/

    Connect with Brandon Laws

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon
    About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws

    Connect with Xenium HR

    Website: https://xeniumhr.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

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    43 分
  • Nicole Blevins on HR Burnout
    2025/11/21

    Nicole Blevins discusses HR burnout with Brandon Laws, describing HR professionals as the "emotional sponge" of organizations. She explains how HR workers struggle to recognize burnout in themselves despite helping others with similar issues, particularly solo practitioners lacking peer support. Nicole shares practical strategies including setting boundaries, scheduling breaks, using music for decompression, and building professional networks. The key message: HR professionals must proactively prioritize their own mental health and apply the same self-care they advocate for employees.

    A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST

    Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR
    Host: Brandon Laws

    In Brandon's own words:
    "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders."

    About Xenium HR

    Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience.
    Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/

    Connect with Brandon Laws

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon
    About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws

    Connect with Xenium HR

    Website: https://xeniumhr.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

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    18 分
  • How Leaders Can Heal from Stress and Burnout with Susanne Madsen
    2025/11/18
    In this episode, host Brandon Laws sits down with executive coach and author Susanne Madsen to explore what it truly means to do the inner work. Drawing from her career in high pressure corporate environments, Susanne shares how chronic stress, misalignment with personal values, and ignored emotions can quietly erode well being and performance. The conversation highlights practical tools leaders can use to regulate their nervous system, challenge limiting beliefs, create space for reflection, and rebuild their energy through simple daily routines. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for sustainable ways to show up better for yourself and your team, this episode offers grounded and actionable insights. Key Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and episode introduction 01:00 Why inner work matters in modern leadership 02:30 Susanne's experience with chronic stress and early warning signs 04:00 Ignoring emotional signals and wearing stress as a badge of honor 05:30 The moment she considered a sabbatical and how it shifted everything 06:30 Self sabotaging patterns and the belief that stress is "part of the game" 07:30 Near burnout and the internal voice that pushed her to take a break 08:00 How coaching opened the door to deeper awareness 09:00 Uncovering limiting beliefs and the process of coaching yourself first 10:30 What clients bring to coaching and how overwhelm shows up 11:30 Understanding values alignment and how people intuitively sense misalignment 13:00 The role of boundaries in preventing overload 14:00 The habit of saying yes and immediate regret 15:00 Why beliefs carry so much power in behavior and decision making 17:00 How to pause and sit with uncomfortable emotions 18:30 Techniques to acknowledge feelings so they dissipate 19:30 Why self compassion is difficult for many people 20:30 Finding your happy place as a foundation for inner work 22:30 How nature and silence support emotional processing 24:00 Identifying the tasks or relationships that drain energy 25:30 Rebuilding energy with small, meaningful activities 27:00 Introducing breathwork as a tool for emotional regulation 28:30 Coherent breathing and why it changes your physiology 30:00 Daily practice and how breath sets the stage for clarity 31:00 Meditation for training the mind and interrupting negative thought cycles 33:00 Using imagery and awareness to return to center 34:00 Combating negativity bias with gratitude 35:30 Noticing the small wins and everyday "miracles" 37:00 Rewiring the brain and shifting perspective over time 38:00 Encouragement to seek external help when needed 39:00 Final reflections and Susanne's closing advice 40:00 Ways to connect with Susanne and learn more about her work A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws Connect with Xenium HR Website: https://xeniumhr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR
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    42 分