OKHR Leads

Who is Todd Beesley? Well, he's a veteran, a paratrooper, a DEI champion, a Director of HR, and so much more, but the thread through it all is his service to people. Throughout his career Todd, either by accident or on purpose always seems to find himself in a position of service.

Listen to this episode and learn about what it takes to be a true servant of people.

Lisa McConnell is an experienced leader & perpetual learner in human resources. She loves serving as a bridge between employees and operations management to improve people management, support organizational objectives, and foster a positive and engaged workforce. Her experience ranges from recruitment to benefits, performance management, training and development, employee relations, and strategic planning, to succession planning, legal compliance, investigations, and crisis management. She is experienced in leading professional level, exempt and non-exempt as well as temporary staff at multi-site organizations including a remote workforce. Her passions include leadership, development, and mentorship. Where many see problems, she sees opportunities to adapt and overcome them. Where many see roadblocks, She sees exciting new paths.

Rhonda Rush has always been a leader. That's the nice way of saying she's a bossy-pants, take-charge kind of gal. The creatives have an idea to sell; the entrepreneurs put their money behind the ideas; and the doers make the idea come to life. In HR, Rhonda herds those people together and points them in the same direction while attempting to keep everyone in their lane and assisting managers with their teams. She is passionate about ensuring that people achieve the goal of the business and if no one else steps up, she steps in. Rhonda is a Human Resource professional with diverse knowledge spanning multiple industries and experience in the following areas: Benefits Administration, 401(k), Payroll Administration, Business Management, Communications, Recruiting / Interviewing, Employee Relations, Conflict Resolution, Workforce Planning, Performance Management, Time & Labor Management, Training & Development, Policy Development, HRIS Administration/Implementation, Project Management, Team Building.

Mary Jo Swearingen has a personal directive to connect people to their career goals. She found a way to do this by serving on the Emerging Professional Advisory Council or EPAC for SHRM. Mary Jo is an emerging progressional who helps other emerging professionals. Listen to episode 75 to learn more about what Mary Jo is up to from Nashville, Tennesse.

In our 73rd episode, we finally land Phyllis Spriggs. Phyllis brings over 30 years of experience and leadership to our pod. She shares her path and her passions. We loved talking with Phyllis and look forward to getting her to join us again in later podcast. Listen and enjoy as she brings the presence and the class.

Jeremiah Shaw is an organizational development consultant, a leadership coach, and an executive leader, but he is so much more than that. He helps people find the better in themselves. In our first full episode back we talk to a genuine leader who is passionate about family, friends, non-profit, the community, and anything involving people and growth!

Jamie Smith is a highly motivated Human Resources professional with over ten years of progressive experience. She is an effective communicator and quick learner that enjoys serving as a resource and subject-matter expert on various core HR functions and processes. Jamie tell us her story of how she discovered HR and found her passion. 

As taken from her LinkedIn Profile, Erin Hughes is a Global Senior Human Resources Professional with 18+ years of experience across multiple industries. She has demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategies and procedures. She is well-versed in all aspects of employee development, including training, compensation, and engagement, and adept at collaborating with senior leadership and key stakeholders across departments and locations. She also has extensive experience in talent pipelines and retention, implementing and improving talent acquisition processes. Her skills include workforce development and change management, as well as process improvement. Her thorough knowledge of base of rules and regulations provides an atmosphere of compliance and confidentiality. 

But she is so much more than this. Episode 68 reveals the vulnerable side of what it's like to discover HR and grow in our profession. Learn Erin's journey and find the similarities to all our stories. Don't fail to listen to this highly interesting epsisode. 

Raksha Rao's motto is  "Work Hard. Be Nice" and that comes off in a big way in this episode. 

 
She is an entrepreneur by heart - she likes to ask why, build quality relationships, and deliver impactful solutions. She is generally curious about things.
She loves seeing people learn and grow together!

Mikey Mangum is a networker by nature and loves seeing the impact of personal connections on successful business outcomes. He wants to see others empowered to achieve what it is they are passionate about or driven to accomplish and make introductions to others that can help them be successful.

A little about Mikey:

• Born - In Falkirk, Scotland
• Raised - In Derby, England (funny accent included)
• Arrived - In Tulsa, OK in 2009 to study business & play basketball at ORU
• Passions - Financial wellness, mentorship, lifelong learning/growth, and staying active

At INSPiRE Financial Group, they believe there are five core areas that people need to continually improve in to be (and feel) successful. These areas include their relationships with family/friends, their financials, their career, as well as their spiritual and their physical well-being.

Mikey has seen that the stress related to finances has a direct impact on all the other areas. He believes that if you can take ownership over your finances, operate under a budget, have a plan that is working at optimal efficiency, and can easily track and monitor progress, it will enhance every area of your life. That's why he does what he does.

After a break of a few weeks, "OKHR Leads" is back to bring in this Labor Day with a superstar guest, Gloria Sinclair Miller. In order to excel in today’s competitive business environment, a successful HR executive needs a balance of employee relations, DE&I, and organizational development expertise - backed by robust leadership skills. Gloria Sinclair Miller combines over 2 decades’ experience developing and implementing best-in-class HR strategies for multiple high-profile organizations; implementing people-centered policies and programs that are lean, scalable, and informed by industry best practices; developing and empowering a fully engaged and incentivized workforce; and carefully shaping the processes and policies that sustain an efficient, productive, and nationally competitive organization.

In this episode, we break down Gloria's background but also get into some fun fan conversations revolving around Formula 1 Racing. If you don't believe a conversation about race cars can cover HR, think again. Listen to find out just how Formula 1 racing is similar to working in HR. Man, it's good to be back!!

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Danny Bogard loves connecting people with the understanding of how they impact others through their work and relationships; his mission is to help people and enterprises navigate, progress, and thrive in a world of change with an openness to see, learn and experience new ideas and theories. In this episode we learn just how he does that through his fun and creative ways. Danny gets personal and focused on what he believes are the key elements in running an HR department. 

He is also passionate about helping people, in any season of their career, find an HR job - if that is their desire. He talks at length about the OKHR program call "Pathway" which helps people do just that. Sit back and listen as Danny tell us how he is "Making Pathways to HR."

Tara and Rob interview Simon T Bailey. Yes, That's right! We interviewed the Author and Keynote speaker who presented at the OKHR conference in April of 2022. Simon spoke to us about his most recent book, "Ignite the Power of WOMEN In your life: A Guide for MEN." He tells us his vulnerable story of how he came to write this book and the quality advice he gives for men and women. The truths that are discussed actually are truths for our working relationships too. This is a big time interview folks. Makes sure to turn up the volume and have a notepad ready as we discuss how to be the spark.

Brenda Rogers is the President of the Enid HR chapter, an HR Consultant for Triangle Insurance Company, and a Grandmother of triplets. To say she's a little busy would be an understatement. Yet, she takes time to take care of people. Listen to episode 56 of "OKHR Leads" and learn just how much Brenda cares about the people she works with, the people she volunteers for, and then of course her family.

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As CEO of RumbleDrum, a creative guest experiences company, Todd provides exceptional leadership in the areas of design, logistics and event and project management. As a licensed architect, Todd brings 25 years of experience in working diligently to produce quality architecture including educational, multi-family residential, healthcare, parking garages, technical, warehouse, retail, restaurant, and office. During his 7 years of experience at RGLA, Todd focused on working with retailers across the United States doing whatever it takes to get the job done. And at Crafton Tull he acted as Architect/Project Manager for Tulsa Tech's Owasso campus project and the parking garage for the Central Tulsa City County Library Renovation. While working for KKT as an architect, Todd worked on a historic renovation of the Palace Building in downtown Tulsa and other projects with Tulsa Tech and Bixby Public Schools.

In this episode Todd breaks down his architect experience and explains how this has helped him with his current role where he helps create exceptional guest experiences. 

Why is SHRM Field Services Director, Art Gloria so happy? Well, it's because he loves volunteering in HR. Not only does he love volunteering he loves working with volunteers. As Field Service Director for the Southwest Region Art gets to work with volunteers everyday.

In this episode we learn about Art's background and what led him to take on this new role. His passion for HR and volunteering is contagious and you'll find your day a little brighter just hearing his stories.

Can life be changed in a single conversation? How about a single podcast? You might just have your life changed after listening to this fantastic episode. Dr. Nathan Mellor takes us on a journey of his career and his thoughts as we explore leadership, personal change, mentorship, and many other facets of personal growth.

If you have yet to find your purpose and wonder how to do that Dr. Mellor lays the groundwork for burning that flame through his insights and storytelling.

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Karla Shugart is a highly-qualified HR professional with experience in a variety of industries including: aviation; retail/convenience store; higher education; state, federal, and tribal government; and health care. She is proficient in virtually all disciplines of the profession with strong facilitation skills and the ability to bring various constituencies together to work toward common goals.

Listen to this episodes as Karla takes us on her journey to become this highly function HR professional. Pay special attention to her decision she made in her senior year in college to not follow her degree in education as she realized she didn't like working with children and how that led to a very fulling career in working with people.

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Chris Gordon's purpose is to serve others by helping them develop both personally and professionally. He has worked with all levels of organizations from the newest team members to CEO's and everything in between. Chris takes us on his journey of learning to his current position at TeamSight.

Rebecca Hartwig has been recruiting IT professionals in the Oklahoma City market since 2010. She was born and raised in Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma State University. She is married to her college sweetheart and had two boys. Rebecca was raised by two IT professionals, so it's not surprising that she has a passion for IT. Rebecca started her own staffing company in 2017, specializing in IT staffing and is continuing to thrive. Rebecca has been a volunteer for the OKWIT board for the last few years. 

She is a lover of staffing and  a lover of connecting people. She discusses her mentors who have helped her take on the challenges of starting her own company and the lessons she has learned along the way. This week she joins the "cool group" as our 46th guest.

Listen to learn how Rebecca's has become a MatchmakHR. 

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Every HR professional understands it takes a special kind of person to work in HR. Add to that working in HR for a nation within a nation AND THEN a person also moonlights as a Big 12 Football referee and you have a super special person.

Episode 43 introduces us to John Bobb-Semple, the Community Project Manager for the Blue Zone Project. John's infectious personality brings to life this exciting episode were we discuss wellness, connectivity, helping others and just making a difference - which John does everyday.

You cannot listen to this episode and walk away feeling energized and challenged to go make a difference in your little part of the world. John, who desires to become the ultimate encourager just got his start in this podcast. 

Tim Sullivan is an HR Professional, leader, and engineer. He loves taking his analytical side and find creative solutions to helping people.

Tim is taking on the leadership role the OSU HR chapter in addition to his senior manager job in business operation at OSU and he finds time to keep up with Formula One Racing as well.

This podcast is full of whimsical stories and fun discussions between two peers in the HR realm. Great for listening to while sitting next to the fireplace, in the car, or even cooking – actually in whatever you are doing.

In this podcast we hear the story of how one man saw a concern within his community about how they might be portrayed in the upcoming movie "Killers of the Flower Moon." From that concern he organized a meeting with the tribe which led to actually meeting Academy Award Winning director Martin Scorsese and actually influencing the movie.

This episode is a great example of how one person can make a difference that impact many people. This may not sound like an HR podcast but we think you will agree by the end that there are many principles discussed that parallel our daily challenges.

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Andy is a motivated high energy speaker, business partner, professional coach, and corporate trainer. He works with large companies and small groups to meet their goals from workforce development to learning how to skydive. There is no one that will work harder to help you succeed in business, life, or parachuting. Andy has a true passion for people and he loves learning from others and passing on what he has learned to business leaders, employees, or students.

He also owns his own skydiving company where he helps people overcome their fears - literally.

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Pioneer Tech – Ponca City- https://pioneertech.edu/

Brittany Currier was voted by both TAHRA and OKHR as an Emerging Professional in HR. In this interview we cover her love of helping people and taking on new and uncharted challenges for her employer, The People Perspective. 

Brittany has her own perspectives and offers great insight on topics such as Mental Health, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), Psychological Safety, being involved with her local Chamber of Commerce, volunteering, and of course her take on the Emerging Professional awards.

After listening we think you'll agree that Brittany is no longer emerging in HR but has Arrived in HR.

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Melissa Lockhart love's helping people. Whether it's working with domestic violence victims or helping her own employees through her current HR role. Melissa brings to this interview some real talk that we HR professional should listen too. We discuss culture, resilience this year, and some thoughts on how an HR professional can be aware of domestic violence issues. 

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Shala Andrews is highly effective in Human Resources, with experience managing HR operations across multiple locations and serving as a resource for hundreds of employees.  Her success is driven by her ability to lead strategies for recruiting, onboarding, employee exits, and employee relations, including the leadership of investigations and resolution of conflicts.

She is an engaging Human Resources Leader possessing a winning blend of business expertise, skill in project and program management, and practical experience in large organizations.  Shala leverages a unique mix of strategic and analytical expertise, consistently exceeding performance goals by aligning talents and effort with organizational objectives.

In this episode Tara drives solo as she learns more about what makes Shala tick.

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We are excited to have our first Canadian guest on OKHR leads. Her name is Geri Chuong and she has 20 years of experience in HR with expertise in leadership, organizational development and change management. She has experience in many industries including insurance, financial, engineering and energy. She is HR certified in the Canadian version of certification. Listen to learn about the similarities plus we get into Thanksgiving in Canada and their most beloved star, William Shatner.

Tracey Hixon is an HR Guru who leads HR Guru's. As the Director of Corporate HR at Nextep Tracey manages all the HR consultants who are guiding their clients in the complicated world of HR management. We discuss how Tracey stays sharp to be an HR Leader. We also talk about why Tracey got rid of Performance Evaluations and we might even hear a story of a bat that was loose in her building.

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Lindsey Nichols is a Leader of the best HR team at the best PEO in the business. She loves contributing to the growth of the members of her team and organization. She is also an avid SHRM volunteer leader for the past 12+ years where she served as, among other roles, OKHR State Council Director.  She is a Society for Human Resource Management - Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and  Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). 

In this episode we learn how Lindsey found HR which was early in her college career. We also go in depth about Professional Employee Organization and the benefits of volunteering for your HR Peers. Finally there is a litte ABBA talk, the royals and Brene Brown.

Nextep - https://www.nextep.com/

If you want to hear someone who can take the complicated topic of compensation and explain it in an easy and fun way this episode is a must. Heck, its a joy just to hear Tara get smarter. :) 

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What does the Wu Tung Clan have to do with Ethics in HR? Well, not much but it makes for a great title and both are mentioned in the 28th episode of "OKHR Leads."

Kyle Killingsworth is a business advisor, speaker, and consultant focused on influencing behaviors and driving business results through employees. As a proven strategic human resources consultant with over 25 years of experience in successfully blending human resources strategies with business opportunities allowing a company to leverage their human capital and optimize the organization’s growth and performance. He has led Human Resources and Organization Development professionals in providing support in the areas of strategic planning, employee relations, compensation and benefits administration, internal communications, training, executive coaching, recruiting, and organizational and leadership development. Kyle has broad expertise in mergers and acquisitions, having led due diligence and integration efforts on over 15 acquisitions both domestically and internationally.

Kyle has completed post-graduate work at the University of Michigan in Strategic Human Resources Planning and is a certified Senior Human Resources Professional by the Society of Human Resources Management. He is a certified instructor in numerous professional development courses including Crucial Conversations, Crucial Accountability, Harassment Training, and Business as Unusual (Change Management). Additionally, Kyle is certified with SHL in the suite of Talent Measurement Assessment and as a facilitator for over 60 leadership/management and workforce development courses with Development Dimensions International.

Greg Hawks is an impressive individual. As a Corporate Culture Specialist, he is on a mission to Shape Environments where everyone gets to contribute their best daily! For two decades he has mentored leaders, developed teams, crafted culture, and empowered employees. Motivated to grow high-capacity performers who serve, sell, and lead with excellence, he is relentless in discovering ways for individuals to grow.

Listen to episode 20 and learn just how relentless Greg is.

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Josh Ploch is this quiet, unassuming man sitting there in the background working multiple jobs, volunteering for numerous HR roles, raising three children, hosting a radio show, and more. Listen to one of our more revealing podcasts as we unpack the crazy adventures of Josh and his never-ending activities. Learn what personal rewards saying "yes until it's a no" can reap for you as Josh enlightens us on his processes, style, and philosophies. 

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Bruce Waller is amazing. He has written his book called "Life in the Leadership Lane" and started his own podcast all while raising a family and managing his career as VP and Corporate Relocation.

Listen as he discusses how he challenges himself to learn more, works his network, and energizes himself to be the best version of himself.

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Barbara Abercrombie gets to hit the ground running telling us about her travel through university HR.  The experience of training and turning an introvert into a powerhouse trainer.  We truly unpack the reason we should all embrace the power of Yes, and reasons to Understand your business.  Enjoy Barbara and her effervescent energy and... oh yes... The Tulsa Shock! But truly the best comments ever of realizing, “You can’t make this #&*# up.”

Slow down, because, Barbara teaches us, we need to:  "Be a change agent while honoring the work which has been put in, in the past."

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OKHR Leads turns the tables on the interview this week and speaks with....Tara Crowley. It should have happened sooner but finally, we get to learn about the one who created this very podcast.

From her restaurant owner days to her running 24-hour races, to her raising two boys while having a great HR career, Tara has a great story to tell. 

Celebrate the win and learn how saying "yes" has changed her life and about being the HR department of yes.

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Tara and Rob connect with volunteer extraordinaire, Diana Wall. Diana is a recent part-owner of Accel Financial Staffing, where she has been a part of its growth since opening in 1995. Diana winds through amazing stories of driving through Oklahoma City at 7 months pregnant when the Murrah Bombing occurred in 1995 to guiding Sooner HR Society (SHRS) to a national SHRM Pinnacle Award. We talked about holding uncomfortable conversations as an HR professional, and what tip was given on how to determine how others view you in one word… Genuine Diana answers all of these things and more.

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