The People Managing People Podcast

The shift from managing individual contributors to overseeing other managers is one of the toughest transitions in leadership. Chris Williams, former Microsoft HR VP, explores why this change is so challenging and how organizations can better support these key leaders.

Chris dives into the unique struggles faced by second-level managers, including finding mentorship and translating vague strategic objectives into actionable plans. He emphasizes the importance of building influence across organizational boundaries through genuine connections with colleagues, which proves invaluable during tough decisions. This episode offers practical advice for those navigating this difficult leadership transition.

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• Connect with Chris on LinkedIn
• Check out Chris’ website

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Workplaces have become battlegrounds for political ideologies, with DEI initiatives at the center of controversy. In this episode, host David Rice speaks with Enrique Rubio, founder of Hacking HR, about the dangers of political polarization in organizations and why leaders must take a stand.

Enrique challenges listeners to move beyond acronyms and see DEI for what it truly represents—fair treatment and opportunity for all. He provides practical advice for HR professionals on setting boundaries, fostering community, and creating workplaces where civil discourse thrives. As political pressures mount, this conversation asks an essential question: What values will define your leadership?

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• Join the People Managing People community forum
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Enrique on LinkedIn
• Check out Hacking HR

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DEI has become a polarizing topic, making it harder to have meaningful conversations about building truly inclusive workplaces. In this episode, host David Rice speaks with Amri B. Johnson, founder of Inclusion Wins, about shifting the focus from divisive debates to practical systems that create lasting change. 

Amri challenges traditional DEI approaches, advocating for inclusion-first strategies that move beyond representation to ensure people can meaningfully contribute. Whether you're skeptical or deeply invested in DEI work, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on making inclusion a sustainable reality.

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• Join the People Managing People community forum
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Amri on LinkedIn
• Check out Inclusion Wins
• Amri’s book: “Reconstructing Inclusion”

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The hiring process is broken, and both employers and job seekers are feeling the frustration. In this episode, host David Rice talks with Jessica Smith, founder and CEO of Savant Recruitment, about the unrealistic expectations plaguing talent acquisition today. From the "Goldilocks syndrome" of rejecting great candidates to drawn-out hiring processes, Jessica exposes the missteps that are costing companies top talent.

Jessica also unpacks why the hunt for "unicorn candidates" is setting companies up for failure and why scaling businesses need to rethink their hiring strategies. She offers practical solutions for streamlining recruitment, making decisive hires, and creating a process that actually attracts—not repels—top talent.

Related Links:

• Join the People Managing People community forum
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn
• Check out Savant Recruitment

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Trust is the foundation of a thriving workplace, but how do you build and sustain it in uncertain times? In this episode, host David Rice sits down with Greg Hawks, leadership trainer and creator of the Ownership Mindset, to explore practical strategies for fostering trust and accountability at work.

Greg shares his "Maybe Mindset" framework for navigating uncertainty and reveals how leaders can cultivate an ownership culture using his "owners, renters, and vandals" model. Tune in to learn how to keep employees engaged, shift mindsets, and prevent workplace trust from eroding.

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• Join the People Managing People community forum
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Greg on LinkedIn and Instagram
• Check out Hawks Agency

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The workplace is evolving rapidly, with one-third of job skills changing every three years. In this episode, host David Rice speaks with Cole Napper, VP of Research at Lightcast, about how AI, automation, and demographic shifts are reshaping the labor market. As blue-collar industries face worker shortages while knowledge jobs undergo disruption, organizations must rethink skills development and workforce strategies.

Cole shares insights on the future of work, from shifting career paths to the rising importance of critical thinking. With mastery giving way to adaptability, how can workers and businesses stay ahead? Tune in for a deep dive into the changing world of skills and employment.

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• Join the People Managing People community forum
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• Connect with Cole on LinkedIn and Substack
• Check out Lightcast
• Cole’s podcast - Directionally Correct

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Leadership is a journey fraught with internal challenges, particularly the persistent feeling of imposter syndrome.

Host David Rice talks with Nathan Tanner, former HR leader at DoorDash and LinkedIn, about overcoming imposter syndrome and breaking through leadership challenges. Nathan shares insights from his career and strategies for building confidence and resilience. They explore the psychological barriers that hold leaders back and practical ways to reframe self-doubt. Tune in for actionable advice on embracing growth, overcoming setbacks, and becoming a more effective leader.

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• Join the People Managing People community forum
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• Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn
• Check out Nathan’s website and book, “The Unconquerable Leader”

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Navigating a mid-career job search comes with unique challenges, from age bias to outdated hiring practices. In this episode, host David Rice sits down with career coach John Tarnoff to discuss why traditional resumes might be holding you back and how to position yourself as a valuable consultant rather than just another applicant.

They explore strategies for overcoming ageism, building meaningful connections, and redefining your value in today’s evolving job market. If you're looking to make a career transition with confidence, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take the next step.

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• Join the People Managing People community forum
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with John on LinkedIn
• Check out Mid-Career Lab

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How can organizations adapt to employees’ growing preference for stability? In this episode, host David Rice sits down with Ashley Avanzato, VP of HR at ADP, to explore key insights from the ADP Pay Insights report and what they mean for employee retention and engagement.

They discuss the power of trust, empathetic leadership, and strategies like transparent communication and mentorship programs to keep employees motivated. Tune in for actionable advice on building a workplace where employees don’t just stay—they thrive.

Related Links:

• Join the People Managing People community forum
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn
• Check out ADP
• ADP’s HR Trends for 2025 report

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