Redefining Talent Acquisition & Employee Experience in the Age of AI
Heidi Barnett, President, Talent Acquisition Solutions at isolved, joins Nine to Thrive HR for a deep dive into the future of hiring and employee experience. Heidi shares how ApplicantPro’s full integration into isolved is helping organizations streamline recruiting, enhance employer branding and create more engaging candidate journeys. She also unpacks the critical balance between AI-powered efficiency and the human elements that make a workplace thrive. Tune in for actionable insights on how HR leaders can attract top talent, improve retention and build people-first cultures in today’s competitive landscape.
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35:54
From Stress to Strength: Building Hardiness in the Workplace
In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle chats with Dr. Steven Stein, renowned clinical psychologist and founder of Multi-Health Systems (MHS). Steve was an early adopter of the power of emotional intelligence and has since been involved in the conversation about the intersection of emotional intelligence and psychological hardiness in the workplace. As they explore hardiness, the level of mental resilience when faced with stress, they discuss the learnable ability to manage emotions and grow through stress — using the "3 Cs" of Challenge, Control, and Commitment — leads to stronger leadership and healthier teams. A fascinating listen for HR practitioners, leaders, and team members looking to build healthy resilience.
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23:08
Equity at Every Level: From the Boardroom to the Breakroom
As big brands pull back on DEI&B, small and midsize businesses are stepping up. In this episode, Opal Wagnac shares why DEI&B is more than a trend — it’s a business necessity. She explores how SMBs are uniquely positioned to lead with inclusion, close the gender gap, and create workplaces where everyone belongs. From allyship to the bottom-line benefits of belonging, this conversation offers real insights for HR leaders navigating today’s evolving workforce.
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34:27
Inside the 2025 Leave and Accommodations Report: HR’s Role in the Employee Experience
In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle is joined by Seth Turner, Founder and Senior Advisor at AbsenceSoft, to explore the growing complexities of leave and accommodation in the workplace. They break down the biggest insights from our 2025 State of Leave and Accommodations Report, based on a survey of 2,400 employees and HR managers. Leave requests are rising, increased demand for mental health support is a growing factor, and compliance remains a challenge—so what does this mean for HR? We’ll share findings leading to why leave and accommodations requests are increasing, how employers can balance compliance with employee support, and the biggest FMLA mistakes to avoid. Plus, we’ll explore the importance of manager training and how technology can streamline processes while preserving a positive employee experience.
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25:47
The State of DEI: Backlash, Business and Belonging
In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle welcomes back Dr. Steve Yacovelli, also known as "The Gay Leadership Dude," for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. With insights backed by data and real-world examples, Steve and Cindi explore the backlash against DEI efforts including potential challenges organizations will face and the unexpected impact of performative allyship. They further the conversation with the business case for inclusive leadership, the shifting generational perspective on workplace belonging and how leaders and allies can continue the drive for meaningful change.
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