What the HR! is an award-winning podcast. Presented by TCSHRM and hosted by Becky Lauseng, Jay Olson, and Lena Scullard. The podcast provides insights, strategies, and anecdotes that explore how to build better businesses through modern people practices and approaches. Topics covered include Organizational Development, Employee Engagement, Listening Strategies, Succession Planning, Performance Management, Company Culture, Transformation, Talent, and Leadership.
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.
Episodes
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Becky Lauseng and Jay Olson introduced Keynote Speaker, Janice Litvin, who defined burnout as chronic, unmanaged work leading to complete mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, impacting organizational productivity and employee retention. Janice emphasized that individual awareness, effective managerial support, setting boundaries, and a top-down culture of well-being are crucial in preventing burnout. Her final message was to "know yourself and know your people," encouraging connection with professional communities.
Janice Litvin, Founder of Banish Burnout Academy, is a keynote speaker, author, and workplace wellness consultant who helps organizations prevent burnout and build thriving teams. With a career spanning software consulting, tech recruiting, and workplace well-being, Janice knows what it takes to keep people engaged and motivated under pressure. She is the author of Banish Organizational Burnout: 26 Tips for Managers and Banish Burnout Toolkit.
Known for her interactive, high-energy style, Janice equips leaders and managers with practical tools to strengthen culture, coach with emotional intelligence, and help employees stay in the game. Her sessions inspire teams to move from stress to success—boosting retention, productivity, and morale.
Guest:
Janice Litvin | Founder of Banish Burnout Academy | https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicelitvin
Resources:
Free Banish Organizational Burnout: 26 Tips for Managers is available at: https://janicelitvin.com/resources-book/
The Burnout Cycle Self-Check is available at: https://janicelitvin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Burnout-Cycle-Self-Check-Janice-Litvin-Banish-Burnout-Academy.pdf
Hosts:
Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/
Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.
Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.
Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member
Attend a TCSHRM Event
Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.
© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
In this episode, we talk with J.P. Paul, Vice President of Stadium Operations for the Minnesota Vikings, now in his 23rd season with the team. J.P. has been instrumental in creating world-class game day experiences for fans, leading initiatives in food service, crowd management, and facility operations at U.S. Bank Stadium. He also plays a key role in shaping the future of TCO Stadium at Viking Lakes, driving community-focused growth and innovative events.
Best known for building the Vikings’ award-winning Guest and Premium Experience teams, J.P. was a driving force behind the team’s #1 ranking in the NFL’s 2024 Voice of the Fan survey. He also helped design the Vikings’ signature SKOL Service initiative, setting the gold standard for fan engagement and hospitality across the league.
Beyond the gridiron, J.P. lends his leadership to the InSports Foundation, supporting youth access to athletics, and recently completed six years of service on the NFL Guest Experience Committee. In this conversation, he shares insights on leadership, building unforgettable experiences, and the importance of community both inside and outside the stadium.
Guest:
J.P. Paul | Vice President of Stadium Operations for Minnesota Vikings | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jppaul29/
J.P.'s Game Day Vision - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-vision-game-day-j-p-paul/?trackingId=ZbrTG6onSky%2BHPrWrvYYTQ%3D%3D
Hosts:
Jay Olson | Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/
Lena Scullard | Professional Speaker, Facilitator, Program Designer, and Consultant | https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.
Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.
Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member
Attend a TCSHRM Event
Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.
© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Becky Lauseng introduced Jay Olson and Lena Scullard as the new co-hosts for the "What the HR podcast," with both new co-hosts expressing enthusiasm for joining and engaging with the TCSHRM community. Jay Olson and Lena Scullard shared their non-traditional career paths into HR/Talent, their personal hobbies and passions, and their motivations for joining the podcast, with Lena Scullard aiming to maintain a strong professional network and utilize performance skills, and Jay Olson drawn to the opportunity by their natural curiosity and desire to learn.
Becky Lauseng, Lena Scullard, and Jay Olson all expressed a desire to challenge HR stereotypes, bringing more personality and openness to discussions about the complexities of HR, while also discussing the importance of regularly refreshing HR policies to consider the "spirit of the law" and adapt to current shifts like the "return to office" and the growing impact of AI in HR.
Jay serves as the Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic, bringing over 20 years of HR leadership and talent acquisition expertise. He is passionate about fostering success through collaboration and effective communication and is continually seeking innovative ways to enhance processes and outcomes.
Lena is a top-rated professional speaker, facilitator, program designer, and consultant. Lena Scullard is on a mission to help individuals and teams improve their confidence and sense of capability for achieving success.
Guest:
Jay Olson | Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/
Lena Scullard | Professional Speaker, Facilitator, Program Designer, and Consultant | https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/
Hosts:
Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.
Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.
Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member
Attend a TCSHRM Event
Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.
© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Kristen Brown is a Certified Speaking Professional, bestselling author, and interactive and funny keynote speaker and trainer who helps organizations unlock high-impact leadership, team engagement, and performance by harnessing the power of energy. With nearly two decades in corporate leadership and market research, she brings deep expertise in human behavior, workplace dynamics, and results-driven strategies that resonate with HR leaders and executive teams alike.
Through her signature 7 Energies of Results framework, Kristen equips organizations with actionable tools to elevate motivation, communication, and connection in today’s fast-changing world of work. She’s worked with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and forward-thinking HR teams to drive measurable business results, and she does it with humor, heart, and hard-hitting insight.
She’s been featured in Forbes, Psychology Today, Live with Kelly, and on major networks like CNN, FOX, and ABC, and when she’s not on stage, you’ll find her reading, traveling, or seeking the next tropical sunset!
Guest:
Kristen Brown, CSP | Keynote Speaker | Bestselling Author | Energy & Performance Expert
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenkbrown/
Hosts:
Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/
Kendra Q. Dodd - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-q-dodd/
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.
Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.
Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member
Attend a TCSHRM Event
Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.
© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Dr. Rosie Ward is a fierce advocate for humanity who is sought-after to help rehumanize workplaces that free, fuel and inspire people to bring their best selves to work – and home – each day. She serves as CEO and Founder of Salveo Partners, which was awarded the 2024 Stellar Business Award for best business consulting in the United States, and focuses on future-proofing organizations by strengthening culture and equipping leaders and teams to show up courageously and more effectively navigate change and disruption. Rosie recently received a Female Voice Award as the Business Coach of the Year. She is also a Top Voice in Leadership, Leadership Development and Culture on LinkedIn, an award-winning author and an award-winning podcast host; Rosie has an incredible gift for synthesizing complex ideas about culture, leadership, behavior change, and what it means to be human and presenting them in a way that makes them relevant, understandable, and meaningful for people.
White paper: https://salveopartners.com/future-proofing-leadership-white-paper/
Books: https://salveopartners.com/resources/#books
Podcast: https://drrosieward.com/my-podcast/
Guest:
Dr. Rosie Ward, Ph.D., MPH, MCHES, BCC: CEO and Founder of Salveo Partners
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rward/
Hosts:
Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/
Larry Bourgerie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrybourgerie/
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.
Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.
Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member
Attend a TCSHRM Event
Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.
© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
John Christensen is an award-winning filmmaker, author, and the CEO of ChartHouse Learning, the company behind the globally recognized FISH! Philosophy. In 1998, during a visit to Seattle’s Pike Place Fish Market, he was inspired by the fishmongers’ energetic and joyful approach to their work. This experience led him to create the FISH! video, which evolved into a worldwide movement promoting workplace engagement and positivity.
Under John’s leadership, ChartHouse Learning has developed a suite of FISH! Philosophy training programs utilized by organizations across various sectors, including business, healthcare, education, and government. The philosophy emphasizes four core principles: Be There, Play, Make Their Day, and Choose Your Attitude—aimed at fostering trust, creativity, and purpose in the workplace.
Guest:
John Christensen: Founder & CEO of FISH!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnchristensenfish/
Hosts:
Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/
Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.
Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.
Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member
Attend a TCSHRM Event
Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.
© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Mark Smith is a seasoned global talent leader with over 20 years of experience in Talent Acquisition, Leadership Development, and Talent Management. Currently serving as Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic, a leading medical technology company, Mark oversees a global team that drives innovative hiring solutions to advance Medtronic's mission of alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending lives. Under his leadership, Medtronic’s TA team has consistently delivered excellence across more than 150 countries, supporting a workforce of over 90,000 professionals. Mark’s team plays a pivotal role in ensuring Medtronic continues to lead in healthcare innovation, addressing 70 health conditions and impacting millions of patients globally.
Guest:
Mark Smith: Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markedwardsmithta/
Hosts:
Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/
Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.
Twin Cities Society For Human Resources: Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, we are an active SHRM group always looking to promote, influence, and educate our members through multiple channels.
Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member. https://www.tcshrm.org/
Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.
© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
We’ve made it to 100 episodes of What the HR! — and we’re marking the moment with a special farewell to our original hosts, Jessie Novey and Mike Thul. Since 2019, they’ve brought thoughtful conversations, expert insights, and plenty of personality to the mic as dedicated TCSHRM volunteers.
In this milestone episode, new host Becky Lauseng sits down with Mike and Jessie for an interview looking back on their journey, favorite moments, and the evolution of the podcast.
Looking ahead, Becky will continue as the lead host, joined by two rotating co-hosts who will help shape the next chapter of What the HR!.🎙️💼
Guests:
Mike Thul - linkedin.com/in/thulmichael
Jessie Novey - linkedin.com/in/jessienovey
Host:
Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.
Twin Cities Society For Human Resources: Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, we are an active SHRM group always looking to promote, influence, and educate our members through multiple channels.
Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member. https://www.tcshrm.org/
Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.
© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Dr. Benjamin Granger is Chief Workplace Psychologist and Head of EX Advisory Services. He has over a decade of experience building Experience Management (XM) programs across the globe and leads EX thought leadership and research initiatives across Qualtrics and the XM Institute.
Report: https://www.qualtrics.com/ebooks-guides/2024-ex-trends-report/
Guest:
Benjamin Granger: Chief Workplace Psychologist | XM Institute
linkedin.com/in/benjamin-granger-7147991b
Hosts:
Mike Thul - linkedin.com/in/thulmichael
Jessie Novey - linkedin.com/in/jessienovey
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.
Twin Cities Society For Human Resources: Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, we are an active SHRM group always looking to promote, influence, and educate our members through multiple channels.
Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member. https://www.tcshrm.org/
Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.
© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
With over 15 years of experience in human resource strategy, organizational effectiveness, and talent development, Bethany Kurbis helps leaders and organizations reach their potential and accomplish their unique missions. As an experienced people leader, she works with clients across various sectors to develop strategies that align their daily practices with their core values and guiding principles. She also supports them in developing self-awareness, understanding their patterns and habits, and unleashing their potential to achieve personal and professional goals.
Guest:
Bethany Kurbis: Professional Certified Coach (PCC) | Career Coach | Forbes Coaches Council
Hosts:
Mike Thul - linkedin.com/in/thulmichael
Jessie Novey - linkedin.com/in/jessienovey
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.
Twin Cities Society For Human Resources: Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, we are an active SHRM group always looking to promote, influence, and educate our members through multiple channels.
Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member. https://www.tcshrm.org/
Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.
© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.