Why Middle Managers Struggle—And How to Set Them Up for Success
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.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Chris on LinkedInCheck out Chris’ websiteSupport the show
--------
34:29
Is HR a Job in Politics?
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?Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Enrique on LinkedInCheck out Hacking HRSupport the show
--------
44:30
The DEI Reset: What’s Changing and Why It Matters
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.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Amri on LinkedInCheck out Inclusion WinsAmri’s book: “Reconstructing Inclusion”Support the show
--------
35:12
The Hiring Delusion: Why Companies Can’t Find the Perfect Candidate
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 forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jessica on LinkedInCheck out Savant RecruitmentSupport the show
--------
32:35
How Leaders Can Foster Trust in the Face of Uncertainty
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.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Greg on LinkedIn and InstagramCheck out Hawks AgencySupport the show
The People Managing People podcast, hosted by David Rice, aims to inspire people leaders, managers, and HR professionals as they build the workplace of the future and develop the talent it needs to thrive. Our guests are innovators and thought leaders exploring topics ranging from technology to performance management, workplace culture and employee experience.
New Zealand