HCM Minds at Work

From paper to people strategy: Transforming HR and culture at Conway Regional

In this episode of HCM Minds at Work, Christian Gomez talks with Richard Tyler, chief people officer at Conway Regional Health System, about his 17-year journey modernizing HR. From replacing paper files with automated systems to building a culture that puts caregivers first, Richard shares how HR became a true strategic partner.
He reflects on milestones like achieving Magnet designation, reducing turnover and being named a Best Place to Work, proof that investing in people drives both culture and patient care. Richard also looks ahead to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and personalization in shaping the next chapter of HR.

Why community is the secret to closing the manufacturing talent gap

Christian Gomez, vice president of strategy at ADP, sits down with Courtney Abraham, chief people officer at Current Lighting, to discuss how a lean but mighty HR team is reimagining workforce planning and career growth in manufacturing.
Courtney shares how her team supports employees across four continents, from launching community-driven recruiting initiatives in Mexico to investing in education programs that help employees earn high school diplomas. She also explains why she thinks AI is “the intern everyone didn’t know they needed” and how it’s reshaping upskilling and change management.
This episode explores how blending business acumen, community partnerships and emerging technology helps build loyalty, strengthen talent pipelines and prepare teams for the workforce of tomorrow.

Caring for caregivers: Building stability at Senior Lifestyle

In this episode of HCM Minds at Work, host Christian Gomez sits down with April Smith, vice president of pay and benefits management at Senior Lifestyle, to explore the challenges and opportunities of supporting employees across a complex, 24/7 operation.
April shares how she’s focused on creating a true sense of belonging for employees, whether they’re working overnight shifts, across different communities or in roles that can sometimes feel disconnected. She opens up about a recent challenge with their 401(k) vendor and how finding the right partner became essential to helping employees feel confident in their financial decisions. From workforce management to flexible pay schedules, April highlights why building confidence in pay is more than a benefit — it’s foundational to trust and engagement.
Together, April and Christian discuss how HR leaders can navigate complex work environments, foster stronger employee connections and ensure that pay and benefits empower people, not confuse them. They wrap up with what’s next for Senior Lifestyle and how April continues to reimagine the employee experience.

Elevating HCM: HR and HRIS Partnerships

Maria Aguirre is the SVP, Global Payroll & HR Systems Operations SVP, Global Payroll & HR Systems Operations at Edleman, leading a global team in the delivery and utilization of global payroll and HR systems operations while reducing operational costs and minimizing risk.
 
Maria shares how she develops and implements HRIS policies and procedures, supports service delivery, and facilitates a culture of quality and satisfaction.

From players to partners: Shaping future leaders at Steel Partners

In this episode of HCM Minds at Work, host Melissa Glennon talks with Stephanie McKinney, chief human resources officer at Steel Partners, about what it takes to support a workforce spread across 15 diverse operating companies, from industrial manufacturing to financial technology and even youth sports. Stephanie shares the journey of implementing ADP® Lyric HCM from the ground up, creating a unified system that streamlines payroll, performance, succession planning and employee communication. The result: better data, more efficiency and stronger decision making at every level of the organization.
Stephanie also reflects on the importance of succession planning across a decentralized business, how Steel Partners is investing in its future talent pipeline and why flexibility and opt-in adoption are key to driving engagement. It’s an inside look at how HR leaders can scale people practices across complex, global environments while keeping employees at the center.

AI, innovation and the art of future-proofing work

Christian Gomez, vice president of strategy at ADP, sits down with Scott Snyder, senior fellow at the Wharton School, Chief Digital Officer at EVERSANA. Please update for Monday  and author of Goliath’s Revenge, to explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in business. Scott shares lessons from his career spanning startups, corporate innovation and venture capital, explaining how established companies can disrupt from the inside rather than being disrupted.
From building accountable AI frameworks to reimagining HR strategy, Scott highlights how leaders can empower people, use data as a strategic asset and balance small-scale experimentation with transformative, big-picture initiatives. He also offers practical guidance for creating AI fluency, fostering innovation and preparing both leaders and workforces for a future where humans and AI collaborate seamlessly.

Talent Management & Recruitment Transformation: An HR Succes Story

Join Tracey Rigdon, Director of HR Operations at Baker College, as she delves into the dynamic world of human resources and higher education. In each episode, Tracey shares her wealth of experience, offering listeners valuable insights into HR operations, recruitment strategies, and the transformative power of technology in the workplace. From innovative payroll solutions to student employment programs, she explores how institutions can navigate the challenges of the modern educational landscape.
Whether you're an HR professional, an educator, or simply curious about the inner workings of higher education, this podcast offers practical advice and inspiration to help you thrive in your own career. Tune in to discover how to streamline operations, foster a positive work environment, and elevate the student experience—because when it comes to HR, the wisdom of the past can ignite success today!

Fashioning a people-first culture at Steve Madden

Christian Gomez, vice president of strategy at ADP, sits down with Lyndsey Benson, vice president of human resources at Steve Madden, to discuss how the global fashion brand is elevating its talent brand alongside its iconic retail presence.
Lyndsey shares her 15-year journey from recruiter to HR leader and how she helped transform HR from paper-based processes to a strategic, global function. From unifying teams across borders to replacing annual reviews with meaningful conversations, she highlights how Steve Madden builds a fast-paced yet people-first culture that empowers people worldwide to thrive.

From Surveys to Strategy: Dr. Robert Rustman on Building Engagement at LRS

In this episode of HCM Minds at Work, Christian Gomez sits down with Dr. Robert Rustman, vice president of human resources at Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), to explore how employee engagement can fundamentally reshape culture and business outcomes. Dr. Rustman shares how LRS launched its first engagement survey, branded “Your Voice,” and used the insights to drive meaningful cultural change across the organization.
From navigating the shift from Fortune 20 processes to leading a more agile, people-first HR function, Dr. Rustman offers candid lessons on building trust, empowering leaders and using technology to free HR from tactical work so they can focus on strategy. Whether you’re an HR leader, executive or aspiring changemaker, this conversation highlights how intentional employee engagement can spark transformation and deliver true return on investment (ROI).

Strategic Workforce Planning at Belle Tire

Belle Tire, a full-service automotive repair facility with a history extending over a hundred years, has almost 180 retail locations across Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois. The company employed just over 3,000 workers, with approximately 90% being frontline retail employees. The company prides itself on exceptional customer service within the retail space, offering automotive services and tire products.
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Dave Nelson, Director of Talent Acquisition, recognized the unsustainable nature of previous hiring practices, Belle Tire's HR team, in collaboration with the talent acquisition and operations teams, embarked on a mission to create a more controlled and strategic staffing process. This initiative aimed at aligning staffing levels closely with the actual business needs, rather than hiring indiscriminately.