Beyond HR Podcast
What if HR was never meant to just protect the business, but to heal the workplace?
The Beyond HR Podcast challenges everything we’ve been taught about this profession and rebuilds it with more honesty, humanity, and purpose. Because let’s be real, HR isn’t just policies, compliance, and handbooks. It’s emotional labor, unseen weight, and decisions that impact real lives every day.
This podcast is for HR and People Leaders who feel that tension and know there has to be more. Here, we go beyond surface-level conversations to explore burnout, identity, leadership, and what it actually takes to build workplaces that feel human again. This is where you reconnect with your purpose, rethink how you lead, and step into the truth that HR isn’t just people work, it’s healing work.
If you’re ready to challenge the norm and be part of something deeper, you’re in the right place.
What if HR was never meant to just protect the business, but to heal the workplace?
The Beyond HR Podcast challenges everything we’ve been taught about this profession and rebuilds it with more honesty, humanity, and purpose. Because let’s be real, HR isn’t just policies, compliance, and handbooks. It’s emotional labor, unseen weight, and decisions that impact real lives every day.
This podcast is for HR and People Leaders who feel that tension and know there has to be more. Here, we go beyond surface-level conversations to explore burnout, identity, leadership, and what it actually takes to build workplaces that feel human again. This is where you reconnect with your purpose, rethink how you lead, and step into the truth that HR isn’t just people work, it’s healing work.
If you’re ready to challenge the norm and be part of something deeper, you’re in the right place.
Episodes

Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Joseph Zagerman, a passionate educator and servant leader, as he shares insights on human flourishing, self-care, building trust, and fostering community within organizations. Discover practical strategies for HR professionals to create environments where employees thrive and live purposefully.
Key Topics:
Human flourishing and well-beingSelf-care and mental health strategiesBuilding trust and meaningful connectionsCreating a culture of care and celebration
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Joseph Zagerman and his mission03:02 Who is Dr. Joe at his core and what fuels his passion05:00 The importance of character and caring in leadership06:49 The journey to becoming a servant leader10:06 Understanding human flourishing and its four dimensions14:00 Starting with self-care: gratitude, self-talk, and mindfulness17:06 The domino effect: caring for yourself to care for others20:01 Fostering growth through creating and mastery23:54 Practical HR strategies to promote belonging and well-being27:59 Building community and connection in the workplace32:04 Celebrating small wins and practicing gratitude36:03 The Univesse Way: organizational culture and principles38:49 Key takeaway: You are enough and capable40:48 Overcoming fear and taking action without perfection43:54 Current projects: book, sales academy, and more45:14 Connecting with Dr. Joe via LinkedIn47:08 Closing remarks and appreciation for listeners
Resources
BringDiscToLife Community - https://ConfidentCommunicator.comTrusted Advisor Quotient - https://trustedadvisor.comUnivesse Way Principles - https://example.com/univesse-wayThe Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015DYMVO
LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/drjosephzagerman

Thursday Dec 11, 2025
EP12: Leading HR Like A Boss w/ John Bernatovicz
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
In this engaging conversation, HR leader John Bernatovicz discusses the importance of purpose-driven work and emotional intelligence in the HR field. He shares personal experiences that shaped his career and emphasizes the need for HR professionals to build strong relationships within their organizations. The discussion also touches on overcoming stereotypes associated with HR and the significance of defining one's purpose in both personal and professional life.

Thursday Nov 20, 2025
EP11: Making Culture Everyone's Responsibility w/ JenDina Bowers
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of workplace culture with JenDina Bowers, founder and chief workplace impact partner at Sky Infiniti. JenDina shares her journey from aspiring medical professional to a leader in organizational development, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and intentional leadership.
Discover how cultivating a healthy culture is a shared responsibility that transcends departments, and learn practical insights on embedding values and fostering growth within your organization. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges the status quo and encourages leaders to embrace their humanity.
00:00 The Essence of Culture in Leadership02:55 Journey to Sky Infiniti: A Personal Story06:05 The Intersection of Mental Health and Workplace Culture09:04 Culture Beyond Departments: A Shared Responsibility11:59 Owning Impact: The Importance of Accountability15:13 Breaking the Perfectionism Trap in Leadership17:50 Embedding Values in Organizational Culture21:04 Finding and Aligning Personal Values28:41 The Importance of Honesty in Leadership30:10 Cultivating the Soil for Growth33:21 Understanding Organizational Health36:31 Recognizing Timing in Growth38:34 Practical Steps for HR Leaders41:31 Staying Grounded and Connected to Purpose47:35 Embracing the Role of Caretaker

Thursday Oct 30, 2025
EP10: Unmasking HR: Discovering Ourselves w/ Paige & Will
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Join hosts Paige Knott and Will Ortiz-Febus as they delve into the heart of human resources and search for authenticity within the HR profession. In this episode, they share personal stories and insights on navigating the challenges of HR, exploring themes of empathy, leadership, and the journey to reignite passion in the workplace.
Discover how they redefine HR by focusing on the human element and learn practical tips for aligning personal values with professional roles. Tune in for an engaging conversation that promises to inspire and empower HR professionals and leaders alike.
00:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:05:00 Personal Stories and HR Challenges00:15:00 Empathy and Leadership in HR00:25:00 Aligning Personal Values with Professional Roles00:35:00 Reigniting Passion in the Workplace00:45:00 Practical Tips for HR Professionals00:55:00 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Thursday Oct 09, 2025
EP09: Personal Branding and Intentional Alignment in HR w/ Elisa Garn
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Our conversation delves into the importance of personal branding for HR professionals, exploring how we can navigate our careers with intention and authenticity. The discussion highlights the challenges HR professionals face in promoting ourselves and our value, the significance of mentorship, and the need for self-awareness in rediscovering passion and purpose in our work. We also provide practical advice on how to find the right fit within organizations that truly value HR, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's own strengths and career aspirations.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Personal Branding08:05 Navigating Career Pivots in HR16:10 Building a Personal Brand with Intention23:10 Rediscovering Passion and Purpose30:00 Finding the Right Fit in HR42:56 Key Takeaways for HR Professionals

Thursday Sep 11, 2025
EP08: Transforming HR From Compliance to Legacy w/ Awatif Yahya
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
In this episode of the Beyond HR Podcast, LLC, Co-Host Paige Knott sits down with Awatif Yahya , Founder of Awe Horizons LLC, to explore a transformative journey for HR professionals. Discover how moving beyond checklists and compliance can lead to creating a lasting legacy in your organization.
We discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, self-care for HR professionals, and the necessity of building authentic relationships in the workplace. Awatif shares her journey from IT to HR, emphasizing the need for organizations to align individual potential with strategic goals. The conversation highlights the critical role of HR in shaping workplace culture and the importance of understanding the 'why' behind policies to foster a positive environment.
Whether you're an HR veteran or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories that will resonate with anyone passionate about making a difference in the world of work.
Check out Awatif's work at www.awehorizons.com and connect at www.linkedin.com/in/awatifyahya/
00:00 Welcome to Beyond HR
01:21 Leading for Legacy: A Shift in HR
02:17 Understanding Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
08:11 The Journey from IT to HR
12:51 Aligning Organizational Goals with Individual Potential
17:48 Self-Care for HR Professionals
22:50 Building Authentic Relationships at Work
31:28 Leading for Legacy vs. Compliance
37:41 The Role of HR in Shaping Workplace Culture

Thursday Aug 14, 2025
EP07: Integrating Mental Health & Wellness into HR w/ Dr Julie Radico
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
In this conversation, we explore the intersection of mental health and human resources, discussing the challenges faced by HR professionals in supporting employee well-being while managing workplace demands. They emphasize the importance of normalizing mental health discussions, creating a culture of safety, and the need for HR to prioritize self-care and empathy. The conversation also touches on the evolving expectations of younger generations in the workforce and the significance of aligning personal values with professional roles.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Purpose05:17 The Journey into Psychology13:36 Understanding Mental Health and Stigma19:54 Balancing Empathy and Professionalism in HR29:07 Strategies for HR Professionals37:59 Creating a Culture of Safety and Support49:21 The Future of Mental Health in the Workplace56:12 Key Takeaways and Values

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
EP06: Maximizing Your Potential w/ Milton Hunt
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
In this conversation, Milton Hunt shares his insights on identity leadership, the importance of mentorship, and how HR professionals can find fulfillment in their roles. He emphasizes the significance of overcoming obstacles, understanding one's value, and the necessity of authentic communication in the workplace. The discussion also highlights the need for reflection and personal growth as essential components of professional development.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Identity Leadership and Purpose05:02 The Journey of Overcoming Obstacles08:37 Finding Your Path and Purpose15:19 The Importance of Mentorship20:10 The Role of HR Professionals in Mentorship26:35 Understanding Your Value in the Workplace34:27 Communicating Value and Authenticity40:24 Reflecting on Personal Growth47:37 Final Thoughts on Fulfillment and Purpose

Thursday Jul 10, 2025
EP05: Reinventing Work & Life w/ Amanda Haddaway
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by HR professionals. Amanda Haddaway, founder of HR Answer Box, shares her insights on managing the emotional load inherent in HR roles. Discover practical strategies for stress management, setting boundaries, and maintaining mental well-being while navigating the complexities of human resources. Whether you're an HR veteran or new to the field, Amanda's advice will help you handle the emotional demands of your role with resilience and grace.

Thursday Jun 26, 2025
EP04: Thriving in HR: How to Lead, Grow & Stay Engaged w/ John Mauck
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
In this engaging conversation, John shares his journey from an accidental HR professional to a strategic leader in the field. He discusses the importance of collaboration within Maryland SHRM, the need for HR professionals to prioritize their own growth, and the challenges of building connections while maintaining professional boundaries.
John emphasizes the significance of generational diversity in shaping workplace expectations and the value of mentorship in career development. He also provides insights on interviewing companies to find the right fit and strategies for engaging the C-suite in meaningful change.
Ultimately, John encourages HR professionals to define their purpose and pursue personal goals for fulfillment.







