Drive Thru HR

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DriveThruHR, hosts Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling welcome back Jon Hyman, an employment and labor law practitioner with nearly 30 years of experience. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted introduction, in which Jon shares insights into his law practice, particularly his work with small- and mid-sized businesses and his niche representation of craft breweries.

As the discussion progresses, the trio delves into the evolving landscape of HR and employment law under the new administration, focusing on the implications of recent executive orders and the changing definitions surrounding discrimination and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Jon emphasizes the importance of filtering out the noise from the EEOC and maintaining established legal practices, regardless of political shifts.

The conversation then shifts to workplace retaliation, where John provides practical advice for employers on navigating claims and maintaining proper documentation.

We also touch on the role of AI in HR, discussing its potential benefits and challenges, and the necessity for businesses to adapt their policies to keep pace with technological advancements.

The episode wraps up with a discussion of the current state of the National Labor Relations Board and the implications of its political composition for labor relations, highlighting the need for stability in workplace policies amid ongoing changes.

Takeaways:

The law hasn't changed; the practices that were legal before are still legal.

Focus on the damage to the business for social media posts; if it doesn't harm, let it go.

Document everything contemporaneously; it's crucial for defending claims.

AI is still in its alpha phase; we need to adapt our policies.

NLRB: A functioning agency is better than no agency at all.

00:00Introduction to John Hyman

01:02John's Law Practice and Brewery Representation

05:40Navigating HR Under the New Administration

12:44Understanding Retaliation in the Workplace

18:37The Role of AI in HR

25:54Current State of Labor Relations Board

In this episode of DriveThruHR, hosts Robin Schooling and Michael VanDervort speak with Deb Muller, founder and CEO of HR Acuity, about the evolving landscape of employee relations as we approach 2026.

The conversation covers key trends in employee relations, the impact of AI on HR functions, the importance of trust and risk management, and the mental health challenges faced by employee relations teams.

Deb emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt to changing workplace dynamics, implement effective governance around AI, and prioritize employee well-being. The episode concludes with practical advice for smaller organizations and insights into the future of HR practices.

Join the free empowER community here.

Employee Relations resources here.

Takeaways

Employee relations is evolving with new challenges and complexities.

Trust is essential for mitigating risk in organizations.

AI is becoming an integral part of HR processes.

Smaller organizations can implement fundamental ER practices without large teams.

Mental health and burnout are significant concerns for ER teams.

Data-driven approaches can help measure trust and risk effectively.

Organizations need to create safe channels for employee feedback.

The complexity of cases is increasing, requiring more strategic handling.

Governance around AI is crucial for responsible implementation in HR.

Investing in employee relations can lead to better organizational outcomes.

In this “Snackable HR” episode, Robin unpacks the real reason your team is running on empty before December even starts - and it's not the tryptophan.

She examines how eleven months of "do more with less," unmet promises, and relentless pushing has left people exhausted, disengaged, and quietly checking out. This is a call to stop blaming something “mysterious”
and instead to start seeing people as humans who need more than a long weekend to recover from a year like this one.

Does AI free up HR to focus on strategy?

Host Michael VanDervort welcomes Jessie Roberts, Head of People Business Partners at Nextdoor, for a conversation about the intersection of HR and technology.

Together, they examine how artificial intelligence is transforming the HR landscape, questioning whether it truly frees HR professionals to focus on strategic work or merely replaces one set of administrative tasks with another.

The discussion highlights AI’s potential to deliver real-time analytics and deeper insights, enhancing decision-making and strengthening the strategic role of HR teams.

Takeaways

AI can make HR more strategic if used correctly.

Access to real-time analytics is a game-changer for HR.

Having an HR analytics person can significantly improve data-driven decision-making.

AI can help HR teams focus on more strategic initiatives.

The right use of technology can alleviate administrative burdens.

Real-time insights can lead to better HR strategies.

AI acts as a supportive teammate in HR functions.

Data-driven HR practices can enhance overall effectiveness.

The integration of analytics in HR is essential for modern practices.

AI tools should be leveraged to maximize HR potential.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Drive Through HR and Guest Introduction

00:33 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

On this episode of Drive Thru HR, Robin Schooling talks with Kristen Kavanaugh, co-author of Courage Over Fear and co-founder of The Agency Initiative.

 

Kristen shares her journey from the Marine Corps to HR leadership at Tesla, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to authenticity, agency, and growth. The conversation explores the book’s core ideas: courage as small but powerful 5% shifts, the “Agency Loop” framework, and finding ways to lead with values even in polarized or high-pressure environments. Kristen also reflects on the challenges and future of DEI, urging
leaders to step into courageous action within their spheres of influence.

The episode leaves listeners with practical inspiration for building resilience,
authenticity, and human connection at work