If you think HR is just about hiring and firing, think again, this episode flips that whole idea on its head.

I sit down with Bobby Conley, a seasoned HR leader, to talk about the shift from traditional “old HR” to a strategic, proactive “new HR.” Bobby explains that HR transformation can take many forms, like updating processes, technology, and talent, depending on an organization’s size and maturity, often driven by leadership changes or mergers and acquisitions. He busts common misconceptions about HR being purely administrative and shows how modern HR professionals act as strategic business partners, using data to drive business performance and culture.

We dive into the future of work, exploring how AI will increase productivity, especially in talent acquisition, while HR leaders navigate bias, legal considerations, and the need to reskill employees to integrate AI effectively. Bobby also emphasizes that change, though sometimes uncomfortable, is where the most growth happens, encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning, ultimately framing HR as both a guide through organizational transformation and a champion of human adaptability in a rapidly evolving workplace.

Key Takeaways:

Modern HR is a strategic partner driving performance and culture, not just administrative tasks.

HR transformation varies by company size, maturity, and often follows leadership changes or mergers.

AI boosts productivity, especially in talent acquisition, but HR must manage bias, legal risks, and reskill employees.

Transparency and guardrails are crucial for adopting AI while keeping humans central.

Data-savvy HR professionals can shape strategic decisions and support organizational goals.

AI and technology augment roles, letting employees focus on higher-value work.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:08 What is an HR transformation? & why it matters

02:42 Old HR vs. New HR

05:15 If only people knew this about HR

06:32 Common roadblocks holding back HR departments

08:55 The future of work: AI’s role in Human Resources

13:16 Tips on how to get started with AI

14:17 How to integrate change and keep humans at the center

19:59 Advice for leveling up in your career and business

23:37 Wrap-Up

Connect with Bobby:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyconley/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

Design isn’t just how something looks, it’s how it makes you think.

I’m joined by the incredibly talented Lucie Agolini, a designer who’s all about creating visual experiences that actually make people feel something. We talk about her journey to finding her niche in user experience design, and how asking the right questions can completely change the outcome of a project.

Lucie shares some of the biggest design pitfalls she sees (hello, overcomplicated Miro boards) and tells me about her passion project, an illustration library that makes good design accessible to everyone.

We also get into the business side of creativity, how to think like an entrepreneur as a freelancer, and why visuals aren’t just decoration; they’re tools for learning and communicating more effectively.

Key Takeaways:

Visual experiences can enhance collaboration and connection.

Natural talent in design can be developed through practice.

Visual appeal should not overshadow the substance of design.

Many people overcomplicate design due to lack of confidence.

Visuals can significantly enhance the learning experience.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:36 Lucie's path to finding her creative lane

05:11 What entrepreneurs can learn from visual design

08:20 Is great design born from talent or built through practice?

11:03 Why visuals matter more than you might think

13:46 When design gets too complicated

15:45 Inside Lucie’s illustration library

18:30 The business side of creativity

20:54 Finding your rhythm as a freelancer

29:38 Wrapping up

Resources Mentioned:

Miro: https://miro.com/

Illustration Library: https://www.lucieagolini.com/products/cnvs-illustration-library

Connect with Lucie:

Website: https://www.lucieagolini.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucieagolini/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

Ever wonder why the best leaders are also the most self-aware?

In this episode, I sit down with Dain Dunston to unpack what it really means to lead consciously. We talk about the kind of leadership that starts from the inside out, the kind that asks you to look at yourself honestly, stay open to feedback, and be willing to grow, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Dain shares his own path and how it taught him the power of building a deep sense of self and helping others do the same. We dive into concepts like beginner’s mind and relational intelligence, and how those can transform the way you show up for your team and yourself.

This isn’t just another leadership chat. It’s a reminder that the willingness to feel the pain of growth and stay curious is what separates good leaders from truly exceptional ones.

Key Takeaways:

Conscious leadership is essential for both business and life.

Feedback serves as a powerful tool for growth and learning.

Vulnerability allows leaders to connect and grow.

Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.

Learning agility is necessary in a rapidly changing world.

Beginner's mind fosters creativity and innovation.

Self-awareness impacts not just leaders but everyone in an organization.

Resources Mentioned:

Show Your Work by Austin Kleon: https://austinkleon.com/show-your-work/

Reboot by Jerry Colonna: https://www.amazon.com/Reboot-Leadership-Art-Growing-Up/dp/0062749536

Connect with Dain:

Website: https://daindunston.com/ , https://reservoir.llc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daindunston/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

If you’re running a business, conflict isn’t a sign that something’s wrong. It’s proof that you’re growing.

That’s one of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Borja Cuan, a digital marketing strategist who’s worked across industries and knows firsthand what it takes to build strong teams and sustainable growth.

We dive into why conflict at work is inevitable, and how learning to navigate it with intention can actually strengthen your team, your client relationships, and ultimately your business.

Borja also shares why entrepreneurs need to embrace delegation as more than just time management. It’s about trusting others to carry your vision forward. And in marketing, especially, patience and testing are essential. Quick wins might feel good, but long-term strategies are what create lasting results.

Another theme we unpack is employee well-being. Your people are your biggest asset, and the way you support them will ripple through your culture and your outcomes. And yes, we touch on AI, not as a replacement, but as a tool to help people work smarter.

Key Takeaways:

The biggest barrier to growth is trying to do everything yourself.

Strategic delegation can lead to breakthrough growth.

Effective communication is crucial for client relationships.

Understanding client expectations is key to success.

Patience and testing are essential in digital marketing.

Employee well-being impacts overall business performance.

Conflict can be healthy and necessary in business.

Connect with Borja:

Website: https://four15digital.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/borjacuan

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

Ever struggled to get your message across with someone from a different culture?

On this episode of Building Thinkers, I’m sitting down with Anita Anthonj, the founder of Talaera, a platform that helps professionals communicate confidently and effectively across languages and cultures. We dive into why active listening is one of the most underrated skills, how language learning and cultural nuances go hand in hand, and what it actually looks like to build confidence when you’re not a native English speaker.

We also talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, including the myth of “having it all,” and why small wins (and even mistakes!) are such powerful tools for growth.

Key Takeaways

Effective communication goes beyond perfect grammar.

Active listening is crucial for building connections.

Understanding cultural nuances can enhance communication.

Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities.

Empowerment comes from recognizing choices in life design.

Asking for help can open new opportunities.

Cultural differences in parenting can provide valuable insights.

Connect with Anita:

Website: https://www.talaera.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitaanthonj/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

What if design isn’t just about making things look good, but about holding everything together?

I’m joined by Nick Cawthon in this week’s episode of Building Thinkers to talk about something that impacts all of us whether we realize it or not.. design. Nick has such a unique way of framing design as the glue that holds organizations together, and we dig into what that really looks like in practice.

We also talk about the fear that comes with change (because let’s be real, we’ve all felt it), and why keeping humans in the loop matters more than ever in a world that’s moving fast with AI. Nick shares his thoughts on what we hope our kids are learning, the value of trying and failing, and how our definitions of success shift over time.

This conversation left me thinking about how I define success for myself, and I think it’ll do the same for you.

Key Takeaways:

Building consensus is crucial in design processes to mitigate risks and enhance collaboration.

Fear can hinder adaptation to new technologies and processes in design.

The human element in design is essential for understanding emotions and user experiences.

Learning agility is vital for adapting to rapid changes in the design landscape.

Success is not just about big names but also about personal fulfillment and boundaries.

Creation should be prioritized over consumption to foster critical thinking and innovation.

Resources Mentioned:

Take the AI Maturity Assessment Here: ⁠https://retrain.gauge.io/⁠

Connect with Nick:

Website: ⁠gauge.io⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcawthon-ux-digital-agency-product-design-leadership/⁠

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

What if your business could actually help save the planet instead of just chasing profits?

In this episode, I sit down with Josh Dorfman, a seasoned entrepreneur focused on sustainability and real climate impact. We get into why integrating sustainability into business isn’t just good for the planet, it’s smart business, too.

Josh shares his journey from his early career in China to founding companies like Planted and Supercool, showing what it takes to build companies that prioritize environmental responsibility. We also dive into education, unlocking your potential, and why self-awareness can be a total game-changer for leaders.

If you care about building businesses that make a difference, or just want to understand what it really takes to lead with purpose, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

Sustainability should be integrated into business from the start.

Building a sustainable company requires clarity of vision and execution.

Sustainability is about living well on a finite planet.

Solutions to climate change can enhance business profitability.

Self-awareness is key in knowing when to pivot in business.

Hiring should be based on financial stability and market fit.

Education should focus on interpersonal skills and critical thinking.

Resources Mentioned:

Soundtracks by John Acuff

Connect with Josh:

Website: https://getsuper.cool/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorfmanjosh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getsupercool

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4IUql4twk6OLOl8FTIwN5Z

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

What if the secret to a happier, more productive life isn’t doing more, but designing your day differently?

I chat with Bruce Stanley about day crafting, the art of intentionally shaping your daily routines to support personal growth and well-being. Bruce takes us through his journey from graphic design to adult education and coaching, and why he believes that chasing big goals isn’t the way to create meaningful change.

We dig into the challenges of modern productivity, how the nine-to-five grind can drain your energy, and why paying attention to your energy and connections throughout the day matters more than hitting “peak performance” once in a while. Bruce shares practical ideas for experimenting with your daily routines, prioritizing self-care, and creating small, memorable moments that enrich life.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your routine or overwhelmed by big goals, this episode will give you a fresh, practical way to rethink your day and your life, one small step at a time.

Key Takeaways:

Day crafting focuses on designing your day intentionally.

The good life is a daily practice, not a future goal.

Energy management is crucial for effective daily routines.

Small experiments can lead to significant changes in daily life.

Breaking free from the nine-to-five mindset can enhance creativity.

Play and innovation are interconnected in daily practices.

Creating memorable moments enriches our life stories.

Resources Mentioned:

⁠Daily Rituals by Mason Curry⁠

⁠Day Crafting Workbooks⁠

⁠Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

Connect with Bruce:

Website: https://www.daycrafting.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucestanley/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/day_crafting_/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.