In this episode of HR Salon, Andrew welcomes Laura Azzarella, President of the Buffalo Niagara HR Association and a passionate advocate for the ethical and practical use of AI in HR. With over 15 years of experience implementing HR tech, Laura brings both excitement and caution to the conversation: how do we use these tools to empower people, not replace them?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why AI can’t be trusted blindly—and how “trust but verify” should become standard HR policy.
• How to use AI to amplify productivity, not automate away connection or confidentiality.
• Why tomorrow’s best organizations will hire for soft skills like resilience, curiosity, and empathy—and build the technical skills later.

This episode dives into the delicate balance between innovation and ethics, showing why the future of HR isn’t about choosing between technology and humanity—it’s about making them work better together.

Check out her content on Substack: https://substack.com/@appliedhr

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In this episode of HR.Salon, Andrew sits down with Alyssa Wrobel, Recruiting and Onboarding Specialist at Quality Vision International, to unpack what it really takes to hire and retain great people in 2026. From navigating layoffs and shifting candidate priorities to mastering the art of consistent employer branding, Alyssa shares practical insights from the frontlines of recruiting in a market that’s equal parts cautious and competitive.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why candidates crave growth and stability—and how to design roles that actually deliver both.
• How to use hiring tools without losing your human judgment, and the one story that proves data is never the full picture.
• The secret to standing out at job fairs and online: market your company like you’re recruiting future fans, not just employees.

As recruiters and HR teams adapt to a shrinking pipeline and changing workforce values, the winners will be those who stay creative, curious, and connected to what people truly want from work. It’s not just about filling roles—it’s about telling the right story, to the right people, at the right time.

In this episode of HR.Salon, Andrew reconnects with Melanie Russo, Workforce Innovation Partner at the Greater Rochester Chamber, for a powerful conversation about how communities can build the workforce of tomorrow. They explore what it means to truly prepare for growth in the New York Smart I-Corridor—a new semiconductor tech hub linking Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse—and why collaboration, creativity, and compassion will define the next era of work.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How public and private partnerships are reshaping workforce development to meet the demands of high-tech industries.
• Why businesses must adapt their hiring and retention strategies for the next generation of workers—and how to start doing it now.
• What it looks like when employers genuinely invest in their communities: from mentorship and education to addressing barriers like transportation, training, and poverty.

Melanie reminds us that workforce innovation is about people, not programs—and that success depends on shared effort and shared outcomes. Whether you’re an employer, educator, or community leader, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how collaboration can turn regional opportunity into lasting prosperity.

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In this episode of HR.Salon, Andrew sits down with author and marketing agency cofounder Matt Rouse, the mind behind Will AI Take My Job and its sequel. Together, they explore the accelerating tension between human expertise and automation, uncovering what the “AI arms race” means for HR leaders, employees, and the future of meaningful work. From job applicants using AI to beat hiring algorithms to companies reshaping entire workflows, this conversation blends realism, strategy, and hope.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How employees and companies alike are using AI—and why it’s becoming an “AI vs. AI” hiring game.
• Why the smartest organizations aren’t replacing people with AI but partnering with it to gain a competitive edge.
• What it really takes to stay employable in an AI-driven economy and how HR can lead the cultural shift.

As AI continues to reshape the world of work, one truth rings clear: the winners won’t be those who resist change, but those who learn to work with it. Tune in for a grounded, thought-provoking conversation that might just reframe how you—and your organization—approach technology and talent.

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The Lunchbreak crew got down to business with a hot topic this week: FEAR.

There are so many ways that fear shows up in our lives and so many ways we can fight back against it.

Here's what Brandon Eastman, Christine Smith, Ben Albert and I cover:

1. What happens when fear gets to live "rent free"

2. How to use your posture to fight back against fear

3. Why hyper preparation and total procrastination are two sides of the same fear based coin

4. How to use flowcharts to fight fear

And so much more!!

When Paul Angone was 22, he pursued a dream of speaking and writing despite the odds, sacrificing comfort and security in order to escape the feeling of failing at life and inspiring others to do the same; exploring the compelling central conflict of investing his attention wisely.

You will learn:
1. How Paul Angone quit his job and became a successful author and keynote speaker.
2. The importance of sacrifice and taking risks in order to achieve one's dreams.
3. Why you should probably start with a side hustle before you go "all in."
4. How to resist the allure of digital distractions and invest in meaningful relationships and pursuits.

Paul Angone is a father of four, keynote speaker, multi best-selling author, and entrepreneur. He is passionate about helping others overcome adversity and reach their personal growth goals.

What if you could transform your life with the power to rewrite your past and unlock your inner superpowers? That's what Marvin Deitz proposes in his Young Adult Fictional story tackling the challenges of high school and the dream that most adults have: the opportunity to do it over again, with what we know now.

Marvin Deitz is an author, entrepreneur, and international adjunct professor of mystery. His book channels his lessons from an 18 year journey through self discovery and therapy. He's passionate about sharing his story to inspire and help others, particularly teens and young adults.

Here's what I cover with Marvin Deitz in this episode:

1. How therapy, a magical emblem, and a near-death experience can transform your life

2. The red flags of someone who hasn't done the work

3. How abstaining from alcohol can lead to improved mental, physical and spiritual health

Get Marvin's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Day-Super-Hero-possess-power/dp/B09ZCYS65G

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From energy vampires to energy amplifiers, the Lunchbreak ABC crew dive into what keeps their motor running - and what makes it stall out. In today's episode you'll learn:

1. How physical exertion can increase your energy

2. How intermittent fasting help to create more energy, and boost weight loss

3. Why you need to study your energy levels like a scientist to unlock your true potential