Episode 38. Why HR Deserves a Seat at the Table – and What Happens When You Give It One

HR often gets a bad rap—seen as bureaucratic, restrictive, or non-essential by many business professionals. In startups and small businesses especially, HR is frequently sidelined or delayed until a major issue demands attention. Here's the truth: HR’s reputation problem is real—and sometimes, HR professionals themselves have contributed to it. The good news? That means they also have the power to rewrite the narrative.

In this episode, Emily teams up with Jeff Pietrzak of Work Exceptional to challenge outdated perceptions and offer a fresh, strategic take on the role of HR. With decades of combined experience across industries and business sizes, they’ve witnessed the transformative impact of inviting the right HR leader to the table—whether on a fractional or full-time basis.

From compliance and risk mitigation to culture, engagement, and performance, HR has the potential to be a powerhouse of growth, alignment, and people-driven success. Tune in to discover what your business might be missing—and how shifting your mindset about HR can unlock untapped potential across your organization.