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What happens when an analytical HR professional decides to break down every session at a state SHRM conference? The results are both hilarious and disheartening. Warren meticulously categorized all 64 breakout sessions and discovered that a staggering two-thirds could only be classified as "whimsical" - filled with motivational speaking and feel-good content but lacking substantive professional development.

Taking his analysis further, Warren compared this HR conference with professional gatherings across other fields - from accountants and lawyers to scientists and physicians. The contrast couldn't be more striking: while HR professionals were being told "the hardest journey is the 18 inches between your brain and your heart," other professions were engaging with rigorous, substantive content directly applicable to their work. This disparity helps explain why HR sometimes struggles to be taken seriously in the business world.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Warren admits that despite his past criticism, SHRM President Johnny C. Taylor delivered an impressively substantive keynote about the future of work and AI in HR - proving that meaningful content is possible when organizers prioritize it. Meanwhile, CeeCee shares her experience starting a new remote position with exemplary onboarding, highlighting how thoughtful processes can make all the difference in employee experience.

This episode poses important questions about professional development in HR: Are we setting ourselves up for failure by accepting low-quality content at our professional conferences? How can we demand better? And most importantly, what would truly valuable professional development look like for modern HR practitioners? Whether you're planning your next conference experience or evaluating your own professional development path, this candid discussion will make you rethink what you should expect from HR education.

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Five years ago, Warren and Patrick sat down over Mission BBQ to plan a podcast where HR professionals could finally say what they were really thinking. Today, they reunite to reflect on how both Jaded HR and the human resources profession have transformed over half a decade.

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as they reminisce about cubicle life and team shenanigans—from hanging Superman figures above desks to commiserating over challenging employee interactions. Their candid discussion reveals how some of their early HR opinions "aged like milk" when confronted with real workplace discrimination cases, showing the professional growth that comes with experience.

Technology emerges as a central theme throughout their discussion. Patrick shares how his role has evolved away from traditional HR toward IT responsibilities, while simultaneously developing AI tools that could potentially automate aspects of his own job. This tension between embracing efficiency-driving technology while worrying about obsolescence reflects challenges facing the entire HR profession. As Warren quotes HR thought leader Tim Sackett: "You're not going to lose your job to AI. You're going to lose your job to someone who knows how to use AI."

Looking forward, Warren teases upcoming content including their popular "Office" rewatch series where they analyze the iconic sitcom from an HR perspective. Episodes like "Diversity Day" offer particularly rich material that highlights how workplace norms have evolved dramatically since the show first aired—content that "no major network's going to touch" today.

Whether you're an HR professional, someone who works with HR, or simply enjoy workplace stories told with unfiltered honesty, this anniversary episode perfectly captures why Jaded HR continues to resonate after five years. Leave a review, support the show through Patreon, and join Warren and Patrick as they continue helping listeners "survive HR one what-the-fuck moment at a time."

Support the show

We want to hear from you.
Text us or leave a voicemail (252) 564-9899‬
email: feedback@jadedhr.com

Want to:
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Our Link Tree below has links to our social media sites, Patreon, Apple podcasts, Spotify & more.
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The gap between what HR professionals think and what they can actually say out loud has never been more entertaining than in this episode of Jaded HR. Warren and Cee Cee start by unpacking recent viral news stories that perfectly illustrate how poor judgment can derail careers - from the American tourist who stole a baby wombat for social media clout to a track athlete facing consequences for an on-field assault. These stories serve as perfect metaphors for workplace behavior that lands people on "do not hire" lists.

Speaking of which, the hosts deliver a fascinating breakdown of Meta's controversial "block list" that prevents even laid-off employees from being rehired - even when managers specifically want them back. This secret system has apparently frustrated Meta's own leadership who can't figure out why valuable former team members are blocked or how to get them off the list. Warren and Cee Cee share their own experiences with "do not hire" designations and why flexibility in these systems matters.

The episode delivers exceptional value through its examination of resume best practices, drawing from former Amazon executive Ethan Evans' insights after reviewing over 10,000 resumes. Rather than offering generic advice, the hosts provide specific, actionable guidance: focus on results not just responsibilities, strategically position your education based on career stage, consider adding a splash of color to stand out, and yes - include those interesting hobbies that might create a human connection with recruiters. The personal anecdote about a marketing candidate who branded her resume so memorably that the hosts still remember her name years later perfectly illustrates how the right personal touches can make a lasting impression.

Have you ever experienced a manager who crossed the line? Cee Cee 's candid story about walking out on a Starbucks manager who tried to manipulate her into working despite an approved day off will resonate with anyone who's dealt with workplace power dynamics. Next time you encounter workplace drama, remember the Jaded HR mantra: we're here to help you survive HR one "what the fuck" moment at a time!

Support the show

We want to hear from you.
Text us or leave a voicemail (252) 564-9899‬
email: feedback@jadedhr.com

Want to:
* Share a dumb employee question
* Share a crazy story
* Ask us a question
* Share a best practice
* Give us feedback

Our Link Tree below has links to our social media sites, Patreon, Apple podcasts, Spotify & more.
Please leave a review on your favorite podcast player and interact with us online!

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/jadedhr
Follow Cee Cee on IG - BoozyHR @ https://www.instagram.com/boozy_hr/