In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter explore the surprising roots and real-world complexities of workers’ compensation law, drawing a playful throughline from pirate “articles” of old, to the movie chain, Pirates of the Caribbean, to today’s patchwork of state laws. Joined by Todd Wachtel, workers’ compensation specialist and partner at Levinson Axelrod, they explore key employer and employee obligations, insurance and reporting requirements, and how classification decisions (employee vs. independent contractor) can make or break coverage. The conversation highlights the interplay between workers’ compensation and OSHA, ADA, and FMLA, common pitfalls and retaliation risks, and practical steps to keep workplaces shipshape. Tune in for actionable takeaways to help employers navigate coverage, compliance, and claims with confidence.
From Suits to Statutes: A US Employer’s Guide to Canadian Employment Law
In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter use the hit legal drama Suits as a springboard to unpack the key differences — and surprising overlaps — between U.S. and Canadian employment law. Joined by Chris Andree, an employment partner at Gowling WLG, they explore what cross-border employers need to know about Canadian law, from the absence of at-will employment and the requirement of lengthy notice periods, to the high bar for “just cause” for employee terminations. The team also tackles drug and cannabis testing in safety-sensitive roles and generous government-mandated leave entitlements. Tune in for practical takeaways on harmonizing policies, documenting decisions, and partnering with local counsel to help ensure your real-world issues don’t become TV-drama-level crises.
Teamwork Under Pressure: Workplace Leadership Lessons From Saving Private Ryan
In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter draw on leadership lessons from the Tom Hanks classic, Saving Private Ryan, to show how military principles can elevate civilian workplaces. Joined by Retired.com VP of Human Resources, Rick Cuellar, Army veteran, they connect military best practices to corporate HR, sharing practical guidance on effective leadership, crisis management, and training. Tune in for actionable takeaways, including crisis readiness frameworks, compliance insights on military leave and caregiving, and strategies for meaningful veteran support.
From “Houston, We Have a Problem” to Workplace Safety: Lessons from Apollo 13
In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter explore critical lessons in workplace safety through the lens of the legendary film Apollo 13. Joined by Greg Narsh, Troutman Pepper Locke counsel from the firm’s Environmental & Natural Resources group, they share insights into whistleblower protections and emerging safety trends. Discover how OSHA regulations can guide employers in maintaining a safe work environment and learn about the importance of training and preparedness in preventing workplace accidents. Tune in for an engaging discussion that combines cinematic drama with practical safety strategies for employers and employees alike – “Houston, we have a problem!”
From Concerts to Crisis: Navigating Workplace Scandals
In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter delve into the viral Coldplay kisscam incident that led to the resignation of two top executives. Joined by Kristin Jones, Troutman Pepper Locke partner from the firm’s White Collar Litigation + Investigations group, they explore the intricate legal and ethical challenges that arise from workplace crises. The conversation highlights the importance of having a strong crisis management plan in place to navigate the fallout from such viral incidents and the broader impact of social media on corporate governance. Tune in to gain insights into how companies can transform potential PR disasters into opportunities for growth and learning.
Building a Culture of Growth: HR Lessons From Hacks
In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter explore the dynamic role of HR, using examples from the TV show Hacks. The conversation features guest Ted Harding, CHRO at Apnimed, and focuses on the strategic importance of HR in fostering company culture and
From Forest to Fortune: Navigating Workplace Ethics With Robin Hood
In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter explore the intersection of ethics and workplace culture through the lens of the Disney classic, Robin Hood. Joined by Jordan Hayes of Cathedral Holdings, they discuss how companies can effectively establish and maintain ethical guideposts that drive business success and employee satisfaction. Tune in for practical strategies to embed values into every aspect of your organization.
Navigating Employee Integration in Mergers and Acquisitions: Lessons From Pretty Woman
In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter discuss the challenges of integrating employees during and after mergers and acquisitions through the lens of the classic film Pretty Woman. Joined by Tunisia Poole and Destiny Washington of Southwire Company, this conversation covers common employee concerns, legal considerations, and the importance of clear communication when managing workplace transitions. Tune in to discover how to navigate the complexities of mergers and acquisitions with strategic foresight.
Performance Reviews: Lessons from Severance
In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter dive into the challenges of managing employee performance, taking lessons from Mr. Milchick’s infamous performance review in the latest season of the TV show Severance. Joined by Tara Favors of Mutual of America Financial Group, this episode provides practical tips for offering constructive feedback, documenting performance deficiencies, and maintaining fairness in the evaluation process. Discover how the fictional world of Lumon Industries mirrors real-life human resources challenges.
Coffee Badging: Mastering the Art of Office Presence
In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter explore the concept of “coffee badging”—a post-pandemic workplace phenomenon where employees badge in, grab a cup of coffee, and then work remotely for the rest of the day. Joined by Donna Griffin from Intelligentsia Coffee, the discussion delves into the implications of return-to-office mandates, generational differences in work preferences, and the evolving dynamics of remote and hybrid work environments. Discover how coffee, culture, and corporate policies intersect in today’s workplace.