As the nation awaits the 2024 presidential election and its outcome, Hiring to Firing podcast introduces a three-part series focusing on key issues top of mind for company executives: inspirational messaging and managing political discourse in the workplace. In this first episode, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs discuss lessons learned from the beloved TV character, Ted Lasso. Joined by Steve Lewis, former chairman of Troutman Pepper, they explore the parallels between good parenting and effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of optimism, curiosity, and team collaboration. Steve shares his journey from practicing attorney to leading a top 50 law firm, offering insights on navigating a major merger during the pandemic. Tune in for practical wisdom on fostering a positive and productive workplace culture.

In this episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs dive into international waters with Annalisa Reale, a Labor and Employment partner of the Chiomenti Law Firm in Milan, Italy. Inspired by season two of the popular TV show, White Lotus, set in Taormina, Sicily, Annalisa shares insights from representing Italy’s luxury fashion and hospitality clients in employment issues. Listen in as the group examines the differences between Italian and U.S. employment laws, touching on the evolving issue of enforceability of noncompete agreements across the world.

We are thrilled to announce that our own Hiring to Firing Podcast has been named a finalist for the prestigious PRNEWS Platinum Award in the Digital & Social Media – Podcast category. This recognition highlights the podcast’s innovative approach to discussing key labor and employment issues through the lens of popular culture. The winners will be revealed at an awards event in October.

In this episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs are joined by Troutman Pepper’s Chief Human Resources Officer Shana Beldick to discuss the appropriate use of emojis in professional settings. In an era where digital communication has become a fundamental part of daily life, the three explore the use of emojis to promote efficiencies at work, the risks of miscommunication, and the generational divide as to whether emoji usage is considered a professional form of communication. They also touch on the broader implications of digital communication in today’s remote and hybrid work environments and discuss best practices for maintaining professionalism while fostering connection and humor in the workplace.

In this episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs chat with guest Stacey Chazin, founder and principal of I-Factor Leadership, about motivating introverts in the workplace. Featuring clips from some of their favorite TV and movie introverts — Peter Parker in Spider-Man, Milton in Office Space, and Sheldon in Big Bang Theory — the episode features an insightful discussion on what makes introverts tick, how they can succeed in an extroverted work environment, and practical tips for managers to support introverted employees. Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, this episode offers valuable insights into understanding and leveraging your employees’ natural preferences for greater success at work.

In this episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs are joined by Josh Riggs, owner of Social Cannabis, based in Denver, CO. They delve into the complexities of managing employee conduct in the highly regulated cannabis industry and reflect on the evolution of the industry, highlighting its unexpected sophistication and the challenges of compliance with various laws. Tune in for a unique discussion featuring clips from Dave Chappelle’s Half Baked.

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs delve into the complexities of employing foreign workers with special guest Robert Lee, partner at Troutman Pepper who leads the firm’s immigration practice. Listen as they discuss various work visas and legal compliance issues involving business immigration. The episode also explores the real-life implications of visa denials and the process of marriage-based citizenship, featuring clips from the popular film, The Proposal, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

In this episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs are joined by Terri Gillespie, general counsel at Stateside Brands, a family-run business. The three draw parallels from the popular TV series, Modern Family, and share their own personal experiences working with family members. Join us for an engaging conversation, offering practical advice on how to navigate the unique challenges of working with family while making the most of its benefits.

In this episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs, along with Erin Cannon, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Troutman Pepper, draw parallels between the popular reality TV show Big Brother to discuss the future of corporate DEI programs after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. They discuss the benefits of affinity groups, the importance of allyship, and the significance of focusing on inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

In this episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, Partners Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs, along with Dan Sieck, a partner in the firm’s Corporate practice group, discuss the hit TV show Silicon Valley and the concept of garden leave. What are the pros and cons of having employees sit on the bench? What is the difference between garden leave and noncompete agreements? Tune in for an engaging dialogue on this unique aspect of employment transition.