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.Continue Reading Emoji Etiquette: Navigating Professionalism and Connection in the Workplace With The Emoji Movie

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.Continue Reading Motivating Employees Who Are Introverts: Lessons From Spider-Man, Office Space, and The Big Bang Theory

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.Continue Reading Employing Foreign Talent: Visa Challenges and Compliance Insights, Featuring The Proposal

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.Continue Reading Unique Challenges and Benefits of Family-Run Businesses, Inspired by Modern Family

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.Continue Reading The Reality of DEI Programs: A Big Brother Perspective

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.Continue Reading Unraveling the Concept of Garden Leave: Insights From Silicon Valley

In this episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, Partners Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs navigate the evolving landscape of employee sick days in a post-COVID-19 workplace. Special guest Lisa Whittaker, director and managing counsel, employment and labor law at The J.M. Smucker Co., joins them for a humorous discussion of the use and abuse of employee sick days, using clips from the popular TV show, Parks and Recreation. Tune in for an insightful discussion!Continue Reading The Evolution of Employee Sick Days in a Post-COVID-19 Workplace With Parks and Rec