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In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter revisit Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird to unpack what corporate governance means for today’s workplace. Joined by Richard Gerakitis, senior advisor at the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta and former Troutman Pepper partner, they explore how boards, committees, and leadership set the tone through accountability, transparency, and integrity. Using Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley as examples, they examine how bias can undermine even the best‑designed systems and when “moral discretion” might justify bending the rules to protect the vulnerable. The conversation also touches on emerging issues, such as AI oversight, and the critical role HR plays in culture, compliance, and risk management. Tune in for practical insights on how thoughtful governance can turn ethical challenges into opportunities for trust and long‑term stability.

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter use the film Inception as a springboard to unpack the very real world of corporate espionage and trade secret theft. Joined by Troutman Pepper Locke partner and former Hiring to Firing co-host Evan Gibbs, co-chair of the firm’s Corporate Espionage Response Team, they examine how insider threats arise in the workplace, the surge in trade secret litigation, and the high‑stakes emergency injunctions that can follow. The conversation offers practical guidance on onboarding and offboarding employees, tightening data security, and training managers to spot red flags before confidential information walks out the door. Tune in to learn how to protect your organization from data theft and avoid becoming the unwitting beneficiary — or victim — of corporate espionage.

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.

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.

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.

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!”

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.

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs discuss the nuanced differences between mediation and arbitration. Joined by Eric Max, senior lecturer at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, they dive into why mediation often emerges as the preferred method for resolving employment disputes. Through entertaining clips from The Office, Grace and Frankie, and NCIS, they explore real-world mediation techniques and the importance of neutrality in conflict resolution. Tune in to discover valuable insights on how mediators can effectively manage emotions and facilitate problem-solving, ensuring a cost-effective and confidential resolution process.

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.