Good Morning, HR
Good Morning, HR

Good Morning, HR

Mike Coffey, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

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Episodes

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HR entrepreneur Mike Coffey, SPHR, SHRM-SCP engages business thought leaders about the strategic, psychological, legal, and practical implications of bringing people together to create value for shareholders, customers, and the community. As an HR consultant, mentor to first-stage businesses through EO’s Accelerator program, and owner of Imperative—Bulletproof Background Screening, Mike is passionate about helping other professionals improve how they recruit, select, and manage their people. Most thirty-minute episodes of Good Morning, HR will be eligible for half a recertification credit for both HRCI and SHRM-certified professionals. Mike is a member of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) Fort Worth and active with the Texas Association of Business, the Fort Worth Chamber, and Texas SHRM.

Recent Episodes

Why Training Fails and How to Fix It with Amy Rosellini
FEB 20, 2025
Why Training Fails and How to Fix It with Amy Rosellini

In episode 188, Coffey talks with Amy Rosellini about the importance of emphasizing behavior change in workplace training.

They discuss the high cost and low effectiveness of current workplace training approaches; the importance of measuring behavior change rather than just knowledge transfer; the role of peer feedback in learning; how to engage resistant learners; strategies for packaging training to increase voluntary participation; and using the Knowledge Transfer Measurement Model (KTMM) for measuring training effectiveness and sustained behavioral change.

Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.

If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.

About our Guest:

Dr. Amy Rosellini is a distinguished Human Resources consultant specializing in organizational learning and human capital strategy. Since 2013, Amy has led RLT Impact, a consulting firm offering fractional CHRO and learning services. With over two decades of experience spanning diverse industries including manufacturing, retail, construction, real estate, and financial services, Amy excels in designing impactful knowledge management strategies to enhance corporate learning.

Amy also chairs a CEO Advisory group in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, convening monthly to tackle pressing business challenges. She is deeply involved in facilitating strategic planning, executive coaching, and leadership development initiatives nationwide, fostering robust talent planning and bolstering employee engagement.

Educationally, Amy holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University, a Master’s degree from the University of North Texas, and completed her Ph.D. in Information Science from UNT in 2020. She remains actively engaged with the academic community, serving as adjunct faculty at the University of North Texas G. Brint Ryan College of Business, SMU Cox School of Business, and University of Dallas Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business. Amy's current research endeavors focus on augmented reality in corporate learning and addressing learning disparities in early childhood education.

A published author, Amy's research has been featured in numerous refereed articles and books. She is a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences nationwide, delivering compelling talks on learning methodologies, improvisation for business, and innovative human capital strategies.

Amy Rosellini can be reached at

https://rltimpact.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/amyrosellini

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.

Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year.

Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas’ 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.

Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Design training programs that focus on measurable behavioral changes rather than just knowledge transfer
  2. Implement feedback systems that incorporate peer review and continuous assessment rather than relying solely on self or manager evaluations
  3. Develop recognition and reward systems that encourage ongoing learning and behavioral change among both employees and supervisors
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33 MIN
When to Initiate an Investigation with Leah Stiegler
FEB 13, 2025
When to Initiate an Investigation with Leah Stiegler

In episode 187, Coffey talks with Leah Stiegler about best practices for the intake process for workplace
investigations.

They discuss when employers must investigate complaints versus when they can decline; examples of
investigations that revealed unexpected findings; handling confidentiality requests from complainants;
documentation requirements for complaints and investigations; managing employees who don't want
formal investigations; proper record retention practices.

Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more
information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at
https://imperativeinfo.com.

If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-
approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit
https://goodmorninghr.com.

About our Guest:

Leah can walk employers through any workplace situation. From complex personnel matters, to
implementing client-specific performance management practices, Leah advises employers to navigate
these issues to keep them out of court. Her counseling covers the entire employment spectrum:
recruitment, onboarding, workplace culture, pay equity audits, RIFs, terminations and severance
packages. Leah handles workplace investigations and defends actions before administrative agencies
such as the EEOC, DOL, and NLRB. Leah has extensive litigation experience, defending employers in state
and federal court on claims including but not limited to: Breach of employment agreements
Harassment, discrimination, and retaliation (Title VII) Whistleblower complaints ADA or religious-based
failure to accommodate claims FMLA non-compliance Workplace violence and negligent supervision
FLSA unpaid overtime, misclassification and off-the-clock claims Workplace safety, OSHA, or VOSH
actions.

Leah also represents employers navigating union issues, labor relations arbitrations and collective
bargaining. Every workforce loves Leah's dynamic public speaking style. Having traveled the Mid-Atlantic
to train front-line employees, upper management, HR and other industry professionals, Leah creates
custom workforce training programs with her team and has fun doing it!
Leah also maintains a higher education practice. She provides day-to-day compliance advice to public
and private higher ed institutions on employment and student-related matters. These include navigating
Title VII, Title IX, and code of conduct investigations, faculty, administrative, and athletic coach contracts
and severance packages, tenure and promotion processes, and pay equity audits. Leah also trains school
leadership, such as Deans and Chairs, on improving documentation and engaging in performance
management of faculty.

To see Leah in action, check out What's the Tea in L&E!
Leah is perpetually single with lots of free time to fine-tune her stand-up comedy routine. When not in
the office, you can find Leah crossing up (and trash talking) opponents on the basketball court or busting
out a less-technical, overly passionate Moon Walk at hip hop class.
Leah Stiegler can be reached at
https://www.woodsrogers.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-stiegler-28aa7a62/

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and
registered yoga teacher.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse
clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-
money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate
clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private
estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business’ small business of
the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.

Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where
each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers,
shareholders, and community.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as
the North Texas HR Professional of the Year.

Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where
he serves Texas’ 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the
Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the
Talent Committee.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute
and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher
(RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.

Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify when informal complaints trigger an organization's duty to investigate
2. Develop effective intake procedures that protect both the organization and complainant while
maintaining appropriate documentation
3. Implement systematic investigation processes that follow proper scope and documentation
protocols regardless of complaint severity

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31 MIN
Is My Life Better Because I Work Here? with Mark Mohammadpour
FEB 6, 2025
Is My Life Better Because I Work Here? with Mark Mohammadpour

In episode 186, Coffey talks with Mark Mohammadpour about creating workplace cultures that prioritize employee well-being.

They discuss the evolution of workplace relationships post-pandemic and the importance of well-being beyond salary; the cost implications of employee turnover; the four essential workspaces needed for modern employees (office, home, social spaces, and nature); the importance of having clear purposes for in-office work requirements; how to measure and improve employee well-being across physical, mental, career, community, and financial dimensions; the critical role of consistent communication throughout the employee journey; the value of understanding customer needs when making workplace decisions; the importance of benefits awareness and usage in employee satisfaction.

Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.

If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.

About our Guest:

Mark Mohammadpour, APR, Fellow PRSA (he/him): After spending his communications career leading award-winning programs for Adobe, Microsoft, and the U.S. Army, and after losing and keeping off 150 pounds over the last 15 years, Mark founded Chasing the Sun to empower people to shine. Chasing the Sun helps companies design their Culture of Well-being so they can retain healthy employees and create a healthy bottom line. The funniest person he knows is his incredible wife, Christine, and he'll talk to you all day about his love for soccer, Peloton, and their sweet labradoodle Molly. Learn more about Mark and Chasing the Sun in his intro video reel.

Mark Mohammadpour can be reached at 

https://www.chasingthesunpdx.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmohammadpour/

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.

Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year.

Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas’ 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.

Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Implement a three-part approach to assess organizational wellness by examining benefits usage data, conducting work stream-specific surveys, and holding focused employee conversations
  2. Create purposeful in-office experiences that provide unique value different from remote work, particularly for activities like brainstorming and professional development
  3. Develop clear, consistent communication strategies throughout the employee journey to ensure understanding of company decisions, benefits, and growth opportunities
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35 MIN
HR News: Trump Axes Affirmative Action and DEI for Federal Contractors with Kara Kelley
JAN 30, 2025
HR News: Trump Axes Affirmative Action and DEI for Federal Contractors with Kara Kelley

In episode 185, Coffey talks with Kara Kelley about the impact of President Trump’s affirmative action order, how not to respond to employee criticism, and nervous candidates.

They discuss the implications for federal contractors following the President’s rescission of Executive Order 11246, eliminating most affirmative action program and DEI requirements; the ongoing relevance of Title VII and other anti-discrimination laws; JP Morgan's return-to-office mandate and their decision to shut down employee feedback channels; how hiring managers should handle candidate nervousness in interviews; and the importance of focusing on job-relevant criteria in hiring decisions.

Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP185 and include the following topics:

Trump Rescinds Affirmative Action by Contractors Based on Race, Gender

ENDING ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND RESTORING MERIT-BASED OPPORTUNITY

2025: A Comprehensive Analysis of Class Action Litigation

JPMorgan Just Decided That Employee Feedback Doesn’t Matter. It’s a Spectacularly Bad Decision

Hiring Managers of Reddit: How likely are you to give someone a second chance if they seemed nervous during a phone screening and froze up on one question?

Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.

If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.

About our Guest:

Kara works with Dental Practice Leaders to develop strategic HR systems that engage their team and strengthen their practice. She is the founder and CEO of Clinical HR LLC, a Human Resources advisory firm for dental and medical practices. Kara focuses on cultivating leadership skills, managing employee relations issues, and implementing competitive total rewards systems. She also works with practices to develop employee policies and establish compliant HR systems.

Though Kara initially enrolled in a Marketing degree program, she took an HR course for a general business credit and fell in love with it, eventually earning a B.S. in Business with a concentration in Human Resource Management. Kara is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and holds Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). She is also an Everything DiSC Workplace Certified Facilitator and a Five Behaviors Certified Practitioner.

A life-long learner who is never content with the status quo, Kara serves on several professional boards and committees. She is the Co-Chair of the Mentorship Committee and a member of the Legal & Legislative committee for Austin SHRM. Kara is currently serving as President of the National Speakers Association Austin chapter. In 2022, she helped found the ADMC Memorial Foundation, a scholarship program for new practice owners.

Kara Kelley can be reached at

https://www.facebook.com/ClinicalHRLLC 

https://twitter.com/ClinicalHR 

http://www.instagram.com/clinicalhrllc 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karadkelley

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.

Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year.

Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).

Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Respond to changes in affirmative action and diversity initiative expectations for federal contractors.
  2. Develop effective change-management strategies for workplace policy shifts that avoid National Labor Relations Act claims.
  3. Build employee-selection systems that focus on job-relevant attributes.
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35 MIN
Crossing the Fine Line to Create Authentic Workplaces with Lori Saitz
JAN 23, 2025
Crossing the Fine Line to Create Authentic Workplaces with Lori Saitz

In episode 184, Coffey talks with Lori Saitz about creating workplace environments where meaningful connections improve focus and productivity. 


They discuss the importance of authentic connections in leadership; techniques for managing mental distractions at work; the power of mindful breathing and presence; the impact of gratitude on workplace productivity; the role of corporate culture in supporting employee well-being; strategies for leaders to model and encourage healthy workplace practices.


Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com


If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com


About our Guest:


Lori Saitz is the leading authority on improving productivity and engagement through workplace well-being. Based on her comprehensive background in wellness and communication strategies, business leaders hire her to deliver workshops on Zen Leadership and Finding Peace of Mind Amidst the Chaos. To combat the $650 billion a year problem of distracted employees, these sessions are designed to give participants tools and techniques for managing energy, embracing change, and fostering resilience in any situation. Oh, and increase productivity by up to 120%.

Listen to Lori on her own podcast too, called Fine is a 4-Letter Word, where she engages guests in conversations about how they've grown from a time in their lives when things were decidedly NOT fine. 

Lori is currently living nomad life while cat sitting in states across the southeast U.S. You can often find her in the weight room at the gym. She also loves cupcakes, Thai food, and classic rock music.

Lori Saitz can be reached at 

https://zenrabbit.com/

http://TheFinePodcast.com

https://www.facebook.com/ZenRabbit

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/

https://www.instagram.com/zen_rabbit/

https://twitter.com/zenrabbit

https://www.youtube.com/ZenRabbitVideo

https://amzn.to/3msIvMz

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.

Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year.

Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).

Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Implement mindfulness and presence techniques to improve workplace focus and productivity
  2. Create authentic connections with team members through meaningful interactions and genuine appreciation
  3. Develop a workplace culture that supports employee well-being through modeling and encouraging healthy practices
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37 MIN