In this episode of the HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Kacy Wickenhauser, Chief HR Officer at Wolverine Power Cooperative. They discuss the importance of maintaining a human-centered approach in the workplace, especially in the context of conflict and the rise of AI. Listeners will learn practical strategies for managing workplace conflict, the significance of validating emotions, and how to balance data-driven decision-making with empathy. • Understand the role of inner dialogue in conflict resolution. • Learn techniques for validating employee feelings without agreeing with inaccurate information. • Discover how to approach difficult conversations with empathy and clarity. • Explore the importance of building trust in union environments. Recognize the value of employee engagement data in decision-making. 00:00 -- Introduction to the episode and guest. 00:16 -- Kacy's journey in HR and passion for people. 00:57 -- The impact of AI on workplace credibility. 02:14 -- Best practices for double-checking AI information. 03:38 -- The importance of critical thinking in AI use. 05:04 -- Skills for leaders to navigate workplace conflict. 06:53 -- Managing inner chatter before conflict resolution. 07:45 -- The power of acknowledging and validating feelings. 09:26 -- Developing empathy in HR roles. 12:10 -- The importance of not solving others' problems. 15:33 -- Using data to support tough organizational decisions. 20:17 -- Building trust in union environments. 22:03 -- Final advice for HR practitioners. Guest(s): Kacy Wickenhauser, Chief HR Officer at Wolverine Power Cooperative. She leads HR strategy in complex environments, focusing on trust and operational clarity. Kacy has over 20 years of experience in HR and has developed skills in conflict resolution and employee engagement. Keywords: workplace conflict resolution, validating employee feelings, HR strategies, AI in the workplace, trust in unions, employee engagement data, critical thinking skills, managing difficult conversations, HR leadership, human-centered workplace