Good Morning, HR (2025)

03/07/2025

In episode 207, Coffey talks with Nicole Morgan about what HR professionals need to know about Medicare to help employees navigate the transition from employer-provided health insurance to Medicare coverage.

They discuss the four main parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) and how they work together; the differences between Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and traditional Medicare with supplemental coverage; how creditable coverage determinations affect employees who continue working past age 65; the coordination of benefits between employer group health plans and Medicare based on company size; timing considerations for Medicare enrollment and the importance of planning three months before turning 65; why brokers may have financial incentives to sell Medicare Advantage plans over traditional Medicare; the risks and benefits of different Medicare options including network limitations and out-of-pocket maximums; and the role HR should play in connecting employees with qualified Medicare experts rather than providing specific coverage advice.

Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative - Bulletproof Background Screening. 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:

Nicole A. Morgan is a seasoned healthcare professional with over two decades of experience, seamlessly blending her clinical expertise as a Registered Occupational Therapist with her proficiency as a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent. As the founder of Morgan Medicare Solutions based in Sherman, Texas, Nicole is dedicated to guiding individuals through the complexities of Medicare, ensuring they make informed decisions tailored to their unique needs.

Her extensive background encompasses various healthcare settings, including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, acute care, skilled nursing, home health, and community-based services. This diverse experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges seniors face, particularly in navigating the transition to Medicare. Nicole holds multiple certifications, such as Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC®), and Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP), underscoring her commitment to senior care and wellness.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Nicole is deeply rooted in her community. A native of Sherman, she has been married to her husband, Brad, for nearly 30 years and is a proud mother of three young adults. Her passion for service extends to active involvement in her church and local initiatives, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact both personally and professionally.

At Morgan Medicare Solutions, Nicole offers personalized consultations, educational workshops, and ongoing support, ensuring clients feel confident and secure in their Medicare choices. Her holistic approach, grounded in compassion and expertise, has made her a trusted advisor for many navigating the intricacies of healthcare in their retirement years.

Nicole Morgan can be reached at
https://www.morganmedicaresolutions.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-a-morganotr/
https://www.facebook.com/morganmedicare/

About Mike Coffey, SPHR:

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

In 1999, he founded Imperative - Bulletproof Background Screening, 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 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 SHRM 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, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) 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.

26/06/2025

In episode 206, Coffey talks with Jill Koob about the Supreme Court decision on “reverse discrimination,” PTO policy trends, and AI adoption in the workplace.

They discuss the Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services eliminating different standards for "reverse discrimination" cases; how Title VII protects all individuals equally regardless of majority or minority status within protected classes; the challenges and failures of unlimited PTO policies leading employees to take less time off; new flexible PTO approaches allowing conversion to cash, student loan payments, or 401k contributions; mitigating bias in the employee selection process; why diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives should focus on business outcomes and widening candidate pools; the evolution of AI from individual productivity tools to organizational workforce transformation; the need for employees to actively learn and adopt AI tools to remain competitive; and how AI can handle transactional HR tasks while freeing professionals to focus on more strategic human-centered work.

Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP206 and include the following topics:

-Breaking—Supreme Court Unanimously Lowers Bar for “Reverse Discrimination” Claims: Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services Redefines Title VII Litigation

-More companies are letting workers cash in their vacation days. Should yours?

-2025 Benefits and Compensation Trends Report

-How enterprise AI is reshaping EX, according to expert Josh Bersin

-AI superworkers ‘coming on like a freight train.’ Are you ready?

-Amazon CEO Jassy says AI will reduce its corporate workforce in the next few years

-Message from CEO Andy Jassy: Some thoughts on Generative AI

Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative - Bulletproof Background Screening. 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:

Jill Koob, SPHR, SHRM – SCP is the founder and owner of Energize HR , an HR Consulting Firm that focuses on training solutions, strategic HR and organizational development and human resource support. Prior to starting her company, Jill served as a VP for a Houston Based Professional Employer Organization, where they received numerous awards including Best Places to Work and Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing companies. Jill has over twenty-five years of strategic HR experience working directly with hundreds of businesses with their people strategy needs.

Jill Koob can be reached at:
https://energizehr.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillkoob

About Mike Coffey, SPHR:

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

In 1999, he founded Imperative - Bulletproof Background Screening, 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 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 SHRM 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, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) 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.

19/06/2025

In episode 205, Coffey talks with Susan Snipes about challenges and strategies for hiring international talent, particularly through employer of record arrangements.

They discuss the primary drivers for seeking international talent including cost savings and talent shortages; compliance hurdles around employee classification and local employment laws; the role of employers of record versus PEOs in managing international hires; compensation and benefits strategies that account for local customs and legal requirements; integration challenges including time zone coordination and cultural sensitivity; recruitment approaches when working across international borders; data security concerns with remote international workers; managing terminations and severance requirements in different countries; and the importance of understanding local labor laws and cultural differences when building global teams.

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:

Susan Snipes is a certified HR professional with 15 years of HR experience. She serves as the Head of People at Remote People, a company that recruits top talent in over 150 countries around the world.

Susan Snipes can be reached at
https://remotepeople.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-poore-hrm

About :

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

In 1999, he founded , 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 brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the ’ small business of the year, and is accredited by .

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 . 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 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 , 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 Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a 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.

12/06/2025

In episode 204, Coffey talks with Rosalind Chow about the distinct roles of mentorship and sponsorship in advancing careers and building more inclusive workplaces.

They discuss the distinction between mentorship (which helps grow the mentee) and sponsorship (which seeks to change how others see the protege); how sponsorship functions like marketing or PR campaigns for high-potential employees; the four types of sponsorship - creating, confirming, preventing, and protecting; why sponsors risk their own credibility and reputation when advocating for others; how sponsorship doesn't require formal hierarchical relationships but depends on trust and status; how to become more "sponsorable" by being a top performer with clear values and compelling personal story; the risks of having the wrong sponsor or appearing as the "teacher's pet"; and how sponsorship creates inclusion by ensuring high performers are seen, valued, and given opportunities regardless of their background or circumstances.

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:

Rosalind Chow is an Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior and Theory at Carnegie Mellon University, where she studies the power of social hierarchy and its impact on diversity and inclusion efforts within organizations.

Her forthcoming book, The Doors You Can Open (PublicAffairs, April 8, 2025) distinguishes the concept of sponsorship from mentorship. While mentorship can change mentees for the better through valuable coaching and encouragement, sponsorship takes it one step further — sponsors can change the social environment around their proteges by actively advocating for, raising the social visibility of, and protecting them. Put simply, while mentors act on mentees, sponsors act on external observers – audiences - to change how they see proteges.

We don’t just have the ability to change other people; we also have the ability to change other people’s relationships with one another. This ability - the power we have as sponsors - is something we can leverage to better ourselves, other people, and our communities.

Rosalind Chow can be reached at
http://www.rosalindchow.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalind-chow-6b25541b0

About :

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

In 1999, he founded , 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 brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the ’ small business of the year, and is accredited by .

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 . 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 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 , 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 Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a 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.

05/06/2025

In episode 203, Coffey talks with Kristi Spaethe about advice for emerging HR professionals navigating their early careers.

They discuss how people often stumble into HR careers; the misconception that “loving people” qualifies someone for HR work; the importance of gaining foundational knowledge before jumping into employee relations; showing up authentically while maintaining professional boundaries; building a personal board of directors rather than relying on a single mentor; the balance between employer-provided training and self-advocacy for professional development; the value of HR certifications as confidence boosters; networking through local HR associations and professional organizations; managing up with leaders who don't understand HR's strategic value; and whether HR professionals can be friends with other employees.

Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative - Bulletproof Background Screening. 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:

Kristi Spaethe is the Chief Executive Officer of The People Perspective and People Perspective Search and Recruiting designed to be the one stop shop for all things people in the communities that these organizations serve.

Kristi earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Human Resources Development option and also holds the SHRM-CP certification.

Kristi is the Immediate Past State Director for SHRM Oklahoma where she has served in prior various roles beginning in 2018.

Kristi has also served in various roles, including President, with the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association since 2014. Additionally, Kristi currently serves on the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and has served on the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Kristi also gives back to the community by giving her time to non-profit organizations such as Women in Recovery, Muddy Paws and Lindsey House.

Kristi received the President’s Award from the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association in 2016 and the Richard R. Messer Excellence in Human Resources award in 2019. She also received the Oklahoma Human Resources Award of Excellence in 2020 from the Oklahoma Human Resources State Council.

The People Perspective has also been nominated for various awards through TYPROS Boomtown Awards, the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce, Tulsa Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards and the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce. The People Perspective was selected as the Small Business of the year in 2021 through the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce and as the Small Business of the Year in 2023 through the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce.
Kristi and her family reside in Broken Arrow, OK.

Kristi Spaethe can be reached at
https://pplperspective.com

About Mike Coffey, SPHR:

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

In 1999, he founded Imperative - Bulletproof Background Screening, 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 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 SHRM State Council, where he serves Texas’ 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) 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.

03/06/2025

Episode 203 with Kristi Spaethe drops this week!

During this episode, Mike and Kristi Spaethe discuss advice for emerging HR professionals navigating their early careers.

Kristi Spaethe is the Chief Executive Officer of The People Perspective and People Perspective Search and Recruiting designed to be the one stop shop for all things people in the communities that these organizations serve.

Kristi earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Human Resources Development option and also holds the SHRM-CP certification.

Kristi is the Immediate Past State Director for SHRM Oklahoma where she has served in prior various roles beginning in 2018.

Make sure you follow Good Morning, HR on your preferred podcast platform. This episode will be eligible for three-quarters of recertification credit for SHRM and HRCI-certified professionals.⁠

Good Morning, HR is sponsored by Imperative - Bulletproof Background Screening and PFC Caregiver & Household Screening, bulletproof background checks with fast and friendly service!

02/06/2025

🎙️Missed it? Catch up on Episode 202: HR New: Under New Court Ruling, is LGBT Harassment Now Legal?

In episode 202, Coffey talks with Shannon Norris about a federal court ruling that invalidated portions of the EEOC’s 2024 harassment guidance related to s*xual orientation and gender identity.

Listen here! https://goodmorninghr.com/episode-202-hr-new-under-new-court-ruling-is-lgbt-harassment-now-legal-with-shannon-norris

29/05/2025

In episode 202, Coffey talks with Shannon Norris about a federal court ruling that invalidated portions of the EEOC's 2024 harassment guidance related to s*xual orientation and gender identity.

They discuss Norther District of Texas Federal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s decision in State of Texas v. EEOC; the narrow scope of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County; the EEOC’s broad interpretation of the Bostock ruling in its 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace; the elimination of courts’ deference to agency’s opinions under the Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo decision; the distinction between agency guidance and actual law post Loper; practical workplace challenges concerning bathrooms, pronouns, misgendering, and dress codes; the difference between harassment based on biological s*x versus s*xual orientation or gender identity; why the Texas v. EEOC ruling doesn't change existing anti-harassment law; the importance of maintaining respectful workplaces regardless of legal requirements; and advice for employers to avoid becoming test cases in emerging litigation.

Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP202 and include the following topics:

-State of Texas and The Heritage Foundation v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, et al: Memorandum Opinion and Order

-EEOC Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace

-Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

-Federal judge in Texas rules LGBTQ+ people can be discriminated against at work

-Federal Judge Scraps Biden EEOC’s Gender Identity Guidance: Here’s What It Means for the Workplace

Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative - Bulletproof Background Screening. 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:

Shannon Norris has represented a broad range of clients since he began practicing in 1993 in the areas of employment law, business litigation, trade secrets, civil fraud, and employee benefits. During that time, he has represented Fortune 100 companies to small businesses and individuals. Mr. Norris has extensive experience with employment litigation, noncompete agreements, misappropriation of trade secrets, and occupational fraud. He is a regular speaker on topics relating to employment law, civil litigation, and human resources.

Mr. Norris began his career in 1993 at the law firm of Jones Day, where he was a member of the Labor & Employment Law Section. He formed his own practice in the year 2000. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner and a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Mr. Norris is Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® PEER REVIEW RATINGS™ fall into two categories—legal ability and general ethical standards.

Shannon Norris can be reached at
https://www.norrisfirm.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdnorris/

About Mike Coffey, SPHR:

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

In 1999, he founded Imperative - Bulletproof Background Screening, 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 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 SHRM 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, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) 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.

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