Mastering Risk Management Podcast · Anthony Wilson

MRM Episode 107 - Rhiannon Albert

·35 min·3 clips

Rhiannon Albert explains why you can have a career in HR and never do the same thing twice.

This episode features host Anthony Wilson interviewing Rhiannon Albert, a seasoned HR consultant and founder of My Trusted HR. Albert brings over two decades of experience helping organizations transform HR from an administrative function into a strategic growth driver. The conversation centers on modern people risks and the evolving role of HR leadership. Albert explains that the Society for Human Resource Management lists 27 distinct facets within the HR field, from hiring and retention to safety and risk management. She describes her firm's work providing fractional HR leadership, conducting neutral workplace investigations, and leading respectful workplace trainings. Albert notes a rise in workplace incivility and harassment filings, which she links to current U.S. political divisions and the convergence of five or six generations in the workforce. She emphasizes that leaders must now lead with empathy, a significant shift from past command-and-control styles. A key insight is Albert's observation that employee engagement is currently at an all-time low, which directly leads to errors and profit loss. She highlights a growing trend of behavioral risk appearing on corporate risk registers, including executive misbehavior amplified by social media. Albert references a local CEO who recently stepped down after making an offensive hand signal, illustrating the reputational dangers. She posits that factors like political polarization, exhaustion, and substance abuse may contribute to this behavioral shift. Albert argues the business world now needs more inspirational leaders who can provide a "real-life dopamine hit" to counter the allure of social media. She advises executives to trust their instincts if their HR function feels ineffective and to hire external experts for an assessment, just as one would call a plumber for a broken pipe. For young people considering an HR career, Albert encourages them to be "sponges," seek diverse internships, and embrace the field's strategic future beyond reactive paperwork. The tone is conversational and advisory, blending personal anecdotes with professional insights drawn from Albert's consulting practice. The style is educational, focusing on practical risk mitigation strategies for organizational leaders. This episode would appeal to business leaders, HR professionals, and risk managers seeking to understand contemporary people-related challenges. Listeners interested in organizational culture, leadership development, and behavioral risk will find it valuable. Those looking for highly technical or financial risk management content might find the people-focused perspective less directly relevant.

As heard by us

HR is framed as a strategic business function tied to leadership, culture, and change.

The episode treats HR as a business function, not paperwork. Anthony Wilson brings in Rhiannon Albert, founder of My Trusted HR, and the discussion presents her as someone who has worked with startups and larger teams.

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Why you'd press play

When HR needs to move beyond admin and help steer the business.

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