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Here's What I Learned: Ditching Biz-as-Usual for Values, Freedom, and Doing It Your Way
Welcome to Here's What I Learned, the podcast for progressive entrepreneurs ready to grow their businesses without sacrificing their values, creativity, or sanity. Hosted by me, Jacki Hayes—a systems strategist, unapologetic smutty romantasy fan, and D&D geek—this show is your go-to space for honest conversations about what it really takes to create a business and life you love.
Each week, we dive into relatable stories and actionable lessons from values-driven leaders who’ve figured out how to scale sustainably while staying true to themselves. Whether you’re managing growth, navigating overwhelm, or rethinking hustle culture, this podcast is here to show you that success doesn’t have to mean burnout.
If you value integrity, autonomy, and time freedom—and you’re looking for inspiration that’s as practical as it is empowering—you’ve found your people. Hit play, and let’s rewrite the rules together.
Here's What I Learned: Ditching Biz-as-Usual for Values, Freedom, and Doing It Your Way
Reimagining HR for Small Businesses with Kirsten Ziegler
What happens when an HR pro leaves the corporate grind to build a business rooted in ethics, empathy, and real talk? In this episode, I sit down with Kirsten Ziegler, an HR consultant who’s rewriting the rules of people management for small business owners. From navigating the difference between contractors and employees (without a legal headache) to building better hiring practices from the inside out, Kirsten breaks it all down in a way that’s clear, calm, and incredibly helpful.
Plus: Kirsten’s sharing a free job description template that’s as practical as it is thoughtful.
Whether you're building your first team or cleaning up some messy legacy systems, this conversation is here to remind you: HR doesn’t have to feel heavy—it can feel human.
Topics:
- Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship (3:35)
- The Role of HR in Small Businesses (7:54)
- Navigating Contractor vs. Employee Relationships (10:42)
- Hiring Practices and Avoiding Bias (19:01)
You can find Kirsten at:
Website: kdzhrconsulting.com
LinkedIn: /in/kirsten-zeigler-humanresources/
Mentioned in the episode:
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Before You Go—Grab Your Free Tech Audit Workbook!
Ever wonder if the tools you're using are actually the right ones for your business? Not just what’s popular, but what truly fits how you work?
That’s exactly what the Tech Audit Workbook helps you figure out. A straightforward way to assess your tech stack, spot what’s working (and what’s not), and make sure your tools are supporting your business—not adding extra steps.
It’s free, it’s easy to use, and it’ll help you make more intentional tech choices. Grab your copy now and give your tools a refresh!
Download the Tech Audit Workbook here →jackihayes.co/freebies
Credits:
Intro and Outro Music: Atomic by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted byhttps://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)
