Welcome to a milestone I could have only dreamed of when I first pressed the ‘record’ button over a decade ago. Today, we’re celebrating the 500th episode of Transform Your Workplace, and I couldn’t think of a better person to share this moment with than my longtime friend and colleague, Lacey Partipilo.
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Reflecting on Our Humble Beginnings
“Hello,” Lacey’s voice echoed as we kicked off this special episode. It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached 500 episodes. “It’s awesome,” she said, capturing the excitement that both of us felt.
Back in late 2012, when podcasts were still a budding medium, I approached Lacey with an idea. “Hey, I have this idea,” I told her. “What do you think about doing a podcast?” At the time, Lacey wasn’t even an avid podcast listener. “I had only listened to a crime podcast, Serial, before. That was the only one I had listened to,” she admitted.
But Lacey, always up for trying new things, jumped on board. Our first episode? How to build an employee handbook. “I think I could talk about handbooks,” she recalled. We were both early in our careers, eager to make a mark and provide value to HR professionals.
The Early Challenges and Triumphs
Starting a podcast without a roadmap was no small feat. I remember purchasing a $60 Blue Snowball microphone, which was less than ideal, but it was a starting point. “It was terrible, terrible quality,” I confessed. And recording over the internet was a nightmare. The technology we take for granted today didn’t exist in 2012 the way it does now.
“We couldn’t do it this remotely way,” Lacey pointed out. “What were some of the challenges that you had to overcome when you were first starting this?” she asked. From corrupted files to unreliable software, we faced it all. But those challenges only made us more resilient.
Evolving Content and Expanding Horizons
What began as the HR for Small Business Podcast soon transformed into something much bigger. “When I started interviewing people within Xenium, and then authors and speakers, the topics became more about leadership and creating a great workplace where everyone can thrive,” I explained. That’s when Transform Your Workplace was born—a name that encapsulated our mission and vision at Xenium.
Lacey fondly remembered one of her favorite episodes: a conversation on compassion fatigue with our colleague Toni. “That was such a blast,” she said. “What I love about the podcast is it’s so relatable to the clients that we’re working with, but also I feel like to every leader, every HR practitioner.”
Personal Growth and Deepening Connections
Over the years, I’ve strived to make each episode more than just a Q&A session. Lacey observed this evolution: “You have a way of helping whoever you’re talking to say something meaningful.” That means a lot coming from someone who has been with me since episode one.
For me, the podcast has always been a labor of love. I pour hours into preparing for each interview, often reading guests’ books cover to cover. Recently, after an interview with Robert Glazer, he remarked, “Wow, you really did your homework.” Moments like these make all the effort worthwhile.
Lacey’s Journey: From HR Rep to Senior Leader
Lacey’s career has blossomed alongside the podcast. She started in HR, producing handbooks—the very topic of our first episode. Now, she’s on our senior leadership team, supporting clients through complex situations. “I feel like I get to do what I was born to do,” she said, reflecting on her role in Client Success.
Her dedication to clients is inspiring. “I care so much about the clients and our team that I love that I get to bring the magic of all of that together,” she shared. Lacey’s journey is a testament to the growth and opportunities that come when you’re passionate about your work.
The Changing Landscape of HR and Leadership
We couldn’t help but discuss how much the world of HR has changed since we started. “I think employers are more savvy. Expectations from employees are much higher,” Lacey noted. Topics like psychological safety, employee well-being, and the integration of AI into the workplace are now at the forefront of discussions—topics we rarely touched on back in 2012.
Looking Ahead: The Next 500 Episodes
As we pondered the future, I asked Lacey what she sees for Transform Your Workplace in the years to come. “Maybe robots or something,” she laughed. But on a serious note, we both agreed that technology will continue to shape the workplace. “I imagine we’ll be talking a lot about… how do we make sure we thoughtfully add technology to our workplaces without reducing the human connection?” I mused.
Advice for Aspiring Podcasters
When I look back at the evolution of this podcast, among all the others out there, patience has been key to our success. “People will give up after probably six to eight episodes,” I said. “For me, it took two to three years before meaningful download numbers.” The audience will come if you’re passionate about your content and committed to adding value.
A Fun Trip Down Memory Lane
To celebrate, Lacey and I ended the episode with some rapid-fire questions—a first for us. We laughed about our go-to karaoke songs (hers is “No Scrubs” by TLC, and mine is Eminem’s “Just Lose It”), and shared random facts about ourselves. Did you know Lacey was valedictorian of her eighth-grade and high school classes? As for me, I recently realized that, until a cruise to the Bahamas, I had never been out of the country!
Gratitude and Looking Forward
As we wrapped up, I couldn’t help but express my gratitude. “I couldn’t have done this without you, Lacey,” I told her. “The success of 500 episodes belongs to you just as much as me.” She replied, “I’m proud of it. I feel like it’s something really, really meaningful that is making a difference.”
Here’s to the Next 500
Reaching 500 episodes is more than just a number; it’s a journey filled with growth, challenges, and incredible conversations. I’m thankful to all our listeners who’ve been with us from the beginning or just joining now. And I’m especially grateful to Lacey, whose support and friendship have been invaluable.
Here’s to transforming more workplaces, sparking more meaningful conversations, and continuing this incredible journey together.
Thank you for being a part of Transform Your Workplace.