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In this inspiring episode of Dear HR Diary, Dawn Hart sits down with Ken Kunken, a powerhouse of resilience, purpose, and advocacy. Ken’s journey from a life-altering accident to a successful career in law is nothing short of extraordinary. Through his story, we explore the realities of disability in the workplace—and more importantly, how we can all be agents of change.

Ken shares his firsthand experience overcoming adversity, finding motivation in the face of unimaginable challenges, and the power of a support system that believes in your potential. We dig into the barriers that still exist for individuals with disabilities when it comes to employment and advancement, and Ken offers practical insights into the importance of accommodations, accessibility, and addressing unconscious bias.

From courtroom victories to workplace equity, this episode challenges all of us—leaders, HR pros, and colleagues—to do better and be better.

🔥 Topics Covered:

• Ken’s personal journey and what kept him motivated after becoming quadriplegic
• The power of purpose and perseverance in overcoming obstacles
• The state of employment for people with disabilities—what’s working, what’s not
• Why support systems (personal and professional) make or break success
• Breaking barriers in the legal field and becoming a role model for inclusive success
• Understanding the role of reasonable accommodations in building equitable workplaces
• The need to confront unconscious bias in hiring and promotion decisions
• Celebrating ability, not just “accommodating” disability
• Moving from performative DEI to impactful change

💬 Ken's Quote:

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – Guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues
• The ADA National Network – Information and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Disability:– Promoting disability inclusion in business
• EEOC – Disability Discrimination – Federal guidance and resources on workplace rights
• Book Recommendation: "Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist" by Judith Heumann
• Book Recommendation: "I Dream of Things That Never Were" by Ken Kunken: https://kenkunken.com/buy-the-book/

📬 Connect with Ken Kunken:

• 📧 Email: kenkunken@aol.com
• Website: https://kenkunken.com/
• 📞 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-j-kunken-b4b0a9a8/
• 🎤 Speaker & Advocate: Available for keynotes and DEI panels

🎧 Listen Now wherever you get your HR real talk!
💼 Tag us: #DearHRDiary | #DisabilityInclusion | #ManageWithHart

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Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart

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In this eye-opening episode (or ear-opening), we're diving deep into the generational divide—and how to bridge it—with none other than communication coach and generational whisperer, Geoff Weinstein.

We explore:

• 📣 Why communication is the #1 source of frustration between generations at work
• 🧠 How Generation Z is boldly advocating for mental health and authentic expression
• 👂 The evolving art of listening—and how your listening style impacts team dynamics
• 💬 What empathy actually looks like in real-world conversations (hint: it’s not just nodding and saying “I hear you”)
• 🧍‍♀️ The critical importance of face-to-face communication—and how remote work is changing the game
• 🛠️ Practical strategies to connect with Gen Z employees without sounding like you downloaded TikTok just to “relate”

Whether you're a seasoned leader or a Gen Z newbie trying to make your voice heard, this episode is packed with insights on building meaningful, human-centered communication in the workplace.

💡 Quote from Geoff:

📚 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Harvard Business Review: Why Employees—and Gen Z in particular—Need Empathetic Leaders
• Pew Research Center: On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future – Gen Z Research
• Book: “You're Not Listening” by Kate Murphy – A powerful read on rethinking how we truly listen in a noisy world
• Geoff’s Website & Newsletter: geoffweinstein.com
• Article: Why Face-to-Face Communication Still Matters – Forbes.com

📞 Connect with Geoff Weinstein

Helping busy people cut through the noise and be more influential in the age of AI, overload, remote work, and constant change. | Executive Coaching | Powerful Presentations | Lean Email

• 🌐 Website: geoffweinstein.com
• 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/geoffweinstein

👂 Take Action:
After listening, take a minute to reflect on your own communication habits. Are you truly listening—or just waiting to reply? Are you creating space for Gen Z voices—or expecting them to adapt to outdated norms?

Then, share your biggest aha! moment with us on LinkedIn and tag @DearHRDiary + @ManageWithHart. Let’s keep the convo going!

Support the show

Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart

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Grab your coffee—and maybe a calculator—because we’re getting real about retirement. In this episode, I sit down with retirement plan whisperer Courtenay Shipley to chat about all things 401(k), from why this benefit is more than just a line item to how we really need to be talking about it with our employees.

Whether you’re a manager, an HR pro, or someone who just keeps “set up 401(k)” on your to-do list indefinitely (we see you), Courtenay brings the clarity, strategy, and humor needed to finally make retirement planning feel… possible.

We talk about:
✅ Why retirement benefits still matter—yes, even for Gen Z
✅ The value of automatic enrollment (hint: it helps people who forget to adult)
✅ Why skipping the company match is like turning down free money
✅ The most common types of 401(k) plans and what makes each one tick
✅ Growth strategies that don’t require a finance degree
✅ Communication tips to help employees actually understand their retirement options
✅ Why helping people “get the why” is the key to better participation and less future regret

Courtenay also breaks down how to prepare for the transition to retirement and how organizations can support employees at every stage of their financial planning journey.

This episode is all about turning that “I’ll get to it later” mindset into “I’m on it!” Because let’s be honest—future-you deserves a nap on a beach, not a panic attack at 68.

Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Learn more about Courtenay and Retirement Planology: https://retirementplanology.com

📞 Connect with Courtenay Shipley

Courtenay Shipley, CRPS®, AIF®, CPFA, CEPA
Founder & Chief Planologist, Retirement Planology, Inc.

• 📧 Email: cshipley@retirementplanology.com
• 📞 Phone: (703) 595-2829
• 🌐 Website: www.retirementplanology.com
• 📍 Address: 950 N Washington Street, Suite 242, Alexandria, VA 22314
• 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cshipley
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📊 Want a better way to explain your 401(k) benefit? Courtenay’s team offers great tools to simplify complex terms for employees.

Three Takeaways for Managers & HR Leaders:

1. Don’t just offer the benefit—explain it like a human. Use real-life examples to make it click.
2. Default your people into greatness. Automatic enrollment works. Period.
3. Start the retirement convo early. Help your employees see their 401(k) not as a luxury, but as a lifeline.

Connect with Us:
💬 What’s the best financial advice your company ever gave you? DM me @managewithhart or tag us using #DearHRDiary
📩 Want help explaining benefits to employees? Visit www.managewithhart.com for tools and training.

Support the show

Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart