Workplace Community Connections With Charla Stevens

Understanding Immigration in the Workplace with Shiva Karimi

Charla interviews Shiva Karimi, an immigration attorney and law firm partner at McLean Middleton.
Shiva develops creative strategies for navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.  She advises businesses on hiring key personnel, structuring global entities to facilitate talent mobility, and addressing immigration compliance issues.  She creates immigration solutions for immigrant investors and entrepreneurs, as well as other specialized foreign nationals such as athletes and entertainers, religious workers, and expats.  She represents clients across a range of industries including staffing, technology, healthcare, independent schools, and start-ups. She has developed immigration solutions for immigrant investors and entrepreneurs, doctors and healthcare workers,  athletes and entertainers,  religious workers, and other specialized foreign nationals.  She advises businesses on hiring key personnel and structuring global entities to facilitate talent mobility. Shiva currently serves as Secretary of the Boston Bar Association.
The discussion with Charla covers current hot-button immigration issues including enforcement, border security, and ICE raids. Shiva provides an in-depth overview of the U.S. immigration system, breaking it down into categories of non-immigrants, immigrants, and citizens, as well as other statuses like temporary protected status and asylum seekers. The conversation also touches on the challenges businesses face with ICE audits, I-9 compliance, and difficulties in hiring both skilled and unskilled foreign workers. Throughout, Shiva emphasizes the importance of understanding one's immigration status and the legal procedures employers must follow to ensure compliance and support their employees.
 
More on Shiva at https://www.mclane.com/people/shiva-karimi/
 
Topics
00:44 Meet Today's Guest: Shiva Karimi
02:28 Understanding Immigration: An Overview
03:49 Non-Immigrant Visas Explained
05:32 Immigrant Visas and Green Cards
06:54 Citizenship and Other Statuses
08:33 Challenges and Legal Assistance in Immigration
09:28 Employer Concerns and ICE Encounters
17:06 Concerns About Employee Travel
17:46 Travel Documentation and Social Media Hygiene
18:55 Phone Privacy and Border Inspections
20:17 Non-Immigrant Intent and Entry Risks
21:35 Student Visa Revocations and Enhanced Vetting
25:13 I-9 Audits: What Employers Need to Know
27:32 Handling I-9 Audits and Compliance
32:11 Final Thoughts on Employer Responsibilities

Granite United Way CEO Nichole Reimer

During the past 30 years, Nichole Martin Reimer has been working to build community collaborations and solutions to improve lives. She began her nonprofit career as a Jesuit Volunteer in Texas bringing together the YMCA, Salvation Army, and local Rotary Clubs to develop mentoring and educational programs impacting youth from migrant communities and those experiencing homelessness.  
Upon moving back to her native Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1998, she began a career with United Way that has spanned several United Ways and included managing a volunteer center, growing the annual campaign evolving partnerships and initiating new efforts to increase inclusion and diversity. One of Reimer’s significant contributions has been leading the efforts to bring the 211 information and referral system to NH, which connects more than 165,000 residents with resources annually. 
At Granite United Way, Reimer has served as the architect of and implementing the Strategic Plan. As Chief Alignment Officer, she led fundraising efforts and worked cross functionally with the impact team to deliver more than $13 million in community support. Recently, she developed the responsive grant funding process providing nonprofits with multiple opportunities to seek funding for their most immediate needs.
Charla talks with Nichole about her role and the mission of the United Way, which includes engaging businesses, individual donors, and agencies in philanthropic activities to address community needs. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges that nonprofits are currently facing, such as funding uncertainties and legal concerns. Nichole also highlights some of the innovative programs United Way is involved in, like Key Connect for housing and the 2-1-1 referral system, which connects people to essential services. The episode provides insights into the collaborative efforts among nonprofits to navigate financial and operational challenges, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and volunteerism.
 
Topics
00:40 Meet Nichole Reimer, CEO of Granite United Way
01:38 Nichole's Journey with United Way
03:43 United Way's Role and Impact
05:18 Programs and Initiatives by United Way
14:35 Challenges Faced by Nonprofits
27:25 Future Outlook and Opportunities
33:14 Closing Remarks and Future Conversations

Navigating the Job Market with Maura Mann

Charla chats with Maura Mann, president at BANKW Staffing where she oversees three of the firm’s companies, The Nagler Group, KNF&T Staffing Resources and Sales Search Partners where she is responsible for the client service strategy and execution that has resulted in award-winning growth and achievement for the companies.  She also manages the Strategic Accounts team for the BANKW.  Prior to joining BANKW Staffing in 2011, Maura held leadership roles with multiple local and international staffing and recruiting organizations where she led teams focused on accounting & finance, legal and administrative staffing. Maura is the president of the Massachusetts Staffing Association and is an advocate for the industry both locally and nationally. She was recently named to Staffing Industry Analysts Global Power 150 Women in Staffing List. Maura is a member of ProVisors and is actively involved in the Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and multiple Chambers of Commerce. Maura is an alumna of Boston College. 
 
They discuss Maura's journey from law school to recruitment, the focus and success of their locally-based staffing firms in New England, and current trends in the job market. Key topics include the challenges of hiring in a competitive market, the impact of economic uncertainty, the importance of flexibility in retaining talent, and the role of AI in recruitment. They also explore the skills gap, the cost of living, and the evolving nature of work especially in areas like consulting and part-time roles. Maura provides invaluable advice for job seekers and insights on how organizations can optimize their hiring processes.
 
Topics
00:43 Meet Maura Mann: Superstar Recruiter
01:15 The Journey into Recruiting
02:48 Focus on New England: Localized Staffing
04:47 Current Trends in Staffing
10:13 Advice for Job Seekers
12:18 Impact of Economic Uncertainty on Hiring
17:34 The Skills Gap and Workforce Challenges
25:59 The Role of AI in Recruitment
32:22 Conclusion and Future Conversations

Kathleen Reardon of the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits

Charla talks with Kathleen Reardon, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits. They discuss how the organization supports over 900 members, encompassing a diverse range of nonprofits from grassroots groups to large institutions. Reardon highlights their work in offering educational programs, policy advocacy, and events like New Hampshire Gives. The conversation details how nonprofits navigate financial challenges, state and federal policy impacts, and risks like funding cuts and executive orders. Reardon also emphasizes the importance of public support through volunteering and donations.
 
Topics
01:10 Overview of NH Center for Nonprofits
02:05 Advocacy and Policy Work
03:25 Diverse Membership of NH Nonprofits
04:43 Impact of Nonprofits in New Hampshire
07:13 Kathleen's Journey to Nonprofit Leadership
09:22 Current Challenges for Nonprofits
17:32 New Hampshire Gives: A Day of Giving
19:35 Charitable Gaming and Nonprofit Funding
23:09 Potential Risks and State Budget Concerns
26:14 Executive Orders and Federal Challenges
29:49 Resources and Support for NH Nonprofits
31:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sam Eaton of MindAbility Consulting

Sam Eaton is the founder of MindAbility, a business coaching firm - helping HR and Fractional HR pros build businesses that let them live life on their own terms. It all started nearly 25 years ago when she dove into HR consultancy, helping a firm grow from $650K to a jaw-dropping $4.3 million.
Fast forward to now, Sam’s built a squad of 6 coaches who support founders every step of the way—from the zero clients phase to scaling up big-time. In the last 5 years alone, Sam and her team have guided over 175 founders to grow their businesses into 6, 7, and 8-figure powerhouses.
She’s also a keynote speaker, best-selling author of The Trouble With Pink Wheelbarrows, and the host of MindAbility Matters, a weekly show celebrating the best and brightest in the HR community.
Sam’s mission? To show HR consultants how to grow, thrive, and make business work on their terms—without the overwhelm.
 
Topics
00:43 Meet Sam Eaton: Business Coach for HR Consultants
01:52 The Rise of HR Consultants
04:14 Mind Ability Consulting: Services and Philosophy
06:42 Global Reach and Client Success Stories
10:23 Challenges and Opportunities in HR Consulting
25:41 Future of Work: AI and Technological Advances
29:22 Conclusion and Contact Information

Mastering Time Management with Sarah Reiff-Hekking, Ph.D.

Charla discusses the challenges of time management and productivity in professional settings with Sarah Reiff-Hekking, a clinical psychologist and the founder of True Focus Coaching Inc., a speaker, coach, and psychologist with 20 years of experience helping people reach their goals. She empowers entrepreneurs and professionals to get a grip on time so that they can get to the next level in their lives and businesses. Sarah shares strategies for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals to better manage their time, reduce stress, and achieve a balance between work and personal life. The episode covers common barriers to efficiency, the importance of flexible scheduling, delegation, and the value of setting boundaries. Listeners are also offered resources like an eBook on overcoming procrastination and a no-cost strategy session with Sarah.
Topics
00:40 Meet Today's Guest: Sarah Reiff-Hekking
01:23 Sarah's Approach to Time Management
05:12 Common Barriers to Efficiency
07:38 Effective Time Management Strategies
09:49 Balancing Work and Personal Life
24:58 The Importance of Delegation
27:57 Learning to Say No
31:14 Resources and Closing Remarks

Insights on Brand Strategy with Laura Sauter

Charla talks with Laura Sauter from Agency Bell about brand strategy and marketing. Laura explains how she helps businesses uncover their unique voice, craft powerful identities, and build meaningful connections with their customers. The discussion covers the emotional process of defining a brand, differentiating through strategy, and the importance of consistent communication. Laura also shares her personal journey from working in large agencies to establishing her own business and highlights the evolving trends in marketing, including the value of personal connections and high-touch communication methods.
Laura is the founder of Agency Bel and a strategic brand consultant with a knack for blending creativity, strategy, and a deep understanding of people. With roots as a New York City agency creative and a Midwest retail creative director, she’s spent over two decades leading my boutique agency, helping leaders in diverse industries bring their visions to life.
More at https://www.agencybel.com/
 
Topics
 
00:42 Meet Laura Sauter: Brand Strategy Expert
01:14 Understanding Brand Strategy
02:35 The Branding Process
04:49 Clientele and Services
13:02 Community Engagement and Trends
25:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business
26:55 Steps to Building or Refreshing a Brand
35:31 Personal vs. Company Branding
37:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 

Cybersecurity, Privacy, and AI, Oh My!

Charla welcomes Cam Shilling, Director at McLean Middleton and chair of the cyber privacy and AI group. Cam shares insights on strengthening workplaces through cybersecurity, privacy, and AI practices. The discussion covers the evolution of cybersecurity from risk management to incident response, the rise of privacy laws, and the implementation of AI in businesses. Cam emphasizes the importance of advanced threat detection, tailored insurance policies, and the strategic use of AI, including the necessity of having AI policies. He also highlights the value of human control and transparency in leveraging AI effectively, ensuring businesses are well-prepared for the future.
Cam Shilling founded and chairs the Cybersecurity and Privacy Group at McLane Middleton. The group of six professionals have developed a breadth and depth of expertise superior to many firms with a national presence. Over 20 plus years, Cam and his colleagues have provided cyber, privacy and AI risk management advice and incident response services to businesses, professional services firms, health care providers, financial institutions, schools, non-profits, and many other organizations throughout New England, along the East Coast, nationally, and internationally. Cam is routinely featured as an expert in cyber, privacy and AI in regional and national media. In recognition of his leadership in this field, Cam has received the Business in Excellence Award from the N.H. Business Review, the Go To Cyber Lawyer Award from Mass Lawyers Weekly, and the Northeast Trailblazer Award from American Lawyer Association. Cam also serves on the Advisory Board of the International Associate of Privacy Professionals.
 
Topics
00:41 Meet Cam Shilling: Cyber Privacy and AI Expert
03:21 Understanding Cybersecurity Risks
04:12 Ransomware and Electronic Funds Transfer Fraud
09:17 Implementing Cybersecurity Practices
13:07 The Role of Cybersecurity Insurance
16:03 Navigating New Privacy Laws
19:43 Sensitive Information and Consent Models
20:41 Privacy Rights and Ownership
21:42 Steps for Privacy Law Compliance
22:41 AI in Business: Opportunities and Precautions
24:13 Implementing AI: Best Practices
30:20 AI in HR and Restricted Uses
35:38 Creating Effective AI Policies
40:16 Final Thoughts and Reassurances

Dr. Chuck Lloyd of CCSNH

Dr. Chuck Lloyd serves as the Vice Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH). Dr. Lloyd most recently served as president of White Mountains Community College and maintained successive positions in CCSNH for over twenty years. Lloyd’s time within CCSNH has included service in student life, enrollment management, academic administration and instruction, coaching, and leadership research.Chuck is also a professor for graduate level leadership courses at Champlain College and New England College. Lloyd’s volunteer work includes Board roles with the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, NH Higher Education Assistance Foundation, Granite United Way, and the Governor’s Commission on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs.Originally from Franklin New Hampshire, Chuck graduated from Keene State College with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, earned his Master’s Degree in Education and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Plymouth State University, and his Doctorate is in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University.
HR consulting

Granite United Way CEO Patrick Tufts

Patrick Tufts is the President and CEO of Granite United Way, the collaborative merger of sevenseparate United Ways with over 22,000 donors and volunteers. This United Way serves 85% of New Hampshire and a large part of Vermont, delivering nearly $20 million in support annually.He joined the former Heritage United Way in November 2005 as the President /CEO of theorganization. In January 2022, Granite United Way aligned with the Greater Seacoast Region and now covers more than 85% of the state.Since joining United Way, Patrick has led the organization to record campaign results and thedevelopment of a new outcomes based strategic investment process. Patrick has served as; Chair of Seniors Count, Co-Chair of the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness in Manchester and Concord, Co-Chaired The Mayor’s Health and Human Services Transition Team, Leadership New Hampshire-Classof 2008, Featured on the Cover of Business NH Magazine’s April 2007, and as a Trustee of the Mary Gale Foundation. He has served as a Board Member and Governance Chair for NH Center of Nonprofits. He is a member of the SEE Science Center Academy and First Tee New Hampshire. He is also a Board Member for the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.Patrick currently serves as the Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs. He leads this commission in an effort to significantly reduce alcohol and other drug problems and their behavioral, health and social consequences for the citizens of New Hampshire by advising theGovernor and Legislature regarding the delivery of effective and coordinated substance misuseprevention, treatment, and recovery services throughout the State. He also co-chairs Manchester’s Task Force on Homelessness with Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig.Patrick received the 2017 Granite State Award from the University of New Hampshire Manchester for his outstanding achievements, service and contributions to New Hampshire.Under Patrick’s leadership, Granite United Way received several prestigious awards. In 2020 the organization was recognized with the NH Advantage Award from the New Hampshire Business Industry Association. In the spring of 2021, Granite United Way’s COVID-19 Relief Fund was honored with the Rapid Response to Emerging Community Needs Best of Business Award by the NH Business Review.
HR consulting