Episodes

  • Is SEO Dead? Navigating AI Search and Zero-Click Visibility with Ryan Leddy
    Apr 4 2026

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    In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Ryan Leddy, Head of Partnerships and Senior Digital Strategist at Hoopless Marketing. Ryan leads client strategy for a fractional digital marketing firm dedicated to eliminating the "hoops" and vanity metrics often found in the agency world, focusing instead on ROI-driven results for local industries.


    The conversation focuses on how business owners can stop spending money on marketing that doesn't tie back to revenue. Ryan breaks down the critical difference between "vanity metrics" like impressions and "bankable metrics" like phone calls and conversions. They also explore the shift from hiring a marketing vendor to embedding a fractional strategist who shares a fiduciary responsibility to the business's bottom line.


    Key topics discussed in this episode include:

    • Evaluating Real ROI: Why your agency should be eager to prove how many times your phone actually rang.
    • The Power of the Map Pack: Why being in the top three local search results is crucial for capturing 75% of page clicks.
    • Navigating AI Search: Understanding "zero-click" searches and why core SEO fundamentals still dictate AI visibility.
    • Vendor vs. Partner: Why a true partner leads with strategy and "leads and drives" rather than simply following tasks.
    • The Role of Radical Honesty: Why business owners must expose the "skeletons" in their business to help fractional partners provide the best support.


    This episode provides a practical framework for founders and operators to audit their current marketing efforts and ensure their visibility strategy is future-proofed against changing technology—all explained within one Moss Minute.


    Guest Information Ryan Leddy, Hoopless Marketing Email: ryan@hoopless.com Website: www.hoopless.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-leddy-01b27292/


    Contact Moss Consulting

    Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs:

    https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation

    Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services:

    www.mossconsulting.com

    Follow the show

    @TheMossHRMinute

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    18 mins
  • How Founders Can Regain Control of Insurance Costs with Brett McCleary & JR Tran Reno
    Mar 31 2026

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    In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Preslie Dusenbery, Phoenix HR Area Manager of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Brett McCleary and JR Tran-Reno from Holmes Murphy. As specialists in property and casualty risk, employee benefits, and long-term insurance strategies, Brett and JR address the growing frustration business owners face regarding rising premiums and unpredictable coverage.

    This conversation peels back the curtain on why insurance costs have seen 28 consecutive quarters of increases and how factors like nuclear verdicts and inflationary pressures are driving the market. Brett and JR explain that insurance should not be viewed as a reactive "fire drill" but as a strategic five- to ten-year growth plan.

    Key topics discussed include:
    The "Million-Dollar Question": Understanding the external market forces—including weather patterns and litigation trends—that impact your bottom line.

    Proactive vs. Reactive Risk Management: How to implement systems like telematics and safety training to prevent claims before they happen.

    Safety Culture vs. Checking Boxes: Why true safety buy-in from leadership creates a "good story" that brokers can use to negotiate better rates.

    The Consultant Interview: Why owners should interview multiple brokers but ultimately commit to one who understands their long-term vision.

    The Worst-Day Action Plan: Crucial
    steps to take when a claim occurs—and why hiring outside counsel before calling your broker is a common mistake.

    This episode is essential for founders and operators who feel like insurance decisions are being made to them rather than with them. By the end of this discussion, you will understand how to transform insurance from a top-three expense into a tool that supports your company’s scalability. Brett and JR also share their expert advice on reducing risk—all delivered within one Moss Minute.

    Guest Information
    Brett McCleary & JR Tran-Reno, Holmes Murphy
    Website: www.holmesmurphy.com
    Brett McCleary Email: bmccleary@holmesmurphy.com
    Brett McCleary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-mccleary-399583182/
    JR Tran-Reno LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrtranreno/

    Contact Moss Consulting
    Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs:
    https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation

    Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services:
    www.mossconsulting.com

    Follow the show
    @TheMossHRMinute

    #hrsolutions #hrconsulting #texas

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    25 mins
  • Is Your Business Protected? A Proactive Legal Guide for Founders with Julie Barnett
    Mar 28 2026

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    In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Julie Barnett, Founder and Executive Director of Lomond Legal. Joined by Preslie Deusenbery, Moss Consulting’s Phoenix HR Area Manager, the conversation dives deep into the high-stakes world of employment law and the critical need for business owners to move from reactive panic to proactive protection.

    Julie explains why the traditional hourly billing model often fails growing businesses, leading to "panic buying" legal services only after a crisis has hit. She shares insights into her innovative fixed-fee, all-inclusive legal model that provides employers with predictable costs and a passionate defense.

    Key topics discussed in this episode include:

    • The Psychology of Legal Risk: Understanding the difference between face value risk, true risk, and negotiation risk.
    • The Fixed-Fee Revolution: Why predictability in legal costs allows founders to be proactive rather than waiting for a lawsuit to land on their doorstep.
    • The Power of Documentation: Why Julie believes that if a conversation or incident isn't written down, it effectively never happened in the eyes of the law.
    • Scaling Across Borders: The challenges and opportunities Julie faced when bringing her UK-tested legal model to the US market.
    • The "Owner Mindset": Why employers deserve a legal and HR partner who thinks like a founder and takes their business challenges personally.

    This episode is a must-watch for operators and founders who want to safeguard their businesses against EEOC claims and lawsuits while building a culture of transparency and credibility. Julie wraps up the session by sharing her best advice for reducing legal risk—delivered, of course, within one Moss Minute.

    Guest Information Julie Barnett, Lomond Legal Email: julie@lomondlegal.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebarnettel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lomondlegal/

    Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation

    Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com

    Follow the show @TheMossHRMinute

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    23 mins
  • Russ Kimberlin, CPA - Kimberlin Company - Financial Leadership, Compliance, and What Growing Businesses Get Wrong About Accounting
    Mar 12 2026

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    In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss sits down with Russ Kimberlin, CPA and Managing Member of Kimberlin Company, PLLC, to talk about the financial and compliance realities business owners face as their companies grow.

    Russ has spent more than two decades helping organizations navigate accounting, audits, compliance, and financial systems across industries including construction, healthcare, distribution, transportation, nonprofit organizations, and employee benefit plans. In this conversation, he shares practical insight on the financial side of running a business that many founders overlook until it becomes a serious problem.

    Nicole and Russ discuss the importance of building strong financial processes early, the role of accounting leadership in supporting business growth, and how business owners can avoid costly mistakes by staying proactive with their financial systems and compliance requirements.

    If you are a business owner trying to scale your company while keeping your finances, reporting, and compliance in order, this episode provides valuable perspective from someone who works with growing organizations every day.

    This conversation is part of The Moss HR Minute, a podcast focused on helping business owners understand the people, systems, and leadership decisions that drive successful organizations.

    Guest Information

    Russ Kimberlin, CPA
    Managing Member — Kimberlin Company, PLLC

    Kimberlin Company, PLLC
    106 S Kyrene Rd, Suite 2
    Chandler, AZ 85226

    Phone: (602) 649-1800
    Email: russ@kimberlincompany.com

    Learn more:
    https://www.kimberlincompany.com

    Host Information

    Nicole Moss
    Co-Founder, Moss Consulting HR Services

    Business owners who need help building stronger HR systems, leadership processes, and compliant people operations can learn more here:

    https://www.mossconsulting.com

    Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs:
    https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation

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    21 mins
  • Ashley Zieman - Moss Consulting HR Services - Preparing For Rapid Growth
    Mar 3 2026

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    What does modern HR really look like — and how does it impact business growth?

    In this full episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss sits down with Ashley Zieman, Area HR Manager with Moss Consulting HR Services, for a conversation that covers hiring, leadership decisions, rapid growth, and what it truly means to build a business through people.

    Ashley shares her journey into HR, including a transformative experience at a SHRM event while earning her undergraduate degree at LSU. Hearing HR described as a function that can transform a business through its people reshaped her perspective and influenced the direction of her career.

    Throughout this episode, Nicole and Ashley discuss:

    • When to coach an employee — and when it’s time to separate
    • Interview red flags, including lack of accountability and inability to articulate growth
    • The systems every business needs to support rapid growth
    • Why clear hiring processes, structured onboarding, and defined role expectations matter
    • How strong HR leadership protects culture while driving performance

    Whether you’re a founder, executive, or growing business owner, this episode offers practical insights into how strategic HR supports scaling, stability, and long-term success.

    If you need support strengthening your hiring process, leadership structure, or HR systems, schedule time with Nicole Moss here:
    https://meetings.hubspot.com/nicole-moss/meet-with-nicole

    Follow and subscribe for more real-world HR strategy and leadership conversations from The Moss HR Minute.

    Ashley works locally with clients in Houston, Texas and serves Moss Consulting clients nationwide. This episode was filmed in Houston.

    #TheMossHRMinute #HRStrategy #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #HoustonBusiness #PeopleStrategy

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    16 mins
  • Jillian Renken of Frontera Search Partners - Building Brand, Community, and Connection in Healthcare
    Feb 12 2026

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    In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Jillian Renken, Marketing Manager at Frontera Search Partners and Co-Founder of PULSE Networking.

    Jillian shares how intentional brand storytelling, authentic marketing, and community-driven events are reshaping how healthcare organizations connect with talent and leaders. Drawing on her experience building PULSE and leading marketing strategy at Frontera, Jillian explains why relationships — not transactions — are the foundation of sustainable growth.

    Nicole and Jillian also discuss how healthcare brands can stand out in crowded markets, the role of trust and consistency in marketing, and why creating space for real connection matters now more than ever.

    This episode is especially valuable for:

    • Healthcare leaders and founders building brands with purpose
    • Marketing and business development professionals
    • Organizations focused on community, connection, and long-term growth

    🎧 About the Guest
    Jillian Renken is the Marketing Manager at Frontera Search Partners and Co-Founder of PULSE Networking, a healthcare leadership community designed to foster meaningful, agenda-free connections.

    🔗 Connect with Jillian on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianrenken/

    🎙️ About the Show
    The Moss HR Minute is hosted by Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, and focuses on modern HR, leadership, and people strategy for growing businesses.

    Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs:
    https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation

    Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services:
    www.mossconsulting.com

    Follow the show:
    @TheMossHRMinute

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    21 mins
  • Alyssa Chavez – Payroll, Compliance, and HR Risks Small Businesses Miss
    Feb 10 2026

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    In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Alyssa Chavez, HR Manager at Moss Consulting HR Services, to answer the real HR and payroll questions small and mid-sized business owners are asking right now.

    Nicole puts Alyssa on the spot with a series of direct, practical questions — and Alyssa delivers concise, actionable guidance within one Moss Minute on each topic. The conversation covers overlooked compliance risks, common payroll mistakes that cost businesses money and credibility, and the foundational HR processes companies should build before investing in software.

    Key topics include:

    • The most overlooked HR compliance risk facing small businesses today
    • Payroll mistakes that lead to misclassification, overtime, and multi-state tax issues
    • Why onboarding is the most important HR process to build first
    • How proactive processes prevent costly problems down the line

    This episode is especially valuable for business owners who want to protect their company, support their employees, and build scalable HR systems the right way.

    Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs:
    https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation

    Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services:
    www.mossconsulting.com

    Follow the show:
    @TheMossHRMinute

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    8 mins
  • Marc Martin - Paylocity - The Moss HR Minute
    Jan 31 2026

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    In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, host Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Marc Martin, HCM Consultant at Paylocity, to explore how payroll and HR technology are evolving—and what business owners should be thinking about now as we look toward the future payroll landscape in 2026.

    Marc brings a practical perspective from working directly with growing businesses and shares why flexibility and long-term thinking matter when it comes to payroll and HR systems. From scaling with your workforce to modernizing the employee experience, this conversation highlights how forward-thinking payroll strategies can support retention and growth.

    We also explore how AI is shaping payroll and HR. Marc explains how AI benefits strategy is less about replacing people and more about helping teams work smarter, reduce administrative friction, and make better decisions. As AI continues to evolve, businesses can expect payroll technology to become a stronger competitive advantage.

    This episode is especially relevant for founders and operators who want to:

    • Plan for the future of payroll in 2026
    • Understand how AI can support HR teams without replacing them
    • Choose payroll systems that scale with their business and support employee retention

    Guest Information:
    Marc Martin
    HCM Consultant, Paylocity

    Website: https://www.paylocity.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-c-martin/

    About the Show
    The Moss HR Minute is hosted by Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services. The show focuses on modern HR, leadership, and people strategy for growing businesses.

    Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services:
    www.mossconsulting.com

    Book a free consultation with Nicole:
    https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation

    Follow the show:
    @themosshrminute

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    27 mins