Human resources is an important and necessary part of doing business. In this relaxing and entertaining environment, we’ll dive into all things HR and have a little fun doing it. In this podcast we’ll talk about compliance, challenges, great ideas and mishaps, and how Human Resources can move from an administrative, overhead department to a strategic contributor to the bottom line.
Episode 54 : Do You Need HR, an Attorney, or Both?
January 6, 2026
Guest – Morgan Thomas Harried, Employment Attorney at Gordon Feinblatt LLC
In this episode of HR and Cocktails, Kimberly Prescott sits down with employment attorney Morgan Thomas Harried of Gordon Feinblatt, LLC to unpack when you need HR, when you need an attorney, and why most organizations actually need both. They talk about the limits of Google and AI for HR decisions, how wage transparency and leave laws really play out in practice, and how HR handles day-to-day implementation while legal keeps you compliant. We discuss these topics…and of course, we talk about cocktails, including an apple cider old fashioned.
Hosted by Kimberly Prescott, Founder and President of Prescott HR
Episode 53 : Better Interviews Build Better Teams
December 11, 2025
Guest – Amber Trail, Managing Consultant at Prescott HR
A bad interview process can cost you great talent. In this episode, Kimberly Prescott sits down with Amber Trail, Managing Consultant at Prescott HR, to talk about how to design interviews that actually work. They discuss what makes candidates drop out, how to simplify applications, and why shorter, smarter interviews lead to better hires. Amber shares practical tips for phone screens, panel interviews, and training managers to stay compliant while finding the right fit. It’s all about creating a better experience for candidates and for your company. We discuss these topics…and of course, we talk about cocktails!
Hosted by Kimberly Prescott, Founder and President of Prescott HR
Episode 52 : Create a Purpose Driven Workplace
November 3, 2025
Guest – Sara Bordeaux, Founder of Purposed HR
When employees understand why their work matters, everything changes. In this episode, Kimberly Prescott sits down with Sara Bordeaux, founder of Purposed HR, to talk about how purpose fuels engagement, culture, and performance. They explore what it really means to build a purpose-driven workplace, from hiring and onboarding to leadership and retention, and why intentionality is the secret to keeping your team inspired. Sarah shares real examples of how defining purpose transforms company culture and helps attract great talent. We discuss these topics…and of course, we talk about cocktails!
Hosted by Kimberly Prescott, Founder and President of Prescott HR
Episode 51 : Beyond Training – How Development Plans Drive Performance and Succession
September 16, 2025
Guest – Amber Trail, Managing HR Consultant at Prescott HR
In this episode, we’re diving into the benefits of training and development plans and why they’re not the same thing. We break down the distinction between training and development. Our conversation explores how companies can use development plans not only to manage performance more effectively, but also to create meaningful succession opportunities. Tune in to hear practical strategies for building a workforce that’s ready for today’s challenges and prepared for tomorrow’s leadership needs. We discuss these topics…and of course, we talk about cocktails!
Hosted by Kimberly Prescott, Founder and President of Prescott HR
Episode 50 : The Risks & Liabilities of a Toxic Work Environment
August 19, 2025
Guest – Cheryl Brown, Attorney at Davis, Rapaport & Skalny
We’re raising our glasses for a double celebration! Not only is this our 50th episode of HR & Cocktails, but we’re also toasting one of our favorite guests, Cheryl Brown, on her exciting new role. In this milestone episode, we dive into the real dangers of toxic work environments—where the cost goes far beyond low morale. From lost productivity and high turnover to compliance violations and legal exposure, we break down the ways a harmful culture can damage both your people and your bottom line. We also share practical strategies to spot issues early, address them effectively, and build a workplace where employees can thrive. We discussed these topics…and of course, we talk about cocktails!
Hosted by Kimberly Prescott, Founder and President of Prescott HR
Episode 49 : Tales from the HR Trenches – The Wild Side of Work
July 15, 2025
Guest – Amber Trail, Managing HR Consultant at Prescott HR
In this episode, we dive into the wild side of the workplace! Have you ever wanted to hear the craziest stories from behind the scenes—unbelievable employee terminations, unhinged manager meltdowns, and workplace drama you truly couldn’t make up? We’re sharing some of the most outrageous real-life HR moments that prove truth is stranger than fiction. We discuss these topics…and of course, we talk about cocktails!
Hosted by Kimberly Prescott, Founder and President of Prescott HR
Episode 48 : Smart Tech, Real Risks – Managing in the Age of AI
June 24, 2025
Guest – Cheryl Brown, Attorney at Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny
In this episode, we’re digging into the growing presence of artificial intelligence in today’s workplace – from automated hiring tools to productivity monitoring But with innovation comes complexity. We’ll explore the real benefits AI offers for HR and business operations, like efficiency, data insights, and scalability – but also the legal, ethical, and cultural risks that can’t be ignored. We discuss these topics…and of course, we talk about cocktails!
Hosted by Kimberly Prescott, Founder and President of Prescott HR
Episode 47 : Wellness or Workload? Balancing Employee Wellness with Business Performance
May 13, 2025
Guest – Amber Trail, Managing Consultant, Prescott HR
In this episode, we discuss the real-world challenge of balancing employee wellness with organizational performance. As demands on teams grow, so does the need to prioritize mental health, burnout prevention, and sustainable productivity. But how do you support your workforce without compromising business goals? We explore practical strategies to integrate well-being into your culture in a way that drives retention, engagement, and results. We discuss these topics…and of course, we talk about cocktails!
Hosted by Kimberly Prescott, Founder and President of Prescott HR
Episode 46 : Navigating Politics in the Workplace
April 15, 2025
Guest – Cheryl Brown, Attorney at Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny
In this episode, we discuss how to navigate political conversations in the workplace. They explore ways to create a safe space for employees, foster respectful dialogue, and maintain a culture of inclusivity—especially during politically charged times. Whether you’re in HR or leading an organization, this conversation offers practical tips for keeping things civil while encouraging open, thoughtful communication. We discuss these topics…and of course, we talk about cocktails!
Hosted by Kimberly Prescott, Founder and President of Prescott HR
Episode 45 : Employee Engagement – Beyond the Buzzword
February 11, 2025
Guest – Amber Trail, Managing Consultant, Prescott HR
In this episode, we discuss what does employee engagement really mean and how can employers make it happen? We break down what engagement is, why it matters, and how to implement initiatives that actually work. From leadership involvement to recognition programs, we’ll explore strategies to build a motivated workforce. Plus, we’ll discuss how to measure engagement effectively using surveys, feedback, and key performance indicators. Grab a drink and join us for a conversation on creating a thriving workplace! We discuss these topics…and of course, we talk about cocktails!
Hosted by Kimberly Prescott, Founder and President of Prescott HR
Episode 44 : High Stakes – Navigating Adult-Use Cannabis
January 26, 2025
Guest – Andrew Griffin, Partner at Providence Strategies LLC
In this episode, we dive into the complexities of managing cannabis in the workplace. From understanding state and federal laws to revising drug testing policies, we’ll explore best practices for balancing employee rights with organizational needs. Our guest will share insights on addressing impairment concerns, accommodating medical cannabis use, and crafting clear workplace policies that reflect the changing legal landscape. As legal adult-use cannabis becomes more prevalent, employers face new challenges in maintaining compliance, safety, and a productive workplace culture. We discuss these topics…and of course, we talk about cocktails!
Hosted by Kimberly Prescott, Founder and President of Prescott HR
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