The People Contingency Podcast

The only podcast on ABA hiring, retention, and real career stories for BCBAs and RBTs.

What happens when the people part doesn't go to plan?

This podcast tackles the realities of building, managing, and sustaining people systems in ABA organizations. We cover recruiting, training, HR systems, psychological safety, and retention specifically for autism services.

Expect honest conversations about what actually works to hire better, support ABA teams, and lead with purpose—without losing sight of the humans behind the work.

What You'll Learn

  • Proven strategies for reducing turnover and improving retention
  • How to build internal talent acquisition capabilities
  • Leadership techniques that actually work with ABA professionals
  • OBM applications for creating high-performing teams
  • The real cost of poor hiring (and how to fix it)
  • Case studies from organizations that solved their staffing problems
  • Specialized insights into recruiting for healthcare and behavioral services
  • How clinical professionals think differently about career decisions
  • Building trust with candidates who prioritize mission over money
  • Creating systems that support both business needs and employee growth

4 | Katrina Collier | Unhealed Trauma and How It Shows Up at Work

In this episode of the People Contingency Podcast, Holli Beth interviews Katrina Collier, who discusses her latest book, 'The Damage of Words,' and her journey of healing from childhood trauma. Katrina shares insights on the importance of inner child work, the impact of trauma on professional relationships, and the need for vulnerability in the workplace. She emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries, understanding narcissism, and the role of management in fostering a supportive work environment. The conversation highlights the connection between emotional well-being and professional success, offering valuable advice for recruiters and organizations.

About Katrina

Katrina Collier helps organizations strengthen human connection and repair the collaboration gaps between recruiters and hiring managers that so often lead to clunky processes and a poor candidate experience. Through her workshops, she works directly with hiring managers and talent acquisition teams to quickly uncover the real barriers to successful hiring—and solve them.

A sought-after global keynote speaker, Katrina is also the author of The Robot-Proof Recruiter: A Survival Guide for Recruiting and Sourcing Professionals and Reboot Hiring: The Key to Managers and Leaders Saving Time, Money, and Hassle When Recruiting.

References Mentioned

🔗 The Robot Proof Recruiter

🔗 Reboot Hiring

🔗 The Damage of Words

🔗 MACE Method by Helen Amory

📸 Dr. Ramani Durvasula on Instagram

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3 | Jennifer McClure | Beyond Compliance: How Data is Transforming HR and Culture

In this conversation, Holli Beth and Jennifer McClure explore the evolving role of HR in organizations, emphasizing its importance beyond compliance to fostering culture and engagement. They discuss the significance of data in HR practices, the necessity of building a strong employer brand, and the risks associated with ignoring employee feedback. Jennifer shares her experiences in transforming company culture and the critical role of trust in HR practices, ultimately highlighting the need for curiosity and engagement in leadership.

About Jennifer
Jennifer McClure is a keynote speaker and future of work strategist who empowers leaders and organizations to unleash their potential and accelerate results. As the CEO of Unbridled Talent and Chief Excitement Officer of DisruptHR, she blends decades of executive leadership experience with a passion for developing innovative, human-centered people strategies.

A sought-after global keynote speaker, Jennifer guides leaders in navigating the evolving world of work, emphasizing high-impact leadership and the creation of thriving, inclusive workplace cultures. Her insights stem from practical experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing organizations in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

Resources Mentioned

🔗 Jennifer McClure on LinkedIn

🔗 Jennifer McClure’s Website

🔗 DisruptHR

🎙️ Impact Makers Podcast

📸 Jennifer on Instagram

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2 | Peter Cappelli | The Hidden Cost of Remote Work

In this episode, Holli Beth sits down with Peter Cappelli to unpack the evolving realities of remote and hybrid work. They explore why office culture still matters, how mentorship and collaboration shift in distributed teams, and what’s at stake for early-career professionals. Cappelli shares evidence-based insights on supervision, hiring, and the hidden costs of poor management in today’s workplace.

About Peter

Peter Cappelli is the George W. Taylor Professor of Management at The Wharton School and Director of Wharton’s Center for Human Resources. He is also a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, and has advised governments and global organizations on employment policy and workforce development.

Named one of the top 5 most influential management thinkers by HR Magazine and a top 50 influencer in aging by NPR, Cappelli brings decades of thought leadership to critical conversations about the future of work. His work is featured in The Wall Street Journal, HR Executive, and Harvard Business Review. His latest book, In Praise of the Office, examines the rise of remote work and what’s lost when we leave the office behind.

Resources Mentioned

🔗 Peter Cappelli’s LinkedIn

🔗 Peter Cappelli’s Wharton Faculty Page

🔗 In Praise of the Office by Peter Cappelli (Wharton Publishing, 2025)

Like what you hear? Don’t forget to follow The People Contingency, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating the new world of work.

1 | Angela Pointer | Are You Really Seeing Your People?

In this episode, Angela Pointer delivers real talk on people-first leadership—sharing how intentional living shapes intentional leadership, and how aligning values with action builds trust, belonging, and real workplace culture.

About Angela 

Angela Pointer, MS, BSN, RN, is a seasoned healthcare talent acquisition strategist and former nurse with over 28 years of experience. As President of AP Solutions, she helps organizations build high-impact leadership teams through innovative recruitment, executive search, and workforce development. Angela’s expertise spans acute care, ambulatory, and PE-backed settings, with a passion for mentoring, personal growth, and empowering inclusive leadership. She brings strategic insight, behavioral psychology fluency, and authentic advocacy to every conversation on the future of leadership.

Resources Mentioned

🔗Angela Pointer's LinkedIn Profile 

🔗A.P. Solutions and Access to the Mastermind Program

🔗Black Nurse Collaborative

📚John C. Maxwell: "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" 

📚Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham 

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