Magic in the Room #165: Your Unique Contribution: Making HR More Human with Guest Kari Gras

September 11, 2023

What does it take for HR functions to be more focused on supporting people than being the principal's office? In this episode of Magic in the Room, Hannah and Luke sit down with Kari Gras to talk about how she has learned to make HR more human. This is not an easy task. It starts with trust, especially with the rise of remote work, a willingness to have hard conversations, and most importantly a commitment to treating people well.   

 

Kari began her career in Human Resources working with Denise Tuohy in 2005, while employed by the Yellowstone Club. She started working in the HR and Payroll Department, which was a fast-paced and evolving department. With seasonal employees keeping the constant flow of paperwork a necessity, she was challenged to find better ways to refine and streamline procedures. Kari began consulting with small businesses in August 2013, following her entrepreneurial dream and making it a reality! 

Listen now on your favorite platform!

 

ind Kari on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/togethrconsulting or on her website togethrconsulting.com 


Credits: 

  • This episode of Magic in the Room was recorded in Big Sky, Montana
  • Music by Evan Grim. Find his music on Apple Music

Magic in the Room #197: Leadership Lessons for 2026

By Sarah Whitfield • February 18, 2026
In this episode of Magic in the Room, Luke, Hannah, and Chris explore the lessons, transitions, and leadership insights they’re carrying forward into 2026, emphasizing the importance of narrowing focus, letting go of resistance, and aligning with natural rhythms to create meaningful momentum. They discuss how personal and professional growth often emerges through periods of chaos and transition, highlighting themes such as intentionality, subtraction as a multiplier, and the courage required to release control, certainty, and outdated habits. Drawing on their work with purpose-driven organizations, they explain how leadership transformation begins internally, noting that organizational change is inseparable from personal development and mindset shifts. They also explore how embracing disturbance, addressing root causes instead of symptoms, and cultivating hope rather than cynicism can unlock resilience, stronger culture, and long-term performance.

Magic in the Room #196: Leading with Hope in a Cynical World

January 12, 2026
In this episode of Magic in the Room, Luke, Hannah, and Chris delve into the timely topic of hope versus cynicism in leadership, particularly in a world rife with uncertainty and negativity. The discussion focuses on whether hope alone is sufficient for transformational leadership or if, in environments steeped in cynicism, leaders must amplify their energy and intentionality, sometimes matching the intensity of cynics to move organizations forward. They examine the "hope recipe," which involves envisioning a better future, creating a pathway, and having agency. They also discuss the difficulty of maintaining agency when systems, culture, or fatigue threaten to sap it. They differentiate between strategically "letting go" and simply "giving up," emphasizing the importance of support, accountability, and self-awareness as antidotes to cynicism. 
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