In episode 126, Coffey talks with Matt Williams about building a strategic HR operation.They discuss the spectrum between transactional and strategic HR; how AI will continue to make HR more efficient; the future of transactional HR roles; the impact of outsourcing transactional HR tasks; the importance of understanding the business; the importance of being involved with company peers outside of HR; how to avoid “no” and explore solutions and alternatives; developing business cases for HR initiatives; the value of coaches (like Matt) for HR professionals; and how HR professionals can challenge the norm for the better of the organization.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—premium background checks with fast and friendly service. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. This episode is pre-approved for .5 hour HR (Business) recertification credit for HRCI-certified professionals and .5 professional development credit for SHRM-certified professionals. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Matt has an extensive background in assisting mid to C-level executives and their teams improve their results by developing the skills and competencies necessary to ensure individual, team and organizational success. He brings direct operating experience coupled with a depth of coaching experience that provides the foundation for successful executive and team development.As an executive coach, one of his specialties is helping executives gain clarity around issues quickly for the development and execution of strategies that bring about individual and team results. The approach, a blend of solutions-focused and cognitive behavioral coaching styles, challenges established leaders, and those in transition, to reach for both near term results and transformational growth.Matt’s background includes both corporate and entrepreneurial experiences including technical, sales and leadership roles at Hewlett Packard, turnaround experience in the mid market and the founding, leading and successful sale of a medical technology firm. He has worked with individuals and teams at United Healthcare, ExxonMobil, Memorial Hermann, McCarthy Building and others.Matt Williams can be reached athttps://www.EpiphanyProfessional.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwilliamspcchttps://twitter.com/EpiphanyCoachhttps://www.facebook.com/DevelopInsightshttps://www.instagram.com/epiphanyprofessionalAbout Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year. Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.Learning Objectives1. Differentiate between transactional and strategic HR practices.2. Create a strategic HR culture focused on solving problems and achieving organizational goal