On today’s program, Michael talks with Lisa Cooper, the founder and chief people officer for Cooper People Group, a company recently honored as a member of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2025. The business started four years ago by providing fractional HR services and support to organizations. Cooper People Group also focuses on workforce development and ensuring knowledge transfer and upskilling, using tools like Predictive Index. They have grown rapidly, serving about 175 clients across the Great Lakes and beyond, primarily in West Michigan. Cooper notes that small businesses face significant HR challenges, including finding, developing, and retaining talent, building a strong culture, and maintaining compliance, especially with evolving Michigan employment laws. She notes that most business owners didn’t start their companies to be HR experts, and these are often the issues that keep them up at night. “We’re all in the same storm,” she says. “We have slightly different boats as we weather that storm.”
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