HR Interviews Playlist

Have you ever wondered how an elite baseball player can track a 95-mile-per-hour fastball and actually connect? Or how a Premier League footballer can deliver a perfect pass over half the pitch to a moving teammate? The way elite athletes develop their attributes and build skills has big lessons for how we need to think about talent and hiring in the workplace. We've been discussing skills-based hiring and skills-based organizations for a while now. As the need for skills agility grows, we must deepen our understanding of the attributes, skills, and potential to make better hiring decisions. One area that uses cutting-edge science to do this is elite sport. My guest this week is Dr. Daniel Laby, a Sports Vision Ophthalmologist who works with elite athletes and top baseball teams, including the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox. This is a really fascinating discussion with some important lessons for HR and Talent Acquisition, for example, why we should emphasize future potential over past performance, the importance of recognizing that sometimes there is a specific order in which skills need to be developed, and why average can sometimes be mistaken for best in skills assessment. In the interview, we discuss: How do you improve elite performance? Working with Red Bull and Trent Alexander-Arnold A common misconception about vision The importance of specific attributes in specific sports Nature, nurture and brain plasticity The skills pyramid How small changes make a big difference The role of technology Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts Follow this podcast on Spotify. A full transcript will appear here shortly

The move towards skills-based strategies in organizations is still a big topic. This is unsurprising, as the advantages are significant. Skills-based thinking solves critical business challenges by better aligning talent strategies to business goals and offering the skills agility many employers badly need. Skills-based hiring also widens talent pools and challenges the entrenched mental models that sometimes form barriers to companies hiring the talent they actually need. However, the road to being a skills-based organization is long and complex, and only a small minority of employers are making real progress. So, what needs to change? How can AI be harnessed? How can we anticipate future skills needs? And how should TA teams be reimagined to make skills-based hiring a reality? My guest this week is Jen Cunningham, VP of Global Talent Acquisition at Pearson. Pearson is leading the way with skills-based people strategies, and Jen has a wealth of experience and insight to share. In the interview, we discuss: How TA is evolving Elevating the candidate experience Agility, resilience, and authenticity Better alignment between people strategy and business strategy How do you identify and validate skills? Internal and external agility How the traditional structure of HR is changing. Data, strategy, and influence What skills should TA teams have in the age of AI? What does the future look like? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

From the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Darnell Hill, Vice President of Talent Acquisition at AAA Mountain West Group, joins The Chad & Cheese to discuss the company's transformation and his insights into the HR landscape. He shares how AAA is redefining its brand beyond its traditional association with roadside assistance, venturing into areas like AAA Smart Home and auto repair partnerships, while also reflecting on past initiatives. The conversation explores unexpected trends in 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, Hill underscores AI’s potential to enhance hiring quality, going beyond just improving the candidate experience. He also discusses employee retention and development strategies, advocating for micro-learning and prioritizing candidates with growth potential over those with strictly relevant experience.

Career Sites still play a central role in talent acquisition, but are they evolving quickly enough? With many employers still working in career site redevelopment cycles that take years rather than months, are they keeping pace with candidate expectations and rapid advances in technology? My guest this week is Bas van de Haterd, who is returning to the show to give us his annual update on the career site research he has been running for the past 18 years. The latest edition looks at 100 data points across the careers sites of 550 large employers to determine the key trends and just how quickly career sites are evolving. In the interview, we discuss: What does the career site landscape of 2025 look like? What's new, what's getting worse, what's getting better Rethinking Job advert design Ghosting The role of corporate podcasts How Conversational AI is killing legacy chatbots The one thing employers can do to radically improve their results What does the future look like Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Following this podcast on Spotify A full transcript will appear here shortly.

Frontline hiring is more competitive than ever, with speed and efficiency now critical for success. However, the challenge doesn't stop at making the hiring process faster; employers also need to stand out from their competition by offering a high-quality candidate experience and having a recruiting process that allows them to showcase what makes their organization unique. It's clear that AI-powered recruiting is already driving speed and efficiency in frontline hiring for many large organizations, but what's the right balance between technology and humans to deliver an exceptional candidate experience and highlight an organization's unique culture? My guests this week are Sonja Breuer, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, and Aaron Einhorn, Senior HR Business Partner at Hamra Enterprises. In our conversation, they share how Hamra has successfully leveraged AI-powered recruiting technology to reduce their time-to-hire from 13 days to just 4. They also discuss how this has enabled them to better highlight the values, benefits, and culture that make Hamra Enterprises a uniquely attractive employer. In the interview, we discuss: Hamra's unique culture and employee programs Using AI to radically reduce time to hire Maintaining a consistent and engaging candidate experience Combining conversational AI with purposeful human connections Why speed, experimentation, and agility are critical in AI-powered recruiting. What happens if the AI makes a mistake? Building a true partnership with their technology vendor to drive innovation. What does the future look like Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

Onstage at Outsolve's HR Gumbo Conference in New Orleans, Keith Sonderling, the former Commissioner of the EEOC, joins Chad & Cheese to discuss major trends in employment discrimination and the evolving role of AI in HR. He notes a significant spike in discrimination charges post-recession, particularly age discrimination, followed by increases in sexual harassment, equal pay, and racial discrimination claims due to various societal movements and events. Sonderling highlights the broad applicability of the Executive Order on Cybersecurity across all sectors and the challenges of managing discrimination claims, especially with the rise in religious exemptions post-COVID vaccine mandates. He also addresses the complexities of returning to office post-pandemic, disability discrimination, particularly mental health claims, and generational workplace dynamics. The conversation delves into the legal implications of AI in hiring, emphasizing the need for bias audits and the potential for AI to reduce traditional hiring biases if properly implemented. Lastly, the guys touch on the legislative landscape for AI in HR and the risks of fraud in emerging tech like the metaverse, concluding with the importance of clear policies and verification processes to ensure fairness and compliance.

It feels like Recruiting has come a long way since the days of help-wanted ads in newspapers, but are we genuinely innovating or just consistently repackaging outdated ways of doing things? For well over a century, versions of the resume and job ad have been the foundation of hiring, but as technology and work itself move on at an ever-increasing pace, it's clear these tools weren't designed for the world we are now in. So, can we finally move beyond them to build a solid foundation for an AI-powered approach? My guest on Episode 670 is one of the original pioneers of online recruiting, Jeff Taylor, the founder of Monster.com, or the MonsterBoard as it was known back in 1994. Jeff built Monster during the infancy of the internet when the rest of the industry was still faxing resumes and placing ever more expensive ads in the newspapers. He introduced the world to online job postings and the resume database, which, very much to his surprise and increasing alarm, are still core tenets of recruiting 30 years later. Jeff is now back in the industry and is launching a new business later in the year. In our conversation, we discuss the need for innovation and reinvention in recruiting to harness AI and address complex challenges employers now face. In the interview, we discuss: Jeff and Monster's back story and what recruiting was like in 1994 The early days of the internet and what helped Monster to scale to 100 million registered resumes Resumes and job postings have barely changed in over 100 years, and why this is now a big problem. How AI is reshaping recruitment without addressing its foundational inadequacies How employers are losing control of their own job postings Looking at the whole person and the growing importance of the personal brand What the future of hiring looks like when we put people, not processes, at the centre What's next for Jeff Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

In this hilarious installment of The Chad & Cheese Podcast Does Europe, Lieven joins the boys as they embark on a wild ride through Europe, sharing tales of cultural faux pas and giving shout-outs that'll make you spit out your coffee. Buckle up as they dive into Belgium's bold new laws for sex workers - because who knew bureaucracy could be so sexy? But wait, there's more! They tackle the elephant in the room, or should we say, the AI in the workplace? ChatGPT's on the scene, and it's not just for writing your grandma's birthday cards anymore. It's revolutionizing recruitment, turning headhunters into tech-hunters. Then, it's a somber stroll through Germany's economic woes - because nothing says "comedy gold" like discussing inflation in the land of beer and pretzels. Nicht gut! Prediction time! Lieven dons his prophetic hat to predict the staffing industry's future in 2025 from a European POV, where AI is the new HR MVP. Then they navigate the GDPR minefield on LinkedIn, where American tech giants are learning that in Europe, privacy is not just a suggestion ... especially in Ireland. The episode rounds off with a look at the new kids on the recruitment block - startups that might either be the next big thing or just another flash in the pan, including CoachHub, Popp AI and Talentium. All this, served with a side of their signature snark and belly laughs Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Setting the Scene 03:01 - Cultural Observations and Travel Experiences 05:59 - Shout Outs and Humor in European Contexts 09:01 - Legislation and Rights for Sex Workers in Belgium 12:03 - Technological Innovations: ChatGPT and Scheduled Tasks 15:00 - Economic Challenges in Europe: Layoffs and Market Trends 22:00 - Predictions for 2025: The Future of Recruitment and AI 25:34 - Optimizing Job Applications with AI 30:00 - LinkedIn's GDPR Challenges and Implications 40:02 - Buy or Sell: Evaluating New Recruitment Startups 57:01 Closing Thoughts and Humor (So Much Humor)

With 1.5 million applications each year, L'Oréal Group's talent acquisition team faces challenges on a scale most organizations would never experience. Managing this volume while ensuring a high-quality candidate experience demands innovation, agility, and the right balance between humans and technology AI plays a key role in L'Oréal Group's TA evolution, helping with screening and driving quality and efficiency via automation and standardization. So, how do you use AI to transform talent acquisition without losing the vital human touch? My guest this week is Michael Kienle, Global VP of Talent Acquisition at L'Oréal Group. In our conversation, Michael shares how his team is leveraging AI to improve the candidate experience and why he believes AI will help the TA teams of the future to radically increase the value they create for the business. In the interview, we discuss: The growing complexity of talent acquisition L'Oreal Group's recruiting challenges The critical importance of candidate experience AI impacts the how but not the why or what The balance between humans and machines Standardizing skills Brandstorm, L'Oreal's unique business game and its impact on recruiting Increasing the value creation of TA How much change will we see in the next 12 months? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

Budgeting has long been challenging for talent acquisition teams, but the stakes have never been higher in today's volatile economic environment. Many TA leaders find themselves stuck in a cycle of defending past decisions, managing cuts, and struggling to align budgets with business strategy. Meanwhile, CFOs expect data-driven proposals, ROI insights, and long-term planning that TA teams often aren't equipped to deliver. So, how can talent acquisition leaders transform their approach to budgeting, build trust with the C-suite, and position themselves as strategic business partners My guests this week are Madeline Laurano, founder of Aptitude Research, and Joshua Secrest, VP of Client Advocacy at Paradox. We discuss Aptitude's new report, The Talent Acquisition Budget Playbook, which contains actionable strategies to move beyond reactive spending, harness automation for efficiency, and demonstrate clear ROI to unlock longer-term investment. In the interview, we discuss: The background behind the report Some shocking stats about impending budget cuts, budget confidence, and wasted spend Getting maximum return and building credibility Thinking 3-5 years out How to demonstrate ROI Operations benefits versus financial benefits Speaking the language of the CFO The importance of automation and the results it delivers What does the future of TA look like? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify

Gerry Crispin crashes into the Chad & Cheese podcast live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA. With a cool 53 years in recruiting under his belt, Gerry takes us through his career, where he picked up a few nuggets of wisdom along the way, all while sticking to the golden rule of fairness—thanks, Johnson & Johnson! After dipping his toes in J&J, Roche, and a fancy boutique executive search firm, he’s got stories for days, each one teaching him more about this wild recruiting world. When it comes to advice, Gerry’s simple: master the basics, like understanding comp and benefits. If you’re not on top of that, you’re basically flying blind. Sure, recruiting’s a grind, but Gerry’s still loving it, crediting job shadowing (even some low-key undercover ops) for helping him truly get the lay of the land. As for the whole "AI is coming for your job" panic, Gerry’s not worried. AI’s impact is more "enhancer" than "job destroyer," he says, and it’ll just make everything smoother by crunching numbers and improving the candidate experience. But he’s seriously annoyed that Talent Acquisition leaders aren’t jumping on the AI bandwagon fast enough. Get with the times, people! He wraps up with a classic Gerry line: find a company that matches your values, take the initiative, and stay positive. He’s still in the game with CareerXroads, bringing optimism and action to the recruiting table—no room for negativity here!

Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Joe Shaker dropped recruitment truth bombs with a side of optimism. Want to know the secret to winning the talent war? Or how MarTech is set to shake up hiring in 2025? Joe’s insights might just save your branding strategy—and your sanity.

HR is at a crossroads. The rapid pace of change, shifting employee expectations, and technological disruption have rendered traditional approaches ineffective. After years of being viewed as the department of policy and paperwork, HR must now become more agile, personalized, and human-centered to meet the challenges of the modern workplace. So, how can HR and talent teams adapt to a world where change is constant, collaboration crosses boundaries, and employees demand relevance and impact from their work experiences? What practical strategies can HR leaders adopt to build practices that are genuinely fit for the future? My guest this week is Lucy Adams, CEO of Disruptive HR. A self-described "recovering HR director," Lucy has firsthand experience of what holds HR back—and how to break free from outdated thinking. She shares her vision for transforming HR by moving away from paternalistic policies and embracing a more modern, adult-to-adult relationship with employees. Lucy also reveals practical ways HR can harness continuous learning and AI-driven insights to foster agility, collaboration, and innovation to ensure that HR is an effective force in shaping organizational success. In the interview, we discuss: Making HR more relevant and impactful Agility, productivity, collaboration, and innovation Principles rather than policies The personalization of the employee experience Human-centered design How do organizations need to think differently about talent? Changing the structure of the talent function Talent Scouts and Career Agents Marketing, consulting, and technology What new skills are needed? What does the future look like? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

Employer branding is often misunderstood or undervalued, especially in a landscape of shrinking budgets and rising expectations. Yet, in today’s competitive environment, the ability to measure and communicate its value is more critical than ever. So, how can employer brand professionals quantify their impact in ways that resonate with the C-Suite? What strategies can they adopt to ensure their work aligns with business goals, drives meaningful results, and operates with the right level of sophistication? My guest this week is Ben Phillips, Global Employer Brand Lead at Booksy. Ben explains why ROI conversations must be grounded in financial outcomes, not vanity metrics, and highlights the importance of aligning employer branding with the strategic priorities of the business. Drawing from his experience across consumer marketing, recruiting, and culture transformation, Ben shares practical approaches for demonstrating the tangible business value of employer branding. In the interview, we discuss: Communicating the ROI of Employer Branding The five things the C-Suite cares about Forecasting ROI Degrees of separation from the P&L A financial conversation versus a cost-benefit one How is employer branding changing? Culture, EVP, experience, authenticity and trust The difference between consumer marketing and recruitment marketing What does the future hold, and what part will AI play? Follow this podcast in Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

"Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Jason Pistulka—Assistant VP of Talent Acquisition Operations at HCA Healthcare—graces us with his presence to drop some truth bombs on recruitment. Spoiler alert: he's not here to hand out AI participation trophies. Jason throws shade at the industry’s blind faith in AI as a recruitment savior, arguing that maybe, just maybe, getting your operational act together would be a better idea. He spills the tea on HCA's branding game—giving their hospitals local names to charm their markets—and flexes their scale and healthcare cred like a boss. Oh, and remember the COVID hiring apocalypse? HCA brought on 200 new recruiters like it was nothing. Now that the chaos has died down, it all seems almost quaint. Jason also calls out vendors for struggling to grasp the size of HCA’s operation (hint: it’s big) and says they need a crash course in "How HCA Rolls." He’s all about their talent transformation roadmap and teases some snazzy automation initiatives to make recruitment smoother and data capture less of a dumpster fire. As for AI picking candidates? Nah, Jason’s not buying the hype. But he’s here for automation that makes life easier, proving that even skeptics can be pragmatic. It’s an insightful chat—if you’re into operational excellence, vendor rants, and the occasional AI side-eye."

In this disruptive time, HR and Talent Acquisition must be perfectly aligned with organizations’ business strategies. However, recent research from Eightfold AI and 3Sixty Insights highlights a significant misalignment between the two. This misalignment creates challenges that impact everything from hiring to employee satisfaction and ultimately negatively impact long-term organizational success. So, why is this misalignment happening, and what can HR leaders do to address it? Could AI help bridge the gap and drive better outcomes for both HR and the wider business? My guest this week is Teresa Wykes, Senior Director of Talent-Centered Transformation at Eightfold AI. Teresa shares valuable insights from the research, and we explore some of the root causes of the misalignment and assess potential solutions to the problem. In the interview, we discuss: Business strategy development. C-Suite collaboration and talent strategy alignment. The extent and causes of misalignment of HR with the business The implications of prioritizing an administrative culture over strategic initiatives The crucial difference between being data driven and data literate. How HR is deprioritizing the activities that could help them achieve their objectives. Solving the problem The new skills needed in HR and Talent Acquisition teams Dealing with resistance to change What does the future look like? Access the full report here - Aligning the Path Forward: How to Bring HR and Business Strategy Together. Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

Behold! A holiday spectacle so dazzling, so insightful, it’ll practically guarantee you a promotion (results may vary, void where prohibited, don't quit your day job). We've wrangled all our favorite (and some we just tolerated) guests from 2024 to deliver scorching hot takes on the burning dumpster fire that is talent, tech, and recruitment. Think less "fireside chat" and more "dumpster fire chat." From AI’s inevitable robot overlord takeover of recruiting (will they finally fix the ATS? Don't hold your breath) to the thrilling return of the office (aka mandatory fun times!), we've got the scoop you need to maybe survive 2025. Or at least have something to complain about at the next holiday party. Witness the assembled brain trust, including: Eileen Kovalsky from General Motors: Because even car companies need people to, you know, build cars. Adam Godson, CEO of Paradox: Hopefully, he'll explain what a paradox is without causing one. Jessica Rush, Chief Talent Officer: We're rushing to find the talent, people! Get it? (We'll see ourselves out). Patti Tabris, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at ResultsCX: Because someone has to deal with the results. Stefan Premdas, Director, People Experience at sweetgreen: Hopefully, they brought snacks. J.T. O'Donnell from Work It Daily: Because you're going to need to. Julie Sowash, Executive Director and Co-founder of Disability Solutions: Providing solutions to problems you didn't even know you had! John Graham, the VP of Employer Brand Strategy, Humanity & Culture at Shaker: Because branding is everything, even when it's not. (He appears twice! Clearly, he's got a lot to say...or we messed up the guest list). Emi Beredugo: We’re not entirely sure what Emi does, but they’re here! Lieven Van Nieuwenhuyze, Co-host from Europe: Bringing you takes from across the pond (probably involving better coffee). Matt Lavery, Global Director of Sourcing, Recruiting, & Onboarding: The man, the myth, the onboarding legend. Lord Wei, A Member of the Science and Tech Committee in the House of Lords: Adding a touch of British pomp and circumstance (and hopefully some actual wisdom). Rebecca Carr, CEO at SmartRecruiters: Because recruiting needs to be smart, obviously. Courtney Dempsey, the Head of Recruiting at Southern Rock Restaurants: Serving up talent as hot as their chicken. Chloé Rada, the Senior Director of Talent Attraction at ZoomInfo: Zooming into the future of talent (get it?). Dean Da Costa, Senior Staff Talent Acquisition at Lockheed Martin: Recruiting the best of the best to build…stuff. Mary Battle Broxton, Leading Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing at Tractor Supply Company: Because even tractor companies need marketing. 🎧 Smash that subscribe button NOW! Chapters 00:00 - A Special Holiday Message for YOU! 1:12 - Will AI Replace Recruiters? 7:47 - Sponsor: Shaker Recruitment https://shaker.com 8:41 - Importance of Employer Branding in Tech-Driven Recruitment 11:17 - The Uncertain Future of DEI 15:40 - Automation's Effect on Workforce Dynamics 18:22 - Return to Office Policy Comeback 24:29 - Sponsor: Paradox AI https://www.paradox.ai/ 24:59 - Sponsor: Job Pixel https://www.jobpixel.com/ 26:10 - Immigration and Workforce Challenges 30:17 - Shocking Layoffs of 2024 35:30 - Tech Trends of 2024 that Stand Out 38:33 - So in 2024, What Surprised You the Most? 41:51 - Sponsor: Harri https://harri.com/ 42:53 - Advice for 2025

There has probably never been a more difficult time to work in employer branding. Survey after survey shows that employers consider it vitally important to have an effective employer branding strategy; however, employer brand functions and budgets have been scaled back significantly in the last two years. So, how can employer brand professionals navigate this challenging landscape? What does it take to build meaningful strategies with limited resources, and how can failure and authenticity become tools for growth rather than obstacles? My guest this week is Claire D'Souza, co-founder of The EB Space and head of Employer Branding at a major UK retailer. Claire emphasizes the importance of learning from failure and why embracing vulnerability is critical to success. She also shares practical advice on demonstrating ROI, building strong stakeholder relationships, and aligning employer branding with business strategy. In the interview, we discuss: The biggest challenges in employer branding at the moment Demonstrating ROI Being part of the puzzle Aligning goals and strategy with the company's needs and vision The importance of talking about failure Why technology is often used as a scapegoat Do employers have the fundamentals in place to innovate Building stakeholder relationships What does the future look like Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

Broadcasting live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Tim Sackett—dropped some truth bombs with Joel Cheesman about the cringe-worthy mistakes corporations make in their talent acquisition hustle. Oh, and guess what? Sackett's cooking up another book, creatively titled Talent Fix Volume 2—because one wasn’t enough. Expect fresh content, hot takes, and, presumably, a few digs at HR's favorite buzzwords. Sackett didn't hold back on the AI hype train, either. Turns out, he's underwhelmed by the industry's cutting-edge "meh" when it comes to applying AI in TA. Meanwhile, corporate America is flailing with performance management as everyone adjusts to the post-pandemic reality of low unemployment. Spoiler: leaders are still allergic to honest performance conversations. Fast forward to 2025, and Sackett has a bold prediction: recruiters won't just recruit anymore—they'll transform into talent advisors, focusing on team dynamics and playing corporate therapist. Vendors, take note: Sackett thinks it's your job to coach TA leaders through this glow-up. No pressure.

For years, a candidate experience that delivers truly personalized feedback at scale has been an unattainable dream for talent acquisition teams. Candidates have always wanted tailored feedback, advice, and the opportunity to ask questions, but the sheer volume of applications has made this impossible So, is AI now revolutionizing the candidate experience and finally making mass personalization a reality? What does it take to create an ethical, transparent system that provides candidates with two-way interactions and personalized feedback, all while improving efficiency and reducing workload for TA teams? My guest this week is Sam Dhesi, CEO of Popp AI. Despite only being 18 months old, Popp AI is already partnering with FTSE 100 companies and global staffing organizations. In our conversation, Sam shares real-world results on how AI enables conversational assessment, provides personalized candidate feedback, drives engagement, and vastly improves hiring efficiency. In the interview, we discuss: How AI is changing the way employers interact with assess candidates Building in an ethically and responsible way The importance of human oversight and explainability Delivering constructive personalized feedback at scale Facilitating mass candidate engagement Using assessment via conversational AI as a replacement for the resume Which employers are doing all of this well, and what tangible results have they achieved What does the future look like? Where will hiring be in five years time? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

The rapid evolution of AI is reshaping talent acquisition, but many TA teams are struggling to keep pace. While AI offers the potential to revolutionize processes, reduce friction, and improve candidate experiences, adoption rates remain low. At the same time, businesses are under pressure to boost productivity and efficiency, leaving TA teams vulnerable to being left behind—or worse, having changes imposed on them without their input. So, how can talent acquisition leaders embrace AI and use it to align themselves with broader corporate objectives? My guest this week is Adam Godson, CEO of Paradox, a pioneer in conversational AI for talent acquisition. Adam shares valuable insights from working with industry leaders like McDonald’s and Chipotle, exploring how AI is transforming recruitment at scale. He discusses how TA leaders can harness AI to future-proof their organizations, deliver tangible ROI, and create hiring systems that prioritize speed, efficiency, and better candidate experiences. In the interview, we discuss: Developments over the last 12 months What are employers who use conversational AI for hiring achieving? How McDonalds reduce time to hire from 21 days to 3 days How AI is massively improving the candidate experience The use of AI in high-volume hiring gives us a glimpse into the future. AI adoption is being driven by its impact on the bottom line. The importance of good system and experience design What will TA teams of the future look like? The challenge of challenging recruiting norms The opportunity for TA Leaders What is going to happen in 2025 Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

Live from the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Chad & Cheese corner Audra Knight, the employer branding wizard at Foundation Medicine, to spill the tea on how companies can stop being boring and actually build a brand people care about. Audra preaches the gospel of internal communications, because apparently, it’s not enough to just have a logo and a “We’re Hiring!” post on LinkedIn. She dishes on the art of getting your employees to share their stories without bribing them (much), making your company seem like a place where people want to work—not just survive. Audra also marvels at the endless buffet of fancy branding tools out there, hinting that maybe picking the right ones is better than throwing spaghetti at the wall. Her secret sauce? Tailoring messages to different roles like a personal shopper for job seekers. Oh, and she’s not here for performative diversity—she’s all about the real deal. Because in employer branding, authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the only thing standing between you and a talent drought.

In this episode of The Chad and Cheese podcast, Noelle London, founder and CEO of Illoominus, discusses her AI-powered people intelligence platform designed to integrate and analyze HR data. She shares insights on the challenges of dirty data, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the competitive landscape in HR technology. The conversation also covers funding strategies, the role of Techstars, and how Illoominus aims to provide actionable insights for HR leaders to make informed decisions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Illoominus and Noelle London 03:36 Pitching Illuminus: The AI-Powered People Intelligence Platform 08:10 Funding and Growth: Navigating the Financial Landscape 12:35 Understanding the HR Tech Landscape and Leadership 14:31 Data Integration: The Key to Effective HR Solutions 17:02 Competition in the HR Tech Space 20:43 Sales and Marketing Strategies for Growth 24:11 Defining Quality of Hire: A Complex Challenge 26:30 Direct Sales vs. Partnerships: Future Strategies 28:59 Identifying Threats and Opportunities in the Market 31:32 Facing the Firing Squad: Final Thoughts and Insights

The adoption of AI in talent acquisition continues to accelerate, promising efficiencies and new possibilities for hiring. However, as AI tools become central to recruiting processes, they bring significant challenges, particularly around bias, compliance, and trust. Without clear oversight, these systems risk entrenching inequalities rather than addressing them. So, how can talent acquisition leaders ensure that AI supports fairer hiring while safeguarding compliance and trust? And what role does auditing play in this critical process? My guest this week is Jeff Pole, Co-founder and CEO of Warden AI, a company specializing in AI auditing for HR and TA Technologies. In our conversation, Jeff shares his insights on the importance of auditing AI systems, the emerging regulatory landscape, and how talent acquisition leaders can better understand and navigate the risks and opportunities of AI-powered hiring. In the interview, we discuss: Is the current pace of innovation in AI set to continue? What are the main risks? Regulation, Legislation, and Ethics Is there a difference between AI influencing a hiring decision and AI making a hiring decision? How AI can be less biased and fairer than humans Holding machines to a higher standard than humans Shining a light on the AI systems used in recruiting and TA technology Continuous testing and monitoring How widespread is the issue, and how much AI bias has actually been found? What should TA leaders be considering when assessing AI solutions What does the future look like? How will AI change talent acquisition in the long term? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel and Chad discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal anecdotes about pets and sleep deprivation to the unsettling news about drones in New Jersey. They delve into the implications of workplace stress and corporate responses, highlighting a controversial case of a company firing employees due to stress. The conversation shifts to the role of AI in recruitment and marketing, followed by a light-hearted update on their fantasy football league. Finally, they explore the impact of AI in education, particularly through the Khanmigo platform, which aims to assist teachers and personalize learning for students. In this conversation, the hosts explore various themes including the historical perspectives on controversial figures, the impact of AI on job markets, the challenges of hiring practices, the future of nuclear energy, and the uncertain future of TikTok in America. They discuss how AI is reshaping narratives and job searches, the importance of soft skills in hiring, and the potential of nuclear energy to meet rising energy demands. The conversation also touches on the political and economic implications surrounding TikTok's future in the U.S. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Anecdotes 03:07 - Drones and Warfare: A New Era 06:01 - Workplace Stress and Corporate Responses 09:04 - AI in Recruitment and Marketing 12:03 - Fantasy Football Update 14:47 - AI in Education: Khanmigo's Impact 20:49 - Historical Perspectives on Controversial Figures 22:00 - AI and Historical Narratives 22:42 - Job Market Innovations and Challenges 27:46 - Evaluating Soft Skills in Hiring 33:58 - The Future of Nuclear Energy 41:04 - The Uncertain Future of TikTok in America

AI has profoundly impacted talent acquisition in 2024, but its influence has been far from uniform. In some areas, little has changed, while in others—such as high-volume hiring—there has been nothing short of a revolution. Automation has dramatically accelerated recruiting processes, improving the candidate and hiring manager experience in ways previously unimaginable. These advancements are signals of what's to come, with sweeping changes across talent acquisition potentially just months away. With technology increasingly automating processes, the role of recruiters is evolving, raising urgent questions about what TA teams must do to stay relevant and strategic. Those who fail to adapt risk being left behind as automation reshapes our industry. So, how can TA leaders and recruiters navigate this transformation, address challenges like bias, and embrace the opportunities AI presents to redefine their roles? My guest this week is John Vlastelica, CEO of Recruiting Toolbox and a trusted advisor to some of the world's most innovative companies. John shares his insights on the key shifts happening in recruiting, the evolving role of recruiters, and how leaders can future-proof their teams in an AI-driven world. In the interview, we discuss: How AI is impacting recruiting right now How does it change the jobs we recruit for? Unchecked human bias in traditional recruiting process Automation in high-volume and front-line hiring Segmentation of roles between automated and high-touch recruiting processes Inefficiency by design From talent acquisition to talent advisor, breaking the silos in HR Insights, Influence, and Impact Candidate "cheating" TA Tech vendors selling directly to the C-Suite The importance of having a plan to rationalize TA What is going to happen in 2025? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

From the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Julie Sowash, executive director of Disability Solutions, survived Chad & Cheese’s snarkapalooza to talk AI ethics, data transparency, and why hiring underrepresented talent is more than a checkbox exercise. She preached the gospel of blending tech with human connection (shocking, we know) and reminded companies that “diversity commitment” isn’t code for “nice press release.” Julie also spilled on how 2024’s economic rollercoaster crushed some dreams but made strategic DEI even more essential. Oh, and she managed to keep things heartfelt, even shouting out her co-host/husband, Chad — proving love can survive even that much sarcasm.

Welcome back to HR's Most Dangerous Podcast, where Chad and Joel serve up spicy takes and recruiting truths hotter than a Nashville summer. This week, they wrangle Courtney Dempsey, the tech-savvy maestro behind Southern Rock Restaurants’ hiring empire. With 160 restaurants and a hiring strategy sharper than a deli slicer, Courtney spills the secret sauce: targeting job seekers while the rest of us are dreaming about tacos at 3 AM. Hear how she uses LLMs like they’re her personal AI attack dogs, outsmarts bigger competitors with zero chill, and recruits AARP members because, frankly, Gen Z already got their fill of side hustles. If you’re not advertising your dishwashing gigs like prime-time Super Bowl spots, you’re doing it wrong. So, grab your headphones and brace yourself. By the end, you’ll either want to revolutionize your hiring strategy or question all your life choices... possibly both. And remember, in this game, speed kills. But in HR? It also hires. Warning: Side effects of listening include spontaneous outbursts of laughter, strategic epiphanies, and reconsidering your entire recruitment budget. Proceed with caution.

In this episode of The Chad and Cheese podcast, Joel and Chad discuss various topics including their experiences with Chipotle and the implementation of Paradox, the impressive growth of their podcast as highlighted by Spotify's year-end wrap-up, the rise of social commerce particularly through TikTok, and the potential for LinkedIn to enhance job applications through video content. They also touch on LinkedIn's recent layoffs and speculate on the future of ERE and its SourceCon conference. In this conversation, Chad and Joel reflect on the evolution of the recruitment industry, particularly focusing on the ERE conference and its decline. They discuss the changing landscape of sourcing, the competitive dynamics between Rippling and Deel, and the implications of AI in healthcare. The conversation also touches on Walmart's recent shift in DEI policies and the booming success of OnlyFans as a content platform. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Weather Check 02:45 - Chipotle Experience and Paradox Implementation 04:19 - Spotify Year-End Wrap-Up and Podcast Growth 06:33 - Demographics and Audience Engagement 07:55 -Social Commerce and TikTok Shopping 10:04 - LinkedIn's Potential in Video Job Applications 15:50 - LinkedIn Layoffs and Future Outlook 18:01 - Gossip on ERE and SourceCon 18:34 - Nostalgia for ERE: The Rise and Fall 22:34 - The Evolution of Sourcing and SourceCon 30:29 - Rippling vs. Deel: The Competitive Landscape 33:14 - AI in Healthcare: The Future of Diagnosis 38:26 - Walmart's Shift in DEI Policies 45:32 - OnlyFans: The New Frontier of Content Creation

Brace yourselves: The Chad & Cheese Podcast is back, this time with retired Lieutenant General Russell L. Honoré—who proves you can train and lead half a million troops and drop some epic truth bombs on HR, AI, and America’s obsession with cheap stuff. In this spicy episode, we cover: HR Meets Boot Camp: General Honoré schools us on why leading people isn’t about asking, “You’re good, right?” and walking off like a clueless middle manager. Robots Can’t Cook Gumbo: Automation might make life easier, but it’s not making you a killer bowl of Cajun deliciousness—or fixing that flat tire you’re whining about. Recruitment Woes: From the Army’s “12 teeth rule” (yes, you read that right) to recruiting Gen Z kids glued to their phones, the General doesn’t hold back on what needs fixing. Boomers vs. Gen Z: Growing up poor meant fixing TVs with tinfoil and watching The Lone Ranger without a picture. Now? Kids need a new flat screen if the remote has dust on it. Mental Health Wake-Up Call: Spoiler alert: If your employee mentions seeing floating elephants, maybe don’t just tell them to get back to work. Sprinkled with Honoré’s signature wit, biting honesty, and a dose of “adapt-or-die” wisdom, this episode delivers laughs, snark, and some much-needed perspective on leadership in a rapidly changing world. Strap in, folks—it’s time to break things (figuratively) and rebuild smarter.

John Graham, Shaker’s VP of Employer Brand Strategy, hit RecFest USA with a mic drop on recruitment marketing and employer branding as we careen into 2025. His talk? A mix of AI hype, DEI drama, and a reality check for those clinging to the idea of "jobs for life" like it's still 1985. Graham’s big reveal: employer branding is less about forever and more about for now, pivoting to a launchpad for career development instead of a golden handshake into retirement. He also dove into AI, calling it both the hero and potential villain of recruitment. Sure, it’s reshaping strategies faster than you can say "algorithmic bias," but Graham threw some shade on humanity, pointing out that we’re not exactly bias-free either. His advice? Play nice with AI but keep an eye on it—like a toddler with scissors. DEI got a spotlight too, but not without acknowledging the current rebrand it’s enduring thanks to political tug-of-wars and corporate-level ghosting. He tied it all up with a forecast for 2024 tech trends: automation, AI, and video storytelling are set to dominate, but the focus will still be on keeping things human-centered. (Spoiler: robots are cool, but people still like people.) And if that wasn’t enough, Graham’s closer was basically a call-to-action to stalk—er, network with—Shaker online. Updated website, LinkedIn, the works. Because nothing says "modern employer branding" like a shameless plug.

With organizations now having to navigate the rapid changes brought about by geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, the ongoing climate emergency, and the surge in technology, it is clear that different ways of thinking about talent are needed. So, how can organizations adapt to this complexity and prepare for a future where the old rules no longer apply? What should they consider when redefining their talent strategies in such a dynamic context? My guest this is week is Graham Abbey, Professor in Practice at The University of Bristol Business School and CEO of Farleigh Performance. From the importance of understanding the difference between complicated and complex systems to the potential of AI in reconnecting us to our humanity, Graham provides deep insights into creating the conditions for engagement, leadership, and performance and building an antifragile organization. In the interview, we discuss: Challenges and forces driving change Thinking differently about talent Changing to the organization metaphor The difference between a complicated and complex system How well are employers responding to change and uncertainty? Skills based organizations Discovery connectivity with AI Talent Acquisition and hiring Higher purpose, agency, relationships, and disruptive learning Building an antifragile organization How will we be talking about talent in five years time Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

Transforming a business function is a difficult process. It can become impossible if no one knows what the function is transforming into. It is vital that anyone undertaking a TA Transformation develops a clear vision to generate buy-in and set the direction of travel. With so much disruption going on, there has never been a better time to create bold, innovative visions that take TA Acquisition in new directions. My guest this week is Jill Leonard, Global Senior Director of Talent at Hello Fresh. Hello Fresh has developed a vision for talent acquisition that they call "TA As A Service." In addition to discussing Hello Fresh's TA Transformation, Jill also talks about her experience implementing video interviewing and the benefits of embracing new technology early. In the interview, we discuss: Current TA challenges TA Transformation at Hello Fresh Recruiters as Talent Advisors TA as a service Agility and change management Upskilling and professional development for TA teams How video interviewing has evolved to solve specific business needs The benefits of embracing new technology early How to drive adoption. How should TA leaders respond to AI? Optimizing the candidate experience How will TA evolve over the next five years? Follow this podcast in Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

Athletes, Burnout, and Plumbing Emergencies Grab your popcorn and buckle up for this episode of the Talent Chasing Podcast! Jasper, Brian, and Chad dissect their interview with the legendary sports agent Debbie Spander in this latest Film Room session—a mix of insightful commentary, hilariously sharp quips, and, naturally, a side tangent on Europe's plumbing crisis. Ever wonder why elite athletes (or overachieving CEOs) burnout faster than you can say “toxic hustle culture”? Or how Gen Z brilliantly dodged the workaholic traps Gen X proudly fell into? This episode's got it all—philosophical musings on work-life balance, tales of burnout from Jim Courier to weekend warriors, and a surprise cameo by the four-day workweek. Spoiler: Friday is officially cancelled. But it’s not all heavy stuff. From Chad’s obsession with Annie Agar’s TikToks to Jasper being dunked on for calling soccer “fuchebol,” the guys keep it lively. Brian even drops some wisdom on how to find your post-career mojo—whether you’re a retired MLB star or just trying to survive your mid-level management gig. The takeaway? Practice makes perfect, empathy matters, and yes, AI is your new co-worker. Oh, and good luck finding a plumber in Europe. (Seriously, call now. They’re booked out for months.) Tune in for the laughs, stay for the life lessons, and let’s get real—if Jasper can embrace AI, so can you. Subscribe to Talent Chasing wherever you get your podcasts, and maybe rethink your work-life balance while you’re at it.

After all the commentary and debate about AI and talent acquisition over the last two years, we are finally starting to see what this brave new world might look like as many technology providers roll out new AI-driven products and services. While it is clear that massive changes are coming to the way companies hire talent, there are still many unanswered questions and contradictory views on what the future will look like. I wanted to get a different perspective on things, so this week, my guest is Shashank Saxena, a Managing Partner at Sierra Ventures. Sierra Ventures is an early-stage VC firm that has made several investments in AI-driven HR software companies. In our conversation, Shashank gives us some alternative visions of what the future of work might look like and implications for talent acquisition. In the interview, we discuss: How is the world of work changing AI use cases and the speed of adoption Does AI make TA more efficient, or does it completely disrupt it? Are AI-powered job seekers cheating? Can AI make hiring decisions? The implications of AI agents on white collar work What does the future of HR and Recruiting Technology look like? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

After many years of being seen as tactical, TA has the unique opportunity to reposition itself as a strategic function with insights to shape business strategy. However, this will only happen with a significant degree of transformation, and those TA teams that stick to doing what they have always done are at risk of further downsizing or being automated away altogether. So, what do TA Leaders need to do to harness the current forces of change and reinvent their function My guest this week is Lyndsey Taylor, head of Global Talent Attraction at Brooks Automation. Lyndsey has a wealth of experience in TA transformation, strategic workforce planning, and driving change. She shares her perspectives on the future of TA, the rise of strategic workforce planning, and breaking down traditional HR silos. In the Interview, we discuss: How the work of TA is changing and the forces driving that change How can TA influence business outcomes? Aligning metrics to business goals Internal mobility and reskilling What role can TA play in Strategic Workforce Planning How to be more strategic What does AI make possible Enhancing the candidate experience Reducing bias Breaking the silos in HR What should TA look like in 3 years time? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

From the SmartRecruiters booth at the HR Tech conference, the guys interviewed Stefan Premdas, who transitioned from a background in biomedical engineering to HR, focusing on talent operations and recruitment at various firms before joining sweetgreen. Stefan discussed the evolving HR landscape, introducing the concept of "people experience" and how his team at sweetgreen manages the entire employee lifecycle with an emphasis on integration. He highlighted sweetgreen's approach to employee engagement and retention, leveraging automation not only to improve customer service but also to enhance recruitment efficiency and candidate experience. Stefan touched on retention strategies for recruiters, focusing on providing clear paths for future career growth, and announced upcoming initiatives like a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition exercise aimed at solidifying sweetgreen's brand identity. He also addressed the natural diversity within sweetgreen's workforce, the current state of automation in their operations, and future expansion plans. Key technology tools like their Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and video interview systems were also mentioned, underscoring the tech-driven approach at sweetgreen.

Company culture is a fundamental selling point for attracting the right talent to an organization. However, in many cases, it is talked about in a cliched, inauthentic way during the hiring process. Culture is also often portrayed in terms of the working environment or via specific perks rather than being something that holistically represents the organization. So, how can TA teams use culture as a genuine magnet to attract talent in a post-pandemic world where work has fundamentally changed? My guest this week is Kirstie Eustace, Chief Admin Officer at Steward Partners. Steward Partners is an excellent example of an organization that puts their culture front and centre in there hiring process, and Kirstie has some excellent insights and advice to share In the interview, we discuss: The definition of culture in a corporate context How does culture translate into employee and candidate experience? Prioritising wellbeing Using culture to stand out in talent acquisition Storytelling with real examples Giving candidates direct access to existing employees and the leadership team The role of technology What does the future look like Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

From the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Dean Da Costa joins Chad & Cheese to share fresh recruitment advice. He urges recruiters to challenge norms, verify AI-generated data, and focus on the human touch. Da Costa emphasizes personal branding, as candidates often research recruiters, and suggests exploring platforms beyond LinkedIn to reach diverse talent. He highlights the irreplaceable value of genuine interactions over automation and advocates for a supportive, knowledge-sharing recruiter community.

Live from the SmartRecruiters booth at the HR Tech conference in Las Vegas, the boys hosted a session with Patti Tabris, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at ResultsCX, who shared insights into leveraging employee referrals for recruitment. With 20,000 employees, ResultsCX has seen tremendous success by generating over 400,000 referrals in two years, highlighting referrals as a potent yet often underutilized recruitment strategy. Patti emphasized that continuous improvement and innovation in their referral program, named ReferCX, not only reduces hiring costs but also enhances candidate quality and company culture. The program's effectiveness is boosted by integrating marketing strategies at launch and robust backend technology to handle referral tracking and bonus calculations. The company has implemented a tiered incentive system linked to employee retention and uses a leaderboard to boost engagement without extra costs. The referral initiative extends beyond immediate hires, creating a pool of future candidates, and is integrated into the company's onboarding process through a mobile app. This program, accounting for 25-30% of hires, focuses on internal culture but plans to explore external referrals and enhance gamification. The success of ReferCX is measured through clear goals, tracking, and employee feedback, demonstrating its significant impact on both employee satisfaction and retention.

Whenever we talk about recruiting automation, there is always a persistent narrative in favor of retaining the human touch in some way, shape, or form. While technology now enables us to interact in increasingly conversational ways, there's still an irreplaceable quality in human-to-human, face-to-face dialogue that no machine or video can fully replicate. So, how can we enhance the effectiveness of our conversations in both professional and personal settings? And could asking more powerful, thoughtful questions lead to better hiring outcomes? My guest this week is Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Topaz Adizes, founder of experience design studio The Skin Deep. Having conducted over 1,200 filmed conversations exploring human connection, Topaz has gained profound insights into what makes questions transformative. In our discussion, he shares what his work has taught him about crafting questions that break down barriers and foster authentic dialogue—lessons that can help us all engage more meaningfully in the workplace and beyond. In the interview, we discuss: Lessons learned from filming 1,200 conversations How conversations build relationships Avoiding power plays and making a safe space for conversation The importance of well-constructed questions Curiosity and openness in job interviews The power of bringing unrelated concepts together Connective questions Listening versus speaking Can AI write effective questions? The differences between face-to-face and virtual conversations What's the future of workplace conversations? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify

I know that many of you would agree that we are now beyond saturation point with the hype around AI in TA. It's clear that one way or another, gen AI is going to become ubiquitous in the software that we use. So, rather than discussing it as a topic on its own, we need to look carefully at the current and future impact on TA in terms of use cases, innovation, and the potential to rethink hiring. So what are the proven use cases for AI right now, where are we missing opportunities, and how will things develop in the short term? My guest this week is Mark Chaffey, Co-Founder and CEO of Hackajob. We discuss current AI use cases and lessons TA can learn from Gen AI's impact on software engineering. In the interview, we discuss: The current state of the tech hiring market Concerns over developing early career talent The impact of AI on software engineering AI isn't just about automation. It's about being ten times better. Why AI will always match better than humans The role of TA The hype cycle Critical questions to ask vendors Data governance and integration What will things be like in both the short and long-term future? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

Get ready to dive into the wild world of sports biz with Debbie Spander, the CEO of Insight Sports Advisors—a boutique sports media agency where deals happen, dreams are made, and retired athletes try not to be the “Remember that guy?” stories! Debbie’s gone from slinging legal briefs as a sports lawyer to negotiating contracts as a sports agent, and she’s spilling all the tea. She tackles the big stuff, like what athletes should do when hanging up the cleats (because “Can I still wear these?” is sadly not a retirement plan). Debbie also dishes on the rise of social media influencers in sports—because these days, athletes don’t just train for game day; they train to drop fire selfies. This convo isn’t just business; Debbie gets personal! She opens up about her family's sports journalism legacy, the thrill (and chaos) of navigating NIL (name, image, likeness) for college athletes, and the crucial balance between on-field glory and off-field hustle. Plus, she shares advice for aspiring female sports lawyers because, let’s face it, this industry could use more women throwing down on and off the field. Expect laughs, insights, and maybe a few “Wait, what?” moments as Debbie dives into what it’s like being a true sports insider in a constantly changing game. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Debbie Spander and Insight Sports Advisors 03:14 Debbie's Journey: From Sports Lawyer to Agent 05:52 The Landscape of Sports Representation 09:06 Transitioning Athletes: Preparing for Second Careers 11:59 Identifying and Nurturing Talent in Sports Media 15:01 Challenges Faced by Retired Athletes 17:46 The Rise of Social Media Influencers in Sports 20:58 Advice for Aspiring Female Sports Lawyers 24:10 The Future of Women in Sports Representation 25:27 The Importance of Role Models in Sports 27:06 Balancing Ambitions: Athletes and Off-Field Pursuits 28:14 Content Creation: New Models in Sports Media 30:59 Evaluating Podcast Potential in Athletes 32:21 Lessons from a Sports Writing Legacy 35:30 The Role of Family in Shaping Careers 37:54 Boutique vs. Large Sports Agencies 39:46 Motivation and Client Relationships in Sports Management 41:45 Navigating the NIL Landscape 46:50 The Future of College Athletics and NIL

Broadcasting from the ever-glamorous Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Chad & Cheese sit down with the powerhouse of DEI herself, Novonda Lilly, Director of DEI Campus and Community Engagement at Vanderbilt Health. Novonda schools the guys on how to navigate the choppy waters of diversity in hiring, especially with 2025 looming large. Spoiler alert: it’s not as simple as slapping a rainbow on your LinkedIn banner. Novonda doesn’t hold back, calling out the so-called “shortage of diverse candidates” and challenging recruiters to step up their game. She serves up practical advice on using social media to reach underrepresented talent, though she’s quick to throw a little shade at AI and its dicey role in hiring – because, let's be real, nobody wants a “smart” robot unintentionally screening out great people. And, if you're hoping for a warm fuzzy moment, sorry – Novonda’s here to make sure we all stay sharp and resilient. She dishes on the reality of adapting DEI strategies to market trends, and she’s already lined up LinkedIn requests from everyone who wants in on her best practices. Prepare for an episode packed with humor, hard truths, and a few digs at outdated recruiting “innovations.” Novonda reminds us that if you’re not actively building an inclusive culture, you’re just setting yourself up for 2025 – and not in a good way.

In this episode of Firing Squad, Josh Sklüt, co-founder and Chief People Officer of My Standard, discusses the innovative approach of his company as a Web3 alternative to traditional job platforms like LinkedIn. He explains how My Standard empowers users to control and monetize their professional data while addressing the shortcomings of existing recruitment methods. The conversation delves into the app's features, the challenges of candidate matching, and the future of job searching in a decentralized world. The discussion covers client success stories, the competitive landscape, and the go-to-market strategy focusing on AI jobs. Sklut also addresses challenges and critiques from the hosts regarding the complexities of blockchain and the need for effective education in the HR space. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to My Standard and Josh Sklut 05:09 - Pitching My Standard: A New Approach to Job Searching 09:54 - The Problem with Traditional Job Platforms 15:11 - Data Verification and Candidate Matching 19:51 - Monetization and Business Model of My Standard 24:45 - Challenges and Future of My Standard 17:52 - Understanding the Use Cases and Client Success Stories 19:51 - Differentiating from Competitors and Market Positioning 22:03 - Go-to-Market Strategy and Initial Focus on AI Jobs 23:57 - Team Composition and Expertise Behind MyStandard 26:04 - Exit Strategies and Future Growth Opportunities 28:04 - Facing the Firing Squad: Challenges and Critiques

This "Talent Chasing" podcast episode provides a look at Shohei Ohtani, his historic baseball journey, and the broader impact on the business of baseball. Hosted by former MLB player and scout Brian Johnson, journalist Jasper Spanjaart, and recruitment industry veteran Chad Sowash, the conversation explores Ohtani’s unique dual-role as both a top-tier pitcher and hitter—a feat that has transformed perceptions of player versatility in MLB. Ohtani’s path from Japanese baseball to MLB success is analyzed, with Brian detailing his scouting days and the rarity of Japanese players making it to MLB. They discuss Ohtani's decision to take a smaller initial contract to prove himself and build his reputation, a strategic move that contrasts with typical American contract norms and highlights his commitment to growth over immediate reward. The hosts also delve into the racial dynamics surrounding Ohtani's reception in the U.S., connecting it to broader societal issues and how MLB's demographic makeup influences fandom and player appreciation. They debate whether a team can thrive without a singular superstar and ponder the evolving role of scouts who must now consider both analytics and player personalities in their evaluations. Chapter Titles 01:04 - Shohei Ohtani’s Impact on MLB 03:47 - The Rarity of Dual Roles in Baseball 07:07 - Ohtani’s Strategic Contract Choices 16:04 - MLB's Demographics and Ohtani's Reception 18:45 - Comparing Ohtani to Other Legends 24:40 - The Role of a Superstar in a Winning Team 27:22 - Scouting Beyond Stats: The Importance of Personality 33:27 - Closing

Live from the Shaker Green Room, Mary Battle Broxton from Tractor Supply Company joined The Chad & Cheese at RecFest USA to talk AI, authenticity, and hiring without the ‘lazy applicants.’ ‘Embrace the robots, or get left in the dust,’ as Mary urges talent leaders to dive headfirst into AI tools like Paradox. Forget the old-school ways; it's all about tech-fueled, authentic candidate experiences now, where people and bots get to know each other before onboarding. Oh, and by 2025, you better be ready to keep up, or, as Mary might say, enjoy life as a digital dinosaur.

Round up is the monthly show on The Recruiting Future Podcast channel that highlights episodes you may have missed and gives you my take on some of the key learnings from the guests. Episodes mentioned in this Round Up: Ep 644: AI, Innovation & HR Tech Ep 645: Recruiting Nirvana Ep 646: Skills Intelligence Ep 647: Attributes Ep 648: Unstoppable Transformation Ep 649: Building A Personalized Candidate Experience Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts

Live from the SmartRecruiters booth, Tracey Parsons, the CEO of Flockity, shared insights at the HR Tech conference in Las Vegas, drawing from her extensive 20-year background in recruitment marketing and employer branding. She highlighted the sluggish pace of change within the industry, attributing it to stakeholder resistance and a pervasive lack of genuine listening, which deteriorates candidate experiences. This oversight often stems from an employer's sense of superiority, exemplified by Amazon's challenged reputation due to its treatment of warehouse workers. Parsons noted the common occurrence of candidates being ghosted post-interview, a reflection of broader systemic failures in recruitment where candidate sentiment remains low and transparency around compensation is stifled. The friction in job application processes is often counterproductive, deterring potential talent, while companies like Amazon, despite recognizing the costs of high attrition, struggle with implementing meaningful change. Misaligned branding further complicates expectations for both candidates and employees. However, technology offers a beacon of hope by potentially streamlining interactions and enhancing communication. Parsons criticized the inefficiencies in the current job distribution model, marked by low trust in job postings, and introduced Flockity's innovative approach using influencer marketing to foster trust and improve the candidate experience. She pointed out the skewed dynamics where paid job promotions might not reflect genuine company endorsement, and content tends to emphasize skills over culture. Creators often avoid brand mentions to dodge backlash.

I've done a lot of research this year around the move to skills-based hiring and skills-based organizations. Having spoken to a large number of employers on this journey, it is very clear that success is predicated on looking at skills strategically, holistically, and in the context of both business and personal growth. Ultimately, employers need to think fundamentally differently about talent and reflect this new thinking in talent acquisition, talent mobility, and talent development. My guests this week have just published an excellent book encouraging CEOs to embrace this new mindset to build the adaptable, skilled workforce they need in a way that doesn't undermine personal growth and champions the employee experience. The book is called "The Talent-Fueled Enterprise," and it was great to be able to speak to all three of its authors, Mike Ohata, Larry Durham, and Eric Dingler, who between them have 85 years combined experience in leading talent at Fortune 15 companies. In the interview, we discuss: The current most common talent challenges The tension between people growth and business growth Shifting from tech skills to Skills, Attributes and Experience Skilling for human potential Building teams for growth, adaptability, and empathy Rethinking Talent Acquisition Becoming a skills-based organization The vital importance of talent mobility Employee experience The impact of AI What will work look like in 5 years time? You can get 30% off The Talent-Fueled Enterprise by following this link and using the code Recruiting24 Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.