Talent Talks

In this new and exciting episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we discuss the idea and techniques of “Fostering Positive Leadership in Today’s Hyperspeed, Always Connected Global Environment” and key signs when your corporation or organization requires positive leadership change. Our host Michael Wasulko is joined alongside Mickey Matthews, International Chairman and Managing Director at Stanton Chase. Over the last several years, Mickey has successfully executed numerous senior management assignments in general management, business development, operations and finance for numerous clients, such as ADM, Aramark, Axalta, Tyco, Deloitte Touche, Kohler, DuPont and others. According to Mickey Matthews, “We have to realize the importance of our positions as leaders globally and that we are role models with our behaviors cascading throughout not just the global business community but across cultures and across all employees and people worldwide. The impact we have and can have as positive leaders is significant and we must recognize that trust and treat it with the dignity and respect it deserves.” Listen now!

In this new and exciting episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we will uncover the strategy and processes of “Building a Search Firm on Mission and Values Rather Than Just Revenue.” Our host Michael Wasulko is joined alongside David Heron, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wilton & Bain and founding partner of WBMS. With over 20 years experience, building, leading and pioneering highly successful interim management businesses. David’s expertise and passion are in helping clients to think creatively around how to resource key challenges, and in working with Senior Executives and deliver major transformation programs. According to David Heron, “I fundamentally believe to create a great client experience you have to create a great internal candidate experience. You need to build an environment internally where people care and if they care about us, they will care about our clients.” Listen now!

In this new and exciting episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we discuss what it means to be a “good leaver.” Pensions and 20+ year work anniversary plaques are largely relics of the past, and the average American worker will change jobs almost 12 times in their career, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Our host Michael Wasulko is joined alongside Julie Zadow, Executive Search Consultant at Ridgeway Partners. With over 20 years of leadership in marketing organizational design and talent strategy, Julie is truly an accomplished thought leader and communicator on workforce issues. According to Julie Zadow, “Being a good leaver is about owning that full arch of humanity that is really on display during that conversation. Being a good leaver is about owning your role, you’re the narrator of that tense dialog in a way that you want to be thoughtful about.” Listen now!

In this latest episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ host Andrew Mitchell is joined by Kevin Hall, global co-head of natural resource practice group and managing partner at AltoPartners Canada. In this exclusive podcast, Mr. Hall outlines how companies are recruiting effective boards, what some of the common mistakes are when recruiting, and how a different generation is coming into play within boards. According to Mr. Hall, boards need to ensure that they are effective to remain relevant in the age of technology and diversity. Listen now!

In this latest episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ host Andrew Mitchell is joined by Dr. Sabine Dembkowski, managing partner at Better Boards in London. In this exclusive podcast, Dr. Dembkowski outlines what good boards look like, the seven hallmarks of effective boards, and how a different generation is coming into play within boards. According to Dr. Dembkowski, boards need to ensure that they are effective to remain relevant in the 22nd century. Listen now!

A single underperformer can have a devastating effect on a company. And yet, more often than not, employees will not fix their own problems. According to Dr. Russ Riendeau, chief behavioral scientist at New Frontier Search Company, “It is very difficult for people to change or self-correct when they’re not really sure they're doing anything wrong in the first place. So it is important to address and the issue with an employee early on.” In the following podcast, Dr. Riendeau discusses how leaders must have “confidence in themselves to make decisions that are in the best interest of the company.” Listen Now!

In this latest episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ host Andrew Mitchell is joined by John Thacker, partner at Beecher Reagan Advisors. In this exclusive podcast, Mr. Thacker outlines the pros and cons of being an independent worker in today’s workforce, and how gig workers fit into today’s work culture. According to Mr. Thacker, the gig workforce allows companies to scale up or scale down as needed. Gig work also allows individuals the flexibility to take on projects at their convenience. Listen now!

In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks, we delve into the world of AI with our host Andrew Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell is joined alongside both Gene Allmark-Kent and Yaroslav Writtle of Wilton & Bain. According to them, AI is taking the repetitive tasks away from recruiters, and allowing technology to do more of the heavy lifting in terms of research and sourcing. “The important piece here is to know that AI is an enabler that allows organizations to find tools that can replace their existing processes and make a more efficient search experience,” said the recruiters. Listen Now!

In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we discuss the necessary steps a candidate must take in order to stand out from the rest of the pack without manipulating the hiring game. Our host Andrew Mitchell is joined alongside Dr. Russ Riendeau, senior partner & chief behavioral scientist at New Frontier Search Company. According to Dr. Riendeau, “As a candidate, if you try to manipulate or work your way around a weakness, eventually it’s going to come out and you’re not going to get the job. When you go into an interview, it is important to have good facts and documentation around what you have achieved in your role. Qualify what information they need.” Listen now!

In this brand new episode of “Talent Talks,” we delve into the latest career transition developments as our host Andrew Mitchell is joined by Dan Davenport, president of RiseSmart. According to Mr. Davenport, given the strong economy outplacement and career transition services might not be top of mind, but nevertheless it should be a part of every HR leaders strategic planning process. “Employees are smart and they see how employers treat employees,” he said in the accompanying podcast. “We are assisting employers navigate through career transition points successfully while helping their employees find jobs quickly.” That – in turn – he said can have a real positive impact on every company. Listen now!

In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we explore the latest developments in retaining elite talent with our host Andrew Mitchell and Clark R. Beecher, managing partner at Beecher Reagan. According to Mr. Beecher, great talent is in short supply. “There is not enough talent moving up today to fuel the leadership gaps we have now and expect in the future,” said Mr. Beecher. “It is important to understand what motivates people and what their goals are in order to retain them long term.” Listen now.

In this brand new episode of ‘Working Digital,’ we explore the latest developments in recruiting digital leaders with our host Andrew Mitchell. This time around we are joined by Ted Pryor, managing director and Carrie Pryor, managing partner of Greenwich Harbor Partners. According to these digital recruitment specialists, companies need to find innovative, agile, entrepreneurial executives who are technically savvy and that can envision new ways of doing business. Listen now!

In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we delve into the recent developments of the GDPR with our host Andrew Mitchell and Reed Flesher, founder & president of Thrive TRM. “The focus of the legislation is to give greater control to the individual; to manage his or her data,” said Mr. Flesher. “The end result should empower the individual to understand who has their data, how is it being used, and or have the ability to deleted it from a database.” Listen now!

In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we delve into the recent developments of the GDPR from an executive search perspective with our host Andrew Mitchell and Anthony Harling, founder and chief commercial officer of Not Actively Looking. “We’re entering an era where individuals want to manage their own data,” said Mr. Harling. “People want to control their own data, and that is going to drive how search firms behave going forward.” Listen Now!

In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we explore the latest developments in recruiting top AI talent with our host Andrew Mitchell and Ryan Bulkoski, partner at Heidrick & Struggles. According to Mr. Bulkoski, AI will continue to enhance the recruiting process, “and that means elevating and improving” the entire recruitment lifecycle. AI, he said, “will change the way we find talent” in every sector of the economy. Listen now!

In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we delve into what top performers want most from their companies and how those organizations can best retain their employees for long term. Our host Andrew Mitchell is joined by Nancie Whitehouse, founder of Whitehouse Advisors. “Understanding why people leave is important,” said Ms. Whitehouse. “But it’s not about the money anymore. Rather, it is more about employees wanting to receive recognition and benefits rather than a raise in pay.”

In our latest episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ host Andrew Mitchell is joined by Paul Verriez, president of Verriez Executive Search. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Verriez outlines what makes a great recruiter, and what recruiters can improve upon to be more effective. According to Mr. Verriez, being ethical is a crucial characteristic for any recruiter. “As long as you’re honest and have integrity, you’ll go a long way.” Listen now!

In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we delve into how the practice of management assessment is both an art and a science. Our host Andrew Mitchell is joined by Nancie Whitehouse, founder of Whitehouse Advisors. According to Ms. Whitehouse, “You need to make the hiring manager and recruiting team understand that there is a very strong process to recruiting.”

In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we explore ‘Making Your Next Career Move in the Age of Technology’ with Ted Pryor, managing director of Greenwich Harbor Partners. According to Mr. Pryor, technology is rapidly changing the way we work, forcing some professionals to make a “pivot” in their career toward a more digitalized position. “I always recommend to people that they focus on where they can make a contribution, where they will learn, and where they will grow.” Listen now to our latest ‘Working Digital’ podcast.

In this final episode of our 10-part podcast series, ‘Working with Millennials,’ we feature another highly informative QA with Smooch R. Reynolds, a global investor relations and communications executive search expert. According to Ms. Reynolds, Millennials “will define and forge a more gratifying type of work experience for the future.” But will they be happy? Listen Now

In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we tackle ‘How to Interview in the Digital Age’ with Ted Pryor, managing director of Greenwich Harbor Partners. According to Mr. Pryor, technology is rapidly changing the way we work, but it’s also changing the way we interview, something many executives haven’t done in years. “Some executives may not have interviewed in 10 years,” said Mr. Pryor. “Technology has changed in that time period, and they need to be thinking about interviewing in the digital age.” Listen now to our latest ‘Working Digital’ podcast.

In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ we begin a new series called ‘Working Digital’ and will tackle how to 'Accelerate Your Next Career Move' with Ted Pryor, managing director of Greenwich Harbor Partners. According to Mr. Pryor, technology is transforming the business and recruiting industries by providing an ease of access to unlimited databases, which is allowing boutique firms to have a larger footprint than previous years. “Technology is allowing smaller firms to compete with bigger firms,” said Mr. Pryor. “With the ubiquitous availability of data means that smaller firms can compete in a way they couldn’t compete before, and that’s fantastic.” Listen now!

In this ninth episode of our 10-part podcast series, ‘Working with Millennials,’ we feature another highly informative QA with Smooch R. Reynolds, IR communications functional search expert. According to Ms. Reynolds, Millennials are most interested in the fabric of their work environment and how relationships are woven into broader responsibilities. “I think they are almost ‘unknowingly astute’ to focus on the relationship building aspect of their work environment because one of the most sought after skills that management seeks in talent is their ability to develop credible relationships and be influencers across the enterprise.” Listen Now

In this latest episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ host Andrew Mitchell is joined by Nick Cromydas, CEO of The Hunt Club, a referral recruiting service that leverages technology and a front-end automation process to help land passive candidates. In this podcast, Mr. Cromydas touches on how significant technology is to the search industry today and how his firm is using it to build relationships faster than ever before. “The best recruiters build relationships over their entire career,” said Mr. Cromydas. “We think that by using our technology and referral process, we can build those kinds of relationships in a day.”

In this eighth episode of our 10-part podcast series, ‘Working with Millennials,’ we feature another highly informative QA with Smooch Reynolds, IR communications functional search expert. According to Ms. Reynolds, the process of communication is the most critical fundamental for any business looking to recognize potential in a millennial. To that end, Millennials need an established relationship within the workplace in order to develop and grow within a company and not bail after a few months. "When you think about the fundamental tenets of any successful relationship, one of the most critical is communication," said Ms. Reynolds. "Without it, there is not relationship that will develop into a mutually trusting one where both sides learn to become interdependent in a healthy, productive and gratifying manner." Listen Now

In this seventh episode of our 10-part podcast series, ‘Working with Millennials,’ we feature another highly informative QA with Smooch Reynolds, IR communications functional search expert. According to Ms. Reynolds, the transfer of knowledge through mentoring is a vital part to the success of any business. To that end, Millennials and Baby Boomers are establishing important work partnerships. “Mentorship is always important no matter the generation,” said Ms. Reynolds. “I think anytime two generations can exchange their unique ‘secret sauce’ to success, it becomes a mutually beneficial relationship.” Listen Now

In this sixth episode of our 10-part podcast series, ‘Working with Millennials,’ we feature another highly informative QA with Smooch Reynolds, Smooch Reynolds, IR communications functional search expert. According to Ms. Reynolds, HR professionals are increasingly concerned about how to best cater to Millennials’ workplace needs. Talent acquisition leaders recommend certain employee benefits to help mangers bolster their appeal. Problem is, it’s not working. “Millennials are a generation that wants positive feedback immediately and to be making forward momentum in their lives at all times,” said Ms. Reynolds. “This is a restless generation, in some respects, that demands a ‘feedback loop’ that is different than what managers have been expected to provide in the past.” Listen Now

In this fifth episode of our 10-part podcast series, ‘Working with Millennials,’ we feature another highly informative QA with Smooch Reynolds, IR communications functional search expert. According to Ms. Reynolds, a Millennial dominated workplace will soon be a reality. But companies seem stuck in second gear when trying to figure out how to attract and recruit them to their businesses. Companies that don’t figure this demographic group soon, says Ms. Reynolds, will be left at a competitive disadvantage. Smart management teams need to interact in a genuine manner with Millennials and make an effort to invest in learning through their lens. Listen Now

This podcast episode features a short QA with Tom Christopher, co-founder and CEO of The Christopher Group, one of the nation’s leading executive search firms specializing in the human resources field. Tom has close to three decades of experience in HR and executive recruiting. He is an organizational consultant who takes the search for HR leadership one step further by assisting clients in leadership strategy, assessment, comp benefits benchmarking and managing executive transitions. That work all happens at the VP, SVP and CHRO level. For all the value that those who occupy the chief human resource officer (CHRO) seat have brought to their companies over the years, it is only now that the role has begun to claim the fullest respect and attention of top leadership. And as a result, the hunt for top flight CHROs has never been as competitive as it is right now. To address this talent need, Tom Christopher is now leveraging his knowledge and his vast network of connections as he helps to reshape the HR landscape at leading companies around the country. “HR leaders,” as Tom points out in this informative podcast, “are now integral ‘business strategy’ players in the C-suite.” And that, he said, makes the hunt for seasoned human resource talent one of the top leadership priorities at American companies today.

In this fourth podcast episode of our 10-part podcast series, ‘Working with Millennials,’ we feature another highly informative discussion with Smooch Reynolds, IR communications functional search expert. According to Ms. Reynolds, a key to this generation's success is their comfort and interest in accepting new roles which they view as steppingstones along their career path. The vast majority of Millennials see ongoing skills development as an important part of their future careers. They would pay for it personally and give up their own time to do it. But there are varying degrees of desire, capability and commitment to learning, making it vitally important to understand the current state of Millennial thinking. Listen Now.

This podcast episode features a short QA with Mark Oppenheimer, group chief commercial innovation officer for global talent consultancy boutique Marlin Hawk. Based in New York City, Mark is the chief architect behind his firm’s vision and just-launched candidate assessment analytics tool. As Mark points out, organizations everywhere are looking for better ways to recruit and retain good quality people to drive effectiveness and performance in their business. Executive search firms are stepping up with an array of assessment tools that are making massive strides in the field of candidate assessment analytics. Their hope and desire is to discover the leaders of tomorrow before someone else does! It is, today, the hottest area in the talent management and leadership sector. One of the more enticing assessment launches comes this week from Marlin Hawk, which offers a suite of leadership advisory services catering to all aspects of the talent agenda. Branded ‘ATHENA’ after the Greek goddess, the name intentionally suggests a fusion of wisdom, courage, inspiration, justice, mathematics, strategy, arts and crafts. It is a behavioral and personality assessment tool designed to peel back the layers to uncover a candidate’s deeper personality and tendencies – revealing how they are wired and what motivates them to succeed. Could ATHENA be the break-through assessment tool we have all been waiting for? Mark Oppenheimer tells us in this highly engaging and informative podcast.

This podcast episode features Willie Carrington, the founder of Carrington Carrington – one of the most well-respected African American search firms in the nation. Willie is the recruiter behind the recent placement of McDonald’s global chief diversity officer. It is arguably the most important global chief diversity officer search to come along in years. Willie tells us why he turned to Major League Baseball to find his lead candidate, he discusses the challenges of replacing a leader who’s been in place for 40 years, and he gives an inside look at the unusual succession plan currently underway in McDonald’s diversity C-suite. Willie has been playing his trade in the recruiting profession for 37 years. His belief has always been a simple one: “strength through diversity and inclusion.” That personal and professional creedo has helped Willie keep his client’s businesses competitive by keeping their talent pipelines diverse. Willie Carrington takes us inside a remarkable search in this not-to-be missed podcast.

This podcast episode features a short QA with CEO Keith Mullin, of Mullin International, a global outplacement redeployment firm. Based in New York City, Mullin is a trusted leader in assisting companies engaged in critical management changes. Under Keith’s stewardship, Mullin brings a multi-dimensional approach to workforce redeployment, weaving 36 years of experience with 21st century proprietary technology. Mullin International is known for its innovation, passion and high standards when transitioning departing employees. The way companies and their employees part ways has completely changed. Job-hopping may be at an all-time high, but employers today understand that loyalty doesn't go away when employees walk out the door. In fact, according to just-released analytics from Mullin International, leveraging talent relationships is now seen as critical to the job search process, and even more so to a company's brand. Mullin has been collecting data on thousands of transitioning employees. We’re here today with Keith to break it all down - to better understand the employer-employee relationship.

This podcast episode features Jack 'Rusty' O'Kelley, head of board consulting and effectiveness practice at Russell Reynolds Associates, one of the world’s leading executive search and leadership consulting advisory firms. Russell Reynolds uses trends and insights culled from companies from around the globe to help its client base stay competitive. The firm’s consultants take this data to customize client-focused consulting solutions to meet their client’s talent and human capital management needs. Nothing is more important to a company today than driving culture. What is sometimes overlooked is where this effort truly begins: in the boardroom – where every decision carries the weight of the organization on its back. Corporate boards, therefore, need to be recognized, shaped and fostered for maximum effectiveness. Russell Reynolds Associates recently set out to capture the essence and behaviors that create a high performing board culture and that drive board effectiveness. We're here today with Mr. O'Kelley who co-authored this just-released report. His task is to break it all down for us, to take us inside the boardroom -- and to reveal how he and his colleagues are taking boards from good to great.

In this ‘Talent Talks’ podcast episode, Jason Hanold, CEO and managing partner of Hanold Associates, a specialist boutique focused on HR officer search and board recruiting, discusses with us the CHRO’s rise to the C-suite and the CEO / CHRO relationship. But changing times have helped to elevate the position to new heights. The CHRO, of course, has always played an essential role. For all the value that those who occupy the chief human resources officer seat have brought to their companies over the years, it is only now that the role has begun to claim the fullest respect and attention of top leadership. In partnership with CEOs, chief human resource officers (CHROs) are playing increasingly critical roles to ensure companies win the war for talent and maximize employee motivation across the globe. Listen Now.

In this ‘podcast episode, Chuck Cain, a senior partner with Harvard Group International, discusses the evolving relationship between sports teams and executive search firms. Mr. Cain, who leads Harvard Group’s growing global sports, leisure entertainment practice, said that recruiters are being called in by sports teams and consumer brands to identify a host of leaders, from coaches and athletic directors to heads of marketing, finance, and sales as well as general manager roles. The relationship between sports teams and executive search firms is rapidly expanding and now extends beyond merely recruiting. Seasoned recruiters are providing strategic planning advice with the capability of applying their findings to speed along the process in the hunt for talent. Mr. Cain is here with us today to break it all down. Listen Now.

In this third podcast episode of our 10-part podcast series, ‘Working with Millennials,’ we feature another highly informative discussion with Smooch Reynolds, IR communications functional search expert. According to Ms. Reynolds, if this generation holds true to their passions and interests then as a result four years from now they will play a much larger role in society and business and from this maturity they will be very different influencers on the political scene and in the workplace.” Our comprehensive analysis of the 2016 Millennial electorate suggests that the youth turnout remained about the same as in 2012. Nothing, it seems, in this election cycle excited this important demographic group to get out their vote. The presidency is now set for the next four years, and for Millennials – like everyone else – its back to work time. Listen Now.

Smooch Reynolds is one of the most respected C-suite executive recruiters in the country. She’s currently an IR and Communications Functional Search Expert. She’s been an IR and communications functional search expert for more than 20 years, and before that she was, herself, a chief communications officer. During the last 15 years, Smooch has added more than $300 billion in valuation to client organizations through her IRO search work and she remains a key behind-the-scenes advisor to CEOs about their corporate brand advancement. But Smooch has always been known as forward thinking. And today her insight is becoming just as invaluable in the sphere of young, up and coming millennial talent. In this second episode of our 10-part podcast series, ‘Working With Millennials,’ Smooch takes us inside the world of Millennials and politics. Listen Now.

Smooch Reynolds is one of the most respected C-suite executive recruiters in the country. She's currently an IR and communications functional search expert. She's been an IR and communications functional search expert for more than 20 years, and before that she was, herself, a chief communications officer. During the last 15 years, Smooch has added more than $300 billion in valuation to client organizations through her IRO search work and she remains a key behind-the-scenes advisor to CEOs about their corporate brand advancement. Fortune Brand, Diebold, Hyatt Hotels Grant Thornton, American Water Works and a line of other leading companies come to Smooch for advice and counsel. But Smooch has always been known as forward thinking. And today her insight is becoming just as invaluable in the sphere of young, up and coming millennial talent. So who better to kick off this 10-part podcast series, 'Working With Millennials,' than this dynamic, highly sought after recruitment leader. Smooch takes us inside the world of Millennials, providing invaluable insight, smart tips and her unvarnished perspective. Listen Now.

This podcast episode features Russ Riendeau, partner at Jobplex, a DHR International company based in Chicago, where he’s been active in the executive search sector since 1985. He is the author of seven books on executive leadership, peak performance and sales strategies. With a Ph.D in behavioral psychology, Dr. Riendeau has served as an adjunct instructor at Northwestern University and General Electric’s in-house university. Increasing the odds of successful hires – and then finding ways to retain them for longer periods of time – is now the holy grail of talent management leaders. Dr. Riendeau takes us through the hiring spectrum, focusing on the need for better training and how to get more value, while reducing risk, using proven interviewing techniques. His objective is to create a system of accountability for hiring managers – and to increase their success in hiring at all levels within their organizations. His insight is compelling, straightforward and is likely to reset how many hiring professionals approach the one task that they do every day: speaking with candidates.