PLAY PODCASTS
The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam Posner

The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam Posner

614 episodes — Page 1 of 13

BEST OF: Tom Conrad's Journey: Innovating from Apple to Pandora, Snapchat and Beyond

Jun 26, 202655 min

From Founding TaskRabbit to Venture Capital: Leah Solivan's Journey

Jun 19, 202642 min

Tracey Parsons: Reimagining Recruitment: Influencer Marketing for Jobs

Jun 12, 202646 min

BEST OF: Walking Barefoot Across the US for Mens Mental Health Awareness: Anton Nootenboom

Jun 5, 202657 min

Unlocking Human Potential: Torrance Hampton’s Journey of Self Discovery

May 29, 202647 min

The Messy Middle of HR Tech Nobody's Solving — Until Now. Onboarded Co-Founder Mike Johnson (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

May 22, 20269 min

One Size Fits Many: How Wellhub Turned Personalized Wellbeing Into a Retention Strategy: CPO Lívia de Bastos Martini (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

May 21, 202613 min

AI Offense and AI Defense: How Greenhouse Is Redesigning Its Entire Interview Process: VP of People Transformation, Ariana Moon (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

May 20, 202616 min

We Went from Doing More to Doing Better: HR Tech Analyst Kyle Lagunas's State of the Union on AI (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

May 19, 202616 min

You Can't Improve What You Can't See: The Origin Story of BrightHire: Teddy ChestnutL (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

May 18, 202615 min

The Part After Cancer Nobody Prepares You For — A Conversation Between Two Survivors: Geoffrey Rogow & Adam Posner

May 15, 20261h 27m

Skills Over Experience: How Udemy Rebuilt Its Hiring Framework: Ale Pegnim (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

May 14, 202613 min

The Best Candidate is in Slot Number One. Pin's CEO Steven Lu on Rebuilding Recruiting Search (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

May 13, 20268 min

How to Find a Job When Everything Feels Impossible: Angel Cruzado's Secret Sauce (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

May 12, 202614 min

Treat People Like Adults: thredUP's Radical Approach to Work-Life Balance: CPO Natalie Breece (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

May 11, 202616 min

Your Benefits Are Great. Too Bad Nobody Knows About Them: Jon Cove (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

May 7, 202616 min

David Hanrahan: Global Benefits, Local Needs: SolarWinds' CPO on Managing People Across 6 Countries (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

May 6, 202617 min

People Are the Least Predictable Thing in the World: Nancy Hauge LIVE @ Transform 2026

May 5, 202611 min

Lucia Guillory: The CPO With a PhD in People: Lucia Guillory on Honesty, Belonging & Benefits That Actually Matter (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

May 4, 202612 min

Dave Meltzer: Don't Do Business with Dicks: The Key to Toxic-Free Success

May 1, 202630 min

From AI to Human Value: What's Really Changed in the World of Work: Kyle Forrest (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

Apr 30, 202612 min

Burnout, Benefits & the Board: West Monroe's Chief People Officer Tanya Moore (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

Apr 29, 202619 min

From Agency Grind to SoundCloud: How Allie Shulman Found Her People in HR (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

Apr 28, 202618 min

Building Teams Where Humanity Meets High Performance: Angela Briggs-Paige (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

Apr 27, 202615 min

People-First at 1Password: Katya Laviolette on Benefits, Culture & Hiring in the AI Era (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

Apr 23, 202622 min

Hiring in 6 Minutes: The Future of Frontline Recruiting: Pete Eisenman: LIVE @ Transform 2026

Apr 22, 202616 min

Fix the Roots: Why Most Workplace Culture Fails: Abi Adamson & Adam Posner: LIVE @ Transform 2026

Apr 21, 202629 min

Inside the Future Workforce with Visa’s HR Leader: Maribel Diz (LIVE @ Unleash 2026)

Apr 20, 202615 min

Golfing with Legends: Lessons from PGA Pro Jay Delsing

Apr 17, 202643 min

We’re Building the Titanic of AI: Jess Von Bank (LIVE @ Unleash 2026)

Apr 16, 202614 min

Suzan Vulaj: Inside Talent Acquisition at NBCUniversal: What Actually Works (Live @ Unleash 2026)

Apr 15, 202617 min

Maryjo Charbonnier: From Jobs to Skills: How AI Is Rewiring the Workforce (Live @ Unleash 2026)

Apr 14, 202610 min

Paul Rubenstein @ Visier: Why HR Must Rethink Work in the Age of AI (Live @ Unleash 2026)

Apr 13, 202618 min

Dulari Amin: From Fashion Dreams to Entrepreneurial Success

Apr 10, 202642 min

How AI Is Fixing the Most Broken Part of Hiring: Aman Shah- Safira (Live @ Unleash 2026)

Apr 9, 20269 min

Inside Enterprise HR & Talent Strategy with Toshiba CHRO Jason Desentz (Live @ Unleash 2026)

Apr 7, 202624 min

The AI Arms Race (That No One’s Winning): Matt Charney (Live @ Unleash 2026)

Apr 7, 202620 min

Ep 496From Streetwear to Gaming: The Evolution of Greg Selkoe

E

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale. To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner. Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Takeaways - Greg Selkoe's journey reflects the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. - Cultural influences play a significant role in shaping business ideas. - Karma Loop was a pioneer in streetwear and e-commerce. - Navigating growth requires learning from mistakes and adapting. - The collapse of Karma Loop taught valuable lessons about resilience. - XSET aims to redefine gaming culture and community engagement. - Authenticity in branding is crucial in today's market. - Hiring for cultural fit is as important as skills and experience. - Success is defined by happiness and meaningful experiences, not just money. - The importance of self-awareness and managing stress in business. It's important to balance personal commitments with professional responsibilities. - Financial strategies are crucial when dealing with large investments. - Effective event planning requires clear communication and coordination. - Marketing partnerships can significantly enhance brand visibility. - Live streaming offers unique opportunities for audience engagement. - Collaboration within a team is essential for success. - Final preparations are critical to ensure a smooth launch. - Understanding audience dynamics can drive attendance and participation. - Post-event reflections can inform future strategies. - Maintaining strong relationships with partners is key to ongoing success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Greg Selkoe and His Journey 09:21 The Birth of Karma Loop 18:07 The Collapse of Karma Loop and Personal Reflection 25:25 Building XSET: A New Era in Gaming and Culture 33:40 Hiring for Values and Culture

Apr 3, 202641 min

Ep 495Jay Paterno: Leading Through Change in College Football

E

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale. To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner. Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Takeaways - Jay Paterno emphasizes the importance of accountability in leadership. - The influence of Joe Paterno shaped Jay's views on leadership and responsibility. - Coaches must set clear expectations and standards for accountability. - Lessons learned from coaching experiences can be applied to leadership in various fields. - The NIL era has changed the dynamics of college sports significantly. - Mental health is a growing concern for both players and coaches in college sports. - Building a strong team culture is essential for success. - Empathy and discipline must be balanced in coaching. - Writing 'Blitz' provided insights into the challenges of modern college football. - Corruption and accountability issues are prevalent in college sports. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jay Paterno and His Legacy 02:24 The Influence of Joe Paterno on Leadership 04:23 Accountability in Leadership 06:02 Core Values and Team Dynamics 08:06 Lessons from Early Coaching Experiences 10:00 The Pressures of Modern College Football 11:57 NIL and Its Impact on College Sports 12:53 Mental Health and Performance Pressure 13:51 The Role of Coaches in Player Development 15:29 The Business Model of College Football 16:15 Potential Course Corrections in College Sports 18:07 Leadership Under Pressure in Sports and Beyond 21:57 Identifying Cultural Signals in Sports and Business 25:16 The Balance of Empathy and Discipline in Coaching 26:42 Navigating Gender Equity in Sports 29:23 The Importance of Mental Health in Leadership 31:10 Addressing Corruption and Accountability in College Sports 34:33 Defining Success and Excellence in Leadership

Mar 27, 202642 min

Ep 294BEST OF: Julia Menez: How to Hack and Maximize Airline Points

Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Chapters: 2:48 - Life and Career before becoming a professional 4:06 - High School era and Tattoo inspiration 4:51 - Travel Experience 8:06 - Stay in China and culture difference 9:45 - First taste of Exotic Food 10:51 - Understanding the travel moments / The Aha Moment 12:51 - GeoBreeze - the origin 13:04 - Learning from Corporate America 13:56 - Overall Point Strategy 15:42 - Travel points Hack 16:54 - Value of points and transfers 18:25 - Earning vs Burning Ratio 19:36 - Getting a Better Deal 22:32 - Common Traveling Mistakes 24:17 - Favorite transfer sites 25:27 - Hidden fees 26:18 - Best Airline with Status update potential 27:49 - Airport Lounge situation 28:41 - Secret Auxiliary benefits 31:09 - Secret Reservations 31:57 - Wrong Information out there 33:37 - Massive Brilliant point redemption experience 36:10 - Exciting challenges in business 38:30 - Percentage Savings / Pragmatic Approach 39:45 - Next Travel destination on wishlist 41:03 - Best and Worst Airlines 42:39 - Message for people stuck in 9-5 jobs 44:00 - Julia's Super power 45:00 - Julia's North Star

Mar 20, 202647 min

Ep 494Neal Tricarico: Transforming Grief into Purpose

E

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale. To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner. Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Takeaways - Grief is a universal experience that transcends individual circumstances. - Love and connection are essential in navigating loss and grief. - Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, especially for men. - Community support plays a crucial role in healing and resilience. - Awareness and open conversations about mental health can save lives. - The journey of grief can lead to profound personal growth and transformation. - Finding purpose in pain can create a legacy that honors lost loved ones. - It's important to recognize and address the signs of mental health struggles in others. - Creating safe spaces for dialogue about mental health is vital for youth. - The power of storytelling can foster connection and understanding in communities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Grief and Purpose 01:14 Navigating Loss and Finding Grace 05:52 The Complexity of Grief 09:56 Living with Duality: Joy and Pain 12:49 The Role of Community in Healing 18:09 Faith and the Power of Connection 23:46 The Journey of Giving and Receiving 30:20 Creating a Legacy from Loss 32:58 Navigating Parenthood Through Adversity 40:51 The Birth of a Movement: Endurance 47:41 Sacred Transformation: Beyond Survival 50:30 Enduring with Love: Finding Strength in Vulnerability 56:31 Understanding the Signs: Preventing Tragedy 01:00:16 Messages of Hope: Honoring Anthony's Legacy

Mar 13, 20261h 7m

Ep 493Ashley Herd: The Manager Method: A Practical Framework to Lead, Support & Get Results

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale. To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner. Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Takeaways - Ashley Heard emphasizes the importance of proper training for first-time managers. - Promoting strong individual contributors to management roles can lead to failure without support. - Management styles can be categorized into 'tight jeans' and 'cozy joggers' to illustrate different approaches. - The Pause, Consider, Act framework helps managers make thoughtful decisions under pressure. - Intentional leadership is crucial for fostering a positive team environment. - Leadership development should be an ongoing process, not a one-time event. - AI can enhance leadership by providing tools for better decision-making and communication. - Cultural sensitivity is essential for effective management in diverse teams. - Success in leadership is defined by passion for work and a balanced life. - The Manager Method book provides practical frameworks for effective management. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Development 02:54 The Journey to Law and Corporate Life 05:59 The Challenges of Promoting Managers 09:00 Management Styles: Tight Jeans vs. Cozy Joggers 11:46 The Pause, Consider, Act Framework 15:02 Navigating Toxic Management 18:02 The Manager Method Book Launch 20:36 Self-Discovery Through Writing 22:22 The Importance of Continuous Leadership Development 23:38 AI: A Tool for Human Connection 26:57 Using AI to Enhance Team Dynamics 29:14 The Human Element in Performance Reviews 32:07 Evolving as a People Leader 34:44 The Positive Side of HR 35:54 Navigating the Future of Work 37:43 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 39:16 Defining Success in Work and Life

Mar 6, 202641 min

Ep 492Why Do We Repeat Our Mistakes? Insights from Kati Morton

E

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale. To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner. Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Takeaways "We don't take the time to think about if we like our therapist." "Words have power; we speak them into existence." "You should feel like you like them; it's pretty comfortable." "We often give our partners the least energy, love, and support." "You have to consider whether you'd go to them for advice; if not, don't take their feedback." "Control gives us a sense of safety, but we can only control ourselves." "Healing is not a straight line; it's two steps forward, one step back." "Be curious, not judgmental, about your process." "Relationships are everything to me; if I'm not supporting them, something's wrong." "You have to unlearn the patterns that are no longer serving you." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kati Morton 01:07 The Importance of Mental Health 06:59 Navigating Therapy: Finding the Right Fit 10:06 The Power of Language in Mental Health 16:39 Understanding Eldest Daughter Syndrome 20:39 Patterns in Love and Attraction 28:39 Recognizing Love Bombing and Red Flags 32:38 Control, Anxiety, and Burnout 38:05 The Journey of Healing and Self-Trust 39:48 Kati's New Book: Why Do I Keep Doing This? 46:00 Kati's North Star: The Importance of Connection

Feb 27, 202650 min

Ep 491Nir Bashan: Unlocking Creativity: The Key to Workplace Innovation

E

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcastFor all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Takeaways- Creativity is a skill, not a personality trait.- In-person collaboration enhances creativity and problem-solving.- Complaining is seductive but unproductive; focus on solutions instead.- The fear of being wrong stifles innovation; embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.- Old-school skills are becoming the new techniques for success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nir Bashan and His Journey05:08 The State of Creativity in Advertising10:07 The Importance of In-Person Collaboration15:00 Reframing Creativity as a Skill19:47 Shifting from Complaining to Creating24:56 The Cost of Ignoring Creativity

Feb 20, 202631 min

Ep 490Kimberly Storin: Zoom CMO: Navigating the Future of Marketing

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcastFor all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Takeaways- Curiosity drives success in marketing and leadership.- Eating the frog means tackling the hardest tasks first.- Building relationships with finance is crucial for marketing leaders.- Organizational culture is defined by behaviors and values.- Experiential marketing is making a comeback in the digital age.- AI should enhance human engagement, not replace it.- Remote work requires new strategies for effective communication.- Marketing must focus on long-term value and customer lifetime.- Nonprofits need to communicate their impact effectively to engage donors.- The future of work will involve multi-generational collaboration.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kim Storen and Her Journey02:50 The Impact of Early Experiences on Career Choices05:49 Curiosity and the Importance of Tackling Challenges08:57 Interviewing for Curiosity and Problem-Solving Skills12:10 Joining Zoom: A CMO's Perspective15:01 Building a Marketing Strategy at Zoom17:57 The Role of Finance in Marketing19:52 Defining Organizational Culture21:56 The Renaissance of Experiential Marketing24:52 The Cost of Community Engagement32:34 Navigating AI and Human Connection34:58 Adapting Marketing Strategies in a Hybrid World36:54 Measuring Experience Quality Beyond Attendance41:59 Shifting Focus from Presence to Progress45:11 Engaging Donors in a Hybrid Philanthropic Landscape48:32 The Future of Work and Multi-Generational Collaboration50:50 Defining Success and Career Advice

Feb 13, 202654 min

Ep 489Jason Walker: Why Empathy is Crucial in HR

E

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcastFor all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Takeaways- Jason Walker's journey into HR was influenced by his dyslexia and strong people skills.- Empathy is crucial in HR, especially for those who have faced challenges.- AI has disrupted traditional job searching methods, making networking more important.- Job seekers need to adopt a warrior mentality to compete in the current market.- Companies are hesitant to hire due to uncertainty about future needs.- AI tools can help streamline hiring processes but may lead to a competitive environment.- Job hugging reflects employees' fears of job security and market instability.- Hybrid work models present challenges for employee engagement and development.- HR leaders must focus on maintaining culture and employee appreciation during tough times.- Fractional HR services provide cost-effective solutions for companies needing specialized support. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jason Walker and ThriveHR Consulting02:32 Jason's Journey into HR and Empathy Development05:01 The Changing Talent Landscape and AI's Impact11:14 The AI War: Job Seekers vs Employers12:18 Positive Uses of AI in Hiring Processes18:45 Understanding Job Hugging in Today's Market20:47 The Hybrid Work Model: Pros and Cons23:42 Culture, Burnout, and Compliance Risks in HR27:02 Practical AI Adoption in HR32:37 Fractional HR: A Growing Demand37:47 Actionable Advice for Job Seekers40:42 Optimism in the HR Landscape

Feb 6, 202644 min

Ep 488Brooke Dukes: The Power of Intuition in Leadership

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcastFor all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Takeaways- Working hard, especially as a woman, we typically think if we can just outwork the men, then we'll get what we deserve.- Belief ingrained in me that you had to struggle and work hard and grind it out to be able to have success.- My life's work is really about teaching people that slowing down, getting more into the body, out of the head, into the body.- Listening to your intuition, you're your own biggest success strategy.

Jan 30, 202640 min

Ep 487Jeff Williams: How to Engage Employees in Change

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcastFor all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Takeaways- The biggest misconception is that most people are excited about transformation.- A small percentage of the workforce drives the majority of results.- The top 20% of employees contribute to 80% of outcomes.- The top 1% can drive a quarter of the results.- Most employees are tied to their current work methods.- Transformation may not feel significant to the majority.- Business leaders often assume support without engagement.- Engaging employees is crucial for successful transformation.- There is often an under-investment in change management.- Leaders must facilitate change rather than just declare it. 00:00 – Welcome & Jeff’s Backstory in HR TransformationAdam kicks off the POZcast and introduces Jeff Williams, president and CFO at Aptia, walking through his career leading massive HR and business transformation efforts at Paychex, ADP, Alight, Aon and more.01:13 – Growing Up With a Self-Made FatherJeff shares his family story: born Canadian, raised American, youngest of eight, and the journey of his dad going from drafting apprentice to CEO at the same company over 33 years—and the lessons embedded in that.02:35 – Early Lessons: Hard Work, Humor & LossJeff reflects on what he learned from his father before losing him at 19: the value of hard work, eating fast at a crowded table, and keeping humor and lightness at the center of life and leadership.03:45 – From Telecom to the People Business (ADP Entry Point)Jeff explains how he moved from technology and telecom into human capital, taking on the role leading ADP’s Canadian operations and discovering the power of the HR and benefits space.04:38 – Hiring at a High Bar: Talent, Drive & InstinctsAdam asks how Jeff hired to ADP’s level. Jeff lays out his hiring philosophy: ambition beyond natural gifts, complementary skills, people better than him in key areas—and why he trusts his instincts on fit.06:25 – Real Leadership: Hiring People Better Than YouThey dig into succession, “making yourself dispensable,” and the idea that if you can’t take a vacation without everything falling apart, that’s a failure of leadership, not a badge of honor.07:30 – Pre-Email Days & The Human Side of WorkJeff remembers the 286/386 era and talks about how, before digital tools, people invested more in each other in person—inside and outside of work—and how that shaped deeper relationships.08:43 – Remote Work, COVID, and an Isolated WorkforceThey go deep on the pandemic: the rapid shift home, the early productivity spike, inflation pressures, relocation, and the rise of isolation and mental health issues as remote work took hold.11:10 – Young Workers, Office Longing & Loyalty ShiftsAdam shares what he’s seeing with candidates who actually want to be in-office to learn through osmosis. Jeff talks about building the next generation of leaders and how in-person time rebuilds fabric and loyalty.13:32 – Mental Health, Home Setups & Productivity RealityThey unpack the assumption that everyone has an ideal home workspace—calling out caregiving, cramped spaces, kids, and distractions—and how that’s quietly driving some people back to the office.14:51 – Why Jeff Bet on Aptia & the Move to BostonJeff explains what drew him to Aptia: the chance to build something differentiated and lasting, formalize his cross-border life, and finally live and work in the same country as his family.17:42 – The Big Vision: Building the Best Benefits Company in AmericaJeff outlines his ambition to build the best (not necessarily biggest) benefits services and administration company—one loved by clients, employees, and partners while supporting the communities they serve.19:04 – Benefits as a Talent Magnet: Total Rewards, Not Just SalaryThey talk about smart candidates, how benefits (health, financial, time off, ancillary) close offers, and why companies need to position total rewards early and clearly in the hiring process.21:13 – Closing the Benefits Understanding GapJeff shares the reality: most employees don’t fully understand or appreciate their benefits. He talks about accessibility, education, and surfacing value in ways employees actually grasp.22:33 – Introducing Aptia One: Seamless, AI-Led Benefits ExperienceJeff breaks down Aptia One—how it’s designed to create simple, AI-led, consumer-grade experiences for employees, employers, and partners across phone, web, and natural language interfaces.25:14 – How Jeff Is Personally Upsk

Jan 23, 202647 min

Ep 486Kelly McGinnis: The Balance of Ambition and Fulfillment

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcastFor all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Takeaways- Kelly's five rule philosophy empowers teams to perform at their best.- Self-awareness is crucial in identifying what you enjoy and excel at.- Leaders must differentiate between urgent and important tasks.- Hiring for values alignment is more important than cultural fit.- Mental marination is essential for strategic decision-making.- Work-life balance is a myth; harmony is the goal.- Trust is the foundation of effective leadership.- Ambition should be aligned with personal values and fulfillment.- Delegation is key to effective leadership and team empowerment.- Success is about leaving a positive legacy rather than just achieving titles. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kelly McGinnis03:16 Early Influences and Career Path06:12 Lessons from Early Corporate Experiences11:18 Navigating Leadership and Management15:05 Hiring for Culture and Values18:11 The Myth of the 100-Hour Work Week20:46 Finding Harmony in Work and Life23:10 Building Trust for Sustainable Success24:35 Ambition vs. Alignment: Finding Fulfillment27:44 Mental Marination: The Key to Effective Leadership30:38 Balancing Urgency and Importance in Leadership34:51 The Art of Delegation and Trust in Teams38:51 Navigating Difficult Conversations: Letting People Go41:36 Redefining Success: Legacy and Happiness

Jan 16, 202646 min

Ep 485Jordan Gaspari: The Game of Recruiting: Insights from the Field

E

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcastFor all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Takeaways- Recruiting success is measured by a percentage of wins.- Personal experiences can profoundly influence professional motivations.- Life's challenges can provide clarity on what truly matters.- Caring about your work leads to emotional investment in outcomes.- Resilience is key in navigating the ups and downs of business.- Perspective shifts can arise from significant life events.- The importance of providing the right solutions in business.- Emotional roller coasters are part of the people business.- Understanding losses is crucial for growth in recruiting.- Finding meaning in work can stem from personal experiences.Chapters [00:01] Welcome + Why We’re Here — Adam tees up the POZcast mission and today’s focus.[00:01] Guest Intro: Jordan Gasparri — From growing up in recruiting to founding Exclusent and winning an Inc. Power Partner Award.[01:16] Warming Up — Jordan joins; mutual respect and setting the table.[02:16] Growing Up with a Recruiter Dad — Early exposure, high-school internship, and falling in love with the craft.[03:21] Thrill of the Hunt — Why negotiation hooked Jordan and how recruiters drive real comp outcomes.[04:19] Old-School Lessons — Pre-LinkedIn fundamentals: presentability, first impressions, and context by role.[05:41] Art vs. Science — Motivation mapping, relationship foundations, and what tech can’t replace.[06:37] Founding Exclusent After Loss — Channeling grief into purpose, betting on yourself, and early survival.[08:08] Agency vs. Solo — The leap from desk to founder, support systems, and the “eat what you kill” mindset.[10:17] ‘Unhireable’ Bias — The corporate return dilemma for entrepreneurs and what hiring teams miss.[12:13] Taking Bigger Swings — Compounding courage, offices, gear, and managing the losses (baseball analogy).[14:11] Handling Failures Fast — Day-of fury, next-day reset; contingency realities and resilience.[16:47] AI + Authenticity — What Exclusent automates (sourcing, verification, notes) vs. what stays human (relationships).[18:19] Tools in the Stack — Sourcing evolution, AI interviews for access + fairness, caution on agentic outreach.[20:08] New Roles in TA — Vendor bets, process owners, and the rise of AI/TA SMEs.[22:36] Volume, Speed, and CX — Instant assessments, fewer ghosted candidates, smarter human time.[25:28] Negotiation Masterclass — Real-market intel over Glassdoor, lever trading (base, equity, PTO), and tough love.[27:17] Salary Bands & Candor — Setting expectations, transparency on caps, and why companies pay for value.[29:16] The Negotiation Room — Jordan’s new series: real back-and-forths, 3-minute breakdowns, teachable plays.[31:41] Offer Horror Stories — Sunday-night reversals, bonus games, and ethics fails caught on Gong.[36:23] The Next 5 Years — A tight team of 10 great recruiters, sensible AI, and protecting service quality.[37:58] Advice to Younger Self — Calm down, ride the waves, keep shipping good work.[38:52] Never Lift Off the Gas — Consistency lessons from dry spells; content + practitioner balance.[40:10] What Keeps Him Up — Housing hunt, macro uncertainty, and waiting for clearer signals.[41:33] Defining Success — Peace of mind over vanity metrics; doing work you’re proud of.[42:48] Wrap + Calls to Action — Where to find Jordan/Exclusent and how to support the show.

Jan 9, 202644 min