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.

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

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.

Improving the candidate experience has been a perpetual goal in recruiting. Despite the best intentions, the improvement process's effectiveness still ebbs and flows with the changes in supply and demand in the labor market. However, are things finally about to change? Ever since the exponential acceleration in the development of AI, I've been excited about the possibility of technology delivering a genuinely personalized candidate experience at scale. So, what does this vision look like? Which elements are already possible, and what do TA leaders need to do to make it a reality? My guest this week is Don Tomlinson, CTO at Daxtra. In our conversation, Don gives us a refreshingly pragmatic view of the AI use cases that can combine to build a personalized candidate experience and highlights pitfalls and dangers to be aware of. In the interview, we discuss: Using AI to diversify talent pools Taking out the background noise Personalizing the candidate's experience in real-time Bespoke communication at scale Automatically tailoring the hiring process to individual circumstances. Transparency The dangers of losing the human touch Efficiencies, investment, and ROI Build vs Buy, Core Vs Complementary AI self-auditing to improve strategy and process What will the future look like? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

In this lively episode, Chad Sowash and Joel Cheesman sit down with Quincy Valencia, SVP of Innovation at Harri, at the HR Tech conference. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Quincy offers her candid insights on the overhyped AI trend, emphasizing that companies should focus on the outcomes AI can deliver rather than getting lost in technical jargon. She highlights how AI has evolved since ChatGPT’s launch, moving beyond basic functionalities to transformative real-time data applications in industries like hospitality. As she discusses the future of HR technology, Quincy predicts continued shifts toward integrated ecosystems and strategic partnerships, suggesting that adaptability and innovation are critical for survival. The conversation wraps up with her advice for cautious companies exploring AI: prioritize business results over the technology’s novelty. Chapter Timecodes 1. 0:00 - Podcast Intro 2. 2:31 - Meet Quincy Valencia 3. 5:46 - AI in HR 4. 10:31 - Real-World AI Applications 5. 4:56 - Adapting in a Changing Market 6. 20:11 - Advice for Newcomers 7. 23:31 - Future of HR Tech 8. 27:16 - Quincy’s HR Tech Wishlist 9. 30:46 - Wrap-Up

In the last few weeks, many established software vendors have launched AI-augmented products, helping us move past the hype and get a much more hands-on view of what AI means for Talent Acquisition. There are still a massive amount of unknowns, but it is evident that AI is a chief catalyst in what is now an unstoppable transformation of TA and the broader talent function. AI and automation fundamentally alter the speed and scale at which TA can operate, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. So, what does this mean for TA leaders and practitioners right now? How prepared are organizations for this level of transformation, and how can TA raise its game to drive more value for the organization? This week, my guests are Dr. Swathi Palasamudram, Enterprise Business Architect at Bosch, and Nazim Ünlü, Global People and Organization Lead at Novartis, in two interviews recorded at the Smartrecruiters Hiring Success event in Amsterdam in September. Swathi and Nazim shared insights that reveal why the transformation of talent acquisition is truly unstoppable—and how TA leaders can harness this momentum to not only keep pace but lead the way. In the interviews, we discuss: Fear, Adaptability, and the critical importance of strategic thinking Current AI use cases. How AI can raise the value of TA to the business Regional variations in AI adoption Retaining the vital human element of TA and HR Data literacy Building a personalized candidate experience The difference between Automation (efficiency through technology) and AI (insights and decision-making) Advice for TA Leaders Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Live from the Shaker Recruitment Marketing Green Room at RecFest in Nashville! In the podcast, Chad Sowash and Joel Cheesman, dive into the evolving world of recruitment with Joel Lalgee, founder and lead recruiter at The Realist Recruiter. Lalgee, who transitioned from an agency recruiter to building his personal brand online during COVID, shares insights on the recruitment landscape. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in recruitment, advocating for recruiters to be more human in their approach. The discussion highlights how companies are increasingly turning to social media for recruitment, stressing the creation of relatable content and the strategic use of social media influencers to align with company culture and target audience preferences. They explore the future of recruitment, predicting a rise in independent recruiters and Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) models that leverage technology. Lalgee outlines his plans for 2025, focusing on content creation and establishing an RPO model, alongside discussing effective strategies for content distribution across various platforms to engage audiences more effectively.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash dissect their interview with John Harris, owner of AthLife, and explore the complexities of athlete transitions into the real world, the implications of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape, and the importance of unions in both sports and corporate environments. They discuss the challenges faced by collegiate athletes, the need for employee development in businesses, and the often-overlooked human element in analytics and corporate decision-making. Takeaways The transition from sports to real life is challenging for athletes. NIL has created new dilemmas for collegiate athletes. Unions play a crucial role in protecting athlete rights. Employee development is often neglected in corporate settings. Happy employees lead to better productivity and retention. The focus on numbers can overlook the human aspect of work. Collective bargaining can ensure fair compensation for all athletes. Athletes often feel unprepared for life after sports. The importance of branding for athletes has increased with NIL. There is a need for a VP of employee development in every company. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Challenge Chasing 04:54 Navigating the NIL Landscape 07:00 The Fantasy of Professional Sports 09:59 The Importance of Unions in Sports and Beyond 12:46 Employee Development in Corporate America 15:46 The Human Element in Business Analytics

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese podcast, Chad and Cheese chat with Maria Colacurcio, CEO at Syndio, Alim Dhanji, CHRO, TD SYNNEX, and Ana White, EVP and Chief People Officer at Lumen to discuss the critical issues surrounding workplace equity, the importance of data-driven approaches, and the impact of recent legal changes on DEI initiatives. The conversation highlights the need for transparency, the role of AI in reducing bias, and real stories of how pay equity adjustments have positively affected employees' lives. Achieving equity is an ongoing journey that requires commitment from leadership and a culture of inclusion. ENJOY!

In this episode, Zeke Hernandez, a professor at the Wharton School, discusses the complexities of immigration in the U.S., addressing both legal and illegal immigration, the economic contributions of immigrants, and the need for reform in immigration policies. The conversation also hits head-on the challenges faced by high-skilled immigrants and the implications of America's outdated immigration system. Prof Zeke discusses the multifaceted impact of immigration on the labor market, economy, culture, and job creation in the U.S. Prof Zeke addresses the historical context of cultural assimilation and offers strategies for engaging in difficult conversations about immigration. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Zeke Hernandez 03:02 - The Truth About Immigration 06:10 - Understanding Legal vs. Illegal Immigration 09:11 - Investment Contributions of Immigrants 12:01 - The Need for High-Skilled Immigration 14:52 - America's Brain and Muscle Drain 17:49 - The Impact of Immigrants on Job Markets 20:56 - The Impact of Immigration on the Labor Market 24:53 - Economic Growth and Immigrant Contributions 26:48 - Challenges of the Current Immigration System 28:53 - Cultural Assimilation and Historical Perspectives 31:00 - Navigating Difficult Conversations on Immigration 34:43 - The Economic Consequences of Mass Deportation Keywords immigration, economy, legal immigration, illegal immigration, investment, job creation, high-skilled workers, brain drain, muscle drain, Zeke Hernandez, immigration, labor market, economic growth, cultural assimilation, immigration system, difficult conversations, mass deportation, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris

Soft Skills, Hard Skills, Attributes, Traits, Competencies—these words sometimes get used interchangeably when we talk about assessment and team building. As the momentum around skills-based hiring increases, it is important to know what we really mean when we talk about skills generically and how exactly we are measuring someone's ability to do a particular role. My guest this week is Rich Diviney, founder of The Attributes. Rich is a former Commanding Officer in the US Navy SEALs, where he was responsible for assessing and selecting the elite of the elite for the famous SEAL Team Six. He now speaks and writes about the use of attributes in team building and hiring. We had a fantastic discussion about the difference between skills and attributes in the context of hiring and development. We also discuss my somewhat surprising results from taking Rich's attributes test.  In the interview, we discuss: Identifying the elite of the elite for SEAL Team Six The difference between attributes and skills Understanding how people react in times of stress, challenge, and uncertainty How do you measure and assess attributes? Are soft skills and attributes the same thing? Can you develop attributes? The difference between perseverance, resilience, and tenacity What are companies getting wrong when it comes to skills and hiring? The "Dream Team Paradox" When AI takes over skills, attributes become even more critical. What does the future look like for hiring and managing talent? You can get 15% of The Attributes Assessment by using the code RECRUITING15 Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

John Harris, the owner of AthLife, shares his journey of helping former professional athletes transition back into the real world. He explains how AthLife has assisted over a thousand athletes in pursuing education and finding new careers. The conversation also touches on the shift in college athletics with the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes. The conversation covers various topics related to college athletes transitioning to professional careers and the challenges they face. The main themes include Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the transfer portal, academic advising for transfer students, the financial implications of transferring, the importance of education and career planning, the benefits of hiring former athletes, and success stories of athletes transitioning to post-sports careers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to John Harris 02:28 The Genesis of AthLife and Supporting NFL Players 05:48 The Importance of Supporting Athletes' Education and Transition 08:29 Collective Bargaining and Transition Support in Different Leagues 12:57 Success Stories of AthLife's Program 15:29 Career Placement and Networking for Former Athletes 19:00 Challenges and Fears in Athlete Transition 20:00 Supporting Women Athletes in Transition 24:23 The Impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Rights in College Athletics 26:16 The Reality of NIL Opportunities for Student-Athletes 27:22 Navigating the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Landscape 28:13 The Challenges of the Transfer Portal 29:11 Academic Advising for Transfer Students 30:39 The Financial Implications of Transferring 35:10 The Importance of Education and Career Planning 38:25 The Benefits of Hiring Former Athletes 42:19 Success Stories of Athletes Transitioning to Post-Sports Careers

When we last spoke to Rebecca Carr, she was the interim CEO at SmartRecuiters, a popular ATS. Fortunately, the "interim" title has been removed and now she's just CEO. Of course, that comes with a whole new set of challenges, and we were more than happy to visit with her at the HR Technology conference to check-in on how it all went down, what's the current state of the business and what the future holds. It's a candid look into the inner workings of SmartRecruiters, as well as so other players in the recruitment space.

Buckle up, folks! This episode of HR’s Most Dangerous Podcast comes straight from the green room at Recfest USA in Nashville, sponsored by Shaker Recruitment Marketing. Chad and Joel sit down with the one and only Rachel Morgan, VP of Client Services at Shaker, to talk about the glamorous world of recruitment marketing—mimosas in hand, of course. Rachel takes us on a wild ride from her days of wrestling with job boards (RIP SimplyHired) to the modern marvels of programmatic advertising and employer branding. Spoiler alert: AI is still the buzzword, and job seekers are still stuck in application limbo. Rachel drops some truth bombs. And for you TikTok skeptics out there, prepare to clutch your pearls—yes, people are finding career advice and jobs on the same platform where they learn to dance badly in 15 seconds. But the real meat of the episode? It’s all about gatekeeping! Want to get your shiny new HR tech in front of Shaker? Be prepared for some "American Idol" realness, where only the best get through. Enjoy!

Skills-based organizations and skills-based hiring have been some of the hottest topics of the year. While it is hard to find anyone who disagrees that this way of thinking about talent strategies has enormous benefits, there is still much debate about some of the practicalities around strategy and implementation. I spoke to two genuine HR thought leaders in my fourth and final set of interviews recorded at this year's HR Technology Conference. Heather Jerrehain, VP of Product Management - Employee Workflows at Service Now, and Mike Bollinger, Global VP of Strategic Initiative at Cornerstone on Demand Both shared their thoughts and insights on the power of skills, the journey towards skills-based organizations, and their sense of what the future might look like. In the interviews, we discuss: The impact of AI on jobs, work, and skills How AI is revolutionizing skills analysis and intelligence Using data from the hiring process to get a fuller picture of a person's skills The power of skills-based mobility Advice on building skills-based strategies How to get started The importance of not overcomplicating the process What types of organizations are already successfully implementing skills-based strategies Soft skills versus hard skills Skills development and the value for employees Integrating technology into skills-based hiring and development. What will things look like in five years' time? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Technology is evolving quickly, and advances in AI are likely to change Talent Acquisition forever. If you are a regular listener to this podcast, you will know that I firmly believe there is an opportunity here to make recruiting better for everyone, with the potential for AI to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and experience exponentially. I call this Recruiting Nirvana. However, other less favorable future scenarios still exist, and there is only a short window of time for TA's future to be in its own hands. It is critical; then, that TA Leaders keep up to date with the art of the possible when it comes to AI and technology and have a clear vision of the future, they are moving towards. At the recent HR Technology Conference, I sat down with six practitioners and analysts to find out what they thought the biggest challenges are in TA at the moment, which of the current use cases of AI they feel are most valuable, and, most importantly, what their own vision of Recruiting Nirvana looks like. In this episode, you will hear from: Lindsey Sailors, Head of TA Insights & Enablement at Dropbox Matt Couret, Director of Client Delivery at Hudson RPO Sarah White, Founder of Aspect 43 Matt Jones, Chief Product Officer at Cieolo Talent Maureen Clough, Creator and Host of the "It Gets Late Early" podcast Matt Charney, Editor in Chief at Recruiter.com A huge thank you to Gem for hosting me at their booth at HR Tech so that I could have these conversations. Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode, Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash discuss the inspiring story of James Mims, the creator of Mims Bands, a unique product that combines baseball cards with wristbands. They explore the entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of perseverance, and the role of founders in startups, emphasizing the significance of character and vision in achieving success. The conversation highlights Mims' journey, his relationship with mentor Dusty Baker, and his legacy as the only black vendor in Major League Baseball. Chapters 00:00 The Genesis of Mims Bands 04:46 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Relentlessness 10:23 The Importance of Founders in Startups 12:01 A Legacy of Perseverance and Recognition

In this episode of The Chad and Cheese podcast, recorded live from The Shaker Green Room at Recfest USA, Chad and Joel sit down with Nicole Stephens, Recruitment Marketing Manager at Floor & Decor. Nicole who shares her approach to employer branding and recruitment marketing, focusing on making work environments better and more enjoyable. She emphasizes the importance of doing more with less, offering actionable insights on maximizing impact with zero-dollar budgets. Nicole also highlights how companies can enhance their candidate experience without spending a fortune, using examples from brands like Microsoft and Duolingo. She digs deep into the challenges talent acquisition professionals face, stressing the need to understand the business and make meaningful changes, rather than focusing solely on metrics like social media likes. The discussion touches on important topics like employee advocacy, retaining talent, and the critical role of data in recruitment. Nicole shares practical advice on collaborating with other departments, automating processes without losing the human touch, and the importance of taking action, no matter how small. Finally, Nicole’s call to "work like a European" and embrace more holidays underscores her belief that breaks lead to better productivity and creativity. ENJOY!

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese podcast, Euan Cameron, CEO at Willo, returns for a Firing Squad reunion. The conversation covers the journey of Willo since their first appearance on the podcast in August 2021, including their fundraising efforts and product evolution. Euan shares that Willo recently raised $2 million in funding, bringing their total funding to over $3 million. He also discusses the importance of maintaining a frugal mentality and the challenges of dilution. The episode concludes with a discussion on Willo's customer base, which has grown to 12,150 customers in 195 countries, and their global reach in interviewing candidates from every country in the world. Willo has experienced significant changes since their last conversation, including the shift to candidates being comfortable on camera and the move upstream to larger enterprise organizations. They have developed a platform capable of interviewing and assessing candidates through video, audio, text, multiple choice, and assessments. The company has seen success in the US market, with 60% of their revenue coming from the US. They attribute their success to word-of-mouth referrals and delivering the best customer experience. Integrations have been important for SMBs, but not a major acquisition channel for larger organizations. The team has grown organically and is doubling in size over the next year. Willo is focused on automating the onboarding process and improving the efficiency of the next steps after assessment. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Firing Squad Reunion 07:59 - The Importance of a Frugal Mentality in Startup Success 09:44 - Navigating the Challenges of Dilution 15:05 - Global Reach: Interviewing Candidates from Every Country 17:35 - Moving Upstream to Enterprise Organizations 20:24 - Success in the US Market 23:28 -Importance of Integrations for SMBs 27:23 - Delivering on Time to Hire 29:18 - Balancing AI and Human Involvement 32:43 - Team Growth and Future Plans

Last week, I attended The HR Technology Conference in Las Vegas. The event was full of energy and optimism for the future as hundreds of vendors showcased new AI products and AI integrations. Everyone was playing up the new heights of efficiency and effectiveness AI can take us as an industry. However, there was much debate about the level of genuine innovation on offer and a sense that rather than thinking radically and reinventing what we do, we were just looking at faster ways of solving old problems that don't live up to AI''s potential to challenge the status quo. Here are three interviews I recorded at the show to help you make up your own minds about the levels of innovation we are currently seeing. First up is Allyn Bailey from SmartRecruiters who predicted the rise of recruiterless recruiting on the show last year. I was interested to see how far she thought we had come on that journey and what was going to happen next. The second interview was with Josh Sklüt, co-founder of MyStandard, who was undoubtedly the vendor trying to be the most disruptive, with a very different way of looking at the relationship between employers and potential employers. The final interview is a conversation with David Nason, founder and CEO of HireBrain, who seeks to better align hiring managers and recruiters and who were winners of the Pitchfest competition at the conference.  Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

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 639: Inclusive Interviews Inspired By NASA Ep 640: What Is The Value Of TA? Ep 641: How Is TA Evolving? Ep 642: Augmenting Talent Acquisition Ep 643: Career Activism Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts

In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, hosted by Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash, the focus is on entrepreneur James Mims and his journey in founding Mims Bands, a wristband company that has become an iconic part of Major League Baseball (MLB) history. James shares how, as a senior at the University of Southern California, he came up with the idea for personalized wristbands for athletes, starting with a prototype for baseball player Dusty Baker. Over time, Mims Bands became widely recognized, worn by many notable MLB players like Eric Davis and Tim Raines. Despite facing numerous challenges, including resistance from MLB and the Players Association, Mims persevered and got his product used by over 130 players. Mims reflects on the obstacles he faced as a Black entrepreneur, from difficulties gaining access to stadiums to dealing with legal battles. The conversation also highlights how Mims promoted individualism in a highly structured sport like baseball. Brian and Chad emphasize the lessons from his experience, particularly around persistence, relationships, and the critical role of talent in both sports and business. The episode ends with a discussion of Mims' major accomplishments, including his partnership with Topps and the induction of his product into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in the sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:19 Taking a Risk: Going for Your Unique Idea 08:11 Empowering Athletes through Individualism 14:54 The Lack of Player Marketing in Baseball 19:55 Breaking Barriers: The First Black Vendor in Baseball 23:57 Navigating Challenges and Building a Successful Business 37:50 The Journey of Mims Bands: Perseverance and Success 47:34 Overcoming Challenges with the Major League Baseball Players Association 59:42 The Power of Individualism in the Sports Industry 01:05:07 From Tops Project 70 to the Hall of Fame: A Pinnacle Achievement

Allison King, VP of People Operations at Sound Physicians, shares her experience and insights on job searching and personal branding on LinkedIn. She emphasizes the importance of creating a strong LinkedIn profile and being active on the platform to build a professional network and showcase your skills and interests. Allison also discusses her approach to job applications, including reaching out to connections for support and leveraging LinkedIn Jobs. She highlights the value of being strategic in your outreach and making specific requests for assistance. Additionally, Alison shares her thoughts on job boards and the application process, recommending a focus on LinkedIn for professionals and entry level jobs, new grads alike. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 02:56 - Allison's Journey and Background 06:49 - Using ChatGPT for Resume and LinkedIn 09:57 - The Power of LinkedIn and Green Banner 12:41 - Content Creation and Networking on LinkedIn 15:36 - Navigating the Job Search Process 19:58 - ATS and Technology in Job Applications 24:10 - Job Boards and LinkedIn for Job Search 26:30 - Advice for New Grads and Early Career Professionals 28:21 - Conclusion and Contact Information Keywords job search, personal branding, LinkedIn, networking, job boards, application process, new grands, entry level jobs, job search tips, indeed jobs, ziprecruiter job search, LinkedIn tips, LinkedIn Green Banner, Open to Work

With labor markets still undergoing unprecedented shifts and volatility, employers are increasingly strengthening their focus on retention and internal mobility. However, the shrinking life span of skills, changing attitudes to work, and the rise of AI are complicating factors here. So, how can employers ensure they support their employees' future development and drive internal mobility at a time of significant change that renders traditional career pathing irrelevant? My guest this week is JC Townend, CEO at LHH for the UK and Ireland. JC is a strong advocate of Career Activism, giving employees the tools they need to advance their careers in the way that makes the most sense for them. This can drive retention, supercharge internal mobility, and help ensure employers have the right skills available at the right time. In the interview, we discuss: Labor market trends Why HR should be building for the future for right now What is Career Activism The end of linear career paths Giving employees the tools to advance their own careers Switching disciplines and industries A mindset shift Gig assignments Building brand and reputation Hidden jobs markets Skilling for retention What are the benefits for employers? The impact of AI on jobs and careers What will work and careers look like in 3 years time? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

*Film Room* is a podcast series under the *Talent Chasing* show, hosted by Brian Johnson, a former Major League Baseball player, and Chad Sowash, a recruitment industry veteran. In this episode, the hosts break down key moments from their interview with Angela Taylor, a former WNBA executive and two-time national champion at Stanford University. The discussion revolves around Angela’s experience helping to establish the WNBA and navigating the early challenges of building a new professional sports league. She reflects on the differences between the NBA and WNBA, emphasizing how the women’s league had to carve out its unique identity rather than mimic the NBA. The conversation also touches on leadership, with Angela sharing insights about the unrelenting leadership of NBA Commissioner David Stern, who was instrumental in the early development of the WNBA. The hosts highlight how Stern’s approach of holding people accountable while fostering long-term vision contributed to the league's success. In addition to sports, the episode draws parallels with business, exploring themes such as the importance of long-term planning, mentorship, and the role of companies in supporting local communities and developing talent. The hosts emphasize that both sports teams and businesses must balance analytics and human capital, ensuring that leaders cultivate and retain talent from within their communities while adapting to broader market demands. Overall, the episode showcases the intersections of leadership, team dynamics, and strategic foresight, drawing valuable lessons from Angela Taylor's experiences in the WNBA and beyond. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Talent Chasing 01:02 Angela Taylor's Journey in Sports 06:09 Lessons from David Stern's Leadership 12:16 Community Engagement and Talent Development 17:10 The Balance of Analytics and Human Capital

In this conversation, Joel and Chad interview Stacey Gordon, founder and principal consultant at Rework Work, about unconscious inclusion, skills-based hiring, and the politicization of DEI. Stacey emphasizes the importance of actively working towards unconscious inclusion. She discusses the need for dialogue and open conversations to bridge the gap between different perspectives. Stacey also addresses the challenges of changing mindsets and the role of education in DEI. She highlights the benefits of skills-based hiring for diversity and inclusion and the need for ongoing training and implementation. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the politicization of DEI and the importance of shifting mindsets in the workplace. Takeaways Unconscious inclusion is the goal of DEI, where people are included without conscious effort or bias. Skills-based hiring can be a powerful tool for diversity and inclusion, as it focuses on the qualifications and abilities of candidates rather than their background or identity. Changing mindsets is crucial for progress in DEI, and ongoing education and training are necessary to shift perspectives and behaviors. The politicization of DEI can hinder progress, and it is important to have open conversations and bridge the gap between different perspectives. DEI is not limited to race, gender, or sexual orientation, but encompasses all aspects of identity, including socioeconomic status, religion, and language barriers. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 03:01 - Unconscious Inclusion: The Goal of DEI 08:11 - The Politicization of DEI: Challenges and Opportunities 11:21 - Changing Mindsets: The Key to Progress in DEI 18:45 - Bridging the Gap: Open Conversations and Different Perspectives 24:14 -The Power of Skills-Based Hiring for Diversity and Inclusion 27:26 - DEI Beyond Race and Gender: Embracing All Aspects of Identity 30:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action Keywords unconscious inclusion, skills-based hiring, DEI, politicization, diversity, inclusion, mindsets, education

Most conversations about AI in talent acquisition focus on efficiencies and automating repetitive tasks. However, we are missing the point if we don't start talking about how AI could help reshape recruiting entirely, making it more efficient but also more effective. Why stop at recruiting? AI could revolutionize work and the whole way we think about careers. The current limitations of our thinking were really brought home to me when I attended the SmartRecruiters Hiring Success conference last week in Amsterdam. An overarching theme was that automation is a given with AI, and we should think much bigger. So, what does this mean for TA strategies, and how can TA Leaders ensure they proactively shape the future direction of recruiting? My guest this week is Brian Solis, Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow. He is also an internationally renowned digital anthropologist and award-winning author. Brian gave the opening keynote at Hiring Success, and I caught up with him after he left the stage to get his thoughts on the current state of the AI revolution and the future of talent acquisition.  In the interview, we discuss Where is the Gen AI revolution? New behaviors, skills, and expectations How are companies responding?  Empowering people with augmented intelligence How can we think differently? AI-enabled job seekers Using an empathetic lens to identify quick wins Differentiated use cases and transformational initiatives  The importance of the human touch Three things TA leaders should be doing right now What should recruiting look like in five years? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Angela Taylor, former VP and GM of the Washington Mystics and Atlanta Dream, discusses her journey from being a walk-on at Stanford to her successful career in the WNBA and women's sports. She highlights the importance of sports in her life and the challenges she faced as a woman in the industry. Taylor also discusses the growth of women's sports, the progress made in the WNBA, and the need for continued support and push for equality. Angela Taylor, former WNBA executive, discusses her role in player personnel and the growth of the league. Taylor shares insights on leadership, creating a winning culture, and managing talent in the WNBA. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Angela Taylor 03:01 From Walk-On to Stanford and the Importance of Sports 08:37 Growing Up in Mountain Home, Idaho 11:31 Military Life and the Impact on Angela's Family 16:17 The Early Days of the WNBA and the Current State of Women's Sports 24:43 The Push for Equality and Recognition in Women's Sports 30:25 Building the WNBA: From Single Entity to Team Ownership 35:24 Shifting Focus: From Wins to Community Engagement 43:35 Transitioning from Single Entity to Team Ownership 48:38 NBA Players' Support of the WNBA 51:34 Creating an Environment of Retention 54:49 Culture, Puzzle Pieces, and Jersey Sales 57:30 Leadership and Creating a Winning Culture 01:00:12 Managing Talent in the WNBA: Vision, Culture, and Roster Construction Keywords Angela Taylor, WNBA, women's sports, Stanford, walk-on, basketball, sports industry, equity, growth, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, WNBA, player personnel, single entity, team ownership, recruiting, relationships, community engagement, sports culture, corporate America, leadership, winning culture, talent management

In this snark-filled episode, Chad and Joel bring back SEO guru Alexander Chukovski to dissect Google’s latest core update, which has job boards like Indeed sweating bullets. Google’s now favoring ATS results and niche job sites, leaving generic job boards in the dust. The crew speculates whether Google is intentionally ghosting Indeed, especially after their pricey partnership with OpenAI. As usual, Chad and Joel throw take shots at job board giants and predict the future of job search. Best Line: "Indeed who? Never heard of 'em.” 

In this episode, Joel and Chad interview Gareth Marlow, an executive coach and consultant at EQ Systems. They discuss various topics including Gareth's background, the differences between Cambridge and Oxford, their favorite sci-fi movies, and Gareth's work with startups. Gareth explains his role in helping organizations scale and achieve product-market fit. They also touch on the common problem of startups creating solutions for non-existent problems and the importance of customer orientation and research. In this conversation, Gareth Marlow discusses the challenges and strategies for companies looking to expand internationally, specifically between the UK and the US. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural differences and nuances in each market, as well as the need for localized go-to-market strategies. Gareth also highlights the significance of working with local experts and building strong relationships to navigate the fundraising process. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the rapid advancements in technology and the potential for democratizing waves in AI and low-code development. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Small Talk 02:57 - Differences Between Cambridge and Oxford 09:29 - Gareth's Role in Scaling Organizations 11:49 - Challenges of Scaling and Going Beyond 500 Employees 13:14 - Startups Creating Solutions for Non-Existent Problems 15:03 - Importance of Customer Orientation and Research 15:09 - Introduction and the Problem Space 16:00 - Expanding in America and Europe: Different Approaches 18:20 - Building Footholds and Organic Growth 20:40 - One Size Does Not Fit All 22:41 - Go-to-Market Strategies and Team Dynamics 26:50 -Red Flags and Warning Signs for Startups 28:25 -Fundraising Tips and Differences in Investment 31:11 -The Potential of Technology Advancements Keywords Gareth Marlow, executive coach, consultant, EQ Systems, Cambridge, Oxford, sci-fi movies, startups, product-market fit, customer orientation, research, international expansion, UK, US, cultural differences, go-to-market strategies, fundraising, technology advancements, AI, low-code development

If you've listened to the last few episodes of the podcast, you'll know that TA Transformation is the current big theme on the show. We've focused a lot on the future, but what about the practicalities of the present? Today's talent acquisition leaders face an ever-growing list of priorities on top of their already demanding roles. From enhancing candidate experience to integrating AI and from improving diversity and inclusion metrics to establishing more agile operating models, the pressures are immense.  So what progress are TA teams making, and how do they benchmark against each other? My guest this week is Rachel Dalboth, Director of the TA Centre of Excellence at The Talent Labs. Based on Talent Labs research, Rachel offers insights into how TA teams are dealing with their current challenges. She also shares her thoughts on the skills for future TA Teams and the vital importance of investing in development. In the interview, we discuss: Current priorities in talent acquisition Trends and issues with operating models What is holding TA back from being seen as more strategic? Connecting the dots across the talent function What is the unique value of TA? How are measurements and metrics evolving? The impact of AI Fear, nervousness, and reticence Prioritising experience over process Skills development and career paths What does the next 12 months look like? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

The unprecedented volatility in the Talent Acquisition jobs market in the last three years illustrates that many organizations still see TA as a transactional function turned on or off according to hiring demand. This is a big problem. While the development of ever more sophisticated AI promises much for TA, it also represents an existential threat to the survival of any business function seen as transactional and easy to automate. So, how can talent acquisition prove its value to the business and live up to its enormous strategic potential? Perhaps the first step would be to understand that value properly. My guest this week is Toby Culshaw, Global Head Of Pipeline Strategy & Intelligence at Amazon Worldwide stores. Toby publishes a lot of thought-provoking content about the future of TA and has strong views on how TA should position its value within the enterprise. In the interview, we discuss: Talent Acquisition's significant challenges What is holding change back and why TA is at risk What TA does versus its actual value to the business Evolution or revolution? Taking a tiered approach to TA operations Breaking down silos in HR Taking a consultative and advisory role Adopting new, more meaningful metrics and KPIs Advice for TA leaders on where to get standard "Talent Nexus" and a future outlook of even more significant change and disruption Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Richard Collins, serial entrepreneur and founder of C Squared Technology, discusses the art of the startup pivot and mastering the challenges and opportunities in the recruitment advertising industry. He shares his experience with building a platform that connects job boards and employers, focusing on delivering qualified applicants. Richard emphasizes the need for a shift from quantity-based metrics like cost per click to quality-based metrics like cost per qualified applicant. He also highlights the importance of community-building and reinvention in the job board industry. Richard also discusses the funding and growth plans for C Squared Technology. Checkout his recent post on the move: https://www.cvwallet.com/post/our-journey-from-smart-cvs-for-jobseekers-to-solving-recruitment-advertising-for-the-ai-age Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 04:10 - From CV Wallet to C Squared Technology 08:59 - The Role of Blockchain in the Industry 10:36 - Pivoting and Adapting to the Changing Market 12:24 - Tips for Startups Facing a Pivot 13:39 - Shifting from CPC to Qualified and Interested Applicants 19:38 - The Disconnect Between Traffic and Quality 22:04 - The Role of C Squared Technology in the Job Board Ecosystem 26:36 - Building a Platform and the Future of C Squared Technology 33:00 - Reflections on the Changing Landscape of Tech Startups 36:40 - Funding and Growth Plans for C Squared Technology Keywords Richard Collins, Beverly Collins, C Squared Technology, ClickIQ, Indeed, IndeedIQ, recruitment advertising, job boards, qualified applicants, cost per click, cost per qualified applicant, platform, community-building, funding, growth plans, Appcast, CV Wallet

Job interviews have always been a source of anxiety for many people. The pressure of showcasing your achievements to a stranger in an unnaturally structured conversation is not easy, and for many neuro-diverse people, it is pretty much impossible. The use of Ansychromous video interviews has helped the situation in some ways but doesn't provide the opportunity for real-time conversation and exploration, which is critical in the later stages of the recruiting process. Could a methodology initially designed to combat communication delays in space travel offer a solution that bridges the gap between synchronous and asynchronous interviewing in a way that is inclusive for everyone? My guest week is Rob Brougham, Director & Co-Founder of Braided Communications. Rob worked with NASA to develop a unique way of helping astronauts have real-time conversations with people back on Earth on future missions to the moon and Mars. He is now using the same technology to make the recruiting process more inclusive and effective. So how does this all work? Just keep listening to find out more. In the interview, we discuss: A simple way of defying the laws of physics in space travel How Braiding works Making the asynchronous synchronous. Co-presence and connection The importance of inclusive communication Applications in talent acquisition Making interviews real-time and inclusive What does the future of business communication look like? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

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 631: Science, AI & Assessment Ep 632: Attracting, Retaining, and Empowering Gen Z Talent Ep 633: The Strategic Importance Of Wellbeing Ep 634: Work Before Talent Ep 635: Transform Talent Acquisition Ep 636: Hiring & Retaining Innovators Ep 637: Reinventing The ATS For A New Era Ep 638: Reskilling For AI Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts

Yehuda Beller, co-founder and CRO at Worklik joins the Chad and Cheese podcast for a session of Firing Squad. WorkLik is a video-based job platform that aims to improve the candidate experience and connect job seekers with employers. They focus on hourly workers and Gen Z job seekers who are tired of the traditional hiring process. They've raised $2.5 million in seed funding and are planning to raise a Series A round soon. They offer a pay-per-match model, where employers only pay when they match with a qualified candidate. Sounds familiar, but do they have something unique enough to make it out alive? Gotta listen. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 05:05 - The Name and Funding 06:15 - The Relevance of Video Resumes 07:51 - Funding and Advisory Board 09:13 - Background and Expertise of the Leadership Team 12:00 - Creating Video Intros and Work History 13:30 - Target Audience and User Experience 14:16 - Video Resumes and Risk Assessment 17:04 - Matching Candidates with Job Requirements 18:46 - Focus on Hourly Work and Part-Time Jobs 21:41 - Improving the Candidate Experience 24:43 - Emphasizing the Human Connection 26:13 - Engaging Candidates Through Chat Messaging 29:46 - Expanding Reach Through Social Media 35:16 - Pay-Per-Match: A Cost-Effective Model

It’s been a tough couple of years for Talent Acquisition. There was a time during the post-pandemic hiring wave when companies were struggling to recruit enough recruiters. Now, the situation is the polar opposite, with TA teams shrinking and many recruiters being laid off. In such economically uncertain times, it’s difficult to determine whether AI is starting to be a factor that impacts jobs in TA. However, based on current adoption rates, it’s probably fair to say that AI is still only a minor contributor to the overall situation. But this is quickly going to change. As employers start to look at transforming TA over the longer term, AI and automation will inevitably play a significant role in shaping the TA teams of the future. This raises important questions about job displacement and reskilling. These are not just questions that AI raises for TA; they are questions that span the entire organization, with a strong likelihood that all jobs will be impacted in some way. So, how can employers prepare their workforce for these impending changes, and what is the likely split between job replacement, job enhancement, and job creation? My guest this week is Kamal Ahluwalia, President of Ikigai Labs and former President of Eightfold AI. Kamal has extremely well-informed insights on AI’s impact on jobs and skills and valuable advice for employers and employees. In the interview, we discuss: The impact of AI on work and jobs Jobs eliminated, jobs changed, jobs created Building scenarios for the future The critical importance of data How should employers be responding What is the role of HR and TA? Evolving processes to meet new objectives Reskilling and upskilling How do employers encourage people to learn new skills? What will work be like in five years? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

TA Transformation has been a recurring theme on this podcast in recent months. A unique combination of macro and micro forces is driving the need for substantial change, compelling TA leaders to respond swiftly and strategically. Technology, particularly AI and automation, is very much at the heart of this transformation. But what does this mean for established ATS vendors? How are they adapting to the evolving market landscape, and how are their product strategies being shaped to anticipate the future? My guest this week is Rebecca Carr, the newly appointed CEO of SmartRecruiters. Previously serving as SmartRecruiters’ Chief Product Officer, Rebecca offers insight into the importance of a product-led approach in these rapidly changing times. She also shares her perspectives on the urgency of accelerating the leap from traditional ATS to the next generation of hiring solutions. In the interview, we discuss: The current state of the market Rethinking hiring The growing importance of hiring manager experience Why being product-focused is important in the current market. Accelerating the leap from second-generation ATS to third-generation hiring platform The impact of uncertainty around legislation and regulation AI education and adoption Adaptability and agility Advice to TA Leader on designing technology strategies What does the future look like Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Matt Fischer, President and COO of Bullhorn, joins the Chad and Cheese podcast to discuss the evolution of Bullhorn and the future of the recruiting industry. Fischer shares his background and how he got into the staffing and tech industry. He also talks about the importance of AI in recruiting and how it can optimize the human element of the job. The conversation covers Bullhorn's recent acquisition of Textkernel and the benefits it brings to the company. Fischer also discusses Bullhorn's marketplace and venture investments, as well as the state of the staffing industry. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:58 - Bullhorn's Evolution and Acquisition of Textkernel 08:39 - The Importance of Bullhorn's Marketplace and Venture Investments 11:05 - The State of the Staffing Industry 16:08 - No Immediate Plans for an IPO: Focus on Private Equity Sponsors Keywords Matt Fischer, Bullhorn, recruiting industry, AI, Textkernel, marketplace, venture investments, staffing industry

The world of work is changing rapidly, and this swift pace of change is forcing employers to rethink the kind of talent they need within their organizations. Traits like curiosity, innovation, agility, flexibility, and problem-solving are now more in demand than ever. However, despite the desire to attract and retain individuals with these qualities, traditional recruiting processes can often repel them, and talent management strategies may overlook those who are already part of the organization. Retaining such high-value talent is also a significant challenge. So, what do organizations need to do to hire and retain the change catalysts and innovators they seek more effectively? And how can they better identify those already in their workforce? My guests this week are Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas from Catalyst Constellations. Tracey and Shannon define catalysts as the visionaries within an organization who quickly process information, translate it into actionable opportunities, and are relentless in driving positive change. They have a vast amount of insight to share with employers about identifying and nurturing catalysts and lots of advice for catalysts themselves around managing their careers and reducing burnout. In the interview, we discuss:  What is a catalyst, and what do they have in common Seeing risk differently Identifying the catalysts in your business The importance of organizational context Repurposing recruiting processes for diversity of thought New ways of thinking about Talent Management Breaking down silos and getting stuff done Work trauma Dealing with burnout What does the future of work look like? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts.