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#115- Jacob Stripling on Redefining the Resume: Humanizing the Job Search
Digital Recruiter PodcastEPISODE SUMMARY In this compelling episode, Clark welcomes Jacob Stripling, founder of Future State Careers and creator of WholeStory.me, for a candid conversation about reinvention, relevance, and recruiting in the age of AI. Starting like many recruiters, accidentally, Jacob cut his teeth at a major staffing firm before launching his own agency just months before the pandemic hit. Fast forward six years, and he’s not only built a niche in accounting and finance but is now pushing the entire industry to rethink how we present candidates. Jacob walks through the "why" behind WholeStory.me, a new platform designed to give job seekers a voice beyond bullet points and buzzwords. He unpacks how AI has created a sea of sameness in resumes, the rising distrust in hiring processes, and what happens when you flip the script, letting people lead with video, story, and human context. This isn't just a new tech tool; it’s a movement toward authentic representation and better hiring matches on both sides. Whether you’re a recruiter, job seeker, or hiring leader, Jacob’s insights challenge the status quo and offer a hopeful path forward: one where substance wins, not surface. From branding lanes to burnout, from tactical content to philosophical takeaways, this episode is packed with practical ideas and real emotion. Don’t miss it. JACOB'S BIO Jacob Stripling is the founder of Future State Careers, a recruiting agency specializing in accounting and finance, and the creator of WholeStory.me—a platform designed to restore humanity to the hiring process. With over a decade in recruiting, Jacob has built his brand on honest conversations, client trust, and a commitment to showcasing the full context behind every candidate. A proud dad, thoughtful entrepreneur, and content creator, he’s not just innovating how we hire—he’s reimagining who gets seen and why. Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-stripling-bb143594/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---> https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eightfold Gets Sued by Job Applicants
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology PodcastUse code IAM-ChrisRussell for your free pass to IAMPHENOM in Philly March 10-12. Click Here. TOP STORIES Eightfold AI, a venture capital-backed artificial intelligence hiring platform used by Microsoft, PayPal and many other Fortune 500 companies, is being sued in California for allegedly compiling reports used to screen job applicants without their knowledge. The lawsuit filed on Tuesday accusing Eightfold of violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act https://hrtechfeed.com/eightfold-is-being-sued-by-2-job-applicants/ Chandler, Ariz. — Vensure Employer Solutions (Vensure), a leading provider of HR/HCM technology, managed services and global business process outsourcing, serving more than 161,000 clients worldwide, recently acquired Distro, an AI-powered recruiting platform headquartered in Lehi, UT https://hrtechfeed.com/vensure-employer-solutions-acquires-ai-recruiting-platform/ NEW YORK — Payoneer (NASDAQ: PAYO), the global financial technology company powering business growth across borders, today announced it has acquired Boundless, an Ireland-based Employer of Record (EOR) platform that helps companies seamlessly and compliantly employ people around the world. https://hrtechfeed.com/payoneer-acquires-eor-company/ Workday, Inc. announced its plans to invest CAD $1 billion in Canada over the next five years. The multi-year investment demonstrates Workday’s commitment to growing in Canada, including plans to further develop local tech talent, strengthen local customer support, and give back to Canadian communities https://hrtechfeed.com/workday-to-invest-cad-1-billion-in-canada-over-five-years/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#6 - Walter Sabrin: Chief Talent Officer at Vensure Employer Solutions
By HR for HRFrom "failed tennis pro" to leading a global network of over 150 recruiters, Walter Sabrin joins Jocelyn King to explore the high-stakes world of talent acquisition. Walter discusses how Vensure Employer Solutions scaled from 120 to over 6,000 employees by treating HR as a strategic business alliance rather than a roadblock. The discussion tackles the "Empty Seat Syndrome"—the danger of hiring the wrong person out of desperation—and the critical importance of upskilling to retain top talent. Walter also provides a candid look at the current state of AI in recruiting, noting that while the industry buzz is loud, many candidates and hiring managers remain hesitant to broach the topic during interviews. Hosted by Jocelyn King, founder and CEO of VirgilHR. VirgilHR provides instant, trusted answers to HR compliance questions—helping teams navigate federal, state, and local employment laws with accuracy and ease. To learn more, visit www.virgilhr.com and follow Jocelyn on LinkedIn for ongoing guidance and industry updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#19 - Oh, Not So Fast…The Grass Isn’t Always Greener
Champion Blueprint Podcast with George Rogers and Gary BrackettWhen pressure mounts, most leaders panic. The Indianapolis Colts didn’t. In this episode, George Rogers and Gary Brackett break down why choosing continuity over chaos isn’t a weakness; it’s a strategy. Using the Colts’ decision to stay the course with leadership as the backdrop, they unpack a powerful lesson for business leaders: real leadership evaluates progress, not just outcomes. If you lead people, teams, or culture, this conversation will challenge how you think about patience, development, and when change actually matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#75 - Meta Cuts & AI Blame Games - Presented by CalendarPA.com
The Purple Acorn HR Morning ShowIn this episode of The HR Morning Show, Adam, Danielle, and Joel dive into the murky waters of corporate communication, discussing a new report revealing that 60% of companies may be using Artificial Intelligence as a "scapegoat" for organizational restructuring. We also break down the latest shifts at Meta, where 1,000 jobs are being cut in Reality Labs to pivot toward AI wearables, alongside a shake-up of their internal review system. We are joined by two powerhouse guests. First, Anna Pozdniakova from Jooble (a global job search platform) joins Danielle to discuss the critical transition into Performance Enablement and how Agile Methodology impacts adaptability in HR. Later, Adam sits down with Global Talent Acquisition Leader Jean Lanctot (ex-Amazon, Twitch, Starbucks) to explore strategies for leading global teams, the contrast between high-volume retail and corporate workflows, and the importance of "authenticity" in TA. Plus, a check-in on the weather with Serge and a special shout-out to our sponsor, Talent Tech PR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#15 - Brian Fink: Navigating Recruiting Challenges
Is This Still A Good Time?In this thought-provoking episode of 'Is This Still A Good Time?', we sit down with Brian Fink, a well-respected talent advisor with experience at renowned companies like Apple and Twitter. Brian shares his deep insights into the evolving challenges of the recruiting industry, and how recruiters can adapt to these changes. Brian and Mike delve into a range of critical topics, from the pressures faced by recruiters in 2026, the impact of AI on the industry, the importance of training recruiters to be EOC compliant, and the role of hiring managers in conducting diligent interviews. They also discuss the implications of remote work and the potential benefits of in-person events like career fairs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the future of recruiting and how to prepare for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 Essential Content Pieces for High-Performing Career Sites
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology PodcastTo attract and convert top talent, your career site must be more than just a place to search jobs. It needs to be a rich, authentic destination that clearly answers the candidate’s core question: “What will my life be like if I work here?” On top of that, candidates are now using AI to ask those questions so its imperative for employers to provide answers for the search engines to crawl which now includes sites like ChatGPT and Perplexity. With that in mind we came up with five content pieces that are essential for building a compelling and effective employer brand story. READ: https://www.jobsync.com/post/5-essential-content-pieces-for-high-performing-career-sites/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What If Your Top Performer Doesn't Breathe?
The Jim Stroud PodcastThis episode brought to you by: Job Search 3.0 and The Recruiting Life newsletter. Links below. ... You walk into your review prepared to discuss your metrics. But there’s a new name on the dashboard. It’s not a peer. It’s not a hire. It’s an AI recruiting agent—with a title, a scorecard, and a seat on the org chart next to yours. The moment your KPIs are placed side-by-side, everything changes. This isn’t about working smarter with AI. This is about being measured against it—on speed, cost, reply rates, and conversion. While you sleep, it works. While you train, it self-optimizes. While you build relationships, it delivers numbers that make finance lean in. If your value was once defined by hustle, insight, and human touch—what happens when the system does it faster, cheaper, and without fatigue? Worse: what happens when your next career move depends on outscoring a tool that never stops improving? This episode isn’t speculation. It’s a wake-up call built on data, deployments, and the uncomfortable math already reshaping TA teams. We break down the comparison you won’t see coming—and what it means for your role, your team, and your future in talent. If you lead recruitment, manage talent, or care about where HR is headed—you need to hear this now. ... For deeper insights, follow The Recruiting Life newsletter at JimStroud.com. Stop endlessly applying for jobs and attract them instead. Job Search 3.0 teaches you how. https://jobsearch.jimstroud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Becoming a TEDx Speaker with Bobby McNeil
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyBecoming a TEDx speaker isn’t about a single moment on stage.It’s about the process that comes before it. In this episode, Bobby McNeil walks through what it actually takes to become a TEDx speaker while working full-time. From deciding to apply, to shaping the idea, to confronting the emotional and time demands most people underestimate. Bobby shares lessons from his first TEDx experience alongside the parallel journey of writing his first book, Cracking the Code. Not as a playbook. As lived experience. What You'll Learn: What happens before you ever get on a TEDx stage How the TEDx process differs from corporate or conference speaking Why mindset and identity matter more than performance The real time and emotional cost of becoming a speaker What surprised him most about visibility at this level If you’ve ever thought about applying for a TEDx, or wondered what becoming a speaker actually requires beyond confidence and polish, this episode gives you a grounded look at the reality. What You’ll Learn What it actually takes to become a TEDx speaker while working full-time The biggest differences between a TEDx talk and a normal keynote or panel How to shape one clear “idea worth sharing” (and cut what doesn’t fit) Why the TEDx prep process is so rigorous. And what to expect from coaching How to manage the time and emotional energy it takes to finish the process The most “unsexy” first step you can take today to get started Resources Mentioned Listen to Bobby’s TEDx Talk - https://youtu.be/6FzE0_PeQZU?si=g7mw6yB4ZXtwsWLd Buy Cracking the Code - https://amzn.to/458j9au Connect With Us Connect with Bobby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmcneil/ Connect with Rhona https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. TEDx speaker, how to become a TEDx speaker, becoming a TEDx speaker, TEDx application process, TEDx talk preparation, public speaking career, professional speaking, thought leadership, personal brand, career visibility, working full time and speaking, content creation while employed, career storytelling, speaking opportunities, first TEDx talk, Workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#114- Brian Samson on Scaling Recruiting Firms Through Nearshore Talent
Digital Recruiter PodcastSUMMARY Brian Samson didn’t plan on building nearshore tech teams across Latin America, he just followed curiosity and opportunity. Starting in a high-pressure staffing bullpen in Chicago, Brian quickly made a name for himself through hustle, whiteboard metrics, and old-school recruiting grit. But what came next set him apart. After stints in internal talent leadership and multiple founder roles, Brian raised $2M, moved to Argentina, and launched a company to help fintech startups build faster through offshore development. In this episode, Brian shares the entire arc, from being a top-performing account manager with a $90K weekly spread, to becoming a founder of Plug Technologies (with 100+ LATAM engineers), and how his lived experience in Latin America gave him an unbeatable edge. He and Clark explore why US recruiters are missing a massive opportunity by ignoring the nearshore market, and how partnerships, white-labeling, and shifting client conversations can unlock real scale. Whether you’re a solo recruiter or agency leader, this is a playbook in business model innovation, trust-building, and compounding relationships over time. BRIAN'S BIO Brian Samson is the founder of Plug Technologies, a nearshore talent firm connecting top Latin American software developers with US companies. With 100+ engineers deployed and multiple 7-figure businesses under his belt, Brian brings a rare mix of agency hustle, in-house leadership, and founder wisdom. A Chicago native turned Buenos Aires transplant, Brian has built his career around grit, relationships, and being early to big trends. He's passionate about elevating overlooked talent pools and helping US staffing firms grow through white-labeled partnerships. Connect with Brian on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---> https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Acquisitions in the News
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology PodcastPhenom, the leader in applied AI that helps organizations hire faster, develop better, and retain longer, today announced it acquired Included, an AI-native agentic people analytics platform that surfaces actionable insights for faster, smarter workforce decision-making. https://hrtechfeed.com/phenom-acquires-included-ai/ Employers.io has acquired Job-Applications.com with one clear goal: rebuild it for today’s job market while keeping what made it useful in the first place. https://hrtechfeed.com/employers-io-acquires-job-applications-com-to-rebuild-and-modernize-a-trusted-job-search-platform/ A couple of new CEo announcements Oyster®, the global employment solution to employ, pay, and care for distributed teams, today announced the appointment of Hadi Moussa as Chief Executive Officer. Moussa succeeds founder and CEO Tony Jamous, who will move into the new role of Executive Chairman with a focus on long-term vision and strategy. This founder-led transition will accelerate Oyster’s growth and its mission to scale global employment equality. It will also strengthen the company’s ability to support customers as they navigate AI-driven workforce transformation and expand global teams with confidence. Textio, a leader in building tools that help high-growth companies recruit and coach high-performing teams, today announced that its board has appointed Colleen Gallagher, currently Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer. https://hrtechfeed.com/hr-tech-executive-moves/ The HRIS Manager provides strategic, functional, and technical leadership in the development, implementation, and optimization of HR systems across Henry Crown and Company (HCC), CC Industries (CCI), and portfolio companies under management agreements. https://hrtechjob.com/jobs/196263282-hris-manager Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#5 - Joey Price: HR as the Operating System: Strategy, Data, and Diplomacy
By HR for HRIn this episode of By HR For HR, host Jocelyn King sits down with Joey Price to discuss the evolution of the HR professional from administrative support to the "operating system" of modern business. Joey shares insights from his journey as an HR consultant and author, explaining why HR leaders must act as diplomats who balance the needs of employees with the strategic goals of the C-suite. The conversation also dives into the acquisition of Aspect 43 and the latest research on HR tech buying trends. With budgets flattening and C-suite executives taking a more active role in purchasing decisions, Joey reveals why 40% of HR buyers still lack a clear AI strategy and how practitioners can close that gap to remain competitive. Find out more about Joey Price on LinkedIn. Hosted by Jocelyn King, founder and CEO of VirgilHR. VirgilHR provides instant, trusted answers to HR compliance questions—helping teams navigate federal, state, and local employment laws with accuracy and ease. To learn more, visit www.virgilhr.com and follow Jocelyn on LinkedIn for ongoing guidance and industry updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI Is Exposing the Biggest Lie About Workforce Productivity
The Human CapitalistAI is exposing the productivity problem leaders have ignored for years. Most organizations optimized for activity — not outcomes — and HR now owns the reset. As AI automates more work, it’s exposing a hard truth inside organizations: Much of what we’ve rewarded for years was never real productivity. Slide decks no one reads. Meetings that solve nothing. Reports created for optics, not outcomes. In this video, I break down how AI is revealing the BS economy at work — and why this moment is a critical reset for leaders, HR, and the C-suite. With over 20 years in HR leadership, I’m not here to hype tools or trends. I’m here to help leaders understand AI’s real impact on workforce strategy — and how to redesign work around outcomes, not activity. In this video, you’ll learn: Why AI is automating “busy work” — and why that’s a good thing What productivity studies are really showing (and what they’re not) Why speed without substance doesn’t drive results The leadership blind spot AI can’t fix for you How HR can lead the shift from visibility → value A practical 4-step action plan to redesign roles, workflows, and priorities AI can move faster than humans ever could but it can’t decide what actually matters. That responsibility still belongs to leaders. This is a call to stop scaling broken systems with smarter tools and start rebuilding work for impact, meaning, and growth. _________________________________ 🎯 Who this video is for: HR leaders & executives C-suite decision-makers People leaders navigating AI transformation Organizations serious about real productivity (not performative work) ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps 0:00 Why “Busy” Was Never the Same as Productive 0:45 Why I’m Calling This Out (20+ Years in HR Leadership) 1:45 AI and the Rise of the “BS Economy” 3:05 Why Faster Work Isn’t Better Work 4:10 The Productivity Stat No One Is Talking About 5:00 The Wake-Up Call AI Is Forcing on Leaders 6:15 HR’s Moment to Lead (Not Follow) 6:40 Audit the Busy Loop 7:10 Rebuilding Roles Around Impact 7:50 Why Managers Are the Bottleneck 8:20 Designing for Deep Work 8:55 Final Thought: Redesign. Don’t Repeat. 💬 Let’s discuss: Where do you see busy work hiding in your organization and what would you eliminate first? 🔔 Subscribe for more on: AI & workforce transformation People strategy for the future of work Leadership decisions that actually move the needle Redesign. Don’t repeat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Future of Leadership Starts with Trust - ep. #014
Return to PeopleIn this episode, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Jim Kernan, a leader at the intersection of technology, humanity, and modern work. Currently helping drive innovation at Luxonis, Jim brings more than 20 years of experience building and scaling teams across remote and hybrid environments, along with a deep belief that great leadership starts with empathy and trust. Jim shares what it really takes to lead remote-first teams with intention, moving beyond outdated, in-person management habits and taking responsibility for designing systems that support people wherever they work. He explains why flexibility is no longer a perk but an expectation, how trust outperforms control in distributed teams, and why empathy plays a critical role in retention, engagement, and performance. From onboarding and manager enablement to redefining accountability in a remote world, this conversation offers practical insights for leaders navigating change. Jim’s perspective makes one thing clear: remote-first success isn’t about tools alone, it’s about how we show up for people. 🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful, human-centered conversation on trust, responsibility, and what leadership must become in the future of work. Learn more about Jim and Luxonis: Jim´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimkernan/ Luxonis: https://www.luxonis.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#74 - The Great Stagnation: Why Talent Isn’t Moving in 2026 - Presented by Talent Tech PR
The Purple Acorn HR Morning ShowHosts Danielle and Serge tackle the unsettling reality of the current talent landscape with a headline segment titled ""We Broke Hiring. Now We're Automating the Damage."" As the industry grapples with whether new tools are solving the hiring crisis or merely accelerating dysfunction, the hosts welcome industry veteran David Manaster (ERE Media) to the show. David shares his critical analysis of the ""frozen"" labor market, debating whether AI is truly replacing the entry-level recruiter or if we are witnessing a fundamental shift in how talent mobility works in 2026. The conversation shifts to the engine behind the industry as Brandice Payne from Kyle & Co joins Danielle to dismantle common HR Tech marketing failures. Brandice argues for ""marketing as translation""—making complex AI innovation legible to humans rather than just promoting features—and highlights the responsibility marketers hold when selling tools that impact livelihoods. Sponsored by Talent Tech PR, this episode pushes past the buzzwords to explore the real friction between human expertise and automated systems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Job Throttling may Be Coming to the ATS
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology PodcastWe are living through a unique convergence in the labor market. A wave of high-profile layoffs has created a massive pool of eager talent. Simultaneously, generative AI has democratized corporate-grade automation for the individual job seeker. Tools that auto-apply, perfectly tailor resumes to keywords in milliseconds, and blast applications across platforms are now commonplace. We have removed all friction from applying. The result isn't a talent pool; it's a talent deluge. Employers and ATS vendors are realizing that the old floodgates cannot hold. We are seeing the first signs of a defensive build-up. The Current Defense: Identity vs. Volume Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the Pharmacy Benefit System a Scam? Follow the Money
The Jim Stroud PodcastThis episode of The Jim Stroud Podcast is brought to you by ProvenBase - an AI-powered talent acquisition and Deep Search sourcing platform that helps organizations find, engage, and hire hard-to-find candidates from thousands of real-time online sources. See it in action for yourself by visiting - https://provenbase.com ... In this episode: Are pharmacy benefits actually helping employers and employees—or has the system become a costly black box? Jim Stroud sits down with Alan Pannier, Chief Strategy Officer at SmithRx, to unpack how the U.S. pharmacy benefit ecosystem really works and why it can feel “scammy” even when it’s legal. Alan explains how PBMs were originally built to simplify pharmacy access, and how the model evolved into opaque pricing practices that can drive costs higher. In this episode, we break down spread pricing, rebate incentives, and why the “middle layer” of healthcare may be the biggest winner when no one can see the real numbers. Jim also presses for practical guidance: what HR leaders should ask their PBM, how to evaluate vendors using net cost vs. discount math, and what “fiduciary alignment” should look like in a contract. If you’re an employer, HR leader, or benefits decision-maker wondering why drug costs keep climbing—and what you can do about it—this conversation is your cheat sheet. Contact our guest: Alan Pannier - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-pannier SmithRx - http://www.smithrx.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Build a Virtual Summit With No Team ft. Benjamin Mena
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyWhat if you could build real industry authority, grow your network, and create long-term leverage — without a team, a budget, or paid promotion? In this episode, Benjamin Mena breaks down how he built a 600+ person virtual summit completely solo, while still running a full recruiting desk. You’ll hear how he designed summits that actually attract the right people, why keeping live access free increases trust and engagement, and how curating other experts helped him build influence without putting himself front and center. This conversation is a practical playbook for anyone who wants to use content to build community, credibility, and inbound opportunities — without burning out or overengineering the process. What You’ll Learn How to use a virtual summit to grow authority in your niche Why “no team” can actually be an advantage How free live events drive higher engagement The systems Benjamin uses to run summits solo How podcasts create warm relationships at scale When community monetization actually makes sense Resources Mentioned: Register for the FREE 2026 Sales & Recruiter Summit - https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ Check out Benjamin's Podcast - https://www.eliterecruiterpodcast.com/ Connect with us Connect with Benjamin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Connect with Rhona - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. workfluencer, virtual summit, virtual conference, online summit, community building, podcasting strategy, content marketing, audience growth, personal brand, thought leadership, creator economy, building community, podcast growth, authority building, event marketing, online events, no team business, solo creator, bootstrapped growth, recruiting industry, recruiter podcast, HR podcast, B2B podcast, professional creators Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

White collar jobs out? Trade jobs in?
The Human CapitalistTwo veteran recruiters break down why relationship-driven recruiting, skills-based hiring, and boomerang talent are about to matter more than ever in an AI-driven world. In this episode of The Human Capitalist podcast, I sit down with Top Source Talent founder and Talking TA host, Denise Chaffin, to talk about what’s next for AI in HR, the rise of skilled trades, and how smart companies are quietly winning the talent war by rethinking how, and where, they recruit. We get into: -Why “skills-based hiring” isn’t new to great recruiters—and what’s actually blocking it at the executive level. -How AI is exposing weak middle-management and transactional recruiting, and freeing HR to own productivity, not just process. -Why the godfather of AI is telling people to “train to be a plumber” and what that means for white-collar vs. skilled trades careers. About my guest: Denise Chaffin is the President and founder of Top Source Talent, a Phoenix-based minority, woman-owned talent acquisition firm specializing in hard-to-fill technical and professional roles across industries like semiconductor, medical device, cybersecurity, and government. With more than three decades in recruiting, she leads a distributed team of senior sourcers and recruiters supporting U.S. and global clients with recruitment-as-a-service, executive search, and contingent workforce solutions. Denise is also the host of the Talking TA podcast, where she interviews TA and HR leaders about modern recruiting, AI, and talent strategies that help organizations build and retain high-performing teams. Connect with Denise: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisechaffin/ Podcast: https://topsourcetalentllc.com/podcast/ Skip ahead: 00:00 – Why white-collar workers are moving to the trades 02:00 – AI in HR and the push toward skills-based hiring 07:30 – Degrees, flexibility, and leadership’s role in hiring 11:30 – How AI, risk, and instability are reshaping career paths 15:00 – Trades, certifications, and real-world career stories 20:00 – How skilled trades quietly power high tech 24:00 – Rethinking recruiting: beyond job boards and back to relationships 29:00 – Boomerang recruiting: bringing alumni talent back Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 59: The Business Impact of Organizational Trust
HR SnacksIntuitively most of us would agree that organizational trust is important to build and maintain, especially in the current work environment fraught with turbulence. But, it's a bit of a squishy concept without any correlative ties to business impact. My guest on this episode, Kim Bohr, President-COO, Speaker, Author , touches on this very topic and dives into fresh market research conducted by SparkEffect (formerly Waldron and Torchiana) that surfaces the business impacts of organizational trust and how companies can better navigate workplace disruptions and negative events like layoffs to maintain or even build employee trust. The research also touches on the short and long-term impacts around the cost-cutting trend of flattening organizations and removing the middle management layer. *Super cool bonus for HR Snacks listeners: Kim and the team at SparkEffect were gracious enough to offer complimentary access to the new Trust in Turbulence report along with a helpful field guide resource for trust building and a complimentary consulting session with SparkEffect's Leadership Advisory team! You can access all of these complimentary resources at: https://sparkeffect.com/hrsnacks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#4 - John Baldino: Stop Measuring "Time to Hire" and Start Monetizing Vacancy
By HR for HRJohn Baldino, President of Humareso, joins us live from HR Tech 2025 to discuss the evolution of the industry, from the days of "Personnel" and manual payroll to today’s data-driven people analytics. John challenges HR leaders to stop obsessing over "time to hire" and start calculating the real cost of vacancy: quantifying the lost productivity when managers have to cover open roles and the financial impact of burnout on remaining teams. He also explains why geographic cost differentials should be a primary factor in modern hiring strategies, urging leaders to look beyond major tech hubs to optimize budget. The conversation pivots to a critical struggle for many practitioners: how to move from reactive to strategic, especially within an "HR Department of One." John offers a liberating, incremental approach to shaving down the 92% of time spent on transactional tasks starting with letting employees manage their own data. He wraps up with the single most effective question HR professionals can ask managers to spark transformative, strategic partnership. It is a masterclass in proving HR’s financial value while keeping the "human" in human resources. Hosted by Jocelyn King, founder and CEO of VirgilHR. VirgilHR provides instant, trusted answers to HR compliance questions—helping teams navigate federal, state, and local employment laws with accuracy and ease. To learn more, visit www.virgilhr.com and follow Jocelyn on LinkedIn for ongoing guidance and industry updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ‘AI Made Us Do It’ Excuse Is Ending with the AI Jobs Clarity Bill
The Human CapitalistAlmost every time layoffs are announced, we hear the same explanation: “AI-related restructuring.” The problem? There’s been no reliable way to verify it — until now. In this video, I break down the AI-Related Job Impacts Clarity Act, a new bill in Congress that could require companies to publicly report how AI is impacting their workforce. We cover: Why this bill exists What companies may soon be required to report Why HR leaders are about to face new accountability What the C-suite should be doing right now to prepare This new bill is about transparency, data, and leadership responsibility in the age of AI. If you’re a CHRO, executive, or senior leader navigating AI-driven change, this is required viewing. ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: The question everyone’s asking about AI and jobs 0:48 – What is the AI-Related Jobs Impact Clarity Act? 2:03 – Why workforce reporting is broken 3:10 – How the new Bill changes everything 4:22 – What companies will have to report 6:15 – Why this matters for HR leaders 7:42 – The C-suite wake-up call: accountability and transparency 9:10 – What to do now to prepare 10:52 – The bigger picture: clarity, not punishment 12:06 – Final thoughts and leadership takeaway 12:50 – Outro and call to action 📅 Reference: Read the AI-Related Jobs Impact Clarity Act here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/example-link 🔔 Subscribe for more breakdowns on the future of work, AI strategy, and human capital insights — no fluff, just strategy. #AI #FutureOfWork #HRStrategy #CHRO #WorkforceTrends #AIBill #Transparency #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#73 - Trump vs Corporate DEI: Navigating the Legal Hurdles - Presented by Talent Tech PR
The Purple Acorn HR Morning ShowWelcome back to the number one spot for all things HR! We are kicking off 2026 with a packed show exploring the shifting landscapes of hiring, legal compliance, and talent strategy. In this episode, the team breaks down the "Redefining Hiring in 2026" headline, focusing on why skills agility and AI readiness are no longer optional. We’re joined by Vikram Shetty to tackle the complex legal hurdles facing corporate DEI initiatives amid new political pressures, while also making the case for the "Podcast ROI of DEI." Later, Joey Price and Tami Nutt from Jumpstart HR/Aspect43 stop by to drop their hot-off-the-press HR Compliance Technology Category Guide. They explain why compliance has graduated from a back-office checkbox to a core business reputation issue—especially for small and mid-sized orgs navigating multi-state work and the DOL’s new AI Workforce Hub. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Veroskills Promises Hire Ready Blue Collar Talent
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology PodcastIn this episode, we dive deep into the future of blue-collar hiring with Daniel Walsh, CEO and founder of Veroskills, and podcast host Chris Russell. Discover how Veroskills is leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to close the $1 trillion labor gap in the skilled trades and blue-collar sectors. veroskills.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Career Coaching Actually Booming—or Are We Just Calling It That?
The Jim Stroud PodcastThis episode brought to you by "The Career Intelligence System" at https://ci.jimstroud.com ... Everyone keeps saying career coaching is booming. You hear it on podcasts. You see it on LinkedIn. You see screenshots, sold-out programs, and bold income claims. But if that’s true… why does the market feel crowded? Why does demand feel real—but uneven? In this episode, we strip away the hype and look at what’s actually growing, what’s being mislabeled as a “boom,” and why that distinction matters if you’re a coach—or thinking about becoming one. This isn’t a takedown or a pep talk. It’s a clear-eyed look at what’s really happening beneath the headlines. 🎧 Listen before you decide where you fit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What Internal Comms Can Learn From Creators
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyMost internal comms get ignored. Deleted emails. Skimmed Slack posts. Zero follow-through. HR Leader, Lia Seth flipped that script. In this episode, we break down how she used memes, creator instincts, and vulnerability to get 100% employee open enrollment completed 24 hours early. Yes. Really. She wasn’t thinking like HR. She was thinking like a content creator. We get tactical. We get honest. And we talk about when this approach works, and when it absolutely doesn’t. What You’ll Learn Why traditional internal comms fail How memes drive real behavior change at work The cadence Lia used to sustain attention How to explain complex benefits simply When not to use humor or memes How vulnerability builds trust internally Accessibility tips for creative comms Tools Lia actually uses to make memes CONNECT WITH US Connect with Lia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liaseth/ Connect with Rhona - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. internal comms, internal communications, employee communication, workplace communication, HR communications, people ops, HR leadership, employee engagement, content strategy, creator mindset, content creators at work, corporate communication, internal messaging, change management, employee experience, modern HR, workplace culture, internal content strategy, communication at work, HR best practices, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CEO Content: Smart Strategy or Cringe?
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyIs CEO content building trust, or just embarrassing the brand? CEOs are posting more than ever. But not all visibility builds trust. In this Workfluencer Trend Report, Rhona breaks down a recent CNBC article questioning whether CEOs trying to be influencers is smart leadership or pure cringe. Using real examples of executive backlash, this episode explores why some CEO content backfires, why others work, and how trust has become the most important currency in the AI era. This isn’t about telling leaders to stop posting. It’s about understanding what audiences will not tolerate anymore. What You’ll Learn Why CEO personal branding is accelerating, not slowing down The common mistake behind “cringe” executive content The difference between authentic vs unfiltered posting Why trust signals matter more as AI-generated content explodes How companies are operationalizing executive content the right way Connect with Rhona LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Substack - https://workfluencer.substack.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RhonaBPierce Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/ ------------------ If you’re a Founder or Executive figuring out this whole Founder-Led Marketing thing, I’ve got an invite-only newsletter where I go deeper on this stuff. Want in? Email me at hello@rhonapierce.com and I’ll add you to the list. ------------------- CEO content, CEO personal branding, executive content strategy, founder led marketing, leadership personal brand, CEO LinkedIn strategy, executive storytelling, CEO influencers, leadership trust, executive visibility, founder branding, thought leadership for CEOs, leadership communication, personal branding at work, Workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Responsibility to Results in a Global Remote Team - ep. #013
Return to PeopleHow do modern organizations navigate a digital world where technology evolves faster than teams can adapt? In this week’s episode of the Return to People podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Manish Hirapara, a digital transformation trailblazer and CEO of one of the fastest-growing digital strategy firms in the United States, PeakActivity. Manish’s career journey from software engineer to overseeing $7B in global e-commerce sales at a Fortune 100 retailer, to building his own thriving company, gives him a rare, front-row perspective on how technology, people, and business strategy intersect. In this conversation, Manish explains why companies today need digital “Sherpas”, trusted guides who help organizations navigate the overwhelming world of e-commerce, AI, and rapidly shifting customer behaviors. He also shares powerful insights on developing a culture of service, where leaders empower others, teams thrive through collaboration, and success is built on lifting people up rather than managing them from above. Packed with clarity and practical wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone leading teams, building digital strategy, or steering their organization through transformation. Stay tuned! This one will change the way you think about leadership in the digital era. Learn more about Manish and PeakActivity: Manish´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishhirapara/ PeakActivity: https://www.peakactivity.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#50 - Goodbye 2025, It's Time for 2026 Predictions!
The Alder Hour with Matt AlderIn the final episode of 2025, Matt and Rhona sit down to gaze into the crystal ball and map out what lies ahead for Talent Acquisition and Human Resources in 2026. This isn't just about buzzwords; it is a deep dive into how the tools we use and the content we create will fundamentally shift the industry landscape. From the practical application of AI software to the existential questions surrounding job security and productivity, the duo tackles the biggest anxieties and opportunities facing recruiting professionals. They discuss the future of the candidate experience and how HR must evolve to stay relevant. Finally, they pivot to the booming creator economy within TA, discussing the future of LinkedIn algorithms, the potential rise of Substack for industry thought leadership, why everyone seems to be launching a podcast, and why branding yourself as a recruiter through Employee Generated Content (EGC) is no longer optional. Join us for a candid, forward-looking discussion to prepare your strategy for the year ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Low hire. Low fire.
The Jim Stroud PodcastEveryone keeps asking if the job market is broken. It’s not that simple. Hiring didn’t disappear—it changed. Quieter. More selective. Less forgiving of guesswork. In this episode, Jim Stroud unpacks why the market feels confusing, why familiar strategies stopped working, and what’s really driving hiring decisions right now. If your experience suddenly feels harder to translate—or the rules feel different without warning—this conversation will help you see what’s actually happening beneath the noise. | This episode brought to you by: Job Search 3.0 - Stop endlessly applying for jobs. Start attracting them instead. https://jobsearch.jimstroud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

















