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What Your Face is Worth at Work
The Jim Stroud PodcastWhat Your Face Is Worth at Work What if your career isn’t just shaped by your skills—but by your appearance? This episode dives into the rise of “looksmaxxing” and the uncomfortable truth about lookism in hiring and workplace success. As Gen Z responds to what gets rewarded, we’re forced to ask: Is this extreme behavior… or a logical reaction to a biased system? Because if merit isn’t the only factor— What does that mean for the future of work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#88: How Honest Employer Branding Attracts Better Candidates
Workfluencer: Personal Branding & Content CreationWhat if candidates were lining up before you even posted the job? In this episode, Rhona sits down with Bradley Clark to break down how his team turned honest, transparent employer branding into a high-performing talent engine. They get into why most employer branding fails, how transparency filters in the right candidates (and repels the wrong ones), and the exact system behind their “early access” hiring strategy that drives 60% of hires before jobs ever hit job boards. This is a tactical, behind-the-scenes look at what happens when employer brand is actually aligned to hiring goals—not vanity metrics. What You’ll Learn: Why honesty is the most effective employer branding strategy Why “aspirational” employer branding hurts hiring How radical transparency improves candidate quality The early access hiring strategy (and how to copy it) Why you should close jobs early (and stop collecting resumes) The 4 content pillars behind a high-performing employer brand How to use rejection emails as a brand-building tool Why unpolished content outperforms high-production campaigns How employer brand should directly support talent strategy Resources Mentioned: Visit Article's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/article.com/ If you've been wanting to post more consistently on LinkedIn, try Stanley for FREE - https://workfluencerpodcast.com/stanley Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2 Connect with Us: Connect with Brad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradmclark/ 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should the CHRO Become the Chief Technologist?
The Human CapitalistIn this episode, I sat down with Sarika Lamont (Chief People Officer at Vidyard) to break down one of the most critical shifts happening in HR leadership right now. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: 97% of AI transformations are failing. It’s not the technology that’s broken. It’s because we—HR leaders—aren't leading them. AI transformation is fundamentally about behavior change, not tooling. And that means HR is uniquely positioned to own it. In this conversation, we unpack: 🔑 Key Topics: Why AI is evolving entry-level roles, not eliminating them (and the critical 20% gap everyone's missing) How the CHRO role has shifted from managing HR functions to owning the entire operating model The difference between automation, AI, and agentic AI (and why most organizations get this wrong) Why HR leaders need to become "Chief Technologists"—not engineers, but business-savvy innovators How to separate hype from reality when every AI vendor claims to solve everything The power of "building in public" for real AI adoption (not compliance) Why HR leaders must understand revenue, ARR, and cash flow to earn a seat at the table Practical steps CHROs can take today to lead AI transformation in their organizations ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro – why AI is changing HR 01:30 Guest intro – Sarika Lamont, CPO at Vidyard 04:48 Is AI really killing entry-level jobs? 12:35 Microsoft’s new HR model and “workforce acceleration” 14:11 How the CHRO role has changed in the AI era 15:44 Should HR lead AI transformation? 21:31 What CHROs should actually focus on with AI 25:32 Why HR leaders must become technologists 29:28 How to lead AI even without enterprise tools Core Takeaway: The CHRO role is evolving from "people function owner" to "Chief Technologist"—someone who understands how humans, systems, and business outcomes interconnect. If you're not getting hands-on with AI tools, building in public, and learning your business inside out, you're going to get left behind. Connect with Sarika:* LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarikalamont (She's actively building in public and always open to connecting on AI, HR, and organizational transformation) 🎧 The Human Capitalist is a podcast + newsletter at the intersection of AI and HR leadership. We talk about what actually works—grounded in real HR challenges, bold thinking, and practical advice. Subscribe to never miss an episode. Newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/humancapitalist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Phenom Buys Plum
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology PodcastThis episode is sponsored by Dalia— Is your career site delivering the conversion you need? Dalia’s plug-and-play tech turns any employer career site into a high-performance candidate conversion engine — no replatforming required, live in days.Visit dalia.co to learn more. Alright rec techies…..here’s what's happening this week. Windmill describes itself as the “context graph for your people.” While most companies have sophisticated systems of record for their finances (ERP) and customers (CRM), the startup argues that the most critical asset—the workforce—is often managed via guesswork and fragmented data. They announced this week theyve raised $12 million in a seed funding round. The investment was led by Inspired Capital, with significant participation from Primary Venture Partners, Founder Collective, and Oceans Ventures. https://hrtechfeed.com/performance-management-tool-raises-12m/ NY — Nomad Health announced its formal transition from a healthcare staffing agency to a software platform company. Nomad will offer its proprietary AI operating system to mid-market and enterprise healthcare staffing firms nationwide. https://hrtechfeed.com/nomad-health-evolves-from-staffing-agency-to-ai-software-company/ SAN FRANCISCO — Checkr, the data platform powering safe and fair decisions across work and everyday life, today announced Checkr Profiles, a portable identity solution that gives individuals control over their verified credentials. Individuals can proactively share them, and marketplaces and platforms can embed trusted identity verification directly into their ecosystems. https://hrtechfeed.com/checkr-launches-profiles-giving-people-a-verified-identity-that-travels-with-them/ PHILADELPHIA—As AI-generated resumes, deepfake interview responses, and fabricated work histories create a new candidate verification crisis for enterprise hiring, Phenom today announced the acquisition of Plum, a pioneer in psychometric-based talent assessments that validate the durable skills AI cannot manufacture and resumes cannot verify. https://hrtechfeed.com/phenom-acquires-plum/ LOS ANGELES — Fama Technologies, Inc., a pioneer in AI-powered social background screening, announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November 30, 2015, establishing Fama as the original inventor of the technology that has since become a critical component of modern hiring and risk management. https://hrtechfeed.com/fama-technologies-granted-u-s-patent-on-foundational-ai-powered-social-media-screening-technology/ Performance Management Tool Raises $12M Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#15 - Jen Miller: Bridging Leadership and Strategy
By HR for HRJoin us in this enlightening episode of HRHR as we dive into the intricacies of leadership and strategy with Jen Miller, founder of Leading Edge. With a rich background as an HR leader, Jen shares her journey from corporate HR to establishing her own company focused on developing effective leadership that drives business outcomes.In this conversation, Jen discusses how she helps organizations translate business strategies into clear expectations and leadership behaviors. She emphasizes the importance of aligning leadership practices with organizational goals and the challenges of managing diverse teams. Jen offers valuable insights into addressing common leadership hurdles, such as fostering synergy among leaders and ensuring consistent discipline across teams.Listeners will gain practical advice on improving communication within organizations, especially during times of change. Jen highlights the need for HR leaders to double down on clear and consistent messaging to facilitate smoother transitions. Additionally, she explains how bridging the gap between people and processes can enhance performance management systems, making them more effective and less frustrating for employees and HR professionals alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#16 - Junell Venord: Building HR Communities and Effective Communication
By HR for HRIn this episode of HRHR, host Jocelyn King engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Junell Venord, a seasoned HR professional and Senior Director at the Washington Area Community Investment Fund. Junell shares her unique journey through various industries, from teaching to HR leadership, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to building strong HR communities.Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of leveraging HR communities like D.C. SHRM for support and professional development. Junell emphasizes the need for HR professionals to connect with peers to navigate workplace challenges, particularly during times of organizational stress, such as layoffs. She also shares practical advice on how to avoid common pitfalls when presenting to executives, highlighting the importance of tailoring messages to meet the audience's needs.Join us as we explore the critical role of community in HR, discuss the nuances of effective communication, and learn from Junell's experience in fostering collaboration and mentorship among HR professionals. Whether you're an HR leader or just starting in the field, this episode offers actionable takeaways to enhance your HR practice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Beyond the Algorithm: Joe Shaker on Creativity in Recruitment Marketing
Transformation RealnessIn this episode of Transformation Realness, host Kyle Lagunas sits down with Joe Shaker, President of Shaker Recruitment Marketing, to explore the evolving landscape of recruitment marketing. Joe, coming from a lineage that's been shaping the industry for three generations, offers a unique perspective on what creativity means in an era where technology and automation dominate.Listeners will gain insights into how employer branding can stand out when everyone has access to the same tools and strategies. Joe discusses the importance of storytelling and the human element in recruitment, even as AI and automation become more prevalent. He emphasizes the need for scaling best practices rather than worst ones and highlights the critical role of AI literacy across organizations.Join Kyle and Joe as they delve into the pressures facing talent acquisition teams today, the balance between technology and personal interaction, and how organizations can use AI to enhance rather than replace human efforts. Whether you're interested in the future of recruitment or looking to understand the current crossroads the industry faces, this conversation is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Future CHRO Thinks Like an Engineer
The Human CapitalistHR isn't broken because it lacks data. It's broken because the data isn't connected to anything that drives decisions. 63% of HR professionals describe their function as the company's crisis hotline. 41% of their time goes to admin work. And 98% of CHROs are unhappy with how performance management works — despite sitting on more workforce data than ever. That's not a data problem. That's a gap problem. And in Episode 3 of The Five Personas of the Modern CHRO, we get into the persona built to fix it: The Engineer. The Engineer doesn't own any single function's process. They hunt the gaps between functions — where Sales ends and Talent begins, where Finance is making workforce decisions without people data, where two AI implementations are running in parallel and nobody's coordinating them. Then they close those gaps. I also share a real story from my consulting work — a Sales team missing ramp targets, a recruiting team taking the blame, and the gap nobody was looking at that was sitting right between them. **In this episode:** - Why HR is data rich and insight poor — and what that's costing the business - The AI stats making cross-functional gaps more expensive by the month - How engineers actually think — and what that mindset looks like in the CHRO seat - The four behaviors that define the Engineer persona - A real-world example: how closing a Sales-Recruiting gap improved quota attainment and first-year retention - Three action steps to start this week --- **Timestamps** 0:00 The gap problem nobody owns 0:40 Welcome back 1:00 Series recap 1:45 Problem: HR as the crisis hotline 3:40 Research: AI is making gaps more expensive 5:30 How engineers actually think 6:40 The CHRO as Engineer 7:10 Real world example: Sales and Recruiting 10:05 The four behaviors of the Engineer CHRO 12:10 Plan of action: 3 moves this week 13:30 Bottom line --- **Further reading:** [AI Isn't Breaking Your Middle Managers](https://www.fastcompany.com/91514051/ai-isnt-breaking-your-middle-managers) — Fast Company -https://www.fastcompany.com/91514051/ai-isnt-breaking-your-middle-managers --- **About The Human Capitalist** For 20 years I've been rebuilding organizations for C-suite leaders. This channel is an intelligence briefing on the business of people — for CEOs, Board Members, and CHROs who want the signal without the noise. New episodes every week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#85 - The Seduction Era: Choosing Security Over Salary - Presented by CalendarPA.com
The Purple Acorn HR Morning ShowJoin hosts Rhona Barnett-Pierce and Mike Peditto as they dive into the rapidly shifting landscape of HR in 2026. This episode explores the Department of Labor’s new proposed "joint employer" standard and the rise of the "Seduction Era" in talent acquisition, where job security is officially outranking pay for new grads. Our featured guest is Jocelyn King, Founder and CEO of VirgilHR and host of the By HR for HR podcast. Jocelyn shares her expertise on scaling people operations, moving HR from "order takers" to "trusted advisors," and how agentic AI is set to redefine workforce planning. We have a special "Talk Nerdy with iCIMS" segment with Trent Cotton and Madeline Laurano. Plus, Serge delivers a "Weather Report" on the HR risks of Meta’s AI-generated leadership communication. Brought to you by the Purple Acorn Network and sponsors like CalendarPA.com and Talent Tech PR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#87: How to Turn Content Into Clients (By Building in Public)
Workfluencer: Personal Branding & Content CreationHow do you actually turn content into clients—especially when you’re just starting out? In this episode, we unpack what it really looks like to build in public and use content as more than just a visibility play. Not polished. Not hindsight. Real-time. Preston recently left corporate and is building his business from the ground up, documenting the process as he goes. That means sharing what’s working, what’s not, and how his approach to content has shifted from “just posting” to something much more intentional. We talk about how content evolves from a side project into a true business driver, what “building in public” actually means in practice, and where to draw the line between transparency and oversharing. You’ll also hear what types of content are gaining traction right now, what’s falling flat, and how to connect what you post back to real opportunities—without feeling salesy. It’s an honest look at figuring things out as you go, including the mental and financial side of making the leap. If you’ve been showing up online and wondering if it’s ever going to lead to something… this is the episode that connects the dots. What You'll Learn: Why waiting until you feel ready to build in public is still delay — and what actually gets you started How to use memes and infographics to educate your professional niche on LinkedIn without being generic The financial runway strategy Preston used to safely leave a decade-long corporate career Why content creation is the cheat code for introverts who hate networking The difference between posting to educate and posting with a business development strategy How to be selective with sponsorships in a way that protects your credibility and your audience's trust What building in public looks like when you're still mid-pivot and haven't nailed your niche yet Resources Mentioned: Visit Preston's website: https://www.guidelinetalent.com If you've been wanting to post more consistently on LinkedIn, try Stanley for FREE - https://workfluencerpodcast.com/stanley Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2 Connect with Us: Connect with Preston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonsharpston 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The New AI Search Rules for Your Career Site
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology Podcast“If someone asks ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, or Google’s AI features, “Where are great places to work in Chicago if I’m an engineer?” your company does not get considered because you have nice values copy. You get considered because the system can find you, understand you, and trust what it finds.” That was written by employer brand expert James Ellis and he joins me now on the show to talk about how employers should be crafting their career sites to be found inside the new AI ecosystem. Questions Its a new age James when it comes to career site SEO set the stage on where we came from and where we are in 2026? Lets run through your recent post starting with #1 Give your company a real entity home page, what do you mean by that? Make your claims auditable…? Build durable pages, not just disposable job posts..? Publish explicit Q&A pages..? Fresh matters. Fake fresh does not….? Start measuring citation visibility, not just traffic…explain. Where can people go to learn more about you and your services? LINK: https://choosable.ai/how-employer-branding-gets-found-by-chatgpt-claude-and-ai-search Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Insider Advantage Nobody Tells You About
The Jim Stroud PodcastIt's 11:47 PM. You hit submit on another application and watch it dissolve into the void. You did everything right — the degree, the internship, the certifications squeezed between finals — and still, silence. That low ache behind your sternum? It's not anxiety. It's intelligence responding to a system nobody explained to you. Here's the truth the career center will never say out loud: the job market is not a meritocracy. It never was. It's a relationship architecture — who knows you, who trusts you, whose mind you're on at 9 AM Tuesday when something opens up before it's ever posted. You were handed a map that doesn't show the actual terrain. You were taught to knock on the door. Nobody told you how the door works. In this episode, career intelligence analyst Jim Stroud — veteran of Microsoft, Google, and Randstad — reveals the counterintuitive move a small percentage of students make in college that quietly rewires everything. It's strategic. It's almost unfair. And it's hiding in plain sight. Effort gets you exhausted. Visibility gets you hired. Tune in before the next application disappears into the void. ... Brought to you by: Career Intelligence Weekly - Tracking the invisible job market for smarter career decisions. Subscribe now at https://newsletter.jimstroud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Architect: The Only CHRO Skill That Matters Now
The Human CapitalistHR isn't broken because it lacks data. It's broken because the data isn't connected to anything that drives decisions. 63% of HR professionals describe their function as the company's crisis hotline. 41% of their time goes to admin work. And 98% of CHROs are unhappy with how performance management works — despite sitting on more workforce data than ever. That's not a data problem. That's a gap problem. And in Episode 3 of The Five Personas of the Modern CHRO, we get into the persona built to fix it: The Engineer. The Engineer doesn't own any single function's process. They hunt the gaps between functions — where Sales ends and Talent begins, where Finance is making workforce decisions without people data, where two AI implementations are running in parallel and nobody's coordinating them. Then they close those gaps. I also share a real story from my consulting work — a Sales team missing ramp targets, a recruiting team taking the blame, and the gap nobody was looking at that was sitting right between them. **In this episode:** - Why HR is data rich and insight poor — and what that's costing the business - The AI stats making cross-functional gaps more expensive by the month - How engineers actually think — and what that mindset looks like in the CHRO seat - The four behaviors that define the Engineer persona - A real-world example: how closing a Sales-Recruiting gap improved quota attainment and first-year retention - Three action steps to start this week --- **Timestamps** 0:00 The gap problem nobody owns 0:40 Welcome back 1:00 Series recap 1:45 Problem: HR as the crisis hotline 3:40 Research: AI is making gaps more expensive 5:30 How engineers actually think 6:40 The CHRO as Engineer 7:10 Real world example: Sales and Recruiting 10:05 The four behaviors of the Engineer CHRO 12:10 Plan of action: 3 moves this week 13:30 Bottom line --- **Further reading:** [AI Isn't Breaking Your Middle Managers](https://www.fastcompany.com/91514051/ai-isnt-breaking-your-middle-managers) — Fast Company -https://www.fastcompany.com/91514051/ai-isnt-breaking-your-middle-managers --- **About The Human Capitalist** For 20 years I've been rebuilding organizations for C-suite leaders. This channel is an intelligence briefing on the business of people — for CEOs, Board Members, and CHROs who want the signal without the noise. New episodes every week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Social Recruiting Ad Company Acquired
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology PodcastNEW YORK — Symphony Talent, announced the launch of Career Finder, a new capability within its SFX Career Website platform that transforms job search into AI-powered discovery — helping job seekers quickly find roles that fit https://hrtechfeed.com/symphony-talent-replacing-traditional-career-site-job-search-with-ai-powered-discovery/ GAIA acquires SocialJobs https://hrtechfeed.com/gaia-acquires-socialjobs-as-it-eyes-u-s-expansion/ AUSTIN, Texas, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LumApps, the connected AI employee hub, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Comeen, the workplace experience platform specializing in space management, digital signage and visitor services. https://hrtechfeed.com/lumapps-acquires-workplace-experience-platform/ UKG Layoffs https://hrexecutive.com/ukg-cuts-950-jobs-in-latest-round-of-restructuring/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#30 - Let It Go: When Holding On Is Holding You Back
Champion Blueprint Podcast with George Rogers and Gary BrackettWe’ve all held on longer than we should, relationships, careers, identities, and expectations that have already run their course. Not because we’re unaware, but because letting go requires courage. In this episode, we unpack the hidden cost of staying too long and the truth most people avoid: some things aren’t broken, they’re finished. This conversation challenges you to confront where comfort, fear, or misplaced loyalty may be keeping you stuck and equips you with the mindset to release what no longer serves you. Because growth doesn’t come from holding on. It comes from knowing when to let go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Data Science Edge Behind High-Performing Sales Teams - ep. #021
Return to PeopleAre you relying on gut feeling when your data is trying to tell you something smarter? In this episode of the Return to People podcast, Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Francis Brero, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of MadKudu, to explore how data science is transforming the way modern B2B sales teams operate. From his journey as an immigrant in France to building a company in Silicon Valley, Francis shares how curiosity, resilience, and a passion for analytics shaped his path. The core takeaway? Companies don’t have a data problem; they have a translation problem. Francis explains how businesses can turn scattered buyer signals into clear, actionable insights without needing a full team of data scientists, unlocking more predictable and scalable sales pipelines. Along the way, he challenges the habit of relying on instinct alone and makes a strong case for democratizing data across teams, especially in remote and hybrid environments. “The companies that win aren’t the ones with the most data but the ones who actually use it to make decisions.” If you’re building, leading, or scaling a team, this episode offers a practical and inspiring look at how to combine data, creativity, and a people-first mindset to drive real results. Learn more about Francis: Francis´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisbrero/ MadKudu´s webpage: https://www.madkudu.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#84 - The AI Readiness Gap - Why 85% of Training Fails - Presented by CalendarPA.com
The Purple Acorn HR Morning ShowIn this episode of The HR Morning Show, hosts Adam Posner and Trent Cotton tackle the growing disconnect between corporate technology initiatives and employee execution. The discussion centers on the "AI Readiness Gap," featuring data from Docebo that reveals a staggering 85% of employees are unable to apply their AI training to their daily responsibilities. The team also breaks down new findings from Monster regarding the "black box" of automated screening, which has led frustrated job seekers to adopt a "spray and pray" application strategy in an increasingly opaque hiring landscape. The show features guest Zech Dahms, who joins the conversation to provide expert analysis on these shifting talent trends. Additionally, Serge delivers the "Weather Report," forecasting how workers are pivoting their strategies as employers exercise heightened caution in a chaotic market. This episode is packed with actionable insights for HR professionals looking to bridge the training gap and humanize the recruitment process, all brought to you by the Purple Acorn Network and sponsors like CalendarPA.com and Talent Tech PR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode #191 Defining Employer Branding
CareerTALKS PodcastJames Ellis, the author of 'Becoming Choosable and Employer Brand expert joined me to discuss the importance of employer branding, the journey of writing the book, and how companies can differentiate themselves in a competitive job market. James emphasizes the need for authenticity in employer branding and the responsibility of organizations to communicate their unique value propositions effectively. The conversation also touches on strategies for overcoming resistance from leadership and the significance of aligning employer branding with company culture. James Ellis 🌐https://www.employerbrandlabs.com/Orlando Haynes 🌐https://careertalkspodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode #199 Choosing The Wrong Career
CareerTALKS PodcastIn this episode my guest Patricia Ortega Founder & CEO of The Uncommon Career and host of the The Uncommon Career Podcast discuss the challenges faced by mid-career professional women in the job market. We dove into the importance of not settling for the wrong job, the dynamics of the current job market, and strategies for effective job searching. Patricia shares insights on overcoming limiting beliefs, building a strong professional network, and leveraging the unique strengths of women in the workplace and so much more. Patricia Ortega 🌐The Uncommon Career Orlando Haynes 🌐Career Capital 🌐CareerTALKS Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Demographic Squeeze
The Jim Stroud PodcastYou're panicking about the wrong thing. While you doomscroll about AI stealing your job, the real threat is gutting the workforce behind your back. No headlines. Just math. Picture a burst pipe. Wednesday morning. Water in your drywall. You call a plumber — and wait three weeks. Because he's 61, his apprentice retired, and the new kid doesn't exist. The skilled trades shortage is already costing the U.S. over a billion a year in plumbing alone. Construction needs 349,000 new workers this year. Electricians? 81,000 openings a year for a decade. The CEO of Indeed says we're facing a 20 million-worker shortfall — and 80% of it isn't automation. It's demographics. Boomers walking out the door with nobody behind them. Japan saw this coming 30 years ago and pulled a lever America doesn't have. This episode tells you what it was, why we can't copy it, and why no chatbot will ever crawl through your flooded basement. You've been watching the dazzling horizon. Meanwhile, the scaffolding behind you is coming apart. The machines aren't the story. The silence is. Tune in before the pipe bursts. ... Brought to you by: The Recruiting Life newsletter - Clarity on what's happening now and next in the world of work. Subscribe now at https://newsletter.jimstroud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#86: How to Build a Personal Brand After a Layoff
Workfluencer: Personal Branding & Content CreationMost people get laid off and go quiet. Vanita Capobianco did the opposite. She started creating content, launched a podcast, and began building a personal brand from scratch. No audience. No experience. No roadmap. In this episode, we break down what actually happens after a layoff—and how to turn that moment into momentum. Vanita shares how she built consistency, found her voice, and created opportunities by showing up online. We also get into the real side of content creation. Late nights. Self-doubt. Low views. And why none of that matters if you keep going. If you’ve ever thought about building a personal brand but feel like you’re “not ready,” this episode will challenge that fast. What You’ll Learn Why layoffs can be a turning point (if you use them right) How to start creating content with zero audience How to promote your content when no one knows you yet Why consistency beats perfection every time How to balance a 9–5, kids, and content creation Resources Mentioned: Listen to Vanita's Podcast: https://laidofftoliftoff.riverside.com/ If you've been wanting to post more consistently on LinkedIn, try Stanley for FREE - https://workfluencerpodcast.com/stanley Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2 Connect With Us: Connect with Vanita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vcapobiancohrtech/ 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#122- How Michelle Masterson Helps Recruiting Firms Scale Without Burning Out
Digital Recruiter PodcastEpisode Summary Michelle Masterson didn't build her career advising recruiting firms from the outside. She built it from inside the industry, first as a practitioner, then as a partner in one of the most comprehensive firm-building ecosystems in the country. As Managing Partner of Next Level Exchange and Sanford Rose Associates, Michelle has spent 14 years helping recruiting firm owners diagnose what's holding them back and build the infrastructure to grow, profitably and sustainably, without burning out. The results speak for themselves. More than 10 firms joined the SRA network at $200–500K in revenue and scaled to $3M–$13M over 3–7 years. Revenues across the network increased over 1,500% in less than a decade. Five consecutive years ranked the #1 Business Services Firm by the Franchise Business Review. But behind those numbers is a simple philosophy: stop trying to renovate the whole house at once. Work on one room at a time, and keep building. In this episode, Michelle and Clark get into what's actually happening across hundreds of recruiting firms right now, and what separates the owners who break through from the ones who stay stuck. They cover why market mastery beats generalism every time, why the best time to invest in your business is when things are going well (not when you're desperate), and why most owners are so deep in production they never carve out time to work on the business. Michelle also shares how she thinks about team structure, niche strategy, and the mindset shift that makes everything else possible. Her closing thought: as Meryl Streep once said, "Start by starting." Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Just begin. For recruiting firm owners ready to stop grinding and start scaling, this conversation is a practical, honest blueprint from someone who's helped hundreds of them do exactly that. Michelle's Bio Michelle Masterson is the Managing Partner of Next Level Exchange and Sanford Rose Associates, two pillars of one of the most comprehensive recruiting firm support ecosystems in the country. With 14 years of experience helping firm owners grow, scale, and operate smarter, Michelle works directly with owners to remove growth friction through operational strategy and hands-on execution, from comp model redesign and team structure to workflow optimization, performance analytics, and market expansion. Under her leadership, the SRA network has grown by over 250% in offices and 1,500% in revenue since 2012. More than 10 firms have scaled from $200–500K to $3M–$13M through the network. The organization has been ranked the #1 Business Services Firm by the Franchise Business Review for five consecutive years and the 9th Largest U.S. Search Firm by Executive Search Review. Starfish Partners, the parent company, now operates as a $50M+ recruiting firm with 180+ associates, a third of whom have more than a decade of tenure. Michelle's approach isn't theoretical. It's built on practical solutions designed to create a strong, scalable foundation that fits the firm owner, not a one-size-fits-all model. Connect with Michelle at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemastersondallas/ Check Out Our Sponsor at: https://signaturebackoffice.com/ For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Worki Raises $2.75 Million in Pre Seed Funding
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology PodcastSAN FRANCISCO – Worki, a healthcare technology startup, announced today that it has raised $2.75 million in pre-seed funding to solve one of the most persistent headaches in modern medicine: the fragmented and overwhelming administrative burden of workforce operations. https://hrtechfeed.com/worki-raises-2-75-million-to-power-ai-healthcare-workforce-operations/ Accurate, a leading provider of global compliant background checks and monitoring solutions, today announced the launch of AccurateWatch, its new Continuous Monitoring solution that is designed to help organizations manage workforce risk and maintain compliance after employees are hired. – Asymbl, the workforce orchestration company redefining hybrid workforce orchestration across human and digital workers, is announcing the launch of Talent Intelligence and general availability of Recruiter Agent, built on Salesforce Agentforce. Together these products are advancing their Workforce Applications to the next level to deliver unified talent relationship management that will empower recruiters caught between outdated platforms and the pressure of today’s fast-paced and expensive talent market. https://hrtechfeed.com/hr-tech-news-from-accurate-asymbl/ My friends at phenom are having a virtual event next week on april 22 at 10am ET Every HR leader is being asked to use AI, but few have the technology to do it. The result? Projects fail, data remains siloed, and the task-level intelligence needed to actually reskill, automate, or redeploy talent doesn’t exist. That changes April 22. Join Phenom’s HR Innovation Showcase to see how AI and AI agents empower global enterprises to redesign work operations, hire faster, develop better, and retain longer. https://info.phenom.com/hr-innovation-showcase/?utm_source=Rectechmedia&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fy27_innovation_showcase Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode #198 Leadership Capacity
CareerTALKS PodcastI got the chance to have Kendra Johnson, CEO and founder of the Venn Group, circle back to talk about the critical role of soft skills in middle management. Kendra shares her insights on the communication gaps between executives and middle managers, the impact of organizational culture on these dynamics, and the importance of capacity discussions to prevent burnout. She emphasizes the need for effective resource management and alignment on communication styles to foster a productive work environment. 🌐The Venned Group 📃[Un]Common Ground Orlando Haynes 🌐Career Capital AI-Powered platform helping professionals document and leverage their achievements at work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think Like a Sales Leader—or Lose the War for Talent
The Jim Stroud PodcastIn this compelling episode, HR futurist Jim Stroud sits down with Dr. Deepak Bhootra of Sandler to explore the powerful intersection of talent acquisition, sales strategy, and leadership development. Tailored for recruiters and HR leaders, this conversation reveals how organizations can align hiring, training, and performance to drive measurable business results. Discover how consultative selling principles can transform recruiting, strengthen candidate relationships, and elevate workplace culture. Stroud and Bhootra share actionable insights on strategic communication, emotional intelligence, and building high-performing teams in today’s competitive talent landscape. Whether you're a CHRO, talent acquisition professional, or HR strategist, this episode offers practical strategies to help you hire smarter, lead better, and deliver lasting impact. Contact Deepak Bhootra via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepakbhootra/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#85: How to Get Content Ideas Without Overthinking
Workfluencer: Personal Branding & Content CreationIf you’re constantly consuming content but still struggling to come up with ideas… this episode is your reset. Jeff Harry argues that the problem isn’t a lack of inspiration, it’s too much input. In this episode, we break down why overconsumption leads to overthinking, how that blocks creativity, and what actually helps you generate better content ideas (hint: it’s not more scrolling). You’ll learn how to: Stop relying on inspiration from other creators Break out of the doomscrolling cycle Use boredom as a creative advantage Create content that feels natural, not forced If you’ve ever thought, “I know I should be creating, but I just can’t get started”—this one’s for you. Resources Mentioned: Watch Jeff's TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/Abnzm6czeP4 Visit Jeff's Website: https://www.rediscoveryourplay.com/ Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2 Connect With Us: Connect with Jeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffharryplays/ 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#29 - Performing Under Pressure: March Madness & Moments That Matter
Champion Blueprint Podcast with George Rogers and Gary BrackettIn this high-impact episode of the Champion Blueprint Podcast, George Rogers and Gary Brackett break down what truly separates those who rise in big moments from those who fold. Using the intensity of March Madness as the backdrop, they reveal a powerful truth: pressure doesn’t create you, it exposes your preparation. From controlling what you can to mastering your breathing, building routines, and visualizing success before it happens, this episode delivers a practical blueprint for performing when it matters most. Whether you’re leading a team, closing a deal, or stepping into a defining moment in your life, this conversation will help you stay grounded, focused, and ready. Key Takeaway: You don’t rise to the occasion, you fall back on your preparation. So build habits worth trusting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Grayscale acquired by Paylocity PLUS Indeed's Community Call
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology PodcastIn an April 2nd community call hosted by Chris Hoyt of CareerXroads, Indeed detailed significant policy changes aimed at transitioning the platform toward a more controlled "pay-to-play" marketplace. The key shift involves the sunsetting of traditional XML feed support, requiring employers to integrate their Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) directly or post manually, which effectively ends the "single source" free visibility many companies relied on. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-indeed-told-us-summary-april-2nd-community-call-chris-hoyt-r37dc/ Oracle today announced Fusion Agentic Applications for HR. The new agentic applications are powered by coordinated teams of specialized AI agents that are outcome-driven, proactive, reasoning-based, and engineered for enterprise execution. Built into Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications, Fusion Agentic Applications for HR can make and execute decisions within business processes by securely accessing unified enterprise data, workflows, policies, approval hierarchies, permissions, and transactional context. https://hrtechfeed.com/oracle-introduces-fusion-agentic-applications-for-hr/ https://hrtechfeed.com/ai-agents-now-have-their-own-job-board/ Paylocity (NASDAQ: PCTY), a leading provider of HCM, Finance, and IT solutions, today announced the acquisition of Grayscale Labs, Inc. (“Grayscale”), an AI-powered recruiting automation company that helps businesses hiring at scale move faster without compromising quality. Grayscale expands Paylocity’s recruiting capabilities with AI-powered recruiting automation that helps employers engage candidates earlier and move faster through time-sensitive hiring workflows—while keeping hiring decisions firmly in the hands of recruiters and hiring managers. The platform helps organizations keep pace with the ongoing hiring demands of high‑volume, high‑turnover workforces without sacrificing quality or control. https://hrtechfeed.com/paylocity-acquires-grayscale-to-expand-ai-powered-recruiting-capabilities/ Wizehire, the leading hiring platform for small and growing businesses, announced the launch of Jobs by Wizehire, a new app available in ChatGPT to help job seekers easily find and apply to local jobs through conversations. https://hrtechfeed.com/wizehire-launches-jobs-app-in-chatgpt/ In a move that signals a fundamental shift in how corporations view their workforce, monday.com (NASDAQ: MNDY) has officially launched Agentalent.ai, a first-of-its-kind managed marketplace designed specifically for “hiring” enterprise AI agents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#14 - Angela Cheng-Cimini: The Triumvirate - Aligning the CEO, CFO, and CHRO
By HR for HRJocelyn King sits down with Angela Cheng-Cimini, a 30-year HR veteran and current Chief People Officer at the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Angela shares her journey from full-time leadership at Harvard Business Review to fractional work, offering a masterclass on what CEOs truly expect from their HR leaders. She emphasizes that HR’s core mission is to optimize talent to deliver on organizational objectives—whether through fair pay, skill development, or building a powerful employer brand. The conversation dives deep into the "triumvirate" of leadership: the alignment between the CEO, CFO, and CHRO. Angela explains how this partnership unlocks organizational productivity by justifying ROI for people investments and ensuring strategic alignment. She also challenges the traditional concept of "employee engagement," arguing that leaders should instead strive for "employee inspiration" by creating environments rooted in transparency, compassion, and a clear, noble purpose. 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
Leading with Purpose in Business and Beyond - ep. #020
Return to PeopleHow do you build a company rooted in service, purpose, and impact? In this episode of the Return to People Podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Michael V. Sanders, Founder and CEO of Interactive Government Holdings (IGH). From his beginnings as a U.S. Marine Rifleman to leading one of the fastest-growing veteran-owned businesses in the country, Michael shares a powerful journey shaped by faith, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving others. What started as a $2,500 contract has grown into a nationwide organization supporting federal agencies, veterans, and military families through staffing, training, and program management. Michael reflects on the pivotal moments that inspired him to build IGH, including the opportunity to expand support for service-disabled veterans, and how that mission continues to guide the company today. Throughout the conversation, Michael offers insights on purpose-driven leadership, building organizations that prioritize people, and creating lasting impact through service. His story is a compelling reminder that success is not just about growth, but about who you serve and how you lead. 🎧 Tune in to hear how values, vision, and service can shape both a business and a legacy. Learn more about Michael: Michael´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvaldezsanders/ Interactive Government Holdings: https://interactivegov.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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