From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
Purple Acorn
Welcome to From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, the podcast where we explore the intersection of technology, talent, and transformation in the world of HR. Every week, host Jada Montemarano will sit down with innovators, leaders, and experts who are shaping the future of human resources through cutting-edge technology. So if you’re into innovation, making smart hires, and finding the future of work before everyone else does, then you’re in the right place.
Episodes
#20 - Kristina Karcic: HR That Builds, Not Just Protects
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
What if HR wasn’t just about policies—but about building better companies from the inside out? In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada speaks with Kristina Karcic, a veteran HR business advisor with over 20 years of experience guiding high-growth startups and global enterprises. Kristina shares how her early career in the .com era shaped her people-first philosophy, and why she believes the key to sustainable success lies in intentional strategy, inclusive culture, and visionary leadership. Together, they explore how to go beyond reactive HR and start designing workplaces that scale thoughtfully and humanely. From spotting early red flags in company culture to designing reward systems that actually drive performance, Kristina offers a blueprint for founders and people leaders looking to build with purpose. This episode is a masterclass in HR as a business accelerator—not a cost center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#19 - John Mazzeo: The I-9 Deep and Getting Onboarding Right
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
What really goes into verifying employment eligibility—and why should HR leaders care more than ever? In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada sits down with John Mazzeo, Senior Director of I-9 Success at Vertical Screen, to explore the often-overlooked world of I-9 compliance and onboarding. With years of experience in employment law and identity verification, John explains how technology and regulation are reshaping the way companies bring on new hires—and what HR teams need to know to stay ahead of legal pitfalls. From simplifying electronic I-9 processes to navigating ever-changing federal guidelines, John breaks down how his team is setting a new standard in compliant onboarding. He also shares practical tips for making onboarding more efficient and secure, without sacrificing the candidate experience. Whether you're an HR professional, hiring manager, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes before day one, this episode is packed with insights that make a technical topic unexpectedly compelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#18 - Brian Glover: Why the Job Market Needs a Massive Update—And How Previewed Delivers
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
What if job seekers could experience a role before they apply? In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada sits down with Brian Glover, co-founder of Previewed, a platform reshaping how students, educators, and employers connect. Brian shares how his mission to make job hunting more transparent evolved from an idea inspired by TikTok into a robust career development tool powered by video and AI. Their conversation dives into the importance of authentic career previews, empowering the next generation of workers, and closing the gap between education and employment. As they unpack trends in workforce development, Brian offers insights into how AI and storytelling can unlock new opportunities, especially for students entering an unpredictable job market. Whether you're an educator, a recruiter, or a job seeker navigating the early stages of your career, this episode offers fresh perspectives on building purpose-driven pathways into the future of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#17 - Lydia Wu: The Pragmatic Reality of AI in HR
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
As the buzz around AI continues to dominate headlines, what does meaningful innovation actually look like in the HR space? In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada sits down with Lydia Wu, a seasoned leader in human capital management and analytics, to unpack how the AI conversation is shifting from hype to hands-on implementation. With over a decade of experience driving digital transformation in HR, Lydia offers a grounded perspective on why adopting AI today isn’t as simple as flipping a switch—and how this tech shift differs from anything we've seen before. Together, they explore the ethical gray areas of AI in hiring, the critical importance of change management, and why the human element—empathy, strategy, and trust—can’t be replaced by machines. Whether you're an HR professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, or a job seeker navigating a tech-driven market, Lydia’s advice will challenge how you think about business acumen, employer-employee dynamics, and the smart use of AI tools in your job search. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about where the future of work is really heading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From HR Manager to Innovation Group President w Eric M. Bailey - From The Desk ep 16
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
In this episode of "From the Desk with Jada Montemarano," Jada speaks with Eric M. Bailey, President of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group and author of "The Cure for Stupidity." Eric shares how he "forced gummed" his way into HR, starting his journey as a Director of Organizational Development after a career in marketing and graphic design. They delve into the core principles of his work, focusing on the science of communication, understanding irrational behavior, and overcoming judgment in the workplace to build stronger, more connected organizations. Eric emphasizes the importance of clear expectations, self-awareness of judgment, and fostering genuine connection to combat workplace loneliness and improve overall employee experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Building True Community in HR w Demario Bell - From The Desk ep 15
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada speaks with Demario Bell, award-winning community builder and founder of Gatherful, about the power of community in HR and business. Demario defines what a community manager does and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in building strong communities with people, not just for them. The conversation explores strategies for creating both internal and external communities, the role of mentorship in employee experience, and actionable advice for job seekers looking to find the right community fit in their next role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Building a People-First Culture w Joey Price - From the Desk ep 14
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
In this episode of "From the Desk with Jada Montemarano," Joey Price, CEO of Jumpstart HR, joins the podcast to discuss the unique HR challenges faced by startups and small businesses. Joey shares his expertise in HR outsourcing and consulting, highlighting the importance of strategic HR support, employee engagement, and navigating compliance for organizations of all sizes. He emphasizes the need for HR to be adaptable in today's evolving work landscape, especially with remote work and rapidly advancing technology, and offers actionable advice for both HR professionals and job seekers to thrive in the modern workplace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Beyond DEI: Cultivating Belonging - From The Desk ep 13
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
In this episode of "From the Desk," Jada Montemarano welcomes Eric Knauf, founder of Belong HQ, to explore the critical concept of belonging in today's human resources landscape. Eric explains how belonging is more than just an HR buzzword; it's the "secret sauce" for organizational resilience and a fundamental element for attracting and retaining top talent. They delve into the five pillars of belonging – psychological safety, inclusion, support, connection, and purpose – and discuss how companies and job seekers alike can leverage these principles for success. Discover practical strategies for fostering a culture of belonging, how it relates to DEI initiatives, and why prioritizing human connection is essential in the age of AI and rapid workplace change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Recruitment Evolution w. Keirsten Greggs - From The Desk ep 12
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
Join Jada Montemarano in this insightful episode as she speaks with Keirsten Greggs, founder of Trap Recruiters and a top recruitment influencer. Keirsten shares her journey in the recruitment world, starting from the early days of online job boards and navigating through the dot-com boom to the current AI revolution. They delve into the dramatic shifts in technology and how it has impacted both recruiters and job seekers, discussing the balance between leveraging new tools and maintaining authentic human connections. Keirsten offers valuable perspectives on the evolving role of recruiters, addressing unconscious bias in the hiring process, and provides crucial advice for job seekers, especially those from underrepresented groups, on how to navigate today's complex job market and find organizations that truly value inclusivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From Florist to HR Leader Down Under w Edan Haddock - From The Desk ep 11
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
Join Jada Montemarano as she welcomes Edan Haddock, an award-winning HR leader from Australia, to the show! Edan shares his fascinating career journey, from owning a flower shop to becoming Head of Talent for November, a global charity focused on men's health. Discover the unique challenges and rewards of recruiting for a purpose-driven organization versus the corporate world, and learn why Edan values personal connection and storytelling above all else in candidates. Plus, Edan dives into his passion project, Rubber Band, a vital online community for recruitment professionals, and offers a surprising tip for job seekers in today's AI-driven market: the cover letter is back! Get ready for an inspiring conversation that blends career insights with a touch of Australian charm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cultivating Audacity w Adam Posner - From The Desk ep 10
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
Jada Montemarano welcomes Adam Posner, founder of NHP Talent Group and co-host of The Morning Show on Purple Acorn Network, to discuss the dynamic world of recruitment and employer branding. Adam shares insights from his marketing background, offering tips for companies on standing out in a competitive market by embracing authenticity and empowering employees to create content. He also provides actionable advice for job seekers, emphasizing the importance of preparation, communication, and a strategic job search plan. The episode dives into the crucial balance between technology and the human element in recruitment, culminating in a preview of Adam's upcoming panel at the Transform conference on future-proofing talent acquisition and elevating the candidate experience. Get ready for a conversation packed with wisdom and actionable strategies to navigate the evolving HR landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
DEI Will Never Die w Rocki Howard - From The Desk ep 9
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
Today we're joined by an absolute force in the DEI space, Rocki Howard, the founder and chief diversiologist at Diversiology. With over 20 years of experience in the diversity and inclusion space, Rocki is all about helping other DEI leaders with resources and actionable solutions. She's not just a thought leader, she's an inspirational speaker, content creator, and the host of two podcasts, grown women Wednesday, and voices of diversity. So if you're looking for a real talk on DEI leadership or show enough as your fullest self, Rocki is the one to listen to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Finding Your Lighthouse w. Ben Eubanks - From The Desk ep 8
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
Our guest today is Ben Eubanks, a renowned speaker, author and researcher who's been shaping the HR and talent landscape for over a decade. As the chief research officer at Lighthouse Research and Advisory, Ben works with global leaders to navigate the ever-evolving intersection of people and technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How AI Is Transforming Hiring with Stephane Rivard - From The Desk Ep 7
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada sits down with Stephane Rivard, CEO of Hiring Branch, to explore how AI and skills-based hiring are transforming employee performance. Stephane shares insights on evaluating soft skills, the importance of behavioral science in hiring, and how organizations can put the right people in the right positions. Plus, he reflects on his journey as a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of multiple companies—including the intriguingly named Stinky Board. Whether you're an HR professional or a job seeker, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on the future of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You Are Your Own Best Client w. Carrie Corbin - From The Desk Ep 6
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
Carrie Corbin is a highly regarded leader in the HR and talent acquisition space for her success in creating and leading high impact talent acquisition programs within global companies like Dell, American Airlines, and AT&T to name a few. She's also the founder of hopefully marketing group and Corbin Global Consultants, where she applies her extensive background in building HR and recruiting functions across industries. Catch all this and more, From The Desk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Human Capital w. Dr. Anna Tavis - From The Desk Ep 5
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
In this episode of 'From the Desk with Jada Montemarano,' Jada sits down with Dr. Anna Tavis, a clinical associate professor and academic director at NYU’s Human Capital Management Department. Dr. Davis brings her extensive experience as a senior fellow, lecturer, and editor to discuss the evolving landscape of HR. Together, they explore cutting-edge strategies for talent management, the role of education in shaping future HR leaders, and key insights from her work at the intersection of academia and industry. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with actionable advice and forward-thinking perspectives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Future of Work with Mark Chaffey - From The Desk Ep 4
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
Join Jada Montemarano in this episode of From the Desk, where technology meets talent and transformation in HR. Jada sits down with Mark Chaffey to explore the future of work, discussing innovative strategies, cutting-edge tools, and the trends shaping human resources today. Whether you’re a leader, an innovator, or someone passionate about building smarter workplaces, this episode offers valuable insights to attract, retain, and support your most important asset—your people. Grab your coffee and dive into the conversation that’s defining the future of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transforming HR with Sarah White - From The Desk Ep 3
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
Today's guest is a true trailblazer in the world of HR and technology. Sarah White is the founder of Aspect 43 and HR Tech Circle With a career that spans over 2 decades. Sarah is dedicated to transforming how we hire manage and retain talent through innovative technology solutions, don't miss this insightful episode of From The Desk with Jada Montemarano. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tackling Talent Acquisition with Serge Boudreau - FTD Ep 2
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada sits down with Purple Acorn's own HR Weatherman Serge Boudreau to discuss all things talent, tech and the larger industry as a whole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Navigating Hiring Challanges with Tim Sackett - FTD Ep 1
From The Desk with Jada Montemarano
In this episode of From The Desk, host Jada Montemarano sits down with Tim Sackett, a leading voice in talent acquisition and workplace strategies, to tackle the complexities of modern hiring. Together, they dive into the challenges companies face in today’s competitive job market—from finding the right talent to building inclusive hiring practices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices