Talent and Growth

Crina Pupaza is an accomplished Human Capital leader with a wealth of experience in both large, established corporations and nimble startups, building and managing People and Culture teams and successfully scaling organizations from 50 to 500+ employees. With a Masters degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and 15+ years as an HR leader, Crina brings deep behavioral insight, knowledge, and experience to help organizations source and leverage talent for growing businesses.

Throughout her career, Crina has held leadership and advisory roles in various disciplines within HR and Internal Communications at established organizations and startups, including Nymbus (SaaS, Fintech, Series D), eMarketer/Insider Intelligence (subscription-based market research company), OppenheimerFunds (global asset management $220B+ in AUM), the Guggenheim Museum (non for profit), and SquarePeg (SaaS, HR Tech, Series A).

In addition to her work as Chief People Officer at Nymbus, Crina is recognized as a thought leader and a Top Culture Change Voice on LinkedIn, where she shares insights on scaling organizations, founder enablement, productivity, and leveraging high performance.

Crina is a trusted coach and advisor to business leaders and individual contributors alike, empowering them to navigate complex situations and make strategic decisions that shape the future of their companies and position them for professional success. She is especially passionate about enabling founders, CEOs and managers to be exceptional leaders, knowing that their effect on talent and power to inspire growth can be both exceptional and exponential.

Born in Cluj, Romania, Crina has started her education in Psychology at Babeș-Bolyai University. She has completed her education and received advanced degrees and certifications in the United States where she built her career to enable companies to navigate mergers and acquisitions, as well as enhance culture and motivate and drive talent to succeed.

After more than 20 years of living in the New York area, Crina and her family opted for a new life adventure in Cary, North Carolina where she is sharing her knowledge with the local business community.

Summary

The conversation explores the current state of AI adoption in the recruitment and HR tech space, the challenges and opportunities, and the impact of AI on bias and diversity in the hiring process. It also delves into the phases of technology uptake and the innovative use of AI in business development. The conversation explores the challenges and potential of AI, the need for time investment in understanding AI, the future of work, and the role of AI in human interactions. Siadhal from Metaview shares insights on the impact of AI on recruiting, the importance of experimentation, customization, and reporting in AI products, and the potential of AI in enhancing human productivity. The conversation also delves into the concept of human-AI interaction and the efficiency of AI in replicating human conversations.

Takeaways

AI adoption in recruitment and HR tech is rapidly growing, but there are still challenges and resistance to adoption.

Unstructured data is now useful due to AI's ability to extract insights, leading to significant changes in business processes.

AI is being leveraged effectively in sourcing and application sorting, addressing the challenges of candidate differentiation and applicant heavy markets.

AI has the potential to mitigate bias by providing more accurate and comprehensive data, but there are still challenges in fully understanding and addressing bias in decision-making processes.

The phases of technology uptake, from innovators to laggards, provide insight into the adoption of AI and other new technologies.

Innovative use of AI in business development, such as market mapping and chat GPT, is reducing the time and effort required for these processes. Understanding AI requires time and experimentation

Customization and reporting are crucial in AI products

AI has the potential to enhance human productivity

Efficiency in human-AI interaction is a key consideration for AI adoption

Chapters

00:00

The State of AI Adoption in Recruitment and HR Tech

08:39

Unstructured Data and AI: A Game Changer in Business Processes

16:16

Addressing Bias and Diversity with AI in Hiring Processes

21:32

The Impact of AI on Recruiting and the Future of Work

26:57

Customization and Reporting in AI Products

36:16

Enhancing Human Productivity with AI

39:49

Efficiency in Human-AI Interaction

Adam Jackson, Co-Founder of Braintrust Network, discusses their unique talent network and the introduction of BrainTrust Air, an AI-powered talent acquisition tool. The conversation covers the benefits, impact on candidate experience, and the ethical use of AI in recruitment. Adam also shares insights on the future of talent acquisition and the evolution of AI in the hiring process.

Takeaways

BrainTrust is a unique talent network owned and controlled by the talent that makes their living on it.

BrainTrust Air is an AI-powered talent acquisition tool that streamlines the hiring process, providing benefits for both candidates and talent acquisition professionals.

The ethical use of AI in recruitment is a key consideration, and BrainTrust Air is designed to ignore biases and evaluate candidates based solely on their abilities and experience.

The future of talent acquisition will see AI replacing legacy HR tech software, improving efficiency, and providing better output.

The integration of AI in the hiring process will free up time for talent acquisition professionals to focus on creative solutions and other aspects of HR management.

Emma Cooper, Chief People Officer at System1Group, discusses the importance of aligning individual growth with organisational development. She shares how they have implemented departmental and organization-wide frameworks to clarify expectations and behaviours. Emma also highlights the use of the Extraordinary Leader program and the Clifton Strengths Assessment to identify and nurture talent within the organisation. She emphasises the need for continuous learning and growth, and the role of leaders in promoting and role-modeling this mindset. Emma also discusses fostering a sense of belonging and understanding of growth opportunities across all levels of the organization. Finally, she addresses the trends and challenges facing people development professionals, such as longevity, AI, and economic and political changes.

Takeaways

Align individual growth with organisational development through clear expectations and behaviours.

Use tools like the Extraordinary Leader program and the Clifton Strengths Assessment to identify and nurture talent.

Promote a culture of continuous learning and growth by recruiting and developing people interested in personal development.

Role model a growth mindset as a leader by actively seeking feedback, participating in development activities, and sharing personal learning experiences.

Foster a sense of belonging and understanding of growth opportunities by providing autonomy, development plans, and opportunities for collaboration and learning.

Be prepared for trends and challenges in people development, such as longevity, AI, economic and political changes, and have a clear strategy to address them.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

04:11

Aligning Individual Growth with Organizational Development

10:28

Measuring the Success of People Development Efforts

13:47

Fostering Belonging and Understanding of Growth Opportunities

15:31

Trends and Challenges in People Development

17:40

Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, Paul interviews Garry Clarke-Strange, a specialist in inclusion and diversity. They discuss the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in organizations and the challenges they face. Garry emphasizes the importance of making DEI a part of an organization's DNA and not just a trend. They also discuss the need to include everyone in the conversation and avoid alienating any group. Garry highlights the commercial benefits of inclusion and the impact it can have on attracting and retaining top talent. They also talk about the role of authenticity and humanizing inclusion strategies. Garry envisions a future where the conversation around inclusion is no longer necessary because it is deeply embedded in organizational culture.

Takeaways

DEI efforts are facing challenges and a softening of focus, but it is crucial to make it a part of an organization's DNA.

Including everyone in the conversation and avoiding alienation is important for sustainable change.

Inclusion has commercial benefits and can improve the overall performance of a business.

Authenticity and humanizing inclusion strategies are key to engaging people and creating a positive culture.

The ultimate goal is to reach a point where the conversation around inclusion is no longer necessary because it is deeply embedded in organizational culture.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

02:47

The Importance of Including Everyone

06:18

The Narrative Around DEI and Alienation

10:30

The Commercial Benefits of Inclusion

12:33

Using Inclusion to Attract and Retain Top Talent

15:16

The Impact of Not Focusing on DEI

21:48

The Future of the Inclusion Conversation

Luke Eaton, a talent acquisition leader, shares insights on how to do more with less in talent acquisition. He emphasises the importance of measuring and tracking key data points, such as volume, conversion rates, and capacity, to identify areas for improvement. By optimising processes and focusing on bottlenecks, recruiters can increase efficiency and make more hires with the same level of effort. Luke also highlights the role of technology and automation in streamlining recruitment processes and reducing administrative tasks. He provides examples of how companies have successfully navigated challenging periods by implementing these strategies.

Takeaways

Measure and track key data points to identify areas for improvement in talent acquisition processes.

Focus on optimising processes and addressing bottlenecks to increase efficiency and make more hires with the same level of effort.

Leverage technology and automation to streamline recruitment processes and reduce administrative tasks.

Empower individual recruiters by providing them with data and tools to improve their performance.

Prioritize time management and personal well-being to maintain productivity and avoid burnout.

Roger Philby, Founder of Chemistry and Managing Partner at New Street Consulting Group, discusses the importance of data-driven decision-making in talent management. He highlights the problem of using flawed data to make decisions about hiring, promoting, and developing employees, and emphasizes the need to focus on contextual fit rather than relying solely on previous experience and qualifications. Filby introduces the five-box model, which includes intellect, personality, motivation, behaviour, and experience/skills, as a framework for assessing and predicting performance. He also emphasizes the importance of developing employees and meeting their evolving needs and expectations.

Takeaways

Flawed data is often used to make decisions about hiring, promoting, and developing employees, leading to poor outcomes.

Contextual fit is more important than previous experience and qualifications when assessing and predicting performance.

The five-box model (intellect, personality, motivation, behaviour, experience/skills) can be used to assess and predict performance.

Developing employees and meeting their evolving needs and expectations is crucial for talent retention and engagement.

Talent scarcity is a myth, and all individuals have talent that can be harnessed in the right context.

Today we welcome Melanie Naranjo, VP of People at Ethena.

From discussing the current state of HR to exploring the evolving role of performance management in remote work environments, Melanie shares invaluable insights on how HR professionals can thrive amidst change.

We explore the importance of taking HR off autopilot and crafting a strategic approach that aligns with broader business objectives. Melanie sheds light on the significance of building strong partnerships with senior leadership, emphasising the need for HR professionals to speak the right commercial language to drive success.

Drawing from Melanie's extensive experience, we uncover real-world examples of successful HR initiatives that have made a tangible impact on employee engagement and performance. Additionally, we dive into the realm of data and analytics, exploring how HR professionals can leverage data-driven insights to inform decision-making and drive organizational success.

Throughout the conversation, Melanie offers practical tips for HR professionals on building resilience, adaptability, and making a positive impact in their organisations.

Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or an aspiring one, this episode provides valuable insights to elevate your HR practice and drive meaningful change in your workplace.

Summary

Lubomila founded Plan A in 2016, a software as a service platform that supports corporates in decarbonizing, managing ESG reporting, and optimizing their value chains for sustainable growth. The journey has been complex, but sustainability has become a key decision-making element in boardrooms. Lubomila's personal motivation for starting the business came from a serendipitous moment in Morocco where she cleaned beaches from plastic. She saw an opportunity to create a business case for sustainability and combine it with her learnings from the financial system. Plan A focuses on being an empathetic leader and creating a supportive work culture.

Takeaways

Sustainability has become a crucial element in boardroom decision-making.

Lubomila's personal motivation for starting Plan A came from a serendipitous moment in Morocco.

Plan A focuses on being an empathetic leader and creating a supportive work culture.

The company provides growth opportunities through programs like MyPlan A and encourages employees to go beyond their job descriptions.

Education is a core part of Plan A's mission, both internally and externally.

The company values cross-cultural management and encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives and reshape the company culture.

Leaders building a globally applicable business should understand and adapt to different cultures and mindsets.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

02:28

Opportunity and Journey of Plan A

06:29

Company Growth and Leadership

07:19

Empathy and Employee Engagement

09:09

Employee Motivation and Development

11:00

Employee Education and Upskilling

12:39

Going Beyond Job Descriptions

14:14

Personal Connection with Employees

17:54

Aligning Company Goals and Personal Aspirations

Summary

In this conversation, Trent Cotton discusses the traits and strategies that contribute to high-performance recruiting teams. He emphasizes the importance of being goal-oriented, gritty, adaptable, curious, and open to respectful conflict. Trent also introduces the concept of sprint recruiting, which applies agile methodology to the recruiting process. He explains how sprint recruiting can improve efficiency, establish accountability, and provide measurable progress.

Takeaways

High-performance recruiting teams are goal-oriented and measure their success against specific targets.

Grit and tenacity are essential traits in recruiting teams, but leaders must also help balance their focus and prevent burnout.

Adaptability is crucial in today's ever-changing business landscape, and recruiting teams can foster it by creating a playground for innovation and experimentation.

Intellectual curiosity drives high-performance recruiting teams, as it leads to a deeper understanding of the recruiting process and better candidate engagement.

Respectful conflict is necessary for growth and improvement in recruiting teams, as it allows for diverse perspectives and better solutions.

Accountability is established by setting clear goals and holding team members responsible for their actions and outcomes.

Sprint recruiting applies agile methodology to the recruiting process, improving efficiency, establishing accountability, and providing measurable progress.

Recruiting professionals can improve their team's performance by adopting agile methodologies like sprint recruiting and focusing on metrics and continuous improvement.

Trent Cotton recommends his books, 'Sprint Recruiting' and 'High Performance Recruiting,' as resources for further exploration of these topics.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

01:32

Goal-Oriented Recruiting Teams

05:25

Adaptability in Recruiting Teams

08:52

Curiosity in Recruiting Teams

10:55

Respectful Conflict in Recruiting Teams

15:22

Accountability in Recruiting Teams

24:06

Implementing Agile Methodologies in Recruiting

25:26

Book Recommendations

Today we are joined by Abigail Ansaah Nuer, Group HR Manager at Atlantic International Holding in Ghana.

Today we cover:

- Learn how to adapt global HR policies to local contexts effectively.

- Discover practical strategies for building and scaling an HR department.

- Gain insights into fostering employee engagement, recognition, and development.

- Explore tips for setting up a workforce in a new country and managing cross-country interactions.

- Get actionable advice on identifying and nurturing local talent.

- Hear a step-by-step plan for setting up an HR function in a developing country.

Don't miss out on valuable insights to enhance your HR management skills! 🌟

Dara Henry, a biotech professional and COO of Prokarium, discusses the importance of a people-centric approach in talent management and growth. He emphasises the qualities of a good manager, such as liking to work with and mentor people. Dara also highlights the value of people in companies, particularly in the biotech industry, where great science and great people are essential for success. He discusses the challenges of finding and retaining talent in the competitive biotech market and the significance of one-on-one dialogues between employees and management.

Takeaways

A good manager likes working with and mentoring people, while a great manager also has a vested interest in helping others' careers.

In the biotech industry, people are just as valuable to a company as the drugs they develop.

Smaller companies are often better at investing in and developing their employees compared to larger companies.

Regular one-on-one dialogues between employees and management are crucial for meaningful communication and engagement.

Companies should invest in their employees and develop tailored career development plans to retain and develop talent.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Career Background

03:43

Defining a Good Manager

05:04

The Value of People in Companies

07:35

People-Centric Approach in Business Operations

09:02

Talent Acquisition in Biotech Industry

10:16

Challenges in Finding and Retaining Talent

12:01

Importance of One-on-One Dialogues

14:14

Planning Career Goals with Employees

16:09

Developing a People-Centric Approach

19:11

Promoting from Within

20:25

Conclusion

Summary

Maria Barrera, the founder and CEO of Clayful, discusses the importance of company culture, practical interviews, transparency, and communicating reasons not to join. She also shares insights on involving the team in culture building, strategies for building a diverse team, and the challenges and trends in diversity hiring. She offers advice for enhancing diversity hiring practices and building an inclusive work culture.

Takeaways

Practical interviews and role-playing exercises can help assess candidates' skills and fit for the role.

Transparency about the challenges and expectations of working at a startup can help attract the right candidates.

Involving the team in culture building and addressing their needs and concerns can create a more inclusive and engaged workforce.

Building a diverse team is crucial, especially in industries like mental health where representation matters.

Leaders should prioritise diversity and inclusion, embed it in the company's work, and communicate its importance throughout the organisation.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Company Overview

00:38

Approaching Hiring for Company Culture

03:48

Communicating Reasons Not to Join

06:31

Involving the Team in Culture Building

09:55

Building a Diverse Team

10:14

The Importance of Diversity in Mental Health

11:48

Balancing Diversity and Hiring the Best

14:52

Communicating and Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

16:37

Advice for Enhancing Diversity Hiring and Inclusive Culture

22:02

Opportunities to Work at Clayfield Health

In this conversation, Lance Sapera, a recruiting leader, discusses the importance of building a strong partnership between talent acquisition and other business functions. He emphasizes that recruiting is a team sport and that everyone involved in the hiring process should work together to find the right people who can accelerate business growth. He shares strategies for nurturing candidate relationships and ensuring a positive candidate experience. Finally, Lance discusses future trends in company-wide hiring ecosystems, including the importance of candidate nurturing, the inclusion of transitioning professionals, and the potential impact of AI in recruiting.

Takeaways

Recruiting is a team sport, and all stakeholders involved in the hiring process should work together to find the right people who can accelerate business growth.

Recruiters should learn the business and become talent advisors to hiring managers, providing valuable insights and guidance throughout the hiring process.

Setting metrics that matter to the business and fostering transparency and accountability in the hiring process are crucial for building strong partnerships between TA and other business functions.

Diversity and inclusion should be embedded in a company's DNA, with measurable goals and reporting to hold leaders accountable and foster a culture of belonging and inclusivity.

Nurturing candidate relationships and ensuring a positive candidate experience are essential for attracting and retaining top talent.

Future trends in company-wide hiring ecosystems include a focus on candidate nurturing, the inclusion of transitioning professionals, and the potential impact of AI in recruiting.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

03:06

Envisioning the Relationship between TA and Business Functions

06:14

Strategies for Building a Company-wide Hiring Ecosystem

11:35

Aligning with HR VPs for Organizational Goals

16:31

Indicators of Successful Partnership with Hiring Business

27:17

Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in Hiring Processes

32:32

Future Trends in Company-wide Hiring Ecosystems

In this episode, Suzy Choi, the founder of Goodpeople, discusses the importance of candidate experience and how it has evolved in recent years. She highlights the digitalisation of recruitment processes, transparency and communication, and personalisation as key factors. Suzy also emphasizes that job seekers prioritize work-life balance, company culture, and growth opportunities. She provides advice on showcasing company culture and values, crafting effective job descriptions, and creating an inclusive culture. Suzy also shares strategies for inclusive interview processes, improving interviewer skills, and implementing talent acquisition strategies for small and medium-sized businesses.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

00:44

Evolution of Candidate Experience

04:43

Showcasing Company Culture and Values

06:44

Crafting Effective Job Descriptions

09:26

Creating an Inclusive Culture

11:20

Inclusive Interview Processes

13:37

Improving Interviewer Skills

16:18

TA Strategies for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Marcus Mossberger, a future of work strategist, discusses the dramatic changes in the workplace, the impact of economic conditions on well-being, the evolution of retirement, the rise of side hustles, future-proofing skills, innovative approaches to talent management, the role of technology in shaping the workplace, and the concept of work-life balance vs. work-life harmony.

Takeaways

The pandemic has unfrozen social norms and blurred the line between personal and professional lives.

The well-being of the workforce, including physical, emotional, and spiritual health, is now a priority.

Retirement is evolving, with a focus on maintaining institutional knowledge and offering flexibility.

Side hustles are becoming more mainstream, allowing individuals to have multiple jobs or projects.

To stay relevant in a fast-changing job market, individuals should focus on sustainable and transferable skills.

Talent management is moving from a separate activity to an integrated part of daily work.

Technology can make the workplace more human by automating administrative tasks and allowing humans to focus on what they do best.

Work-life balance is shifting towards work-life harmony, with a greater emphasis on flexibility and integration.

Connect with Marcus Mossberger on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

01:04

Dramatic Changes in the Workplace

04:40

Impact of Economic Conditions on Well-being

07:43

Retirement and its Evolution

09:24

The Rise of Side Hustles

13:08

Future-proofing Skills

15:07

Innovative Approaches to Talent Management

16:54

The Role of Technology in Shaping the Workplace

19:21

Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Harmony

21:02

Conclusion and Call to Connect

Ben O'Mahony, CEO and Co-Founder of JobsASI, discusses the intersection of HR and AI in talent acquisition. He highlights the challenges in using statistics effectively and emphasizes the importance of understanding the distribution of hiring times.

Ben also explores how AI can be harnessed to improve talent acquisition processes and enhance decision-making. He advises companies on fully integrating AI into their DNA, balancing human intuition with data-driven decision-making, and shares information about his AI in People and Talent forum on LinkedIn.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

02:13

The Intersection of HR and AI

03:54

The Use of Statistics in Talent Acquisition

07:13

Challenges in the Use of Statistics

11:26

Using Data to Streamline Hiring Processes

17:06

Harnessing AI in Talent Acquisition

20:44

Integrating AI into Company DNA

23:32

Balancing Human Intuition and Data-Driven Decision Making

26:39

AI in People and Talent Forum

29:31

Conclusion

In this episode, Sameen Mahmood discusses the importance of personal branding and networking in today's competitive job market.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

01:14

The Importance of Personal Branding

03:28

Sameen's Personal Journey with Personal Branding

06:58

Networking and its Evolution

12:09

Balancing Personal Branding and Work

15:03

Personal Branding as a Shield in the Job Market

19:01

Practical Steps to Start Personal Branding

22:07

Maintaining Work-Life Balance

25:16

The Future of Personal Branding and Networking

27:33

Conclusion and Contact Information

In this conversation, David Hanrahan, Chief People Officer at Flare, shares insights on leadership development, team performance, rebuilding culture, and the future of leadership development.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

01:21

Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls in Leadership Development

03:36

A Different Approach to Leadership Development

08:31

Components of a Comprehensive Leadership Development Model

12:32

Strategies for Team Collaboration and Excellence

17:16

Stack Ranking Teams for Performance Assessment

23:03

Rebuilding Culture and Providing Leaders with Tools

26:38

Future Trends in Leadership Development

28:19

Building Resilient and High-Performing Teams

32:46

Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

32:53

Conclusion

Ben Eubanks, a researcher, author, and speaker, discusses the intersection of HR and AI in talent acquisition. He emphasises the importance of human connection and the role of AI in enabling recruiters to have a bigger impact. Ben shares key takeaways from his book on AI and its impact on talent acquisition, highlighting the need for critical thinking and compassion in the hiring process.

He provides insights from the Talent Acquisition Trend Study, including the impact of ghosting and the importance of flexibility and growth opportunities for candidates. Ben offers advice on how organizations can navigate the dynamic job market and stay ahead of the curve, emphasising the use of research and continuous learning.

Check out the TA Trends report - https://lhra.io/blog/first-look-at-2023-talent-acquisition-research-pay-transparency-ghosting-and-more/

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

01:52

The Intersection of HR and AI

03:55

Key Takeaways from the Book on AI and TA

04:24

Expectations vs Reality of AI in Recruitment

06:24

Future Steps with AI in Talent Acquisition

07:59

Advancements in AI for Talent Acquisition

09:26

AI's Impact on Face-to-Face Interactions

10:55

Transparency and Ethics in AI

11:15

Implementing AI in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

13:19

The Surge and Perception of ChatGPT

16:22

Insights from the Talent Acquisition Trend Study

20:48

Navigating the Dynamic Job Market

25:08

Staying Ahead of the Curve

27:33

Conclusion and Call to Action

Hector Stanley, the Co-Founder of Ditto, discusses the concept of employee mobility and how Ditto is solving the problem of talent sharing between businesses.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Overview of Ditto

03:03

Advantages of Employee Mobility

04:29

Balancing Internal and External Opportunities

06:20

Leveraging HR Tools for Employee Development and Mobility

08:04

Encouraging Managers to Value Employee Development

09:21

Positive Outcomes of Cross-Functional Collaboration

11:15

The Idea for Ditto and Its Founding

13:17

Employee Mobility for Small Companies

15:28

Incorporating Variety without Compromising Core Responsibilities

17:08

Enhancing Internal Mobility Programs

18:38

The Future of Employee Mobility

19:50

Conclusion and Where to Find More Information

Summary

In this episode, Shathiya Rengalwar discusses the importance of structured hiring and provides insights on how to create a structured hiring process.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

02:33

Key Elements of a Structured Hiring Process

03:41

Assessing and Improving an Existing Hiring Process

07:03

Common Leaks in the Hiring Process

10:43

Coaching and Educating Teams on Structured Hiring

14:03

Making Structured Hiring Data-Driven and Consistent

16:19

Challenges and Resistance in Implementing Structured Hiring

19:23

Advice for Startups and Smaller Companies

22:00

Conclusion

Today I am joined by your friendly, favourite Virtual Chief People Officer, Geraldine Butler-Wright!

Every company experiences layoffs at some point and in this conversation, Geraldine shares how businesses can conduct themselves in a humane and correct way.

We covered:

Human-Centric Layoffs: Strategies for respectful and compassionate layoffs.

Effective Communication: Transparent communication in challenging times.

Emotional Intelligence: The role it plays in managing layoffs and supporting well-being.

Post-Layoff Support: Career transition guidance and counselling services.

Maintaining Morale: Keeping remaining employees engaged and motivated.

Tune in for a concise guide to compassionate layoffs and resilient workforce management.

In this episode, we sit down with Milos Djurdjevic, the mind behind HeyData, to explore the secrets behind their remarkably low turnover rate.

Milos shares insights into the unique strategies and a carefully crafted code of conduct that have been instrumental in fostering exceptional employee loyalty. He also dissects the details of HeyData's highly effective onboarding process and how it plays a pivotal role in their overall approach to talent retention.

Milos sheds light on the business's focus on benefits packages and their significant contribution to employee satisfaction and retention.

Learn about the inclusive decision-making approach at HeyData and its profound impact on employee commitment.

And lots more :)

A great episode with a great human being.

In this insightful episode of our podcast, we're joined by Ines Moreno, EU Director at Allied For Start-ups.

Highlights:

• Ines's journey and expertise in global talent landscapes.
• The significance of international talent in startup ecosystems.
• Overcoming the hurdles of hiring abroad with effective solutions.
• Tailoring recruitment strategies for tech startups' unique needs.
• Navigating policy changes and maintaining agility in global hiring.
• Evaluating successful startup visa programs worldwide.
• Busting myths around international talent recruitment.
• Essential advice for founders and HR professionals on global hiring.

This episode for anyone looking to understand and leverage international talent to fuel start-up growth and innovation.

Emily Sivey is fantastic! And did I mention she is a Super Recruiter? In this episode, we explore the managing of high application volumes while maintaining a personal touch - a critical aspect in the world of recruitment.

This is a great hack-filled guide on how to give EVERYBODY who applies to a job at your business, a positive candidate experience.

In this episode of Talent & Growth, we dive into the inspiring journey of Tessa Clarke, Co-Founder of Olio, a revolutionary app

tackling the global food waste crisis.

Tessa opens up about her transition from consulting to entrepreneurship and the profound influences that shaped her path, including insights from her time with James Dyson.

Tessa discusses how Olio stands apart in addressing food waste, bringing a unique and effective approach to a global issue.

She delves into the challenges and rewards of balancing a profit-driven business model with a strong, purpose-driven mission.

This balance, as Tessa explains, is crucial for businesses aiming to align social and environmental impacts with shareholder returns.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and making a tangible impact on the world.

In this episode of Talent and Growth, we delve into the rapidly evolving world of AI in talent acquisition with James Sale.
Throughout the episode, James highlights the critical need for recruiters to adapt and harness AI's potential to streamline and enhance their work. He sheds light on the comprehensive guide he's developed, offering a roadmap for effectively integrating AI into various aspects of recruitment - from copywriting for job descriptions to personalised candidate engagement.
Check out James blog on the topic to get notes for this conversation right here - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unlocking-power-personal-ai-chatbots-software-james-sale-rt7he%3FtrackingId=mxcDfsS5Tciz25ZZxGOlbA%253D%253D/?trackingId=mxcDfsS5Tciz25ZZxGOlbA%3D%3D

In this episode of Talent & Growth, we delve into the intricacies of driving a performance-based culture while maintaining empathy and care for employees with our guest, Inbar Diamant.

Key discussion points of the episode include:

- The Importance of Employee Value

- Balancing Care with Performance

- Company Culture Impact

- Managerial Buy-in

- High-Level Concepts to Actionable Plan

- Individual Worth vs. Role

This episode is a must-listen for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone interested in creating a dynamic, empathetic, and performance-driven workplace. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice from one of the industry's leading voices on maximising employee value while fostering a positive and productive work environment.

In our latest episode of Talent & Growth we dive into the fascinating world of organisational health with Chris Parsons, Co-Founder of Lollipop.ai.

Chris shares his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative strides his current venture, Lollipop, is making in reshaping consumer shopping experiences.
Throughout the conversation, Chris emphasises the critical role of organisational health, as conceptualised by Patrick Lencioni, in drivin business success.

He delves into the importance of having a clear mission, building a high-trust environment, and ensuring low staff turnover.

Listeners will gain insights into how Chris's team at Lollipop maintains a clear focus, sets concrete objectives, and aligns their decision-making processes with organisational health principles.

For anyone interested in learning about the practical implementation of organisational health principles in both startups and established companies, this episode is a must-listen.

Introducing Zumar "Zum" Dean who is Open To Work!

It was an absolutely pleasure to chat with Zum. He is clearly passionate Talent Acquisition, People and DEI, not to mention the people he leads and works with.

I have no doubt that somebody like Zum could absolutely impact any scaling business in the best possible way, with a focus on candidate experience, diversity, inclusion and just doing an absolutely phenomenal job.

Clearly an incredibly talented individual, and guess what? He can cook as well!

Sold. Contact Zum if you are looking for an accomplished, humble, genuine and clearly capable Talent Leader.

In this episode of our Talent and Growth, we sit down with Margaret Zablocka, the Founder of Onoco, a startup that stands out with its innovative approach to team building and nurturing a family-first culture.

We talked about:

- Margaret's personal and professional journey to founding a unique startup.

- The intricate process of identifying and nurturing the essential skills and traits for a small but effective startup team.

- The importance of fostering independence among team members in a startup setting.

- The critical role of establishing and maintaining strong company values from the get-go.

- The concept of a family-first workplace culture and its impact on employee performance and satisfaction.

- And lots more! "

Introducing Stefanie Fackrell, who is "Open To Work".

Stefanie comes across to me as somebody who would be great to work with.

She is passionate about the most important element of your business - the people!

She is also authentic, experienced, and commercial. Stefanie would add SO much to your business.

Contact her here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-fackrell-she-her-0b13439/

Join us in a thought-provoking discussion with Ash Rama.

From his career journey to the broader implications of AI on the job landscape, Ash shares invaluable insights. We explore how business leaders can effectively introduce AI, address employee apprehensions, and weigh its benefits against potential job risks.

Delve into strategies for AI adoption, debunk common myths, and discover the potential of AI to create fresh career opportunities. This episode is a must-listen for those eager to understand the intersection of AI, leadership, and the future of work. Tune in!

Join us as Mike Bradshaw, with a rich 14-year journey in HR/TA, unravels the intricacies of modern recruitment. From his early days in early-stage consulting to steering the helm at Pinpoint, Mike's insights on scaling teams and embracing a tech-led approach are invaluable. In this episode:

- Discover the transformative recruitment strategies that powered Pinpoint's impressive growth.

- Dive deep into Mike's philosophy, which ensures a holistic, efficient, and candidate-centric recruitment process.

- Understand the synergy of data-driven decision-making with human-centric recruitment strategies.

- Get a glimpse of what true inclusivity looks like in the recruitment sphere.

It's a must-listen episode!

In this episode, we're joined by Peter Mukherjee, the mind behind "A Few Wise Words," a book that illuminates the experiences and insights of extraordinary individuals.

Delving into Peter's journey of compiling this enlightening book, we explore key trends and shared wisdom from various luminaries.

We tackle questions about what employees seek from their employers and the pivotal role of effective communication in comprehending and fulfilling those expectations.

Peter sheds light on the fascinating dynamic of intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation and its implications on employee engagement and loyalty.

Drawing from the vast repository of wisdom he's gathered, we discuss essential leadership attributes, strategies to inspire creativity and the significance of personal growth in retaining talent.

As businesses grapple with generational shifts in the workforce, Peter offers actionable advice on tailoring acquisition and retention strategies.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation filled with wisdom and insights from some of the world's most accomplished individuals.

Join us as Eduardo López-Pineda, celebrated for his dedication to personal growth, unravels the nuances of executive presence and the art of standing out professionally. In this episode we:

- Address imposter syndrome and find a resonant executive voice.

- Decode the mystique of executive presence and the steps to harness it.

- Navigate the intricacies of strategic stakeholder engagement and its career implications.

- Learn the essentials of creating and optimizing a high-performing team.

- Spotlight on identifying and promoting a signature professional skill or trait.

- Garner tangible advice on how to set yourself apart and catalyse your career growth.

You can tune in for a deep dive into leadership, personal branding, and actionable career insights. Perfect for professionals at any stage eager to elevate their career game.

"

In this episode, we explore the multifaceted world of AI's influence on software engineering. Join us as we delve into:

The AI Transformation: Understanding how AI shapes software development, from automating daily tasks to affecting collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Between Automation and Authenticity: While AI shows potential in automating numerous software engineering tasks, we discuss the essential roles that humans will always play in the development process.

Future Proofing Engineers: With AI-driven tools changing the landscape, we touch upon the new skills software engineers should acquire to remain relevant in this evolving domain.

Dive into real-world examples, hear about the ethical ramifications, and discover the must-have AI tools revolutionising modern software engineering.

Plus, we'll tackle the big question on everyone's mind: Does AI promise more job opportunities or potential job losses in the next decade?

Introducing Sophie Power, who is "Open To Work".

Sophie is precisely the type of person I would LOVE to work with on a Talent Team.

She has an incredibly successful track record, is SO passionate about Talent Acquisition and is clearly skilled in articulating that oh-so-important narrative around a company purpose into a story that excites potential candidates.

Plus, she's a cold water jumper, and that's my kind of person.

Sophie is relocating to Scotland, so she is ideally looking for Scottish-based or remote Head of TA roles.

Contact her here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiepower/

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Jonathan Holmes, the visionary Founder of LuxDeco. With a transparent look into the evolution of LuxDeco, Jonathan discusses the birth of the brand and its initial 'family-first' foundation. As we navigate the intricacies of organisational culture, he reveals why and how he recognised the need to shift the company's initial approach.
Jonathan opens up about his unique team-building strategy, detailing how he meticulously chooses members that perfectly align with LuxDeco's core values. But it's not always smooth sailing; he shares the hurdles of encountering resistance during pivotal cultural transitions and the art of making tough choices while upholding the company’s guiding principle of kindness.
With an emphasis on adaptability, consistent feedback, and an unwavering commitment to values, this episode offers a profound look into leading with authenticity and purpose. Join us as we delve deep into the heart of culture-driven leadership with one of the industry's most insightful leaders.

The first in our "Open To Work" series where we give Talent Acquisition professionals the platform to share their skills, experience and ultimately why they would be a great hire for a business.

Richard most recently worked as a Global Head of TA at R3 and has 20 years experience, split between agency and in-house.

For me, he is honest, humble, experienced, knowledgable, clearly incredibly hard-working and obviously passionate about TA. He strikes me as the kind of person who would 100% get things done - an executor and a leader.

My kind of guy.

You can contact Richard here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-savva-3b626871/

savva141414@gmail.com

07591744816

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with William Welton, who transitioned from a consumer sales role to building a successful oral health business.

One of the most critical stages in that journey? Hiring the right people. William opens up about his unique hiring process, detailing what he looks for in his first employees and how he's found the perfect balance between technical skills and cultural fit.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business leader, William's insights on establishing a team that can both meet technical demands and fit seamlessly into your company culture are invaluable.

Tune in to learn how to navigate the hiring hurdle successfully and set your start-up on the path to success.

In this episode, we delve into the nuances of tech team management, discovering how seasoned leaders Alida Maffon, Nick Proud and George Hartshorn keep their teams engaged, motivated, and thriving. As we navigate the dynamic tech landscape, a few critical strategies emerge:

Navigating Autonomy & Well-being: Learn how top leaders strike a balance between giving tech professionals autonomy while ensuring their mental well-being, particularly during intensive project phases.

Diversity and Passion-Driven Work: Understand the role of diversity and inclusion in boosting team morale and explore how leaders ignite passion by allowing team members to engage in projects they truly care about.

Addressing Growth and Challenges: From creating pathways for career progression to handling underperformance with compassion and efficacy, discover how challenges are transformed into opportunities for individual and team growth.

Tune in to arm yourself with essential strategies to retain and nurture top tech talent in today's fast-paced industry."

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Tim Hogwood, co-founder of Sourcewhale, a company specializing in recruitment automation. Tim takes us on a journey through his professional career, sharing the key experiences that led him to co-found a company that aims to revolutionize the traditional recruitment process. We delve deep into the nitty-gritty of recruitment automation, discussing its advantages, potential drawbacks, and how to strike the right balance between technology and the human touch.

Tim also offers a glimpse into the future of recruitment, exploring how generative AI could transform talent acquisition in the years to come. Shifting the conversation to outreach, he reveals invaluable tips for enhancing response rates and ensuring that your efforts resonate positively with candidates.

If you're an HR professional or recruiter grappling with the fast-paced technological advancements in the industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you stay ahead of the curve. Don't miss out on Tim's expert insights into creating more effective, efficient, and empathetic recruitment processes.

In this episode, we sit down with Reka Tron, the COO and co-founder of Multus, a groundbreaking biotech company that's transforming the industry landscape. Reka shares her inspiring journey and sheds light on how Multus solves complex problems through innovation. As someone who wears multiple hats, including that of the HR leader, Reka provides invaluable insights into dual-role management, effective delegation, and the evolution of their candidate interview process.

Whether you're scaling your team from 10 to 30, seeking effective team-building exercises, or aiming to align a constantly evolving team with shifting business priorities, Reka's experiences offer lessons in leadership, adaptability, and balance. From handling the intricacies of project management to keeping up with evolving customer needs, Reka's insights are a treasure trove for any aspiring entrepreneur, particularly those looking to make their mark in the biotech sector.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation filled with actionable advice and in-depth knowledge

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Chandini Jain, the dynamic founder of Auquan, a company revolutionising the world of data science.

What is the secret sauce that keeps technical talent engaged and loyal? How do you balance the different attitudes and skills within a team comprising of technical and data talent? Chandini dives deep into these questions and shares practical strategies she's developed to manage a diverse group of talented professionals effectively.

If you are grappling with the challenges of recruiting and retaining technical talent in a competitive field, Chandini has a wealth of experience and solutions to share. From fostering a performance-driven culture without losing empathy to innovative practices that enhance collaboration and output, this episode is a masterclass in effective team management.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, a team leader, or someone interested in the cutting-edge field of data science, you will find a goldmine of insights and actionable tips in this episode. Listen in and get ready to transform your approach to team building and leadership

In today's enlightening episode, we sit down with Jordan Stern, the Founder of SeekHR, to discuss the pulse of the talent acquisition industry as it stands in 2023 and looks ahead to 2024. Jordan shares her journey from her early career days to founding SeekHR, a company specializing in placing top-notch talent across various business types. We delve into the market trends she's observed this year, from the cycles of layoffs and hiring frenzies to the changing dynamics as the year comes to a close.

If you're curious about what 2024 has in store for talent acquisition and what challenges lie ahead, you won't want to miss Jordan's expert forecasts. She also provides indispensable advice for TA and People Professionals looking to make a lasting impact within their organizations. Whether you're struggling to find work or want to understand how AI and technology will shape the future of recruiting, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights and actionable tips.

Join us for an episode packed with wisdom and practical advice to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of talent acquisition."

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Natalia Escobar Ribeiro, an expert in the field of Employee Experience and Engagement. Natalia unpacks the significance of employee experience, explaining why it's not just a buzzword but a crucial aspect of modern work culture.
Learn about actionable metrics for gauging the effectiveness of your employee experience programs. Natalia shares innovative strategies for keeping employee engagement high, even during the most challenging periods. Discover the importance of continuous feedback mechanisms and how they can revolutionize your workplace environment.
Natalia also delves into the role of technology and digital tools in shaping employee experiences. Listen in as she shares her expert advice on balancing employee needs and business objectives seamlessly. Plus, get insights on how focusing on employee experience can significantly boost talent attraction and retention.
Lastly, we explore what the future holds for employee experience and the emerging trends that you don't want to miss. Tune in for an episode filled with practical advice and strategic wisdom!
Tune in, learn, and elevate your approach to employee experience with insights from Natalia Escobar Ribeiro. You won't want to miss this episode!

In this episode of our podcast series, we sit down with Laura Pomfret, a financial maven and the mastermind behind her own business. Laura opens up about her journey from corporate climbs to becoming an advocate for financial transparency and vulnerability in the workplace.

She sheds light on why emotional intelligence is a crucial, yet often overlooked, component in professional discussions about money. From sharing personal stories of financial victories achieved through speaking up to offering pragmatic advice on salary conversations, Laura leaves no stone unturned.

This episode delves into the nuances of fostering empathy without overstepping professional boundaries, the role of parenting in shaping Laura’s perspectives on financial vulnerability, and the double-edged sword of salary transparency.

Whether you’re grappling with how to be recognised for your financial worth, or you’re a leader looking to cultivate a more open and empathetic organisational culture, this episode is a treasure trove of insights you won't want to miss.