Talent All-Stars

Octapharma Plasma operates donor centers nationwide, supplying critical plasma used in treatments that impact patients daily. Leading the talent strategy behind this essential work is Monte Garrett, Director of Talent Acquisition. His leadership philosophy is founded on a framework he mastered as a teenager: the strategic discipline of chess. Monte's mentor taught him to approach every business challenge like a position on the chessboard, requiring deep anticipation, measured discipline, and constant adjustment.In this episode of Talent All Stars, Monte shares how this viewpoint shapes their approach to hiring, workforce planning, and managing organizational change. He explains why Talent Acquisition must evolve into a consultative discipline, using data to challenge assumptions and guide the business with authority.  You’ll learn:How chess principles enable Octapharma Plasma to strategically plan hiring needs and respond to industry shifts.Why constant adaptation is essential to avoid stagnation in a dynamic business environment.How Monte teaches recruiters to become data-driven advisors who influence key business decisions.The simple steps interviewers can take to improve candidate comfort and facilitate authentic conversations.Connect with Monte Garrett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montegarrett/Connect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

First Student is North America’s largest provider of school transportation, moving millions of students every day across the United States and Canada (more than every major airline combined). Leading the people side of this operation is Renee Boydo, Vice President of HR Experience, who guides the teams responsible for hiring, training, and supporting the drivers and staff who keep children safe.In this episode of Talent All Stars, Renee shares how her team strengthens trust and retention through thoughtful use of technology, clear processes, and a consistent focus on people. When “the world’s most precious cargo” is on the line, finding people who want to make a positive impact in their communities is essential.You’ll learn:How First Student hires and supports America’s safest bus driversWhy retention begins on day one of employmentHow AI and technology enhance the human side of hiringWhy consistency and trust drive safety at scaleConnect with First Student: https://firststudentinc.comConnect with Renee Boydo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-boydoConnect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

Premise Health is the largest direct healthcare provider in the United States, operating more than 800 wellness and care centers across 46 states. At the center of its growth is Liz Reimer, Chief Human Resources Officer, who leads the company’s people strategy and talent function.In this episode of Talent All-Stars, Liz shares how her team re-engineered recruitment by dividing talent acquisition into specialist roles, investing in recruitment marketing, and empowering employees to broadcast their stories. She explains how Premise Health’s on-site care model helps attract clinicians, why “be brief, be bright, be gone” is her rule for executive communication, and how a disciplined approach to AI keeps efficiency and humanity in balance.You’ll learn:How Premise Health attracts top clinicians through authentic employer brandingWhy splitting TA teams into sourcers and advisors accelerates hiringHow video campaigns fill critical roles in less than 14 daysWhy disciplined use of AI keeps HR both efficient and humanConnect with Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizreimerConnect with Premise Health: https://www.premisehealth.com

JLL helps organizations buy, build, lease, and operate the spaces where business happens, from hospitals and data centers to offices and logistics hubs. Behind this global real estate and investment-management powerhouse is a talent operation that keeps more than 100,000 people moving in over 80 countries.In this episode, Jane Curran, Global Head of HR Operations at JLL, shares how she built a career defined by curiosity, courage, and commercial thinking. Her leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: be high energy, low maintenance, and fall in love with the problem. From mentoring teams across continents to re-engineering HR technology and AI processes, Jane reveals how she turns people strategy into business advantage at scale.Jane explains:How saying “yes” to opportunities shaped her career and built credibility with executivesWhy great leaders embrace failure as part of learning and create safe spaces for their teamsHow JLL balances human connection with technology in a rapidly changing talent landscapeWhy falling in love with the problem is the first step to earning business investmentConnect with JLL: https://www.jll.comConnect with Jane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-curran-hrConnect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

UniFirst is a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, facility service products, as well as first aid and safety supplies and services. With more than 270 service locations, over 300,000 customer locations, and 16,000-plus employee Team Partners, the company outfits more than 2 million workers every day.In this episode, Catalina Dongo, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at UniFirst, shares her 20-year journey from administrative assistant to HR executive, and how the company’s values, structure, and leadership principles have scaled right alongside its business.Catalina explains:How she built her career by turning small opportunities into big winsHow the company spent two years defining leadership principles that actually live in people’s actionsHow UniFirst balances family roots with a modern, tech-enabled workforceConnect with UniFirst: https://www.unifirst.comConnect with Catalina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catalinadongoConnect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

At Trane Technologies, finding skilled HVAC and refrigeration technicians is an ongoing challenge. Instead of waiting for talent to appear, the company decided to create it.In this episode, Courtney Abramo, Director of Talent Acquisition for the Americas at Trane Technologies, explains how her team built a four-year technician apprenticeship program with the Department of Labor, opened a state-of-the-art training center, and applied AI and automation to elevate the recruiting process, all while keeping empathy and transparency at the heart of their work.Courtney shares:How Trane Technologies is developing technicians through apprenticeship and upskilling programsHow transparency builds credibility across functionsWhere AI and automation improve the recruiter experienceWhy every candidate interaction is a brand momentConnect with Trane Technologies: https://www.tranetechnologies.comConnect with Courtney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyabramoConnect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

Raman Malhotra leads talent acquisition and HR at Leidos, one of the largest technology and defense companies in the United States, but her journey started behind a computer as a programmer.Now, she’s bringing that same analytical mindset to one of the hardest problems in business: attracting and retaining top talent.In this conversation, Raman opens up about how she learned to think like a business leader, why empathy and analytics are equally important in HR, and what she tells young recruiters who want to move into leadership.You’ll learn:How to build a compelling business case for new tools and resourcesThe mentoring approach that helps recruiters think like executivesWhy HR and TA need to work as one connected ecosystemHow to use AI to strengthen relationships instead of replacing themThe listening skill every great interviewer needsConnect with Leidos: https://www.leidos.comConnect with Raman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raman-malhotra-phr-shrm-cpConnect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

Caliber is one of the nation’s largest providers of automotive repair, with nearly 2,000 locations across the country. Its mission is simple but powerful: restoring the rhythm of life. That focus doesn’t just apply to customers; it also guides how Caliber hires and develops its people.Leading that charge is Jim D’Amico, Vice President of Talent Acquisition. Known worldwide as a thought leader in recruiting strategy, Jim has reimagined talent acquisition as a true business function. At Caliber, he and his team are innovating with generative AI, building “micro value propositions” to attract top technicians, and training future leaders with his Learn, Earn, Return framework.In this episode, Jim explains:Why AI is an enabler, not a replacerHow micro value propositions give each shop a hiring edgeWhy recruiters must think like business leaders firstThe Learn, Earn, Return framework for TA leadership growthHow Caliber scales talent acquisition for nearly 2,000 repair shopsConnect with Caliber: https://caliber.comConnect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdamicoConnect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

WVU Medicine is the largest health system and private employer in West Virginia. Over the past decade, it has grown from 6 hospitals to 25 and now employs more than 35,000 people. As the state’s leading provider of advanced care from cancer to neurology to pediatrics, WVU Medicine has had to rethink how it attracts, develops, and retains talent.Leeann Kaminsky, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, has led that strategy since 2016. In this episode, she explains:Why “the days of posting and praying” are overHow internal education programs move students directly into critical rolesWhy simply raising your hand can set you apart in your careerHow data and technology guide decision-making for a workforce of 35,000Connect with WVU Medicine: https://wvumedicine.orgConnect with Leeann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeann-kaminskyConnect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

At Providence Health & Services, retention isn’t just about keeping people happy. It’s a science. With more than 120,000 caregivers across 50 hospitals and 1,000 clinics, Greg Till, Chief People Officer at Providence, has built one of the most data-driven and mission-centered workforce strategies in healthcare.In this episode, Greg explains:The five biggest predictors of whether someone will stay or leaveWhy 3,000 employees came back through Providence’s boomerang hiring strategyHow AI and technology can actually make work more humanWhy “your ego is not your amigo” is the leadership mantra every manager needsConnect with Providence: https://www.providence.orgConnect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-till-phr-85016b4Connect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

At 84 Lumber, talent acquisition is more than filling jobs. It’s about creating long-term careers. With 96% of store leaders starting as management trainees, the company has built one of the strongest internal mobility pipelines in the industry.In this episode, you’ll hear how 84 Lumber attracts candidates with no industry experience, develops them through structured training, and promotes from within to sustain growth. Paul Yater, CIO and Head of HR, explains the strategies behind this model:Why onboarding is the “make or break” moment for retentionHow storytelling powers recruiting and employer brandingThe role of technology and AI in streamlining hiringWhy promotions, not just hires, are the ultimate measure of successConnect with 84 Lumber: https://www.84lumber.comConnect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-yater-b229633Connect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

Jennifer Christie has built a career at the intersection of leadership, service, and transformation. From her time running presidential personnel in the White House to senior posts at American Express and Twitter, she’s now Chief People Officer at Docusign.In this episode, Jennifer explains:Why government and corporate leadership share more in common than most thinkHow AI is transforming HR and why leaders must focus on “what you’ll do instead”The one HR role she believes is essential for any aspiring CPOWhy internal mobility will matter more than everShe also shares practical advice for interviewers: look past the résumé to understand motivations and transitions, not just bullet points.Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-christie-5254866Connect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

Ana Moran’s story is proof that leadership can start anywhere. After immigrating from Colombia as a child, she began her career on the frontlines as a call center agent. Today, she is Chief People Officer for the U.S. Market at Foundever, leading a workforce of more than 150,000 employees.In this episode, Ana shares how her immigrant experience and frontline beginnings shaped her leadership philosophy. She explains why bravery matters as much as credentials, how organizations can unlock talent by valuing personal journeys, and why frontline roles are essential to creating opportunity at scale.You’ll learn:Why frontline jobs create pathways for mobility and prosperityHow personal experiences can reveal leadership potential beyond credentialsHow Foundever balances efficiency with humanity in talent acquisitionWhy bravery is the foundation for leadership growthConnect with Ana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-moran-6623b823Connect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

At Salesforce, technology and humanity are designed to evolve together. AI isn’t seen as a threat but as a tool that frees employees to focus on empathy, creativity, and leadership.In this episode, Molly Ford, VP of Talent Connection and Engagement, shares how Salesforce integrates core values like equality and volunteerism into every business plan while adopting AI in ways that enhance, not replace, the human experience.She also explains how data and storytelling work together to build confidence, measure impact, and bring culture to life inside one of the world’s most influential companies.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Salesforce sees AI as a way to free people for more meaningful workWhy equality is a non-negotiable value woven into every business planHow volunteerism and social impact fuel company cultureWhy data + storytelling are the secret to leadership confidence and influenceConnect with Molly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-q-ford-a7598Connect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app. 

At Concentrix, a global leader in customer experience solutions, talent acquisition is closely integrated with business operations rather than functioning as a standalone department.In this episode, Jillene Jensen, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition, shares how her operations background led to a new kind of talent acquisition strategy: prioritizing alignment, performance, and long-term impact.You’ll learn:Why former operations leaders make great recruitersHow Jillene’s team calibrates with business units to improve the quality of hireHow Concentrix balances AI tools with human touchWhat talent acquisition metrics really drive retentionConnect with Jillene on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillene-jensen-423932111Connect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

At Marsden Services, a national provider of cleaning, security, and maintenance services, talent acquisition starts with clear and honest role-selling.In this episode, Vice President of Talent Acquisition Ashley Lynch shares how visiting worksites, understanding the day-to-day realities of each role, and setting clear expectations have helped her team improve both speed-to-hire and retention.You’ll learn:Ashley’s “big three” framework for identifying bottlenecks in Talent AcquisitionTwo case studies where better role clarity solved retention challengesHow Marsden pilots AI tools without losing the human touch in hiringConnect with Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-lynch-18294ba1/Connect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

At Legacy Health, talent acquisition is shaped by data, experimentation, and a deep understanding of people.In this episode, Travis Trautman, Director of Sourcing and Talent Acquisition, shares how his team uses mini-experiments to improve hiring speed, candidate fit, and decision-making across a highly regulated healthcare environment. With a career spanning banking, education, and healthcare, Travis offers a rare cross-industry perspective on what truly moves the needle in TA, whether it's reducing time-to-fill or building trust with hiring managers.You’ll learn:How psychological safety shapes talent innovation at Legacy HealthWhat to watch for when evaluating AI and new recruiting techOne timeless lesson that still shapes Travis’s approach 20 years laterConnect with Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travistrautmanConnect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

Johnson Controls is known for making buildings smarter, safer, and more sustainable. But inside the company, there’s a different kind of transformation happening—in how they attract, hire, and prepare talent for the future of work.In this episode of Talent All-Stars, Mike Aronson— Senior Director of Global Talent Acquisition Operations—shares how he’s applying over 15 years of hands-on recruiting experience to reshape the function from the inside out.You’ll learn:Why it’s more important to fall in love with a problem and not a solutionThe 30-second elevator pitch that defines TA success at Johnson ControlsWhy Mike believes we’re the last generation to manage an all-human workforceConnect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikearonsonConnect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

Ace Hardware’s hiring strategy is grounded in one core principle: a consistent, transparent experience for every candidate—regardless of outcome.In this episode, Stef Nikitas, Director of Talent Acquisition at Ace Hardware, outlines how her team developed “The Ace Way of Hiring”—a structured, brand-aligned approach that sets clear expectations for candidates, hiring managers, and recruiters.She also shares how Ace applies technology thoughtfully across the hiring process, and how her team navigates the complexity of supporting multiple business units under a unified talent strategy.You’ll learn:How Stef’s life changed when she went from team-player to team-leaderWhy a well-delivered rejection can still strengthen your employer brandWhat skill TA leaders need most to stay relevant in a changing worldConnect with Stef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snikitasConnect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.

Verizon is one of the biggest brands on the planet—but behind the scenes, it’s the people who keep it moving.In this episode, Steve West—VP and HR Business Partner for Consumer Sales—reflects on his own journey from recruiter to executive and shares his approach to building teams, developing talent, and leading with trust.Steve also shares:How Verizon’s “Culture OS” connects values to decision-makingWhat “clear is kind” looks like in actionWhy employee experience and customer experience rise (or fall) togetherConnect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevewest11/Connect with us:💻 All Episodes: TalentAllStars.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziprecruiter/💼 Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davetravers/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziprecruiter🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ziprecruiter   Enjoyed this episode? We’d be grateful for a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.