The Purple Acorn HR Morning Show

As we hit mid-February, the HR landscape is grappling with a shift in how we value work. This episode explores the controversial rise of "Peanut Butter" pay raises—where merit takes a backseat to across-the-board increases—and how top-tier organizations maintain culture and storytelling in a high-speed world. Key Segments & Highlights: Headline News: A deep dive into the "Spread of Peanut Butter Pay Raises." With nearly 44% of companies moving toward uniform salary increases in 2026 to combat bias and administrative complexity, we discuss if this "flat" approach is a talent retention ticking time bomb. Guest Spotlight 1 - Bryan Chaney (People Brand Collective): The employer branding maestro joins us to discuss the vision behind the People Brand Collective and how AI is fundamentally rewriting the "People Experience" playbook. Guest Spotlight 2 - Harper Mayfield (Savannah Bananas): How do you keep the "glue" from drying out? The Savannah Bananas’ own "Glue Guy" shares how one of the world’s most unique sports brands maintains high-energy culture and cohesion. Presented by CalendarPA.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live from TA Week, hosts Adam Posner and Brian Fink, along with Mike Peditto dive into a high-stakes week for the talent industry. We kick things off with a massive headline: AI giant Eightfold AI is facing a lawsuit alleging violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The suit claims their "black box" algorithms act as unlicensed consumer reporting agencies, scoring job seekers without their consent or a path to dispute inaccuracies. Is this the legal precedent that finally forces transparency into AI hiring?Later, we are joined by two industry powerhouses to rethink the recruiting workflow. Tracey Parsons (Flockity) breaks down why "Post and Pray" is officially dead and how to turn employees into influencers to drive internal mobility. Then, Conor Kline (Pin.com) joins us to explain the "Revenue-First" recruiting desk, teaching recruiters how to operate like elite SaaS sales pros and transition from simple lead-gen to true value generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Hosts Danielle and Serge tackle the unsettling reality of the current talent landscape with a headline segment titled ""We Broke Hiring. Now We're Automating the Damage."" As the industry grapples with whether new tools are solving the hiring crisis or merely accelerating dysfunction, the hosts welcome industry veteran David Manaster (ERE Media) to the show. David shares his critical analysis of the ""frozen"" labor market, debating whether AI is truly replacing the entry-level recruiter or if we are witnessing a fundamental shift in how talent mobility works in 2026. The conversation shifts to the engine behind the industry as Brandice Payne from Kyle & Co joins Danielle to dismantle common HR Tech marketing failures. Brandice argues for ""marketing as translation""—making complex AI innovation legible to humans rather than just promoting features—and highlights the responsibility marketers hold when selling tools that impact livelihoods. Sponsored by Talent Tech PR, this episode pushes past the buzzwords to explore the real friction between human expertise and automated systems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Join host Jada Montemarano for a special edition of the Purple Acorn HR Morning Show as we bid farewell to 2025 and unveil bold 2026 predictions with a powerhouse lineup of twelve industry experts. In this fast-paced broadcast, our guests will tackle the eight "Purple Acorn–Approved" prediction categories, debating everything from the "Real vs. Hype" of AI and the "Stack Clean-Up" of HR technology to the "Workplace Plot Twist" of culture and return-to-office mandates. Don't miss this opportunity to "Follow the Money" and get a "Talent Leader Reality Check" as we explore the future of work, candidate behavior, and the big headlines that will define the year ahead. Guest Lineup: Allyn Bailey (SmartRecruiters): A leading voice in the industry advocating for innovation and purposeful adaptation to meet the challenges of the future of work. Trent Cotton (iCIMS): A highly accomplished strategist with a proven track record of designing innovative HR programs that drive employee engagement and business performance. Orlando Haynes (The Mosaic Company): A seasoned Talent Acquisition professional and three-time published author dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey toward professional success. Rhona Barnett-Pierce (Workfluencer Media): An expert who equips recruiting teams and HR leaders with the strategy and tools to create content that delivers measurable outcomes. Robin Schooling (Velvet Cubicle): A strategist who has spent her career humanizing the workplace and shaping how people experience work, from recruiting to retention. Chris Russell (RecTech Media): Known as the "mad scientist of online recruiting," he is a digital expert in attracting talent through recruitment technology and employer branding. Serge Boudreau (Resume Wallet): An experienced leader in the HR technology space and the "HR Weatherman" on The HR Morning Show. Jocelyn King (VirgilHR): The CEO of a SaaS solution that empowers HR professionals to make smart, compliant employment decisions in real-time via a smart chatbot. Gerry Crispin (CareerXroads): A life-long student of hiring passionate about conversations regarding fair and sustainable talent management strategies. Bill Boorman (AIM Group): An analyst and writer exploring how technology, from AI to data-driven recruiting, is transforming the job board and recruitment industry. Kyle Lagunas (Kyle & Co.): A researcher who keeps tabs on key practices in talent transformation and offers a fresh take on the role of technology in talent strategy. John Baldino (Humareso): With 30 years of experience, he is a keynote speaker and leader passionate about setting contributors and companies up for success through innovation and design. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join hosts Danielle, Serge, and Brian Fink for a news-heavy edition of The HR Morning Show. We kick off with a breakdown of the new Executive Order establishing a national AI policy, effectively limiting state-level regulations. The team also unpacks alarming new data regarding CHRO turnover, which has hit a five-year high as leaders face "transformation fatigue". Later, we dive into organizational psychology with Colby Nesbitt, who helps us define what "healthy culture" really looks like and debunks common myths about workplace happiness. We also welcome Mike Stafiej and Ben Eubanks to discuss their new research, The Human Signal in the Noise. They explain why employee referrals have become the "trust currency" of 2025 in a market flooded with AI-generated resumes. Plus, catch the latest updates from The Global Report with SmartRecruiters and Serge’s Weather Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of The HR Morning Show brings together sharp insights, unexpected stories, and the kind of creative problem solving HR leaders love. We kick things off with a headline rundown before diving into a unique marketing stunt that caught the FDA's attention and reminded us how deeply HR influences corporate identity. Brian Farkas and Tylynne McCauley walk us through the strategy behind their campaign, the role of their beloved dog Churro, and why people operations matter just as much as product when shaping a brand’s public narrative . We continue with Kara Mignanelli, whose dual leadership as SVP of People and General Counsel at GSMI gives her a rare, multidimensional view of HR, compliance, and large-scale event operations. She shares how Talent Acquisition Week has evolved, how legal training strengthens HR strategy, and what nearly two decades of organizational growth have taught her about people, process, and culture . Later, we welcome Mervyn Dinnen for a Retro Tech conversation, followed by Serge with a fresh edition of The Weather Report, rounding out a packed episode that blends strategy, storytelling, and a bit of fun. And throughout December, we’re proudly sponsored by Talent Tech PR, helping HR tech companies turn compelling ideas into category-leading narratives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is packed with two powerhouse conversations. First, Adam sits down with Dani Herrera for a deep dive into inclusive hiring—from equitable interviewing and accessibility to what talent leaders must consider when buying AI tools. Dani brings sharp predictions for 2026 and a thoughtful look at how healthy cultures and strong candidate experiences actually get built. Then Rhona chats with Natalie Egan, the serial entrepreneur behind PeopleLinx, Translator, and now Znario. She shares what she’s learned scaling mission-driven tech companies, how her years pioneering DEIB technology shaped her views on belonging and psychological safety, and how identity, leadership, and resilience all intersect when building better workplaces. Plus: the Headlines, the Global Report from SmartRecruiter, and Serge’s Weather Report. All brought to you by December's sponsor, Talent Tech PR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 68 of The HR Morning Show is packed with insights from two powerhouse voices shaping the future of hiring and HR leadership. First up, Angela Pointer, MS, BSN, RN shares wisdom from 30 years in healthcare and two decades in recruitment, breaking down her 24-Minute Method and her Meaningful/Reactive/Noise framework. She offers practical, immediately usable tools HR pros can apply to reclaim their time, lead intentionally, and avoid the biggest traps that derail teams. Then Trent Cotton brings in Matthew Merker for a Talk Nerdy to Me with iCIMS tech moment before the hosts welcome talent acquisition strategist Craig Fisher, who digs into Human-First Hiring, why candidates ghost, how to paint your employer brand for clarity and trust, and what’s real versus hype in TA tech heading into 2026. Combine that with headlines, global insights, and The Weather Report with Serge Boudreau, and you get a fast-paced, high-impact episode powered by Adam Posner, Brian Fink and the Purple Acorn crew. Check out this month’s sponsor: Keka HR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The HR Morning Show, Danielle and Serge kick off another fast-moving Tuesday with headlines shaping HR across the globe — from market shakeups to the latest workplace policies catching everyone’s attention. Powered by our marquee sponsor Keka, the team digs into why employee-centric design is changing the future of HR systems and how companies are shifting away from fragmented tools toward unified, people-first platforms. Danielle welcomes Dawn Snyder, a leader in learning strategy and performance improvement whose work spans global teams, higher education partnerships, and deep research into what “good” performance actually looks like. She brings a clear blueprint for how L&D can drive real organizational outcomes — especially as hybrid work, cross-cultural collaboration, and skill gaps reshape expectations. Then Serge takes the mic for a conversation with Mike Fitzsimmons of ApplicantX, tackling the rapid rise of hiring fraud. With fraud rates climbing 4x in just five years, Mike breaks down real-world examples, the blind spots in traditional hiring tools, and why recruiters need full-lifecycle fraud defense that follows a candidate from application through onboarding. Serge rounds things out with The Weather Report so smash that follow button and keep the conversation growing across the Purple Acorn network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The HR Morning Show, the crew dives into the lighter side of leadership and learning! Adam sits down with Jeremy Neuner, founder of Rotorhead Partners, to explore Playsonality—a groundbreaking new assessment that helps teams unlock their play styles at work. Forget DISC and StrengthsFinder—what if learning how you “play” could make your team more innovative, collaborative, and joyful? Then, Danielle chats with Coach Keith Shaw, a leadership strategist who’s shaking up how organizations approach development programs. With over 60% of managers saying they’ve never had proper leadership training, Keith lays out a roadmap for companies ready to turn leadership into a real competitive advantage. Plus, Joel, Danielle, and Adam cover the latest HR headlines, The Global Report from SmartRecruiters, and a special Weather Report from Serge. Powered by our new sponsor Keka, this is an episode packed with insights, fun, and fresh energy for HR pros everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The HR Morning Show returns with headlines, global trends, and a people-first lens on what’s actually working in talent. Today’s episode digs into the state of recruiting and retention with actionable ideas you can put to work this week. We kick off with The Global Report and the latest market signals, then hand the mic to our first guest, Kate Warman, who shares the inside view of navigating a full TA outsourcing event and what leaders can learn about process, governance, AI tooling, and keeping recruiting human during change. In our second guest segment, Tricia House unpacks the evolution of AI in HR—why a human-centered approach matters, how to build genuinely inclusive, skills-based hiring, why flexibility is non-negotiable for the future of work, and the competitive edge of moms in your workforce. We also check The Weather Report with Serge, spotlight upcoming events (including ERE in San Diego on Nov 4–5), and wrap with practical takeaways you can bring to your team today. Big thanks to our marquee sponsor, Keka, the all-in-one HR, payroll, and performance platform powering a better employee experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The HR Morning Show, hosts Joel Lalgee, Danielle Farage, Serge Boudreau, and Adam Posner unpack the biggest headlines shaping HR today, from AI in recruiting to burnout and shifting candidate expectations. Special guests Jess Von Bank, Zain Zaidi, and Curtis Germany bring real-world insights on skills-based hiring, aligning finance and IT on HR tech, and what HR leaders need to know right now. In our Talk Nerdy with iCIMS segment, Trent Cotton sits down with Jess Von Bank to explore how data, thoughtful design, and human connection can work together to create better hiring outcomes. The HR Morning Show is powered by Keka, the all-in-one HR and payroll platform that helps modern organizations simplify HR, payroll, performance, and more. Trusted by thousands of companies and millions of employees worldwide, Keka puts people first while giving HR leaders the automation and insights they need. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The HR Morning Show, Joel Lalgee, Danielle Farage, and Serge Boudreau dive into the latest HR headlines and innovations reshaping how we work. From the expanding influence of AI in recruitment to new compliance and accessibility challenges, the hosts unpack what every HR leader needs to know to stay ahead of the curve. First up, recruiting expert Dave Vu joins to discuss his transition from talent acquisition to AI-driven HR tech, exploring how organizations can balance automation with fairness, inclusion, and risk management. Then, Jon Rosemberg, positive psychologist and author of A Guide to Thriving, shares an evidence-based roadmap for moving beyond burnout to find meaning, resilience, and purpose in the modern workplace. Powered by our sponsor Keka, this episode offers practical takeaways on employee experience, leadership authenticity, and how to create people-first systems that inspire teams to do their best work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The HR Morning Show returns with a lively mix of headlines, hot takes, and in-depth conversations shaping the future of work. Kyle, Brian, and Robin kick things off with the latest HR news, from the global hiring outlook to pay transparency debates, before diving into how HR leaders can use tech responsibly without losing the human touch. This week’s guests bring two powerful perspectives. Robin sits down with Andy Choi from Do Good, a Non-Profit-as-a-Service platform making it easier than ever for businesses to launch compliant nonprofits or add mission-driven initiatives into their existing models. Then, the team welcomes Sofia Whelan and Sarah Smart of HorizonHuman, who share insights on balancing AI adoption with empathy, safeguarding against HR tech project failures, and why the next HR paradigm shift is already overdue. Powered by Keka, our new marquee sponsor, this episode unpacks how innovation, social impact, and technology are reshaping HR into a people-first function. Whether you’re curious about AI, culture, or new ways to embed purpose into your organization, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What really makes a strong employer brand—and why are so many companies still getting it wrong? This week, Joel Lalgee, Danielle Farage, and Kyle Lagunas dig into the new realities of recruiting with candid takes on employer branding, candidate experience, and the ever-crowded ATS market. From the consumerization of the job search to the tug-of-war between HR and marketing, the hosts and guests break down where companies are dropping the ball and what it takes to stand out in a noisy landscape. Joining the conversation are Brian McGarry and Ann Wyatt, who bring fresh insights from the front lines of talent acquisition. Brian shares perspective on what truly sets an employer brand apart in today’s market, while Ann dives into how candidate experience can make or break recruiting outcomes. Together, they shed light on the challenges and opportunities shaping HR tech, branding, and the future of work. Plus: Trent Cotton gets nerdy on the latest "Talk Nerdy with iCISM", and Serge Boudreau delivers the always-unmissable “Weather Report.” Powered by Keka, the all-in-one HR and payroll platform built to put employees first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The HR Morning Show brings together hosts Joel Lalgee, Mike Peditto, and Serge Boudreau for a fast-moving look at the stories and strategies shaping the HR landscape. The team kicks things off with the latest headlines, including new U.S. immigration fees that could transform tech hiring and a candid discussion on why HR still lags behind other functions in AI knowledge. Special guest Madeline Laurano, Founder and Chief Analyst at Aptitude Research, shares her expertise on talent acquisition technology—highlighting which data points actually drive better hiring, how to balance quantitative and qualitative insights, and why AI-driven tools like conversational platforms demand careful evaluation. Later, Matt Alder—host of Recruiting Future and The Alder Hour—joins the conversation to discuss his FITT Assessment, the evolution of HR Tech, and his perspective on where the recruiting industry is headed. This episode is sponsored by KEKA. Visit keka.com for more information and discover more at purpleacornnetwork.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are excited to welcome our new Marquee sponsor, Keka HR, the all-in-one HR and Payroll platform, to the HR Morning Show! Don't miss this episode! From shifting immigration policies to the future of HR tech, hosts Joel Lalgee, Danielle Farage, and Brian Fink bring two powerhouse guests to the table. Then, we sit down with Kamaria Scott, Founder & CEO of Enetic and creator of the Manager Momentum Operating System™ (MMOS™). With two decades of experience as an organizational psychologist supporting companies like Accenture and FIS, Kamaria reveals why management training so often falls flat—and what it really takes to design a management layer that executes consistently. Her systems-based approach offers a roadmap for turning one-off development efforts into everyday performance. Add in headlines, global reports, and The Weather Report with Serge Boudreau, and you’ve got a jam-packed episode full of fresh perspectives and practical takeaways. Everyone's favorite Allyn Bailey will even be joining in the fun, live from the #HRTechConf in Las Vegas, Nevada! See you at 7 am / 10 am! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready—the HR Morning Show is stacked with insights, fresh takes, and conversations that matter for leaders, recruiters, and HR pros alike. We kick things off with Joanna Mollo, co-founder of PitchNinjas who has coached leaders at some of the world’s biggest companies. Joanna opens up about what she learned building people-development programs during Google’s rapid European expansion, why most executives struggle with clarity and conviction in high-stakes communication, and how PitchNinjas is bringing on-demand, AI-powered coaching to anyone who wants to master presence and confidence. She also shares hard-won lessons from coaching leaders across industries and cultures, plus her vision for mentoring programs that build real gender parity through allyship. Next up, Michael Fitzsimmons, CEO of Crosschq, joins us to unveil the Brilliant 500—the first-ever ranking of Fortune 500 companies by quality of hire. Michael explains why “quality” is becoming the most important metric in recruiting, how this new benchmark shines a light on what top-performing companies are doing differently, and what it means for HR leaders under pressure to prove ROI. He’s joined by two of the inaugural award winners to share what set their organizations apart in the eyes of their people and the industry. And then, Steve Jaffe takes us on a personal and timely journey. A seasoned advertising and marketing executive, Steve recently released his book The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery. He unpacks the emotional toll of job loss, walking us through the seven stages of grief—from denial to renewal—and shares practical strategies for moving forward with resilience. Whether it’s reframing anger as fuel, rediscovering your “why,” or rebuilding identity after career upheaval, Steve’s roadmap is essential for leaders guiding their teams through change, as well as anyone navigating their own transition. Of course, no HR Morning Show would be complete without the staples: Serge’s Weather Report, the Global Report powered by SmartRecruiters, and a lively headlines segment covering the stories shaping HR around the globe. Add in the hosts’ signature banter and you’ve got your front-row seat to HR’s biggest stage—where leadership, hiring, and resilience take center stage. Make sure to visit our sponsor, keka.com for more information about their platform. Follow us on LinkedIn, subscribe on YouTube, and stream the podcast anywhere you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices