True inclusion is not about chasing happiness. It is about creating spaces where people can experience joy, contentment, and humanity at work. In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, John Graham sits down with Tynecia Walker to explore the intersection of DEI, employer branding, and workplace culture. Tynecia shares her journey through the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion, emphasizing the difference between happiness and joy, and why authentic storytelling and psychological safety are non-negotiables for any healthy organization. They discuss how policies should serve people—not just protect companies—and how AI is shaping the future of HR and DEI work. The conversation also explores the role of leadership in driving engagement, contentment, and belonging at work. If you care about creating organizations where people can thrive, this episode will stay with you long after it ends. 📺 Watch more episodes of Employer Branding Unfiltered here: 👉 https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/ 👍 If this conversation resonates, please like, share, and subscribe to the channel. And do not forget to hit the bell so you never miss an episode. ⸻ 🎧 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Employer Branding Unfiltered 01:47 Tynecia Walker’s Journey in DEI and Employer Branding 05:36 The Difference Between Happiness and Joy at Work 09:22 Centering Humanity in DEI and Organizational Change 13:10 Storytelling as a Bridge in DEI and Employer Branding 17:45 The Role of Policy in Protecting People vs. the Organization 22:18 Building Psychological Safety and Trust in the Workplace 27:09 The Impact of AI on DEI and Employer Branding Work 31:34 Leadership, Engagement, and Authenticity in Action 36:42 Creating Sustainable Joy and Contentment in Work Culture 40:15 Reflections on the Future of Inclusion and Humanity in Work
Employer branding is evolving fast, and it is no longer just about attraction. It is about retention, employee experience, and building trust through storytelling and data. In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, John Graham speaks with Amit Parmar, CEO of Clickify, about the changing landscape of HR and employer branding. They dive into the importance of storytelling, the role of AI and data-driven insights, and the growing need for transparency and mental health support in today’s workplace. This conversation examines the challenges and opportunities for leaders in EB and HR, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and human connection, even in an increasingly AI-powered world. 📺 Watch more episodes of Employer Branding Unfiltered here: 👉 https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/ 👍 If this conversation resonates, please like, share, and subscribe to the channel, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. ⸻ 🎧 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Employer Branding and Talent Transformation 02:45 The Importance of Storytelling in Employer Branding 05:40 Employer Branding: Opportunities for Improvement 09:01 Data-Driven Insights for Effective Employer Branding 11:50 The Role of HR in Balancing Management and Employee Needs 14:42 Cultural Shifts and Data Utilization in HR 18:04 Differentiating Storytelling in a Saturated Market 20:53 Engagement and Conversion: The Holy Grail of Employer Branding 23:43 AI in Employer Branding: Opportunities and Challenges 32:21 Navigating Employer Branding in the Age of AI 34:54 The Importance of Differentiation in Content Creation 36:58 Trust Issues in AI-Generated Content 39:06 The Impact of Language on Inclusivity 39:46 The Future of Recruitment and AI Integration 42:57 Evolving from Employer Branding to Employee Experience 46:23 The Role of Government in AI Regulation 50:35 Investing in Talent Acquisition for the Future 56:17 The Critical Need for Mental Health and Wellness 59:46 The Human Element in HR and Employer Branding
Employer branding is not just about filling roles. It is about creating experiences that are authentic, transparent, and deeply connected to culture. In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, John Graham sits down with Shavonne Thomas to talk about her journey through talent acquisition into employer branding, with a focus on the pharmaceutical industry. Shavonne shares insights on building an Employer Value Proposition (EVP), the role of DEI in shaping culture, and why authenticity is non-negotiable. They also explore the difference between employer branding and recruitment marketing, how cultural challenges impact employee experience, and the importance of community support for professionals in this space. 📺 Watch more episodes of Employer Branding Unfiltered here: 👉 https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/ 👍 If this conversation resonates, please like, share, and subscribe to the channel. And do not forget to hit the bell so you never miss an episode. ⸻ 🎧 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Employer Branding and Guest Introduction 02:52 Shavonne Thomas’s Journey in Employer Branding 05:56 Understanding Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and Its Importance 09:01 Current Trends and Challenges in Employer Branding 11:55 The Role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Employer Branding 14:46 Distinguishing Between Employer Branding and Recruitment Marketing 17:48 The Importance of Authenticity and Transparency in Employer Branding 20:56 Navigating Cultural Challenges in Employer Branding 23:44 The Future of Employer Branding and Employee Experience 26:57 Final Thoughts and Questions for Future Guests
Employer branding has never been more important or more misunderstood. In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, John Graham sits down with Ankit Pathak to explore the evolving landscape of EB, the challenges leaders face in driving real change, and why transparency is the new authenticity. They dig into: • Navigating career transitions into employer branding • Why telling the truth is non-negotiable • The loneliness of leadership in EB • How EB intersects with DEI and influences culture • The role of emotional intelligence in building trust • What activation strategies actually resonate with employees and candidates This is a candid, thoughtful conversation about what it takes to build employer brands that matter. Not just campaigns, but movements that employees can believe in. 📺 Watch more episodes of Employer Branding Unfiltered here: 👉 https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/ 👍 If this conversation resonates, like, share, and subscribe to the channel, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. ⸻ 🎧 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Employer Branding Unfiltered 02:01 Navigating Career Transitions 07:10 The Journey to Employer Branding 12:22 The Importance of Transparency in Employer Branding 16:39 The Loneliness of Leadership in Employer Branding 20:14 Building Relationships Across Teams 23:58 The Intersection of DEI and Employer Branding 28:56 Challenges in Employer Branding During Organizational Changes 33:06 Employer Branding’s Role in Shaping Culture 40:42 Activating Employer Brand Strategies 44:55 Reflections and Future of Employer Branding
In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, host John Graham sits down with Arielle Julie to explore the intersection of advertising, recruiting, and employer branding. Arielle shares her journey from agency life to talent branding, breaking down how experiential activations, co-branded events, and human-centered approaches can create unforgettable recruitment experiences that truly resonate. Connect w/ Arielle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellejulie/ They discuss: • How to secure stakeholder buy-in for EB initiatives • Why experiential activations leave lasting impressions on candidates • Measuring ROI and making the business case for recruitment events • The role of internal employee engagement in strengthening talent brand • The power of transparency and vulnerability in company culture • What the future of talent branding looks like ✨ Arielle’s insights remind us that employer branding isn’t just about attraction—it’s about experiences, connection, and authenticity. 📺 Watch more EB Unfiltered episodes here: 👉 https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/ 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss a new drop. ⸻ 🎧 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:01 Arielle’s Career Journey 04:24 Transition to Employer Branding 07:12 Falling in Love with Recruiting 10:24 Navigating Employer Branding Challenges 12:36 Experiential Activation in Employer Branding 17:47 Creating Memorable Experiences 20:29 Event Strategies and Budgeting 23:49 Co-Branding Events for Success 26:55 Leveraging Partnerships for Recruitment 28:59 Measuring ROI in Recruitment Events 31:46 Activating the Employer Brand Internally 32:15 Empowering Employee Visibility and Advocacy 36:42 The Distinction Between Talent Brand and Employer Brand 40:11 Organizational Structure and the Future of Talent Branding 46:29 The Human Element in Talent Attraction 50:35 Transparency vs. Vulnerability in Organizational Culture
🎙 Unpacking Employer Branding with Claire De Souza | Employer Branding Unfiltered In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, host John Graham sits down with Claire De Souza, co-founder of the EB Space community, to talk all things employer branding—from the evolution of the function to what it really takes to build an authentic brand employees and candidates trust. Claire shares her journey into the field, the growing recognition of EB roles, and how the pandemic forever shifted employee expectations. She opens up about the importance of embracing the “ugly side” of your brand, creating space for honest storytelling, and how community can fuel innovation in our work. They also explore: • How to prove the value of employer brand without over-polishing the truth • The tension between recruitment marketing and brand authenticity • Why collaboration between EB, comms, and marketing is a non-negotiable • How EB Space is creating bold, fresh experiences for brand pros everywhere ✨ If you’re navigating employer branding, struggling to connect with your people, or just looking for your community—this episode is for you. 📺 Watch more episodes and connect with the EB Unfiltered community: https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/employer-branding-unfiltered-ep-3-claire-de-souza/ 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the bell so you never miss a new drop. ⸻ 🎧 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Employer Branding Unfiltered 01:10 Claire De Souza’s Journey in Employer Branding 03:33 Growth and Evolution of Employer Branding Roles 06:09 Challenges in Proving Employer Brand Value 10:45 Employer Brand Beyond Talent Attraction 11:16 The Importance of Collaboration in Employer Branding 15:17 Embracing the Ugly in Employer Branding 17:04 Fear of Reputation and the Impact on Employer Branding 22:08 The Need for Honesty in Employer Branding 23:58 Measuring the Impact of Employer Branding 26:27 The Cost of Unfilled Roles 28:51 Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing 32:39 Understanding Business Needs 33:36 Creating the EB Space 38:58 Innovative Event Formats 48:03 Building Authentic Connections
What happens when storytelling, data, and authenticity collide in the world of employer branding? In this episode, John Graham sits down with Paige Elliott, a bold force in the EB space, to unpack what it really means to build a brand from the inside out. From activating your EVP to navigating DEI with intention, Paige shares how she disrupted the system by putting out content that resonated—and didn’t ask for permission. We explore the power of cross-functional collaboration with marketing and comms, how to build social strategies that actually land, and why authenticity can’t be faked—especially in the age of AI. If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between corporate approval and creative impact, this one’s for you.
In this engaging conversation, John Graham and Summer Baruth explore the evolving landscape of employer branding, discussing its significance beyond recruitment marketing. Summer shares her journey through various industries, emphasizing the importance of cultural intelligence, internal messaging, and the need for employer brand leaders to be disruptors. They delve into the challenges of navigating legal compliance while maintaining authenticity and the critical role of showcasing employee stories. The discussion highlights the future of employer branding, focusing on retention and the human element in a rapidly changing world. Key Takeaways: - Summer Baruth emphasizes the importance of cultural intelligence in employer branding. - The role of employer branding is evolving to include broader organizational strategies. - Employer branding should focus on retention as much as attraction. Summer's journey showcases the diverse paths into employer branding. - The distinction between employer brand and recruitment marketing is crucial for clarity. - Internal messaging is vital for maintaining employee trust and engagement. - Legal challenges are impacting how companies communicate their brand. - Summer advocates for a holistic view of employer branding across departments. - The importance of showcasing employee stories to reflect company values. - Summer's experience highlights the need for employer brand leaders to be disruptors. #employerbranding #employeestorytelling #retentionstrategies #employerbrand #strategy #recruitmentmarketing
Join John Graham and Cristal Mikenas, Head of Global Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing at Takeda, as they discuss strategies for building impactful employer branding programs. Learn how to align with corporate communications, provide resources to recruiters during EVP development, and secure leadership buy-in for branding initiatives. Cristal shares insights into team structure, brand activation, the importance of authenticity in DEI efforts, and the role AI can play in transforming the employer branding landscape.
Join John Graham and Alex Her as they dive into the critical role of employer branding in attracting and retaining top talent. From addressing challenges and leveraging empathy to aligning with marketing and securing executive buy-in, this episode offers actionable insights for HR and recruitment professionals. Alex shares his global experiences in bringing employer brands to life across industries and explores the future of employer branding as an independent function within organizations.
In this episode, John Graham and Hassan Al-Hindwan explore how merging marketing and HR can create powerful employer branding strategies. Hassan shares insights on co-creating EVPs, fostering collaboration between internal teams, and aligning branding initiatives with organizational goals. They discuss the importance of authenticity, transparency, and a focus on diversity and inclusion to build trust and engagement. With practical advice on activation and measurement, this conversation is a must-watch for professionals in employer branding, recruitment marketing, and talent acquisition.
Join John Graham and Sedef Buyukatamen as they explore the challenges and opportunities in employer branding. This insightful conversation covers the importance of authenticity, employee experience, and aligning culture with the employer brand. Sedef shares thoughts on EVP misconceptions, DEI initiatives, and the transformative role of AI in branding strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of employer branding.
Join John Graham and Charlotte Marshall, a leading voice in employer branding, as they explore what it takes to create authentic, impactful brands. Charlotte shares her journey of building an employer brand in just 78 days, the power of storytelling, and the integration of diversity recruitment into branding. They discuss key challenges, including measurement and education, and highlight the importance of personal branding, thought leadership, and creating meaningful experiences. With insights on AI, transparency, and empathy, this episode offers actionable advice for employer brand professionals at all levels.
Join John Graham and Jade Harper as they share their journeys into the world of employer branding and recruitment marketing. In this episode, they break down the differences between these two critical fields and offer practical advice on building a business case for employer branding. Learn about key metrics, the growing importance of video content, and how transparency can elevate your employer brand. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive in the evolving employer brand landscape.
Join John Graham and Keisha Fowler as they discuss the joys and challenges of employer branding. From leveraging transferable skills and the art of storytelling to addressing limited budgets and fostering inclusive environments, this episode offers practical advice for branding professionals. Keisha and John explore the disconnect between employer branding and recruitment marketing, the need for diversity and cultural nuance, and their hopes for a more accessible future for people of color in the industry.
Join John Graham and James Marable as they explore the evolving world of employer branding. James shares his journey from running a clothing store to leading branding efforts at Macy’s, Eli Lilly, and Amazon, highlighting the importance of diversity, transparency, and authenticity. They discuss building stakeholder buy-in, navigating regulated industries, and activating brands through employee ambassadors and events. With lessons learned from failures and strategies for differentiation, this episode offers actionable insights for professionals looking to elevate their employer brand.
Join John Graham and James Ellis as they explore the evolving landscape of employer branding. From breaking down traditional EVPs to discussing the role of AI and authentic storytelling, this episode is packed with insights for employers looking to stand out in a competitive talent market. Whether you’re an HR leader or an employer branding enthusiast, this conversation will give you new strategies to attract and retain top talent.