From A People Perspective

In this conversation, Martin Hauck interviews Brandon Simon, the Chief People Officer at Zapier. They discuss Brandon's journey from education to tech, the challenges he faced in building a strong people team at Zapier, and the importance of workplace culture. Brandon shares insights on how automation and AI are transforming organizations and emphasizes that these changes are as much about people and culture as they are about technology.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Brandon Simon and Zapier03:45 - Icebreakers and Personal Insights06:33 - The Impact of Education on Career Choices09:28 - Motivations Behind People and Talent Work12:32 - Career Journey: From Education to Tech15:35 - Transitioning from Nonprofit to Tech18:20 - Finding Purpose in Software Companies21:16 - The Culture at LiveRamp and Zapier25:00 - Building Lifelong Relationships in Recruitment26:23 - The Journey to Zapier: A Unique Opportunity29:10 - Navigating Loyalty and Career Transitions35:06 - The State of Zapier: A New Era in People Operations45:17 - The Future of Automation and AI in Organizations51:15 - Outro

In this engaging conversation, Martin and Shelly delve into the intricacies of sourcing and recruiting, exploring the importance of human connection, the impact of technology, and the lessons learned throughout their careers. Shelly shares her insights on the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, the significance of understanding candidates' needs, and the future of recruiting in an AI-driven world. With anecdotes and success stories, they highlight the value of building trust and the art of connecting with candidates in meaningful ways.00:00 Introduction and Background05:21 The Evolution of Sourcing and Recruiting10:39 Lessons from the Next Generation14:33 Universal Truths in Recruiting20:33 The Role of Technology in Recruitment26:24 Tools of the Trade32:14 Deep Search for Talent33:00 Mindset Shift in Recruiting35:15 The Grind of Inbox Recruiting37:55 Value Beyond Hires40:24 Memorable Success Stories48:30 Building Trust with Clients54:45 Future of AI in Recruiting01:03:22 Actual Podcast Outro.mp4

In this episode, Jim Miller, VP of People and Talent at Ashby, shares his extensive experience in recruitment, discussing the evolution of recruitment technology, the importance of quality of hire, and the impact of AI on the industry. He emphasizes continuous improvement and the balance between quality and volume in hiring, while also providing insights into Ashby's innovative approach to talent acquisition. Jim offers valuable advice for professionals looking to future-proof their careers in a rapidly changing landscape.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:06 The Evolution of Recruitment Technology06:58 Jim's Journey in Recruitment09:43 Transitioning from Google to Ashby12:32 Continuous Improvement in Recruitment15:47 Quality vs. Volume in Hiring18:32 The Importance of Quality of Hire21:52 Data-Driven Recruitment Strategies24:50 Future Trends in Talent Acquisition27:43 AI and Its Impact on Recruitment30:26 Ashby's Innovations and Future Plans33:28 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this conversation, Olive Turon, Head of People and Culture at TestGorilla, shares her journey through various roles leading to her current position. She discusses the importance of skills-based hiring and how TestGorilla aims to democratize opportunities in the hiring process. Olive highlights the challenges of traditional hiring practices, the consequences of poor hiring decisions, and the need for a shift towards more effective recruitment strategies. The discussion emphasizes the significance of matching candidates with the right roles and the impact of using assessment tools to enhance the hiring process.For anyone interested in the Skills Based Hiring report mentioned in this podcast, you can access it here.

In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', Martin Hauck speaks with Lisa Stam, founder of Spring Law, about the evolution of virtual law firms, the importance of communication in HR, and the impact of technology and AI on employment law. They discuss the challenges HR professionals face in navigating employee and employer relationships, the significance of understanding generational differences in the workplace, and best practices for effective HR management. Lisa emphasizes the need for collaboration between HR and legal professionals and the importance of staying updated with legal changes.

In this unusual podcast episode, Martin and an AI named Maya explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and human resources. They discuss the innovative technology behind Sesame, the potential of AI in recruitment, and the importance of addressing unconscious bias. The conversation also delves into the ethical responsibilities of AI developers and concludes with a reflection on the human element in hiring processes.

In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', host Martin Hauck engages with Hilary Wagner, Chief People and Talent Officer at Tribe Wellness, discussing various aspects of recruitment, the impact of AI, and the importance of transparency in hiring practices. They explore the challenges faced by recruiters, the myths surrounding AI in recruitment, and the significance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving landscape of HR. Hilary shares her experiences in writing, publishing, and her involvement in health technology, emphasizing the need for recruiters to adapt and innovate in their approaches.

In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', Martin Hauck interviews Michael Martocci, CEO of Swag Up, discussing the importance of branding in the swag industry, the impact of swag on employee experience, and innovative uses of swag in recruitment. Michael shares lessons learned from previous ventures, the significance of company culture, and how AI is shaping the future of business operations. The conversation emphasizes the need for companies to be deliberate in crafting employee experiences and the value of maintaining a strong team dynamic.

In this episode Martin Hauck and Amy McLellan discuss the challenges of job seeking in the current market, particularly in light of recent layoffs. They explore the importance of community support, effective job search strategies, and the mindset shifts necessary during career transitions. The conversation emphasizes the value of networking, building supportive communities for job seekers, and the unique journeys individuals face in their job searches. They also touch on the metrics for engagement in community building and the potential for creating virtual spaces for job seekers to connect and support one another.

In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', Martin Hauck and Michaud Garneau explore the themes of personal growth, performance, and the art of clowning. They discuss the journey from aspiring circus performers to realizing the importance of hard work and vulnerability in skill development. The conversation delves into the balance of praise and effort, the role of the clown in reflecting audience emotions, and the significance of community support in professional growth. In this conversation, Michaud Garneau discusses the intersection of performance art, particularly clowning, and corporate culture. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and the challenges of bringing one's full self to work. The dialogue explores the nuances of professionalism, the need for safe spaces in the workplace, and the significance of effective communication, particularly through public speaking. Michaud shares insights on how to frame messages for leadership and the importance of understanding the audience's perspective. The conversation concludes with a focus on the tangible results of effective communication and the ongoing journey of personal development.

In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', host Martin Hauck speaks with Nancy Konopinsky, an on-demand COO and founder of Naked Consulting. They discuss Nancy's journey from studying psychology to a successful career in marketing and operations, her transition to consulting, and her focus on empowering women entrepreneurs. The conversation also touches on the importance of mindset, leadership challenges, and the role of AI in business.

In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', host Martin Hauck engages with Sejal Patel Daswani, a seasoned HR leader, discussing her unique career journey, the importance of management consulting in HR, and the evolving landscape of HR technology. They explore the challenges of scaling companies, the role of mentorship, and the impact of AI on HR practices. Sejal shares insights on building a strong culture in large organizations and the mission of Deputy in supporting frontline workers. The conversation emphasizes the need for connection, belonging, and continuous learning in the workplace.

In this episode of From a People Perspective, host Marty engages with Ali and Brandon from Progress Place, a community center dedicated to supporting individuals with mental illness. They discuss the Clubhouse model, which emphasizes community, belonging, and co-designing programs with members. The conversation highlights the importance of transitional employment programs in providing opportunities for individuals to reintegrate into the workforce while addressing stigma and promoting mental health awareness in the workplace. The episode also touches on personal insights, challenges faced during the pandemic, and the significance of open communication in fostering a supportive environment.

In this conversation, Angela Payne and Charles Fortier discuss their journey in founding LeedHR, focusing on the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. They share personal stories, insights on navigating emotional intelligence assessments, and the transformative experiences they've had with clients. The discussion also touches on the cultural readiness for emotional intelligence work, the role of AI in leadership, and the significance of curiosity and flexibility in personal and professional development.

In this conversation, David Paffenholz, founder of PeopleGPT, shares insights into his journey from education to entrepreneurship, the impact of social media on business growth, and the challenges and opportunities in the recruiting landscape. He discusses the features and functionality of PeopleGPT, the importance of addressing bias in AI, and the evolving role of recruiters in the age of technology. David also highlights the company's growth, market position, and future developments, emphasizing the significance of building a strong company culture in a virtual environment.BTW for the keen listeners, here's a link to the David's go to album by Peter Fox.

Kai Algar shares her career journey, which has been characterized by adaptability and a diverse range of experiences. She started in business and accounting, then pursued interior design and real estate. She later explored UX and found her passion in applying it to employee experience. Kai has worked in startups, consulting, and recruitment, constantly learning and adapting to new challenges. She emphasizes the need for businesses to future-proof themselves and build equitable models in the changing world of work. In this part of the conversation, Kai and Martin discuss the need for a shift in the way education is done and the importance of self-education and self-reflection. They also explore the limitations of the current system and the need for a more flexible and adaptable approach to work. Kai emphasizes the importance of building small and medium-sized businesses that focus on sustainability and quality rather than infinite growth. They also discuss the need to dissolve hierarchies and empower employees through an employee-owned model. Finally, they touch on the challenges of scaling and pivoting in larger companies and propose a squad model as a solution. The conversation explores the need to hire for the right qualities and create decentralized work environments. It emphasizes the importance of employee ownership and equitable compensation. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by founders and the potential of generalists in the future of work. The guest shares their vision of building tools and structures to enable a more sustainable and engaging work culture.

In this episode, Martin interviews Dr. Adam Zeman, a researcher who has studied aphantasia for the past 10 years. They discuss the concept of aphantasia, which is the inability to visualize mental images, and its implications for individuals' experiences and creativity. Dr. Zeman shares that aphantasia is not a disability but rather a variation in human experience. They also explore the challenges of understanding and describing different subjective experiences, as well as the potential subtypes and genetic factors associated with aphantasia. Dr. Zeman provides resources for further exploration of the topic.

Marlon shares his entrepreneurial journey and the origin of Michael's Global Trading. He provides insights into the process of managing office furniture and equipment when a business moves or shuts down. Marlon also discusses his biggest project to date, clearing out 13 floors of furniture for a major construction company, and the impact it had on his business. He shares his plans for the future, including exploring import-export opportunities, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Ashley Good, CEO and founder of Fail Forward, discusses the importance of embracing failure and creating a healthy relationship with it. She shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind starting Fail Forward.TakeawaysFailure is a natural part of life and should be embraced as a learning opportunity.Creating a healthy relationship with failure involves destigmatizing it and having open conversations about it.Organizations need to shift their mindset and embrace risk and innovation in order to adapt to a rapidly changing world.Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and create a culture that allows for open discussions about what didn't work.Focus on the small things that you have control over and gradually build the skill of killing low-value work.Challenge the bias towards constantly being busy and prioritize the right things over doing things right.Develop a healthy relationship with failure by practicing self-compassion and giving yourself grace.Chapters(00:00) Introduction and Door Number C(03:00) Aliens and Favorite Albums(06:01) The Importance of Failure(10:11) Grocery Bag Indulgences(13:32) Ashley's Journey and the Birth of Fail Forward(23:30) Selling Failure as a Business(27:26) Why Failure is Hard for Us(31:20) The Importance of Learning from Failure(35:09) The Momentum Around Failure(36:37) Saying No to Low-Value Work(37:39) Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity(41:45) Killing Projects and the Value of Retrospectives(50:57) Challenges of Work-Life Balance and the Pressure to be Busy(01:13:31) The Importance of Self-Compassion in the Face of Failure