In this episode, we’re joined by Rachel Davis, CEO of Armstrong Craven, who discusses the role of talent intelligence and data in the recruitment process. Founded 30 years ago, Armstrong Craven is a global talent research firm, providing data-driven solutions to talent acquisition, talent intelligence and HR teams. Rachel begins by discussing the current landscape for talent intelligence and its growing significance in organisations. She emphasises how data and insights are meeting the increasing appetite for information in talent acquisition. To illustrate the value of talent intelligence, Rachel shares an example involving a US-based Biotech firm. Through talent insights, the firm was able to design a recruitment strategy that attracted specialist technology skills into the organisation. For the organisation they were able to reduce their time-to-hire by 18 months, ultimately accelerating how quickly they could bring lifesaving treatments to market. Talent intelligence has the potential to positively impact diversity and inclusion. Rachel highlights the common tendency of organisations to focus solely on their own environment or limit diversity measures to just a few metrics. Whilst talent intelligence and mapping provide the external data to show where the talent you need is located, it’s critically important that organisations understand the barriers and lived experiences of people from diverse backgrounds. She advises talent leaders to present a strong business case for talent intelligence, highlighting the cost of poor decision-making, the urgency of the organisational context and the broader applicability of the data to drive growth plans. The episode wraps up with an exploration of the skills required for a career in talent intelligence. Intellectual curiosity, proficiency with data, and the ability to translate findings into meaningful insights for the business are crucial components of success in this field. Key Takeaways: It’s important to understand the in-house capacity and capability of your team to determine whether you need a specialist partner to deliver the expertise you need. Data and insights play a critical role in improving diversity and inclusion outcomes. To secure investment, talent leaders must present a strong business case for talent intelligence, highlighting its direct impact on decision-making and organisational growth. Proficiency in data analysis and adeptness with AI are skills that professionals in all fields should strive to develop.
In this episode of Talent Talkbox, we talk to Martyn Redstone, expert in recruitment technology, conversational and generative AI. He shares valuable insights about integrating AI into Talent Acquisition, encouraging us all to think critically about how and where it can be used to drive hiring outcomes. Martyn emphasises the importance for TA leaders to develop AI-focused skill sets. and prepare for managing AI recruitment agents in the future. To stay ahead, he suggests implementing natural language interfaces and conversational tools as co-pilots, enhancing both productivity and candidate experience. Lastly, in terms of skills, Martyn stresses the significance of communication and problem-solving abilities in the industry - two crucial soft skills essential for becoming a strategic TA partner. Key Takeaways Optimise existing technology and processes before investing in new AI solutions. Governance – be clear about regulation and develop a policy that’s transparent and clearly communicated to the business. Run safe experiments to run a proof of concept with before and after measures. Develop AI-focused skill sets to manage AI recruitment agents. Implement natural language interfaces and conversational tools to improve productivity and candidate experience. Embrace STEM education and develop communication and problem-solving skills.
In this podcast episode, we are joined by Kirstie Kelly, founder, investor and renowned expert in HR technology. Neil and Kirstie take a critical look at the role of technology in talent acquisition, strategies for successful adoption and how to make the right decisions given the overwhelming choices in the market. Kirstie provides valuable guidance for TA leaders, emphasising the importance of diagnosing the specific problems you are seeking to address, the desired outcomes and appetite for change in the organisation in relation to TA technology. Key topics include understanding the challenge, defining success measures, involving vendors in building a strong business case, and measuring success based on the language and goals of the organisation, rather than solely on cost savings. Kirstie and Neil also talk about the need for consistency and standards in TA, accelerated particularly by global talent mobility. Delivering fair, ethical and consistent ways of operating is not only good practice, it future-proofs your business. Furthermore, Kirstie highlights the importance of developing essential skills such as data interpretation, problem-solving, and resilience, to stay ahead in the rapidly changing TA landscape. Key takeaways: TA leaders should focus on their specific problems and desired outcomes before identifying a technology solution. Be open to involving vendors when building a business case for technology adoption. Articulate the ongoing value to the business, not just year one. Success in TA should be measured based on the language and goals of the organisation, not the language of TA. Consistency and standards play a vital role in supporting global talent mobility. Future-proof skills in TA include data interpretation, problem-solving, and resilience.
In this episode, Neil interviews Hugh Fordham, CEO of Hollaroo - the talent community platform for pipelining, onboarding and internal mobility - about value creation in talent acquisition. Together they explore how organisations should define ‘value’ for their talent function and the opportunities for delivering and retaining value through people. They discuss the importance of managing networks of talent and connections, strategies for sustainable technology investments, and advice for different types of organisations. Hugh emphasizes the need to focus on the value delivered by talent acquisition and the importance of data and analytical skills in articulating that value. The episode concludes with a discussion on keeping knowledge up to date in the complex talent landscape. Takeaways Organisations should define value for their talent function by understanding their fundamental objectives and how talent contributes to achieving that goal. Common opportunities within organisations include retaining value by building long-term relationships with internal talent, understanding the goals and aspirations of its employees. Managing talent networks and connections, both internally and externally, is crucial for talent acquisition and talent management. When making technology investments, organisations should start with the problem they are trying to solve and focus on delivering value to the organisation, rather than the technology solution. The advice for different types of organisations, such as SMEs and larger PLCs, may vary in terms of timelines and strategic thinking. To keep knowledge up to date, it is beneficial to look outside of the specialist domain and explore concepts from other fields, such as economics. Developing data and analytical skills is essential for talent acquisition professionals to understand and articulate the value they deliver to the organisation.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Lynn Kealey, a highly experienced global talent acquisition leader in the pharmaceutical industry, discusses her early career in recruitment, the impact of the economic environment on talent acquisition, and the opportunities of attracting and retaining Generation Z. Lynn also explores the use of technology and AI in recruitment and emphasizes the importance of candidate experience. Overall, the conversation highlights the dynamic nature of talent acquisition and the need for TA leaders to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and candidate expectations. Takeaways The economic environment continues to have a significant impact on talent acquisition, with shifts in demand for different skill sets and the need for organisations to have a long-term talent strategy. Attracting and retaining Generation Z requires organisations to align with their values, such as providing work-life balance, strong purpose, and career development opportunities. Technology and AI can enhance recruitment processes by automating administrative tasks and improving efficiency, but the human element and candidate experience remain crucial. TA leaders need to understand the business strategy, collaborate with stakeholders, and use data and market insights to guide effective talent acquisition strategies. Candidate experience should be a priority, with a focus on authentic employer branding, streamlined application processes, and continuous engagement throughout the recruitment journey.
In this episode, we talk to Alyssa Byczek, Director, Global Talent Acquisition at Premier Research. Premier Research is a global clinical research, product development and consulting company that is dedicated to helping patients worldwide by transforming life-changing ideas and breakthrough science into new medical treatments. Alyssa shares her background in recruiting and the challenges faced in the industry. She emphasises the importance of balancing high delivery standards with lean resources and managing a team effectively. Alyssa also highlights the significance of creating a positive candidate experience and the role of empathy in recruitment. She discusses the need for talent acquisition professionals to stay agile and adapt to the changing industry landscape. Additionally, Alyssa explores the opportunities in talent acquisition, including the potential for remote work and the importance of skill-based hiring. Takeaways Balancing high delivery standards and lean resources is a challenge in talent acquisition. Creating a positive candidate experience is crucial for building lasting relationships and attracting top talent. Talent acquisition professionals need to stay agile and adapt to the changing industry landscape. Opportunities in talent acquisition include remote work, skill-based hiring, and developing business acumen.
In this episode, we’re joined by Sherin Varghese, Senior Director & Head of Talent Acquisition – Americas & Asia GXO Logistics Inc. Formerly part of XPO Logistics, GXO is a world leader in providing cutting-edge logistics solutions for multi-national companies and blue-chip market leaders. A Fortune 500 company, operating in 27 countries, with 130,000 employees and revenues of over $9 billion, makes GXO the largest contract logistics company in the world. As the business seeks to streamline and optimise operations with new technology, the need for specialised skills has evolved, presenting unique talent acquisition challenges for GXO. Join Sherin as he delves into the complexities of employee branding across multiple markets and regions, with a focus on establishing an independent identity and powerful communication of the 'why' to potential talent. This episode delivers valuable insights on embedding a global employer branding strategy that respects and reflects the unique character of local markets as well as evolving skillsets for talent acquisition professionals.
In this episode of the Talent Sandbox, we are excited to be joined by Adam Gordon, Co-founder of newly launched Poetry HR, the recruiter enablement workspace. This fascinating discussion focuses on the evolving role of talent acquisition - its response to complex labour markets, changing consumer demands, job requirements of incoming generations, the impact of new technology and the importance of acting as a talent advisor to the C-suite. Adam shares his views on what TA leaders should be doing more of to create value for their organisations, including: Creating on-demand supply of talent when hiring teams need it through talent engagement and pipelines. Continuously monitoring and asking what is the right shape for my team? Thinking about ‘resources’ as humans and machines. If it’s humans, do they need to be employees, contractors or outsourced? Acting as talent advisors to senior leaders in the business, helping to shape the business from a people perspective and how this will need to evolve over time. Having spent his career in and around the recruitment and recruitment technology space, Adam believes it is an important time for TA, having seen first-hand how the role of the recruiter is evolving. Recruiters must be able to act as ‘data analysts’ (highly numerate, derive insights from numbers), ‘experience designers’ (adopting a marketing mindset, what do we want people to think and do) and finally ‘tech managers’ (analytical, tech-savvy with a great understanding of what is achievable). Yet, despite the rise in automation and technology, Adam firmly believes that organisations will still need recruiters, however, one of the biggest challenges to be overcome, is equipping teams with the tools and resources needed to do the job well, at pace, and at scale. Having listened to hundreds of organisations and learning from what’s happening in other business functions such as sales and marketing, Adam and his co-founder, Mike Hughes, created Poetry HR – a workspace for recruiters that contains everything they need to successfully execute in their organisation. Finally, Adams offers advice to TA leaders about how to build and optimise their technology stack to deliver on their talent strategy. Hint: the answer doesn’t lie in changing your ATS! To find out more visit: https://www.poetryhr.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@RecruiterEnablement
In this exciting episode of the Talent Sandbox podcast, our special guest is Barry Flack, a seasoned HR Executive and Talent Leader, who currently serves as an Advisor and Learning Instructor at Talent Sandbox. Recruiting has become a highly complex task, with the unpredictability of external market events and fierce competition for talent. Barry believes that success lies not in planning for these events, but in building organizations that can withstand and thrive in any unforeseeable future. Barry challenges talent acquisition professionals to consider how they can evolve to address complexity and uncertainty. Topics discussed in this episode include: · Adding value during a downturn · Using data and talent intelligence for strategic workforce planning · Understanding our internal market thoroughly · Developing skills and capabilities in areas such as data analytics, marketing, and technology · Embracing standards and standardization to work smarter, better, and faster The conversation also delves into the concept of 'Recruiter Enablement,' a transformative approach in talent acquisition that fosters collective and collaborative power among recruiters. This shift from independent actions to an interconnected ecosystem raises standards and enhances productivity. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and perspectives on navigating the complexities of recruiting and embracing the power of Recruiter Enablement in your organisation.
In this episode of the Talent Sandbox podcast, talking to Will Crandle and Steve Bebbington from Horsefly Analytics. As part of season 2, we’ve invited a select group of leading vendors who serve as talent acquisition functions across the globe to understand their development journey but also how they’re supporting the transformation of TA in organisations. Horsefly Analytics has been a pioneer in providing labour market insights since its establishment in 2011. Their expertise lies in powering workforce planning, recruitment, internal mobility, and succession planning with data-driven insights about talent. While using data to inform talent acquisition might seem commonplace today, it wasn't always the case. Horsefly Analytics dedicated significant effort during their early years to educate the market about the importance of data-driven talent acquisition. During our conversation, Will and Steve offer practical advice for TA leaders who are beginning to explore labour market insight technology and evaluate potential vendors. Here are their key tips: 1️⃣ Be clear about the specific problem you are trying to address. Without clarity, it's challenging to find the right solution. 2️⃣ Take the time to thoroughly understand the product and assess its fit for your unique use case. A poor fit leads to under-utilization and a lack of return on investment. 3️⃣ Be cautious of vendors who prioritize making a sale over understanding your business and your specific needs. A reliable vendor will take the time to tailor their solution to your requirements. In this discussion, we delve into the immense potential of leveraging labour market insights to inform total workforce planning and growth strategies. We explore topics such as setting up teams in the right locations and the cost implications involved. If you are interested in harnessing the power of labour market analytics to enhance your talent strategy, this episode is an absolute must-listen!
In this episode of the Talent Sandbox podcast, Neil is joined by Agata Borovska, Global Talent Acquistion Manager, Digital HUB Spain, PepsiCo. Employer branding is such an important part of attracting talent, but if you are a global powerhouse brand like PepsiCo, how do you connect and engage with a diverse pool of talent? During the discussion, Agata shares valuable insight about how the organisation leverages the strength of their brand and data to attract and hire talent. Like so many other businesses, digital technology is playing an increasingly important role in the evolution and growth of PepsiCo. As part of this strategy, a new technology centre in Barcelona was created, requiring the recruitment of high numbers of data scientists, data engineers and software engineers. Building a new function from scratch required a thoughtful, proactive and data-centric approach to talent acquisition, drawing on talent market insights and a consistent candidate experience. Looking to the future, what are the top three skills required for talent acquisition professionals to keep them top of their game? For Agata, it’s all about being digitally savvy, expertly managing stakeholders and communication – delivering the right message to all the people we interact with. This episode provides unique perspectives from a global brand about how to successfully navigate a competitive and dynamic market.
In this episode of the Talent Sandbox podcast we extremely fortunate to be joined by our newly appointed Strategic Advisor, Adrian Thomas. Adrian is a highly experienced resourcing professional having led talent acquisition functions for large global organisations such as GlaxoSmithKline, Royal Bank of Scotland, Network Rail and more recently UK Senior Civil Service. A passionate advocate for the Talent Acquisition industry, he continually champions for investment and professional standards in recruitment. In this wide-ranging discussion we delve into the challenges and opportunities within the TA realm, exploring topics like transforming TA into a promising career path, unlocking the hidden potential of tools and technology, and navigating the wide-ranging functions of TA, from administrative duties to becoming a strategic advisor. Adrian asks the compelling question: in the race for talent, will a family saloon car or an F1 racing car get you to your destination faster? We dive into the concept of transitioning from reactive and one-dimensional recruitment approaches to a three-dimensional mindset, where the TA function is seen as a valuable asset within the organisation. Gear up and get ready to transform your TA strategy!
In this episode of the Talent Sandbox podcast, Neil Kelly is joined by with Julie Coombs, Vice President of Talent Acquisition at TaskUs. Discover the insider insights and proven strategies employed by top talent acquisition leaders to optimise their processes and flourish in the rapidly evolving world of recruitment. We delve into the fundamental role of soft skills in the recruitment process, and gain an understanding of how effective communication, engagement, and emotional intelligence can leave a lasting impact on both candidates and stakeholders. Julie shares her expert perspective on striking the right balance between embracing technology and preserving the human touch in talent acquisition, emphasizing the need for adaptability and a willingness to embrace change. Uncover the three essential skills that are poised to shape the future of talent acquisition. From mastering communication across diverse audiences to embracing advancements in technology, as well as the art of building formidable relationships and networks within the industry. Whether you aspire to optimise your recruitment processes, enhance candidate experiences, or stay ahead of industry trends, this episode is an absolute must-listen for anyone driven by the desire to build a superior talent acquisition process.
In this episode, join us as we dive into the world of outsourcing with Ken Coyne from Ops Talent. Discover how Ops Talent addresses the people and culture deficit in the outsourcing industry, providing multilingual customer experience and technology services from Poland, a thriving outsourcing hub. Explore the benefits of outsourcing, including flexible scaling, expertise, and cost savings, and learn why nearshoring within Europe is becoming increasingly popular. Find out how to build high-performing teams, integrate outsourced talent, and stay ahead of the competition. If you're a talent acquisition leader looking for innovative solutions and superior results, this episode is a must-listen.
Join the Talent Sandbox podcast as we delve into the world of talent acquisition with Sven Steinebach, VP and Head of Global Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding at Evotec. Sven shares his incredible journey, from unexpected beginnings in recruitment to his current leadership role, offering valuable insights along the way. Discover how talent acquisition has transformed from a support function to a strategic enabler of business success. Sven emphasises the pivotal role of recruiters as matchmakers, influencers, and negotiators, enabling organisations to find and secure the right talent. Explore the power of mentorship as we uncover how experienced recruiters can guide and shape the careers of aspiring professionals, enabling them to thrive in the field of talent acquisition. Uncover the potential of talent acquisition in driving organisational growth and shaping the future of work. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sven Steinebach, where we explore the essence of talent acquisition, from matchmaking to storytelling and mentoring. Tune in to the Talent Sandbox podcast and gain a fresh perspective on talent acquisition that will enable you to drive success and empower your organisation.
In this episode of the Talent Sandbox podcast, join us as we delve into the transformative power of learning and development in talent acquisition. Our guest, Evelyne Van Vosselen, an esteemed HR, and organisational development expert who we are very fortunate to have working with Talent Sandbox, will shed light on how learning and development can serve as a strategic enabler of talent acquisition initiatives. Discover the vital role of onboarding, personalised training solutions, and captivating learner experiences in attracting and nurturing top talent. Gain practical insights and actionable strategies to optimise your organisation's learning and development programs, ensuring they become a driving force for talent acquisition success. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that will empower you to unleash the full potential of learning as a catalyst for talent acquisition excellence.
Welcome to Talent Sandbox, the podcast for talent acquisition professionals! Join us in this, our first episode as we take a deep dive into the challenges and future of talent acquisition with our special guest, Neil Kelly, founder of Talent Sandbox. Through his thought-provoking insights and unique perspectives, Neil sheds light on the evolving role of talent acquisition, the impact of technology and automation, and the significance of continuous learning in the fast-paced world of talent acquisition. With a candid outlook, Neil shares valuable perspectives on the complexities and opportunities , offering a glimpse into the future of the talent acquisition industry. Join us as we explore the ever-changing landscape of talent acquisition. and gain insights from Neil's expertise.
In this episode, Neil is joined by Callum Buxton, lead partner for executive and critical hiring at SOPHiA Genetics. SOPHiA Genetics sits at the intersection between healthcare and technology, an AI platform that supplies data-driven insights to the healthcare industry for the use in diagnostics and treatment around the world. Often people arrive in talent acquisition, not necessarily having sought a career in recruitment. Having spent his career in external agencies and consulting roles, Callum has made the transition in-house at Sophia Genetics, attracted by the impact of their work the organisation is undertaking. In an organisation that is directly affecting outcomes for cancer and rare diseases worldwide, the mission and purpose of SOPHiA Genetics has a fundamental role in attracting talent. Callum shares how they listen to the experiences of employees to bring to life the mission and culture of the organisation in their hiring activities. Having made the transition to an in-house role, Callum shares insight about the key differences he’s seen and experienced, most significantly factoring in the needs of the hiring manager and the organisation. Aligning talent acquisition with the commercial strategy of the business requires a curiosity to fully understand the needs of stakeholders and the business. If you’re interested in transitioning from a recruiter into talent acquisition, this is an insightful episode that lifts the lid on making a successful change.
Join Todd Raphael in this episode of the Talent Sandbox Podcast as they delve into the common challenges encountered by Talent Acquisition leaders, including the pressing issue of employee turnover. Discover strategies to tackle this problem head-on through improved communication, understanding employee needs, and creating a positive work environment. Gain valuable insights and actionable tips to enhance your talent acquisition and retention efforts. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage in this insightful discussion that equips talent acquisition leaders with the tools to effectively address and overcome employee turnover challenges.
Join Theo Smith, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, in this captivating episode that speaks directly to you. Dive deep into the untapped brilliance that lies beyond conventional qualifications and explore the power of embracing neurodiversity. Witness how it can revolutionise your talent acquisition approach and create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Theo shares invaluable insights and practical strategies that will empower you to redefine success, break barriers, and tap into a diverse pool of talent. Uncover the extraordinary and unlock a world of limitless possibilities for your organisation and the individuals you serve.