The Chad & Cheese Podcast

This week on The Chad and Cheese Podcast: It's a world of layoffs, aliens, and bad burgers as Chad brags about sunny Portugal while Joel freezes in the Midwest. From AI pimps hustling Instagram to job board dinosaurs facing extinction, the duo dives into an Acquisition Palooza that proves even startups can have a midlife crisis. Plus, they tackle the age-old question: How much Shake Shack can you eat at 30,000 feet? Spoiler: Not enough. Strap in for hot takes, cool beers, and the slow but inevitable collapse of humanity—now with a side of influencer drama! Takeaways The hosts share their contrasting experiences of weather and lifestyle. Current events are overwhelming, with a mix of serious and absurd news. Boxing has transformed into a scripted entertainment spectacle. The hosts reminisce about the authenticity of past boxing matches. Industry shout outs highlight the interconnectedness of recruitment platforms. Fantasy football updates reveal competitive dynamics among the hosts. Layoffs in the recruitment industry signal ongoing challenges. LinkUp's acquisition showcases the importance of real-time job data. Adzuna's acquisition aims to enhance social media recruitment capabilities. The conversation reflects on the future of recruitment advertising amidst automation. Adzuna should consider acquiring Flockety to enhance its influencer marketing capabilities. The job board industry is evolving, with a shift towards programmatic advertising and social media engagement. Companies must adapt to the changing landscape of job postings to remain competitive. JobGet's acquisition of Snagajob could revitalize the hourly worker market. Recruiter.com's acquisition of BountyJobs raises questions about the future of recruitment services. AI-driven digital employees are becoming essential in addressing the cybersecurity talent shortage. The proliferation of AI-generated influencers poses significant challenges for genuine content creators. Legislative action is needed to combat the rise of deep fake technology on social media. The recruitment industry is experiencing a wave of consolidation and strategic acquisitions. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to technological advancements in recruitment and marketing. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Current Events 03:00 - Reflections on Boxing and Entertainment 06:03 - Shout Outs and Industry News 10:03 -Fantasy Football Update 12:01 -Layoffs and Industry Changes 15:58 -Acquisition Palooza: LinkUp and Adzuna 28:32 -The Rise of Influencer-Centric Platforms 29:52 -The Evolution of Job Boards and Programmatic Advertising 33:16 -Adzuna's Strategic Shift and Industry Challenges 34:01 -JobGet Acquires Snagajob: A New Era for Hourly Workers 42:09 -Recruiter.com Acquires BountyJobs: A Strategic Move? 47:04 - AI in Cybersecurity: The Future of Digital Employees 52:00 -The Impact of AI-Generated Influencers on Social Media

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

From the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Dean Da Costa joins Chad & Cheese to share fresh recruitment advice. He urges recruiters to challenge norms, verify AI-generated data, and focus on the human touch. Da Costa emphasizes personal branding, as candidates often research recruiters, and suggests exploring platforms beyond LinkedIn to reach diverse talent. He highlights the irreplaceable value of genuine interactions over automation and advocates for a supportive, knowledge-sharing recruiter community.

Live from the SmartRecruiters booth at the HR Tech conference in Las Vegas, the boys hosted a session with Patti Tabris, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at ResultsCX, who shared insights into leveraging employee referrals for recruitment. With 20,000 employees, ResultsCX has seen tremendous success by generating over 400,000 referrals in two years, highlighting referrals as a potent yet often underutilized recruitment strategy. Patti emphasized that continuous improvement and innovation in their referral program, named ReferCX, not only reduces hiring costs but also enhances candidate quality and company culture. The program's effectiveness is boosted by integrating marketing strategies at launch and robust backend technology to handle referral tracking and bonus calculations. The company has implemented a tiered incentive system linked to employee retention and uses a leaderboard to boost engagement without extra costs. The referral initiative extends beyond immediate hires, creating a pool of future candidates, and is integrated into the company's onboarding process through a mobile app. This program, accounting for 25-30% of hires, focuses on internal culture but plans to explore external referrals and enhance gamification. The success of ReferCX is measured through clear goals, tracking, and employee feedback, demonstrating its significant impact on both employee satisfaction and retention.

This week, the boys are joined by Lieven from House of HR to discuss various topics including layoffs in the industry, the impact of AI on startups, social media regulations for youth, and recent innovations in recruitment. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by companies in the current economic climate, as well as insights into quarterly earnings reports from major players in the recruitment space. The conversation delves into the dynamics of job platforms, particularly focusing on the power struggles between major players like Indeed and ZipRecruiter. Plenty of talking about the innovations brought by AI tools in recruitment, the challenges faced by ZipRecruiter, and the potential for mergers and acquisitions in the industry. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on the workforce, investment trends in HR tech, and a comparison of two startups, Toothio and SocialCrowd, showcasing the evolving landscape of recruitment and staffing. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 03:02 - The Impact of AI on Startups 06:00 - Social Media Regulations and Youth 09:03 - Innovations in Recruitment 14:51 - Layoffs and Economic Challenges 17:48 - Quarterly Earnings Reports and Market Trends 27:35 - The Power Dynamics of Job Platforms 29:08 - Innovations in Recruitment: The Rise of AI Tools 30:52 - The Struggles of ZipRecruiter 34:42 - The Future of Recruitment: Mergers and Acquisitions 36:44 - AI in the Workforce: Opportunities and Challenges 48:30 - Investment Trends in HR Tech 53:08 - Startups to Watch: Toothio vs. Social Crowd

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Broadcasting from the ever-glamorous Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Chad & Cheese sit down with the powerhouse of DEI herself, Novonda Lilly, Director of DEI Campus and Community Engagement at Vanderbilt Health. Novonda schools the guys on how to navigate the choppy waters of diversity in hiring, especially with 2025 looming large. Spoiler alert: it’s not as simple as slapping a rainbow on your LinkedIn banner. Novonda doesn’t hold back, calling out the so-called “shortage of diverse candidates” and challenging recruiters to step up their game. She serves up practical advice on using social media to reach underrepresented talent, though she’s quick to throw a little shade at AI and its dicey role in hiring – because, let's be real, nobody wants a “smart” robot unintentionally screening out great people. And, if you're hoping for a warm fuzzy moment, sorry – Novonda’s here to make sure we all stay sharp and resilient. She dishes on the reality of adapting DEI strategies to market trends, and she’s already lined up LinkedIn requests from everyone who wants in on her best practices. Prepare for an episode packed with humor, hard truths, and a few digs at outdated recruiting “innovations.” Novonda reminds us that if you’re not actively building an inclusive culture, you’re just setting yourself up for 2025 – and not in a good way.

In this episode of Firing Squad, Josh Sklüt, co-founder and Chief People Officer of My Standard, discusses the innovative approach of his company as a Web3 alternative to traditional job platforms like LinkedIn. He explains how My Standard empowers users to control and monetize their professional data while addressing the shortcomings of existing recruitment methods. The conversation delves into the app's features, the challenges of candidate matching, and the future of job searching in a decentralized world. The discussion covers client success stories, the competitive landscape, and the go-to-market strategy focusing on AI jobs. Sklut also addresses challenges and critiques from the hosts regarding the complexities of blockchain and the need for effective education in the HR space. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to My Standard and Josh Sklut 05:09 - Pitching My Standard: A New Approach to Job Searching 09:54 - The Problem with Traditional Job Platforms 15:11 - Data Verification and Candidate Matching 19:51 - Monetization and Business Model of My Standard 24:45 - Challenges and Future of My Standard 17:52 - Understanding the Use Cases and Client Success Stories 19:51 - Differentiating from Competitors and Market Positioning 22:03 - Go-to-Market Strategy and Initial Focus on AI Jobs 23:57 - Team Composition and Expertise Behind MyStandard 26:04 - Exit Strategies and Future Growth Opportunities 28:04 - Facing the Firing Squad: Challenges and Critiques

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese podcast, the boys discuss various topics including Sundar's velvet hammer, LinkedIn's financial success, the recent election results and their implications, and the trend of wealthy Americans considering relocation. The conversation flows from light-hearted banter to serious reflections on political and social issues, all while maintaining a humorous tone. They discuss various topics including the results of a hybrid work experiment, the growth and innovations at LinkedIn, and Google's recent all-hands meeting where AI's impact on jobs was addressed. They explore the implications of hybrid work on productivity and employee satisfaction, LinkedIn's revenue growth and new features, and the concerns surrounding job security in the tech industry due to AI advancements. Chapters 01:03.95 - Election Commentary and European Perspective   01:13.19 - Chad in Nazaré, Portugal   01:37.89 - Travel Plans and Europe Compared to the U.S.   02:09.21 - Election Insights and Mental Health   02:41.38 - Joel Reflects on American Elections and Republican Revolution   04:21.03 - Reflections on Political Cycles and Voter Shifts   05:53.67 - Wealthy Americans Planning to Leave the U.S.   09:03.63 - Text Recruiting and Listener Shoutouts   10:45.49 - Draftboard Business Pivot   11:52.10 - Listener Art and Future Tattoo Ideas   17:20.55 - Hybrid Work Study Discussion   22:17.14 - Hybrid Work Future Predictions   24:34.07 - Immigration Impact on American Workforce   25:06.13 - LinkedIn Revenue and Global Market Growth   27:17.62 - LinkedIn AI and Coaching Feature Expansion   31:32.68 - Google's Velvet Hammer   36:03.05 - Closing Remarks and Halloween Joke

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Live from the Shaker Green Room, Mary Battle Broxton from Tractor Supply Company joined The Chad & Cheese at RecFest USA to talk AI, authenticity, and hiring without the ‘lazy applicants.’ ‘Embrace the robots, or get left in the dust,’ as Mary urges talent leaders to dive headfirst into AI tools like Paradox. Forget the old-school ways; it's all about tech-fueled, authentic candidate experiences now, where people and bots get to know each other before onboarding. Oh, and by 2025, you better be ready to keep up, or, as Mary might say, enjoy life as a digital dinosaur.

Live from the SmartRecruiters booth, Tracey Parsons, the CEO of Flockity, shared insights at the HR Tech conference in Las Vegas, drawing from her extensive 20-year background in recruitment marketing and employer branding. She highlighted the sluggish pace of change within the industry, attributing it to stakeholder resistance and a pervasive lack of genuine listening, which deteriorates candidate experiences. This oversight often stems from an employer's sense of superiority, exemplified by Amazon's challenged reputation due to its treatment of warehouse workers. Parsons noted the common occurrence of candidates being ghosted post-interview, a reflection of broader systemic failures in recruitment where candidate sentiment remains low and transparency around compensation is stifled. The friction in job application processes is often counterproductive, deterring potential talent, while companies like Amazon, despite recognizing the costs of high attrition, struggle with implementing meaningful change. Misaligned branding further complicates expectations for both candidates and employees. However, technology offers a beacon of hope by potentially streamlining interactions and enhancing communication. Parsons criticized the inefficiencies in the current job distribution model, marked by low trust in job postings, and introduced Flockity's innovative approach using influencer marketing to foster trust and improve the candidate experience. She pointed out the skewed dynamics where paid job promotions might not reflect genuine company endorsement, and content tends to emphasize skills over culture. Creators often avoid brand mentions to dodge backlash.

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel Cheesman and Emi Beredugo discuss Halloween festivities, share a humorous story about a naked neighbor incident, and delve into the upcoming US elections from a British perspective. They also touch on the cultural impact of Taylor Swift's concerts, highlight innovative recruiting platforms, and provide updates on their fantasy football league. Then they discuss the implications of AI in recruitment, focusing on LinkedIn's new Hiring Assistant tool and its potential to streamline recruitment tasks. They explore the impact of AI on coding jobs, the evolving role of recruiters, and the challenges of integrating AI while maintaining human connection. The discussion also touches on hiring trends for 2025, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new technologies and the need for recruiters to upskill in a changing job market. Emi and Joel discuss the evolving landscape of hiring practices, particularly the shift towards skills-based hiring. They explore the mindset of Gen Z, who prioritize mental health and work-life balance over traditional hustle culture. The discussion also highlights the alarming trend of prime-age men leaving the workforce, attributing it to economic shifts and societal pressures. Finally, they delve into the implications of influencer culture on society, questioning its long-term effects on individual identity and societal values. Takeaways Halloween is a favorite holiday for many, with unique costumes and traditions. A humorous incident involving a naked neighbor showcases the unpredictability of life. The US elections are a topic of global interest, especially from a British viewpoint. Taylor Swift's concerts have a significant cultural impact, turning non-fans into fans. Innovative recruiting platforms like Poetry are changing the landscape of recruitment. The excitement and tension surrounding elections can be felt worldwide. LinkedIn's Hiring Assistant aims to automate recruitment tasks. AI is seen as a tool to enhance productivity, not replace humans. Recruiters add value through human interaction, not just administrative tasks. AI's role in coding is growing, but human oversight remains essential. The demand for upskilling in tech roles is increasing due to AI. Candidates prefer remote work and are resistant to returning to the office. Skills-based hiring is not widely adopted among employers. Recruiters are evolving to focus on workforce planning and employer branding. AI can help with communication but should not replace human touch. The future of recruitment will require adaptability to new technologies. Skills-based hiring is gaining traction as a necessary approach. Gen Z is reshaping workplace expectations with a focus on mental health. The job market is evolving, requiring creative hiring strategies. Young people today have unprecedented career options. The influencer culture is influencing career aspirations among youth. Disengagement among young men is a growing concern for society. Economic shifts are impacting traditional employment pathways. Companies must adapt to retain talent in a changing landscape. The stigma around non-college careers is detrimental to workforce participation. Understanding the motivations of young people is crucial for future employment strategies. Chapters 00:00 - Halloween Festivities and Costumes 03:02 - Naked Neighbor Incident 06:01 - US Elections and Global Perspectives 10:04 - Taylor Swift's Impact and Concert Experience 12:05 - Shout Outs and Innovations in Recruiting 16:01 - Fantasy Football Update and Competition 17:30 - AI in Recruitment: LinkedIn's Hiring Assistant 26:01 - The Impact of AI on Coding and Employment 34:11 - Hiring Trends for 2025: Balancing AI and Human Connection 43:01 - Skills-Based Hiring: A New Paradigm 46:03 - The Mindset Shift of Gen Z 54:03 - The Decline of Prime Age Men in the Workforce 01:00:53 - The Impact of Influencer Culture on Society

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this lively episode, Chad Sowash and Joel Cheesman sit down with Quincy Valencia, SVP of Innovation at Harri, at the HR Tech conference. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Quincy offers her candid insights on the overhyped AI trend, emphasizing that companies should focus on the outcomes AI can deliver rather than getting lost in technical jargon. She highlights how AI has evolved since ChatGPT’s launch, moving beyond basic functionalities to transformative real-time data applications in industries like hospitality. As she discusses the future of HR technology, Quincy predicts continued shifts toward integrated ecosystems and strategic partnerships, suggesting that adaptability and innovation are critical for survival. The conversation wraps up with her advice for cautious companies exploring AI: prioritize business results over the technology’s novelty. Chapter Timecodes 1. 0:00 - Podcast Intro 2. 2:31 - Meet Quincy Valencia 3. 5:46 - AI in HR 4. 10:31 - Real-World AI Applications 5. 4:56 - Adapting in a Changing Market 6. 20:11 - Advice for Newcomers 7. 23:31 - Future of HR Tech 8. 27:16 - Quincy’s HR Tech Wishlist 9. 30:46 - Wrap-Up

Live from the Shaker Recruitment Marketing Green Room at RecFest in Nashville! In the podcast, Chad Sowash and Joel Cheesman, dive into the evolving world of recruitment with Joel Lalgee, founder and lead recruiter at The Realist Recruiter. Lalgee, who transitioned from an agency recruiter to building his personal brand online during COVID, shares insights on the recruitment landscape. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in recruitment, advocating for recruiters to be more human in their approach. The discussion highlights how companies are increasingly turning to social media for recruitment, stressing the creation of relatable content and the strategic use of social media influencers to align with company culture and target audience preferences. They explore the future of recruitment, predicting a rise in independent recruiters and Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) models that leverage technology. Lalgee outlines his plans for 2025, focusing on content creation and establishing an RPO model, alongside discussing effective strategies for content distribution across various platforms to engage audiences more effectively.

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel and Chad discuss a variety of topics including Snoop Dogg's decision to turn down a $100 million offer from OnlyFans, the ongoing legal challenges faced by Indeed, and Upwork's launch of a new AI feature named Uma. They also share personal updates, travel plans, and insights into the fantasy football league, while providing shoutouts to industry figures and discussing market trends. Takeaways Snoop Dogg's decision reflects his brand awareness. Compliance companies can be surprisingly profitable. Travel can take a toll on health and well-being. Indeed faces legal challenges that could set precedents. Upwork's new AI features aim to enhance user experience. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Shoutouts 02:49 - Industry Insights and Market Trends 06:04 - The Power of Compliance and Legalities 09:12 - Travel Plans and Personal Updates 11:56 - Fantasy Football Roundup 15:00 - Indeed's Legal Challenges 18:05 - Upwork's New AI Features 20:53 - Snoop Dogg's $100 Million Decision 33:57 - Closing Thoughts and Dad Jokes Keywords Chad and Cheese Podcast, Snoop Dogg, Indeed, Upwork, Fantasy Football, Market Trends, Compliance, Legal Challenges, Industry Insights, Personal Updates

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese podcast, Chad and Cheese chat with Maria Colacurcio, CEO at Syndio, Alim Dhanji, CHRO, TD SYNNEX, and Ana White, EVP and Chief People Officer at Lumen to discuss the critical issues surrounding workplace equity, the importance of data-driven approaches, and the impact of recent legal changes on DEI initiatives. The conversation highlights the need for transparency, the role of AI in reducing bias, and real stories of how pay equity adjustments have positively affected employees' lives. Achieving equity is an ongoing journey that requires commitment from leadership and a culture of inclusion. ENJOY!

In this episode, Zeke Hernandez, a professor at the Wharton School, discusses the complexities of immigration in the U.S., addressing both legal and illegal immigration, the economic contributions of immigrants, and the need for reform in immigration policies. The conversation also hits head-on the challenges faced by high-skilled immigrants and the implications of America's outdated immigration system. Prof Zeke discusses the multifaceted impact of immigration on the labor market, economy, culture, and job creation in the U.S. Prof Zeke addresses the historical context of cultural assimilation and offers strategies for engaging in difficult conversations about immigration. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Zeke Hernandez 03:02 - The Truth About Immigration 06:10 - Understanding Legal vs. Illegal Immigration 09:11 - Investment Contributions of Immigrants 12:01 - The Need for High-Skilled Immigration 14:52 - America's Brain and Muscle Drain 17:49 - The Impact of Immigrants on Job Markets 20:56 - The Impact of Immigration on the Labor Market 24:53 - Economic Growth and Immigrant Contributions 26:48 - Challenges of the Current Immigration System 28:53 - Cultural Assimilation and Historical Perspectives 31:00 - Navigating Difficult Conversations on Immigration 34:43 - The Economic Consequences of Mass Deportation Keywords immigration, economy, legal immigration, illegal immigration, investment, job creation, high-skilled workers, brain drain, muscle drain, Zeke Hernandez, immigration, labor market, economic growth, cultural assimilation, immigration system, difficult conversations, mass deportation, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris