Behold! A holiday spectacle so dazzling, so insightful, it’ll practically guarantee you a promotion (results may vary, void where prohibited, don't quit your day job). We've wrangled all our favorite (and some we just tolerated) guests from 2024 to deliver scorching hot takes on the burning dumpster fire that is talent, tech, and recruitment. Think less "fireside chat" and more "dumpster fire chat."

From AI’s inevitable robot overlord takeover of recruiting (will they finally fix the ATS? Don't hold your breath) to the thrilling return of the office (aka mandatory fun times!), we've got the scoop you need to maybe survive 2025. Or at least have something to complain about at the next holiday party.

Witness the assembled brain trust, including:

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  Eileen Kovalsky from General Motors: Because even car companies need people to, you know, build cars.
  


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  Adam Godson, CEO of Paradox: Hopefully, he'll explain what a paradox is without causing one.
  


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  Jessica Rush, Chief Talent Officer: We're rushing to find the talent, people! Get it? (We'll see ourselves out).
  


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  Patti Tabris, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at ResultsCX: Because someone has to deal with the results.
  


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  Stefan Premdas, Director, People Experience at sweetgreen: Hopefully, they brought snacks.
  


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  J.T. O'Donnell from Work It Daily: Because you're going to need to.
  


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  Julie Sowash, Executive Director and Co-founder of Disability Solutions: Providing solutions to problems you didn't even know you had!
  


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  John Graham, the VP of Employer Brand Strategy, Humanity & Culture at Shaker: Because branding is everything, even when it's not. (He appears twice! Clearly, he's got a lot to say...or we messed up the guest list).
  


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  Emi Beredugo: We’re not entirely sure what Emi does, but they’re here!
  


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  Lieven Van Nieuwenhuyze, Co-host from Europe: Bringing you takes from across the pond (probably involving better coffee).
  


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  Matt Lavery, Global Director of Sourcing, Recruiting, & Onboarding: The man, the myth, the onboarding legend.
  


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  Lord Wei, A Member of the Science and Tech Committee in the House of Lords: Adding a touch of British pomp and circumstance (and hopefully some actual wisdom).
  


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  Rebecca Carr, CEO at SmartRecruiters: Because recruiting needs to be smart, obviously.
  


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  Courtney Dempsey, the Head of Recruiting at Southern Rock Restaurants: Serving up talent as hot as their chicken.
  


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  Chloé Rada, the Senior Director of Talent Attraction at ZoomInfo: Zooming into the future of talent (get it?).
  


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  Dean Da Costa, Senior Staff Talent Acquisition at Lockheed Martin: Recruiting the best of the best to build…stuff.
  


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  Mary Battle Broxton, Leading Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing at Tractor Supply Company: Because even tractor companies need marketing.
  

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Chapters

00:00 - A Special Holiday Message for YOU!

1:12 - Will AI Replace Recruiters?

7:47 - Sponsor: Shaker Recruitment https://shaker.com

8:41 - Importance of Employer Branding in Tech-Driven Recruitment

11:17 - The Uncertain Future of DEI

15:40 - Automation's Effect on Workforce Dynamics

18:22 - Return to Office Policy Comeback

24:29 - Sponsor: Paradox AI https://www.paradox.ai/

24:59 - Sponsor: Job Pixel https://www.jobpixel.com/

26:10 - Immigration and Workforce Challenges

30:17 - Shocking Layoffs of 2024

35:30 - Tech Trends of 2024 that Stand Out

38:33 - So in 2024, What Surprised You the Most?

41:51 - Sponsor: Harri https://harri.com/

42:53 - Advice for 2025