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AI Is Exposing the Biggest Lie About Workforce Productivity
The Human CapitalistAI is exposing the productivity problem leaders have ignored for years. Most organizations optimized for activity — not outcomes — and HR now owns the reset. As AI automates more work, it’s exposing a hard truth inside organizations: Much of what we’ve rewarded for years was never real productivity. Slide decks no one reads. Meetings that solve nothing. Reports created for optics, not outcomes. In this video, I break down how AI is revealing the BS economy at work — and why this moment is a critical reset for leaders, HR, and the C-suite. With over 20 years in HR leadership, I’m not here to hype tools or trends. I’m here to help leaders understand AI’s real impact on workforce strategy — and how to redesign work around outcomes, not activity. In this video, you’ll learn: Why AI is automating “busy work” — and why that’s a good thing What productivity studies are really showing (and what they’re not) Why speed without substance doesn’t drive results The leadership blind spot AI can’t fix for you How HR can lead the shift from visibility → value A practical 4-step action plan to redesign roles, workflows, and priorities AI can move faster than humans ever could but it can’t decide what actually matters. That responsibility still belongs to leaders. This is a call to stop scaling broken systems with smarter tools and start rebuilding work for impact, meaning, and growth. _________________________________ 🎯 Who this video is for: HR leaders & executives C-suite decision-makers People leaders navigating AI transformation Organizations serious about real productivity (not performative work) ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps 0:00 Why “Busy” Was Never the Same as Productive 0:45 Why I’m Calling This Out (20+ Years in HR Leadership) 1:45 AI and the Rise of the “BS Economy” 3:05 Why Faster Work Isn’t Better Work 4:10 The Productivity Stat No One Is Talking About 5:00 The Wake-Up Call AI Is Forcing on Leaders 6:15 HR’s Moment to Lead (Not Follow) 6:40 Audit the Busy Loop 7:10 Rebuilding Roles Around Impact 7:50 Why Managers Are the Bottleneck 8:20 Designing for Deep Work 8:55 Final Thought: Redesign. Don’t Repeat. 💬 Let’s discuss: Where do you see busy work hiding in your organization and what would you eliminate first? 🔔 Subscribe for more on: AI & workforce transformation People strategy for the future of work Leadership decisions that actually move the needle Redesign. Don’t repeat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Future of Leadership Starts with Trust - ep. #014
Return to PeopleIn this episode, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Jim Kernan, a leader at the intersection of technology, humanity, and modern work. Currently helping drive innovation at Luxonis, Jim brings more than 20 years of experience building and scaling teams across remote and hybrid environments, along with a deep belief that great leadership starts with empathy and trust. Jim shares what it really takes to lead remote-first teams with intention, moving beyond outdated, in-person management habits and taking responsibility for designing systems that support people wherever they work. He explains why flexibility is no longer a perk but an expectation, how trust outperforms control in distributed teams, and why empathy plays a critical role in retention, engagement, and performance. From onboarding and manager enablement to redefining accountability in a remote world, this conversation offers practical insights for leaders navigating change. Jim’s perspective makes one thing clear: remote-first success isn’t about tools alone, it’s about how we show up for people. 🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful, human-centered conversation on trust, responsibility, and what leadership must become in the future of work. Learn more about Jim and Luxonis: Jim´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimkernan/ Luxonis: https://www.luxonis.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#74 - The Great Stagnation: Why Talent Isn’t Moving in 2026 - Presented by Talent Tech PR
The Purple Acorn HR Morning ShowHosts Danielle and Serge tackle the unsettling reality of the current talent landscape with a headline segment titled ""We Broke Hiring. Now We're Automating the Damage."" As the industry grapples with whether new tools are solving the hiring crisis or merely accelerating dysfunction, the hosts welcome industry veteran David Manaster (ERE Media) to the show. David shares his critical analysis of the ""frozen"" labor market, debating whether AI is truly replacing the entry-level recruiter or if we are witnessing a fundamental shift in how talent mobility works in 2026. The conversation shifts to the engine behind the industry as Brandice Payne from Kyle & Co joins Danielle to dismantle common HR Tech marketing failures. Brandice argues for ""marketing as translation""—making complex AI innovation legible to humans rather than just promoting features—and highlights the responsibility marketers hold when selling tools that impact livelihoods. Sponsored by Talent Tech PR, this episode pushes past the buzzwords to explore the real friction between human expertise and automated systems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why Job Throttling may Be Coming to the ATS
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology PodcastWe are living through a unique convergence in the labor market. A wave of high-profile layoffs has created a massive pool of eager talent. Simultaneously, generative AI has democratized corporate-grade automation for the individual job seeker. Tools that auto-apply, perfectly tailor resumes to keywords in milliseconds, and blast applications across platforms are now commonplace. We have removed all friction from applying. The result isn't a talent pool; it's a talent deluge. Employers and ATS vendors are realizing that the old floodgates cannot hold. We are seeing the first signs of a defensive build-up. The Current Defense: Identity vs. Volume Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is the Pharmacy Benefit System a Scam? Follow the Money
The Jim Stroud PodcastThis episode of The Jim Stroud Podcast is brought to you by ProvenBase - an AI-powered talent acquisition and Deep Search sourcing platform that helps organizations find, engage, and hire hard-to-find candidates from thousands of real-time online sources. See it in action for yourself by visiting - https://provenbase.com ... In this episode: Are pharmacy benefits actually helping employers and employees—or has the system become a costly black box? Jim Stroud sits down with Alan Pannier, Chief Strategy Officer at SmithRx, to unpack how the U.S. pharmacy benefit ecosystem really works and why it can feel “scammy” even when it’s legal. Alan explains how PBMs were originally built to simplify pharmacy access, and how the model evolved into opaque pricing practices that can drive costs higher. In this episode, we break down spread pricing, rebate incentives, and why the “middle layer” of healthcare may be the biggest winner when no one can see the real numbers. Jim also presses for practical guidance: what HR leaders should ask their PBM, how to evaluate vendors using net cost vs. discount math, and what “fiduciary alignment” should look like in a contract. If you’re an employer, HR leader, or benefits decision-maker wondering why drug costs keep climbing—and what you can do about it—this conversation is your cheat sheet. Contact our guest: Alan Pannier - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-pannier SmithRx - http://www.smithrx.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How to Build a Virtual Summit With No Team ft. Benjamin Mena
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyWhat if you could build real industry authority, grow your network, and create long-term leverage — without a team, a budget, or paid promotion? In this episode, Benjamin Mena breaks down how he built a 600+ person virtual summit completely solo, while still running a full recruiting desk. You’ll hear how he designed summits that actually attract the right people, why keeping live access free increases trust and engagement, and how curating other experts helped him build influence without putting himself front and center. This conversation is a practical playbook for anyone who wants to use content to build community, credibility, and inbound opportunities — without burning out or overengineering the process. What You’ll Learn How to use a virtual summit to grow authority in your niche Why “no team” can actually be an advantage How free live events drive higher engagement The systems Benjamin uses to run summits solo How podcasts create warm relationships at scale When community monetization actually makes sense Resources Mentioned: Register for the FREE 2026 Sales & Recruiter Summit - https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ Check out Benjamin's Podcast - https://www.eliterecruiterpodcast.com/ Connect with us Connect with Benjamin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Connect with Rhona - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. workfluencer, virtual summit, virtual conference, online summit, community building, podcasting strategy, content marketing, audience growth, personal brand, thought leadership, creator economy, building community, podcast growth, authority building, event marketing, online events, no team business, solo creator, bootstrapped growth, recruiting industry, recruiter podcast, HR podcast, B2B podcast, professional creators Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
White collar jobs out? Trade jobs in?
The Human CapitalistTwo veteran recruiters break down why relationship-driven recruiting, skills-based hiring, and boomerang talent are about to matter more than ever in an AI-driven world. In this episode of The Human Capitalist podcast, I sit down with Top Source Talent founder and Talking TA host, Denise Chaffin, to talk about what’s next for AI in HR, the rise of skilled trades, and how smart companies are quietly winning the talent war by rethinking how, and where, they recruit. We get into: -Why “skills-based hiring” isn’t new to great recruiters—and what’s actually blocking it at the executive level. -How AI is exposing weak middle-management and transactional recruiting, and freeing HR to own productivity, not just process. -Why the godfather of AI is telling people to “train to be a plumber” and what that means for white-collar vs. skilled trades careers. About my guest: Denise Chaffin is the President and founder of Top Source Talent, a Phoenix-based minority, woman-owned talent acquisition firm specializing in hard-to-fill technical and professional roles across industries like semiconductor, medical device, cybersecurity, and government. With more than three decades in recruiting, she leads a distributed team of senior sourcers and recruiters supporting U.S. and global clients with recruitment-as-a-service, executive search, and contingent workforce solutions. Denise is also the host of the Talking TA podcast, where she interviews TA and HR leaders about modern recruiting, AI, and talent strategies that help organizations build and retain high-performing teams. Connect with Denise: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisechaffin/ Podcast: https://topsourcetalentllc.com/podcast/ Skip ahead: 00:00 – Why white-collar workers are moving to the trades 02:00 – AI in HR and the push toward skills-based hiring 07:30 – Degrees, flexibility, and leadership’s role in hiring 11:30 – How AI, risk, and instability are reshaping career paths 15:00 – Trades, certifications, and real-world career stories 20:00 – How skilled trades quietly power high tech 24:00 – Rethinking recruiting: beyond job boards and back to relationships 29:00 – Boomerang recruiting: bringing alumni talent back Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 59: The Business Impact of Organizational Trust
HR SnacksIntuitively most of us would agree that organizational trust is important to build and maintain, especially in the current work environment fraught with turbulence. But, it's a bit of a squishy concept without any correlative ties to business impact. My guest on this episode, Kim Bohr, President-COO, Speaker, Author , touches on this very topic and dives into fresh market research conducted by SparkEffect (formerly Waldron and Torchiana) that surfaces the business impacts of organizational trust and how companies can better navigate workplace disruptions and negative events like layoffs to maintain or even build employee trust. The research also touches on the short and long-term impacts around the cost-cutting trend of flattening organizations and removing the middle management layer. *Super cool bonus for HR Snacks listeners: Kim and the team at SparkEffect were gracious enough to offer complimentary access to the new Trust in Turbulence report along with a helpful field guide resource for trust building and a complimentary consulting session with SparkEffect's Leadership Advisory team! You can access all of these complimentary resources at: https://sparkeffect.com/hrsnacks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#4 - John Baldino: Stop Measuring "Time to Hire" and Start Monetizing Vacancy
By HR for HRJohn Baldino, President of Humareso, joins us live from HR Tech 2025 to discuss the evolution of the industry, from the days of "Personnel" and manual payroll to today’s data-driven people analytics. John challenges HR leaders to stop obsessing over "time to hire" and start calculating the real cost of vacancy: quantifying the lost productivity when managers have to cover open roles and the financial impact of burnout on remaining teams. He also explains why geographic cost differentials should be a primary factor in modern hiring strategies, urging leaders to look beyond major tech hubs to optimize budget. The conversation pivots to a critical struggle for many practitioners: how to move from reactive to strategic, especially within an "HR Department of One." John offers a liberating, incremental approach to shaving down the 92% of time spent on transactional tasks starting with letting employees manage their own data. He wraps up with the single most effective question HR professionals can ask managers to spark transformative, strategic partnership. It is a masterclass in proving HR’s financial value while keeping the "human" in human resources. Hosted by Jocelyn King, founder and CEO of VirgilHR. VirgilHR provides instant, trusted answers to HR compliance questions—helping teams navigate federal, state, and local employment laws with accuracy and ease. To learn more, visit www.virgilhr.com and follow Jocelyn on LinkedIn for ongoing guidance and industry updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The ‘AI Made Us Do It’ Excuse Is Ending with the AI Jobs Clarity Bill
The Human CapitalistAlmost every time layoffs are announced, we hear the same explanation: “AI-related restructuring.” The problem? There’s been no reliable way to verify it — until now. In this video, I break down the AI-Related Job Impacts Clarity Act, a new bill in Congress that could require companies to publicly report how AI is impacting their workforce. We cover: Why this bill exists What companies may soon be required to report Why HR leaders are about to face new accountability What the C-suite should be doing right now to prepare This new bill is about transparency, data, and leadership responsibility in the age of AI. If you’re a CHRO, executive, or senior leader navigating AI-driven change, this is required viewing. ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: The question everyone’s asking about AI and jobs 0:48 – What is the AI-Related Jobs Impact Clarity Act? 2:03 – Why workforce reporting is broken 3:10 – How the new Bill changes everything 4:22 – What companies will have to report 6:15 – Why this matters for HR leaders 7:42 – The C-suite wake-up call: accountability and transparency 9:10 – What to do now to prepare 10:52 – The bigger picture: clarity, not punishment 12:06 – Final thoughts and leadership takeaway 12:50 – Outro and call to action 📅 Reference: Read the AI-Related Jobs Impact Clarity Act here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/example-link 🔔 Subscribe for more breakdowns on the future of work, AI strategy, and human capital insights — no fluff, just strategy. #AI #FutureOfWork #HRStrategy #CHRO #WorkforceTrends #AIBill #Transparency #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#73 - Trump vs Corporate DEI: Navigating the Legal Hurdles - Presented by Talent Tech PR
The Purple Acorn HR Morning ShowWelcome back to the number one spot for all things HR! We are kicking off 2026 with a packed show exploring the shifting landscapes of hiring, legal compliance, and talent strategy. In this episode, the team breaks down the "Redefining Hiring in 2026" headline, focusing on why skills agility and AI readiness are no longer optional. We’re joined by Vikram Shetty to tackle the complex legal hurdles facing corporate DEI initiatives amid new political pressures, while also making the case for the "Podcast ROI of DEI." Later, Joey Price and Tami Nutt from Jumpstart HR/Aspect43 stop by to drop their hot-off-the-press HR Compliance Technology Category Guide. They explain why compliance has graduated from a back-office checkbox to a core business reputation issue—especially for small and mid-sized orgs navigating multi-state work and the DOL’s new AI Workforce Hub. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Veroskills Promises Hire Ready Blue Collar Talent
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology PodcastIn this episode, we dive deep into the future of blue-collar hiring with Daniel Walsh, CEO and founder of Veroskills, and podcast host Chris Russell. Discover how Veroskills is leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to close the $1 trillion labor gap in the skilled trades and blue-collar sectors. veroskills.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is Career Coaching Actually Booming—or Are We Just Calling It That?
The Jim Stroud PodcastThis episode brought to you by "The Career Intelligence System" at https://ci.jimstroud.com ... Everyone keeps saying career coaching is booming. You hear it on podcasts. You see it on LinkedIn. You see screenshots, sold-out programs, and bold income claims. But if that’s true… why does the market feel crowded? Why does demand feel real—but uneven? In this episode, we strip away the hype and look at what’s actually growing, what’s being mislabeled as a “boom,” and why that distinction matters if you’re a coach—or thinking about becoming one. This isn’t a takedown or a pep talk. It’s a clear-eyed look at what’s really happening beneath the headlines. 🎧 Listen before you decide where you fit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What Internal Comms Can Learn From Creators
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyMost internal comms get ignored. Deleted emails. Skimmed Slack posts. Zero follow-through. HR Leader, Lia Seth flipped that script. In this episode, we break down how she used memes, creator instincts, and vulnerability to get 100% employee open enrollment completed 24 hours early. Yes. Really. She wasn’t thinking like HR. She was thinking like a content creator. We get tactical. We get honest. And we talk about when this approach works, and when it absolutely doesn’t. What You’ll Learn Why traditional internal comms fail How memes drive real behavior change at work The cadence Lia used to sustain attention How to explain complex benefits simply When not to use humor or memes How vulnerability builds trust internally Accessibility tips for creative comms Tools Lia actually uses to make memes CONNECT WITH US Connect with Lia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liaseth/ Connect with Rhona - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. internal comms, internal communications, employee communication, workplace communication, HR communications, people ops, HR leadership, employee engagement, content strategy, creator mindset, content creators at work, corporate communication, internal messaging, change management, employee experience, modern HR, workplace culture, internal content strategy, communication at work, HR best practices, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
CEO Content: Smart Strategy or Cringe?
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyIs CEO content building trust, or just embarrassing the brand? CEOs are posting more than ever. But not all visibility builds trust. In this Workfluencer Trend Report, Rhona breaks down a recent CNBC article questioning whether CEOs trying to be influencers is smart leadership or pure cringe. Using real examples of executive backlash, this episode explores why some CEO content backfires, why others work, and how trust has become the most important currency in the AI era. This isn’t about telling leaders to stop posting. It’s about understanding what audiences will not tolerate anymore. What You’ll Learn Why CEO personal branding is accelerating, not slowing down The common mistake behind “cringe” executive content The difference between authentic vs unfiltered posting Why trust signals matter more as AI-generated content explodes How companies are operationalizing executive content the right way Connect with Rhona LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Substack - https://workfluencer.substack.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RhonaBPierce Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/ ------------------ If you’re a Founder or Executive figuring out this whole Founder-Led Marketing thing, I’ve got an invite-only newsletter where I go deeper on this stuff. Want in? Email me at hello@rhonapierce.com and I’ll add you to the list. ------------------- CEO content, CEO personal branding, executive content strategy, founder led marketing, leadership personal brand, CEO LinkedIn strategy, executive storytelling, CEO influencers, leadership trust, executive visibility, founder branding, thought leadership for CEOs, leadership communication, personal branding at work, Workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From Responsibility to Results in a Global Remote Team - ep. #013
Return to PeopleHow do modern organizations navigate a digital world where technology evolves faster than teams can adapt? In this week’s episode of the Return to People podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Manish Hirapara, a digital transformation trailblazer and CEO of one of the fastest-growing digital strategy firms in the United States, PeakActivity. Manish’s career journey from software engineer to overseeing $7B in global e-commerce sales at a Fortune 100 retailer, to building his own thriving company, gives him a rare, front-row perspective on how technology, people, and business strategy intersect. In this conversation, Manish explains why companies today need digital “Sherpas”, trusted guides who help organizations navigate the overwhelming world of e-commerce, AI, and rapidly shifting customer behaviors. He also shares powerful insights on developing a culture of service, where leaders empower others, teams thrive through collaboration, and success is built on lifting people up rather than managing them from above. Packed with clarity and practical wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone leading teams, building digital strategy, or steering their organization through transformation. Stay tuned! This one will change the way you think about leadership in the digital era. Learn more about Manish and PeakActivity: Manish´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishhirapara/ PeakActivity: https://www.peakactivity.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#50 - Goodbye 2025, It's Time for 2026 Predictions!
The Alder Hour with Matt AlderIn the final episode of 2025, Matt and Rhona sit down to gaze into the crystal ball and map out what lies ahead for Talent Acquisition and Human Resources in 2026. This isn't just about buzzwords; it is a deep dive into how the tools we use and the content we create will fundamentally shift the industry landscape. From the practical application of AI software to the existential questions surrounding job security and productivity, the duo tackles the biggest anxieties and opportunities facing recruiting professionals. They discuss the future of the candidate experience and how HR must evolve to stay relevant. Finally, they pivot to the booming creator economy within TA, discussing the future of LinkedIn algorithms, the potential rise of Substack for industry thought leadership, why everyone seems to be launching a podcast, and why branding yourself as a recruiter through Employee Generated Content (EGC) is no longer optional. Join us for a candid, forward-looking discussion to prepare your strategy for the year ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Low hire. Low fire.
The Jim Stroud PodcastEveryone keeps asking if the job market is broken. It’s not that simple. Hiring didn’t disappear—it changed. Quieter. More selective. Less forgiving of guesswork. In this episode, Jim Stroud unpacks why the market feels confusing, why familiar strategies stopped working, and what’s really driving hiring decisions right now. If your experience suddenly feels harder to translate—or the rules feel different without warning—this conversation will help you see what’s actually happening beneath the noise. | This episode brought to you by: Job Search 3.0 - Stop endlessly applying for jobs. Start attracting them instead. https://jobsearch.jimstroud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why Employer Content Matters More Than Job Posts
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyCandidates don’t decide to trust your company when they read a job post. They decide long before that. In this episode, recruitment advertising veteran Lance Christensen explains how employer content has quietly replaced job descriptions as the real trust signal in hiring. We dig into how candidates research companies in 2025, why Reddit and AI search amplify reputation gaps, and how content now functions as targeting, not just awareness. If your job posts sound good but your pipeline says otherwise, this conversation explains exactly why. What You’ll Learn Why job posts no longer drive candidate trust How employer content shapes decisions before someone applies What candidates actually research first Why content voids get filled with complaints How AI search changes employer brand risk Where TA and employer brand teams should start fixing trust RESOURCES MENTIONED: Get Lance's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-monday-minute-7018683347497299968/ Get Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw CONNECT WITH US: Connect with Lance: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christensenlance/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. workfluencer, employer content, employer branding, recruitment marketing, candidate trust, talent acquisition, hiring strategy, employee generated content, recruiting content, recruitment advertising, EVP, employer reputation, hiring in 2026, content strategy for recruiting, employer brand trust, recruitment trends, talent marketing, employer brand content, candidate experience, hiring content strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode #188 The Introverted Networker
CareerTALKS PodcastOrlando Haynes speaks with Greg Roche, an entrepreneur and author of 'Fast and Easy Guide to Networking for Introverts." They discussed the challenges introverts face in networking, the importance of building a supportive network, and how to redefine networking as a giving process rather than a transactional one. Roche shares his personal journey from corporate America to becoming a networking expert, emphasizing the value of every connection, regardless of status or title. The importance of networking and building meaningful relationships, especially for introverts. He emphasizes the need for a mindset shift towards giving in networking, the value of mentorship, and the necessity of preparing one's network before it's needed. "Networking is not just for extroverts." Orlando Haynes 🌐https://careertalkspodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is AI Really Changing Jobs or Just Cutting Pay?
The Human CapitalistIn this episode of the Human Capitalist, host Trent Cotton sits down with Cynthia Abbott Kerr, founder of WellPay, to break down the biggest headlines shaking up the consulting and HR worlds. We start by dissecting the recent news that McKinsey is freezing entry-level salaries and potentially abandoning their famous “pyramid” hiring model due to AI. Is artificial intelligence really the culprit, or is it just a convenient excuse for a cooling market? Cynthia also weighs in on the “AI Doom Loop” in recruiting, why trust between candidates and employers is at an all-time low, and why she believes 2026 will see a return to “pension-style” retention strategies. About Cynthia Abott Kerr: Cynthia Abbott Kerr is the Founder and CEO of Wellpay.ai, a firm using AI to advance fair and equitable compensation across industries. With deep expertise in HR, total rewards, and AI technology, Cynthia has built innovative compensation systems for major organizations and is dedicated to fostering workplace transparency and trust. Recognized as a Saks Women to Watch honoree and Second Harvest Food Bank volunteer, she is known for strategic vision and driving impactful change in compensation and culture. Wellpay.ai partners globally to design transparent and competitive rewards programs, enhancing employee satisfaction and inclusion. Links Mentioned: Article 1: https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/consulting-firms-use-ai-to-squeeze-entry-level-hires-6781876/ Article 2: https://fortune.com/2025/11/18/hiring-job-seekers-recruiters-talent-acquisition-ai-doom-loop-application-technology/ Episode with Rachel Bourne: https://youtu.be/Qs1aA8_0sd0 Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:22 - Is McKinsey using AI as an excuse for salary freezes? 03:34 - Why companies are ditching expensive consultants 06:09 - The “AI Doom Loop” in Talent Acquisition 08:55 - Why managers don’t know how to interview anymore 15:57 - 2026 Predictions: Tariffs, Rate Cuts, and Retention 21:37 - The return of the “Pension Mindset” 28:36 - How to build a comp strategy in 4 weeks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
93% on Technology. 7% on People. That’s the Real AI Problem.
The Jim Stroud PodcastCompanies aren’t failing at AI because the tech isn’t ready—they’re failing because they’ve underinvested in the humans expected to make it work. | Subscribe to "The Recruiting Life" newsletter at JimStroud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...
The Jim Stroud PodcastJim Stroud shares a special message of thanks to everyone who supported him online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When AI Stops Assisting and Starts Hiring
The Jim Stroud PodcastRecruiting is crossing a line from AI support to AI execution, and the winners won’t be the fastest adopters—but the ones who pair automation with accountability and governance. | Subscribe to "The Recruiting Life" newsletter at JimStroud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#72 - Goodbye 2025, It's Time For Our 2026 Predictions! - Presented by Talent Tech PR
The Purple Acorn HR Morning ShowJoin host Jada Montemarano for a special edition of the Purple Acorn HR Morning Show as we bid farewell to 2025 and unveil bold 2026 predictions with a powerhouse lineup of twelve industry experts. In this fast-paced broadcast, our guests will tackle the eight "Purple Acorn–Approved" prediction categories, debating everything from the "Real vs. Hype" of AI and the "Stack Clean-Up" of HR technology to the "Workplace Plot Twist" of culture and return-to-office mandates. Don't miss this opportunity to "Follow the Money" and get a "Talent Leader Reality Check" as we explore the future of work, candidate behavior, and the big headlines that will define the year ahead. Guest Lineup: Allyn Bailey (SmartRecruiters): A leading voice in the industry advocating for innovation and purposeful adaptation to meet the challenges of the future of work. Trent Cotton (iCIMS): A highly accomplished strategist with a proven track record of designing innovative HR programs that drive employee engagement and business performance. Orlando Haynes (The Mosaic Company): A seasoned Talent Acquisition professional and three-time published author dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey toward professional success. Rhona Barnett-Pierce (Workfluencer Media): An expert who equips recruiting teams and HR leaders with the strategy and tools to create content that delivers measurable outcomes. Robin Schooling (Velvet Cubicle): A strategist who has spent her career humanizing the workplace and shaping how people experience work, from recruiting to retention. Chris Russell (RecTech Media): Known as the "mad scientist of online recruiting," he is a digital expert in attracting talent through recruitment technology and employer branding. Serge Boudreau (Resume Wallet): An experienced leader in the HR technology space and the "HR Weatherman" on The HR Morning Show. Jocelyn King (VirgilHR): The CEO of a SaaS solution that empowers HR professionals to make smart, compliant employment decisions in real-time via a smart chatbot. Gerry Crispin (CareerXroads): A life-long student of hiring passionate about conversations regarding fair and sustainable talent management strategies. Bill Boorman (AIM Group): An analyst and writer exploring how technology, from AI to data-driven recruiting, is transforming the job board and recruitment industry. Kyle Lagunas (Kyle & Co.): A researcher who keeps tabs on key practices in talent transformation and offers a fresh take on the role of technology in talent strategy. John Baldino (Humareso): With 30 years of experience, he is a keynote speaker and leader passionate about setting contributors and companies up for success through innovation and design. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why Job Hunting Feels Like a Full-Time Job
The Jim Stroud PodcastLong searches, low response rates, and widespread burnout reveal a hiring system optimized for volume over clarity—leaving job seekers exhausted and trust eroding fast. | Subscribe to "The Recruiting Life" newsletter at JimStroud.com Read the report that inspired my rant - "Job Seeker Survey: 76% Burned Out by Job Hunt" https://www.howdy.com/blog/job-hunter-survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Global Job Market Is Tapping the Brakes
The Jim Stroud PodcastThe global labor market isn’t breaking, but the data shows employers quietly shifting from hiring at scale to hiring with intent—while U.S. metrics remain temporarily distorted by missing government data. | Subscribe to "The Recruiting Life" newsletter at JimStroud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Using Content Creation for a Career Transition
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyMost people go quiet during a career transition. Laci McKinney did the opposite. In this episode of the Workfluencer Podcast, Laci breaks down how she used content to make her transferable skills visible, pivot into organizational development, and earn three promotions in three years. We talk about documenting your learning in public, building a dual personal + professional brand, navigating imposter syndrome, and why content isn’t self-promotion. It’s career leverage. If you’re considering a pivot, growing influence while employed, or trying to connect content to real career outcomes, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn Why waiting to be “picked” is the fastest way to stall your career How documenting your learning builds credibility before you feel “ready” The dual-brand strategy that makes career pivots feel natural How to choose content topics you actually have permission to speak on A simple way to show your day-to-day work without oversharing How content translated into promotions, consulting, and podcast invites Why imposter syndrome never goes away. And why that’s normal What leaders get wrong about internal mobility and career development How organizations benefit when content is treated as development, not ego RESOURCES MENTIONED Laci's Website: https://www.lacimckinney.com/ Free Download - Are you AI replaceable or AI proof? Discover Your Strategic Positioning in the Age of AI and Get Your Personalized Action Plan. https://www.lacimckinney.com/aiassessment Get Rhona's Newsletter - https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw CONNECT WITH US Connect with Laci: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacimckinney/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. workfluencer, career transition, career change, content creation, personal branding, career development, professional content creation, building a personal brand, career growth, thought leadership, career advancement, content strategy, career visibility, career reinvention, career storytelling, employee content creation, corporate content creator, career pivots, professional branding, workplace influence, creator economy at work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AI Is Automating the Wrong Work
The Jim Stroud PodcastA new Stanford study reveals that nearly half of today’s AI tools are automating tasks workers don’t want automated—so why is Silicon Valley racing to replace judgment and creativity while employees are still drowning in expense reports? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why Storytelling Is Becoming a Real Job in 2026
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyStorytelling isn’t a “soft skill” anymore. It’s becoming a core business function. In this Workfluencer Trend Report, Rhona breaks down why companies are actively hiring for storytelling roles, not as PR rebrands, but as strategic hires tied to trust, hiring, and growth. From Google and Microsoft to Notion restructuring entire teams around narrative, this episode explains what’s actually driving the demand and why AI has accelerated it, not replaced it. If you work in employer branding, HR, internal comms, content, or you’ve been building an audience quietly on the side, this trend matters more than you think. What You’ll Learn Why “storyteller” job titles are exploding across tech and HR How shrinking media and AI content overload changed the rules What Notion’s storytelling team signals about the future of brand orgs Why trust is now the most valuable brand asset How employee-generated content connects employer and consumer branding Why storytelling roles aren’t limited to journalists How creators and HR professionals already have these skills What separates signal from noise in a content-saturated world Mentioned In This Episode Wall Street Journal article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-are-desperately-seeking-storytellers-7b79f54e Want to turn your team into storytellers? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that build trust with clients and candidates. storytelling jobs, corporate storytelling, employer branding, HR content, employee generated content, creator economy at work, brand trust, AI content, internal communications, Workfluencer podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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