The world of work is spinning fast. The gold rush of 2021 is over, money’s tighter than ever, and everyone’s trying to figure out what’s next. Are we adapting or just hanging on? In this episode of Recruiting Is No Joke, Joel Lalgee sits down with Cassandra Rose, a powerhouse HR leader and Fractional Chief People Officer with one of the most unexpected career paths you’ll hear, from inner-city missionary to the C-suite. Together, they unpack what Cassandra calls “the rinse cycle”, this messy middle where companies are right-sizing, employees are job-hugging, and everyone’s redefining what stability really means. This episode isn’t just about surviving, it’s about evolving. Cassandra challenges listeners to think like entrepreneurs, build your personal brand, understand your company’s goals, and use AI not as a threat but as a tool to amplify your impact. Her “lamplighter” analogy will make you see technology and your career in a whole new light. If you’ve been feeling uncertain about your path, questioning your next move, or wondering how to stay relevant in a world that won’t stop changing, this conversation is your reset. Because the future of work isn’t waiting for anyone. It rewards the curious, the adaptable, and the ones brave enough to learn, unlearn, and lead through change. Let’s dive in! In this episode: [00:00] Podcast intro and guest welcome [01:09] Who is Cassandra Rose? From New Yorker to Fractional Chief People Officer [01:41] What “fractional” really means and why it’s on the rise [03:01] Cassandra’s unexpected path from missionary work to HR [04:48] Falling in love with people operations [06:21] What surprised her most about HR and how social media changed everything [07:50] Salary transparency and the end of gatekeeping [09:03] The recruiter’s dilemma: pay equity vs. lowball culture [10:52] The state of the job market in 2025 [12:00] How to evaluate companies before you apply [14:50] “The rinse cycle” of the workforce and what’s next [17:40] Why people are “job hugging” and how it’s affecting the market [19:30] The entrepreneurial mindset every worker needs [21:48] Redefining “value” in your role, how to link your work to business goals [24:20] The rise of intrapreneurship and cross-functional awareness [26:00] The future of work: Gen Z, AI, and brand-building at work [30:37] Embracing uncertainty and leading with curiosity [33:18] Cassandra’s “Lamplighter” analogy for AI resistance [36:26] Trust, humanity, and progress [39:33] The lighter side of HR, finding community and joy outside work [42:07] Her favorite professional networks and how to find your tribe [44:42] Where to connect with Cassandra online [45:13] Closing thoughts  About Cassandra Rose Cassandra Rose is a seasoned HR leader and Fractional Chief People Officer at Fringe. With two decades of experience in HR, benefits strategy, and people operations, she helps growing companies design scalable people systems that empower both performance and wellbeing. Cassandra is also a thought leader on HR tech, DEI, and the future of work, sharing digestible insights on LinkedIn and Instagram About Joel Lalgee  Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships. Cassandra Rose Fringe LinkedIn  Website Instagram Recruiting is No Joke Social Media LinkedIn Website Instagram TikTok   X (formerly Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices