In this episode of Talent Talks, we delve into the significance of trust, cultural fit, and people within a business, featuring insights from Matthew Baxter, co-founder of Stellwagen Ventures and Tokens Commerce. From his experiences at Liverpool Football Club to heading DugOut, Matthew shares lessons on hiring, being hired, networking, and staying true to core values.
This conversation is packed with valuable strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of sports media, entertainment, and blockchain technology, all while focusing on the importance of treating people right and building trust. Join us for an enlightening discussion on achieving success in business through effective people management.
Timestamps:
00:55 Introduction to Matthew Baxter
02:13 Experiences of Hiring and Being Hired
02:46 Cultural Fit in Business
06:08 The Evolution of the Interview Process
16:45 The Role of Cultural Fit in Mergers and Acquisitions
20:15 Investment Principles and Core Values
25:31 The Power of Networking
27:05 Meet George: The Young Innovator
27:58 The Importance of Diverse Experience
28:56 Navigating a Tough Job Market
30:17 The Power of Preparation
33:10 Networking: The Key to Success
34:30 Respect and Communication in Hiring
48:05 Adapting to Remote Work Culture
50:27 Final Advice for Job Seekers and Employers
John Gates, founder of Recruiting Transformations and Salary Coach, discusses the importance of a high-quality talent acquisition function and its impact on transforming companies. With over 30 years of experience in recruitment, John shares his views on modern recruitment strategies, the challenges posed by AI in the job market, and the significance of networking.
He also delves into his approach to salary negotiation, emphasising collaboration to maximise offers without the risk of losing them. John outlines how HR functions can increase the quality of hires and provides advice for both job seekers and companies looking to hire the best talent.
Links to John’s brilliant book, Act Your Wage: https://amzn.eu/d/4aJH3HA
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:32 The Evolution of Recruitment
04:18 Challenges in Modern Recruitment
06:56 The Importance of Talent Acquisition
11:46 Strategies for Effective Hiring
24:06 AI in Recruitment
36:02 Salary Negotiation Insights
46:06 Final Advice and Conclusion
Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of brand marketing and cultural anthropology with Rob Scotland. Rob shares his non-traditional approach to job hunting, emphasising the importance of networking and being proactive rather than just applying blindly. We explore how the pandemic has shifted hiring practices and delve into Rob's innovative strategies in brand communications for global giants like Adidas and Nike.
Discover valuable tips for job seekers and employers alike in navigating today's challenging job market. Don't miss this masterclass in blending cultural understanding with marketing creativity!
Timestamps:
01:11 Meet Rob Scotland: A Journey in Brand Marketing
02:16 Rob's Career and Hiring Insights
03:22 Challenges in the Current Job Market
04:16 Rob's Controversial Take on Job Applications
06:08 Strategies for Junior Job Seekers
07:39 The Importance of Networking and Being Helpful
13:04 Pandemic's Impact on Talent Management
14:19 Emotional Intelligence in Remote Work
22:59 The Broken Interview Process
31:01 Final Advice for Job Seekers and Employers
32:30 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up
Join us in an in-depth conversation with Adam Graham, a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the digital and marketing landscape. From founding iTunes Radio to his current role as CEO of JustFix, Adam shares his journey and key insights on entrepreneurship, hiring, and building company culture.
Discover valuable lessons on trusting gut instincts, the importance of team dynamics, and how to thrive in both startup and corporate environments. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of effective leadership and innovation in today's fast-paced startup ecosystem.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:07 Introducing Adam Graham: A Journey of Innovation
02:12 Diving into Hiring Experiences and Lessons
06:40 Navigating Different Work Environments
13:20 The Importance of Attitude Over Skills
17:04 Proactive Hiring and Firing Strategies
20:37 Sales Culture and Its Impact on Business
25:44 Standing Out in the Job Market
30:33 Final Advice for Job Seekers and Employers
33:06 Podcast Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks
Dan’s joined on Talent Talks by industry veteran Ian Priest, who has over 35 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and entrepreneurship. On the pod Ian shares his extensive wisdom on talent acquisition, business growth, and the evolving landscape of advertising.
From founding VCCP to mentoring startups, Ian discusses the importance of embracing AI, the need for proper onboarding, and maintaining company culture and values as organisations grow. Tune in for a deep dive into how to attract, retain, and motivate talent while balancing creative excellence and commercial success.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:14 Welcoming Ian Priest
02:16 Insights on Talent Acquisition
04:47 The Importance of Research
06:49 Evaluating Candidates
13:38 Maintaining Company Culture
20:56 Living by Principles in Business
21:36 Learning from Ad Agencies
23:06 Embracing Data and Effectiveness
29:41 The Role of AI in Talent Acquisition
37:58 Onboarding and Leadership Advice
40:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode, Dan chats with James Kirkham, serial entrepreneur and current Founder / CEO of Iconic. We discuss his profound insights on marketing, culture, and innovation, and James shares his extensive experience in hiring, including the importance of showcasing your unique character and side projects to stand out.
We discuss the need for hunger, curiosity, and adaptability in the workplace and cover the relevance of personal branding, the impact of hybrid work culture, and the evolving role of AI in enhancing professional profiles. This episode is a masterclass in integrating cultural trends with business success and finding the right talent.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Demonstrating Your Skills
00:59 Meet James Kirkham: Marketing, Culture, and Innovation
02:11 James's Hiring Philosophy and Lessons Learned
04:38 The Value of Multifaceted Talent
06:19 Standing Out in a Competitive Job Market
07:42 Hiring for Growth and Potential
17:54 The Role of Curiosity and Work Ethic
19:43 The Impact of Hybrid Work Culture
24:46 Leveraging LinkedIn and AI for Personal Branding
33:45 Final Thoughts and Advice for Job Seekers and Employers
In this episode of Talent Talks, Dan chats to Josh Price, Founder of Goal Assist Limited and CEO of the Year 2023. Josh shares his journey from university to starting a leading financial consultancy for football clubs. The discussion delves into his approach to talent & recruitment, including the importance of scouting, creating comprehensive portfolios, and assessing both skills and character.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:28 Meet Josh Price: Founder of Goal Assist
01:18 Josh's Journey: From University to EFL
02:51 Recruitment Strategies in Sports
04:47 The Importance of Character in Hiring
06:51 Navigating the Job Market
12:50 Skill Stacking and Team Dynamics
26:41 Quick-fire Questions with Josh Price
30:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of Talent Talks, Dan chats with Zafar Bhunnoo, a well-known figure in the real estate industry and co-founder of Balance Out Living. They discuss Zafar's journey from a physics graduate to a pioneering entrepreneur in the build-to-rent sector.
The conversation delves into the importance of passion, resilience, and core values in the hiring process, as well as the challenges and benefits of transitioning industries. Zafar also shares his mentorship experiences and the impact of empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:28 Guest Introduction: Zafar Bhunnoo
01:31 Zafar's Early Career and Mentorship
03:55 Values and Hiring Philosophy
07:37 Challenges and Resilience
10:06 Mentorship and Industry Transition
21:28 The Importance of Networking
25:14 Final Thoughts and Rapid-Fire Questions
In this episode of Talent Talks, host Dan Maisey interviews Siddesh Iyer, founder and CEO of Sportfin, to discuss effective hiring strategies and the nuances of managing volunteers versus paid employees and the importance of aligning values and personalities in the recruitment process for community sports organisations and startups.
Key topics include leveraging internships, balancing experience with trust, utilising freelancers, and adopting fractional staff for agility. The discussion also highlights the value of structured training programs, the need for diversity and external expertise within senior management, and the frustrating yet crucial nature of the hiring process. Siddesh also provides insights into the unique challenges in recruiting senior developers and the potential for centralised databases to streamline recruitment efforts.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:27 Meet Siddesh Iyer: Founder and CEO of Sportfin
01:17 Hiring Experiences and Lessons Learned
02:37 Values vs. Personality in Recruitment
04:42 Challenges in Recruitment and Training
06:48 Internships and Placements: Testing the Waters
09:56 Exploring Freelancers and Consultants in Sports
12:02 Building Structured Training Programs
14:46 The Importance of Trust in Senior Hires
15:40 Balancing Network and External Options
16:09 Experience vs. Values in Hiring
17:05 Understanding the Sports Industry Context
19:58 Challenges in Personality and Work Ethic
22:20 Developing Talent Management Processes
25:15 Frustrations in Recruitment
28:19 Best Hire and Desired Changes in Recruitment
30:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode, Dan Maisey sits down with Mark-Aurele Jules, to explore the transformative impact of AI on recruitment and the increasing importance of cultural fit in modern hiring strategies.
We discuss the role of transparency in enhancing candidate experience, the value of multicultural experiences, and the need for diversity in both tech and sports industries.
Mark shares insights from his extensive experience in tech and sports, advocating for a human-centric, transparent, and continuously improving recruitment process that benefits both candidates and employers.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:26 Meet Mark Jules
01:16 The Evolution of Hiring Practices
01:53 AI in Recruitment: Opportunities and Challenges
03:51 Cultural Fit in Hiring
08:20 Mark's Multicultural Advantage
09:31 Diversity in the Sports Industry
12:19 The Importance of Continuous Learning
13:27 Hiring Practices: Good vs. Bad
14:37 Human-Centric Hiring Processes
15:45 Global Recruitment Insights
17:06 Tech Industry Lessons Applied to Sports
19:27 Continuous Improvement in Hiring
21:08 Challenges and Best Practices in Recruitment
22:54 The Value of Transparency in Recruitment
23:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In today’s episode, Dan talks to Mark Gaitskell, Chief Executive of the Wycombe Wanderers Foundation. Mark shares his extensive experience in sports recruitment and leadership, and we discuss the challenges in hiring top talent across different markets.
The conversation covers the role of cultural diversity, Mark’s journey from the UK to the UAE and back, and how to overcome barriers in job searches.
TImestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:32 Guest Introduction: Mark Gaitskell
01:38 Mark's Early Career Challenges
03:34 International Experience in the UAE
06:17 Returning to the UK Job Market
11:31 Insights on Recruitment Practices
17:37 Diversity and Inclusion in Recruitment
22:44 Quick Fire Questions
24:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of Talent Talks, host Dan Maisey interviews Josh Lenthall, Chief Executive of Active Oxfordshire. We discuss Josh’s extensive experience in leadership, recruitment, and talent strategy.
The discussion delves into the evolution of Active Oxfordshire's hiring practices, emphasising a candidate-centred approach, and the importance of diversity in the workplace. Josh provides practical advice on how to make job applications stand out and the significance of values-based hiring. The conversation also touches on the challenges of providing meaningful candidate feedback and the potential role of technology in improving the recruitment process.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:26 Guest Introduction: Josh Lenthall
01:41 Josh's Hiring Philosophy
03:06 Diversity in Recruitment
05:43 Values Over Skills
06:42 Redacted Shortlisting Process
10:27 Feedback and Human Touch
16:36 Advice for Job Seekers
24:48 Quick-fire Questions
26:30 Conclusion and Farewell
In this episode, Dan interviews Gary Laybourne, CEO of Coach Core. Gary shares his extensive experience in youth development through sports and he discusses his innovative approach to hiring.
Dan and Gary delve into the flaws of traditional recruitment methods, the importance of tailoring the interview process to the role, and the value of focusing on candidates' values and culture fit over rigid qualifications. Gary also highlights the need for organisations to reflect on their hiring practices and adapt to attract diverse talent effectively.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:36 Meet Gary Laybourne: Youth Development Advocate
01:44 Gary's Insights on Recruitment Challenges
04:17 Innovative Hiring Practices at Coach Core
07:11 Balancing Skills and Values in Hiring
14:05 Reflecting on Recruitment Processes
24:01 The Importance of Mentorship in Recruitment
25:41 Challenges with Recruitment Consultants
28:26 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
In this episode of Talent Talks, host Dan Maisey talks to Don Barrell, CEO of Greenhouse Sports, who shares his unique journey from a distinguished rugby career to impactful roles in sports development and education.
Don reveals his hiring insights, emphasising the importance of creating a positive candidate experience, the significance of organisational and team values, and the role of diversity and behavioural assessment in recruitment.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:30 Guest Introduction: Don Barrell
01:37 Don's Early Career and First Job Experiences
04:09 Interview Techniques and Making Candidates Comfortable
08:01 Key Elements in Recruitment
10:16 The Importance of Diversity in Hiring
13:32 Balancing Team Dynamics and Individual Fit
17:44 Behavioual vs. Technical Skills in Recruitment
24:07 Quickfire Questions and Conclusion
In this episode of Talent Talks, Dan talks with Jeremy Kent, CEO of Loud House and an expert in sports marketing and commercial consultancy. With over two decades of experience, Jeremy shares his insights into the evolving landscape of sports commercialisation, and reveales his strategies to enhance revenue and ensure returns through behavioural science, marketing, and AI.
We discuss the importance of valuing team players over individual performers, learning on the job, and the significance of grassroots investment for long-term success. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of sports commercialisation and effective recruitment strategies.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:26 Guest Introduction: Jeremy Kent
01:36 Jeremy's Hiring Experiences
07:18 Values and Team Dynamics
16:14 Challenges in Sports Management
26:16 Quick Fire Questions
27:49 Conclusion and Farewell
In episode 30 of Talent Talks, Dan speaks to Paul Blanchard, an experienced CEO in the sports and leisure industry. We deep dive into Paul’s extensive 35-year career, including topics such as creating an engaging and enjoyable hiring process, achieving team chemistry, and the importance of diversity in recruitment.
Paul shares his practical insights, highlighting the value of honest feedback and transparent communication. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the nuances of talent acquisition in the sports sector.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:25 Meet Paul Blanchard: A Sports Industry Veteran
01:33 Paul's Hiring and Being Hired Experiences
03:11 Positive Hiring Practices and Strategies
04:42 The Importance of Team Fit and Chemistry
11:09 Ensuring Diversity and Avoiding Groupthink
17:18 Challenges and Negatives in Recruit
In this episode of Talent Talks, Dan sits down with Ben Mercer, a former professional rugby player turned best-selling author, speaker, and consultant. Ben shares his remarkable and slightly different journey from playing rugby in the UK and France to becoming a respected author and consultant. We talk about into career transitions, personal development, and the dynamics of recruitment and team building, and lessons from professional sport that can be used in business.
We delve into the importance of feedback, the challenges athletes face when transitioning to the corporate world, and how creating content can open up new opportunities. This episode is packed with actionable tips for anyone looking to navigate career changes or improve their hiring practices.
For more information on Ben’s books, and information on where to buy them (which we highly recommend), visit here: https://amzn.to/4e2rHBA
Join us as we explore Ben's unique perspective on leveraging personal growth for career success and the lessons we can take from the sports field to the boardroom.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:25 Meet Ben Mercer: Career Highlights
01:24 Ben's Hiring and Being Hired Experiences
05:43 The Importance of Feedback and Healthy Debate
10:10 Transitioning from Professional Sport to Writing
13:37 Creating Content for Opportunities
23:59 The Role of Self-Awareness and Super Strengths in Career Development
29:21 Quick Fire Questions and Conclusion
In this episode, host Dan Maisey interviews Craig Antony, Chief Executive of the British Wrestling Association. We discuss Craig’s vast experience in sports development, from his tenure at British Orienteering to Greater Sport, and discusses the intricacies of recruitment in this area of the sports sector.
During the chat, Craig emphasises the importance of transparency, structured hiring processes, and the need for flexibility in remote working environments. We also discuss the critical role of communication and values in fostering a positive candidate experience and building successful teams.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:25 Guest Introduction: Craig Antony
01:16 Craig's Hiring Experiences
03:27 Challenges in Recruitment
05:41 Importance of Transparency
10:26 Skills, Experience, and Values
22:14 Remote Work and Organisational Culture
26:14 Quick Fire Questions
27:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode, Dan talks to Sid Sutton, a seasoned executive and leadership coach with over two decades of corporate experience.
Sid shares his journey, leadership insights, and strategies for improving the hiring process and creating a supportive work environment. Our conversation delves into the importance of reducing pressure in interviews, understanding intrinsic motivations, and fostering a culture of collaboration.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:26 Meet Sid Sutton: Leadership and Mindset Expert
01:19 The Hiring Process: Lessons and Insights
02:58 Creating a Relaxed Interview Environment
07:01 Handling Pressure in the Workplace
12:22 The Importance of Company Culture
15:11 Engaging Employees and Leadership Strategies
28:46 Curiosity and Continuous Learning
33:42 Quick-fire Questions and Final Thoughts
In this episode of Talent Talks, host Dan Maisey sits down with Alex Segal, the Managing Director of the globally renowned InterTalent Group and co-founder of Project 30 Studios. Alex shares his experiences and transformative journey managing some of the biggest names in entertainment, offering invaluable insights and strategies for differentiating yourself in the job market.
We touch on the importance of effort, proactivity, and personality in recruitment, as well as the potential drawbacks of traditional hiring practices. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable tips for anyone involved in hiring or job searching.
00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks
00:25 Meet Alex Segal: Career Highlights
01:24 Alex's Hiring and Being Hired Experiences
05:43 The Importance of Effort and Tenacity
10:10 Spotting Talent: Lessons from Acting
13:37 Proactivity and Cultural Fit in Hiring
23:59 Taking Risks in Hiring
29:21 Quick Fire Questions and Conclusion