🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝

In this episode, host Samuli Salonen from TalentBee sits down with Johannes Midtbö, founder of Populum, to explore the journey behind building an HR tech company that focuses on continuous employee engagement. Johannes shares the key moments that inspired him to launch Populum and offers insights into the world of HR data, recruitment, and employee retention.

Episode Highlights:

• The founding of Populum: How Johannes’ experience at Swedbank and Accenture inspired him to create an HR tech platform focused on continuous employee engagement.
• Why organizations spend so much on recruitment but often overlook retention: How Populum helps companies avoid this costly mistake.
• The importance of clarity in organizations: How clear communication reduces stress and boosts engagement, and why it's often the easiest thing to fix.
• Recruitment lessons: Johannes’ learnings on why seniority matters in sales and how to balance junior and senior talent in different roles.
• Populum’s acquisition journey: The strategic partnership with Catalyst One, the benefits of transparency during times of change, and how to maintain employee morale through open communication.

Join us for a deep dive into how leveraging HR data and creating clarity can transform organizational success, and learn from Johannes' practical tips for scaling a company, retaining talent, and navigating major transitions like acquisitions.

Make sure to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify! 🎧

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of quantum computing and talent acquisition with Jan Goetz, CEO & Co-Founder of IQM Quantum Computers. Join us as we uncover how IQM is scaling globally while navigating the challenges of building a deep-tech company from scratch.

Episode Highlights:

• IQM’s mission to develop quantum computers and why they are crucial for solving complex, real-world problems.
• The early days of IQM and how Jan and his co-founders built the company from a university research project into a global leader in quantum computing.
• Assembling the right team for deep-tech innovation: the balance between technical expertise and a commercial mindset.
• Navigating the challenges of maintaining company culture across global teams and multiple offices.
• Hiring strategies for rapid growth: How IQM pre-planned their first hires even before securing funding.
• The unique challenges and opportunities of leading a company through the COVID era and how to keep teams connected and aligned.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jan Goetz, where we explore the intersection of cutting-edge technology, talent acquisition, and global team management at IQM.

Make sure to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify. 🎧

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝

In today's episode, we delve into the dynamics of building effective teams and fostering a strong company culture with our special guest, Celine Fosse, CMO and Co-founder of Niimblr. Join us as we explore the key aspects of talent acquisition and leadership in the SaaS industry.

Episode Highlights:

• The Journey of Founding Niimblr: Insights into Celine's background and the founding story of Niimblr, a B2B SaaS company.
• Diverse Co-Founder Dynamics: How diverse perspectives among co-founders can enhance decision-making and company growth.
• The Importance of Culture Fit: Understanding what culture fit means and how it impacts the hiring process and company success.
• Hiring for Life, Not Just the Job: The value of nurturing long-term relationships with employees and the benefits it brings.
• Transparency in Recruitment: The role of transparency in building trust and setting clear expectations with potential hires.
• Behavior vs. Experience: Why hiring for the right mindset and behavior can be more crucial than focusing solely on experience.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Celine as we uncover the secrets to building successful teams, fostering a positive culture, and the importance of long-term professional relationships in the SaaS industry.

Make sure to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify. 🎧

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝

In this episode, we dive into the world of Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) with our special guest, Jarno Lehikoinen from Heeros. Join us as we explore the journey of building an in-house SDR team, the challenges faced, and the strategies employed to ensure success.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Jarno Lehikoinen and Heeros: Learn about Jarno's extensive background in sales and the role of Heeros in providing business-critical financial and payroll software.
• Transition from External Partners to In-House SDRs: Discover the reasons behind Heeros' decision to bring the SDR function in-house after experiencing declining quality with external partners.
• Hiring Strategy: Insights into the process of hiring SDRs in pairs, defining the right candidate profile, and navigating the challenges of finding experienced SDRs who are not looking to immediately transition to account executive roles.
• Effective Recruitment Process: Explore the streamlined recruitment process, the importance of feedback, and how to balance validation and selling the opportunity to candidates.
• Compensation and Incentive Models: Understand the chosen salary model and the criteria set to ensure the quality of booked meetings.
• Onboarding and Training: Learn about the practical onboarding process at Heeros, focusing on one product at a time and getting SDRs operational quickly.
• Early Success Indicators: Review the initial results and effectiveness of the in-house SDR team compared to previous external partners.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jarno Lehikoinen as we uncover the secrets to building a successful SDR function and the impact it can have on a company's growth and efficiency.

Make sure to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify. 🎧

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝

In this episode, we delve into the exciting world of remote work and talent acquisition with our special guest, Ken Weary from Hostaway. Join us as we explore the dynamics of building a distributed team, the challenges and benefits of a nomadic lifestyle, and the latest trends in recruitment.

Episode Highlights:

• Ken's Journey to Digital Nomadism: From corporate America to traveling the world with his family, learn about Ken's unique path and how it shaped his career.
• Building a Remote-First Company: Hostaway's approach to maintaining equity, transparency, and effective communication across a globally distributed team.
• Effective Use of Communication Tools: Practical examples of how Hostaway uses Slack and other tools to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Meeting Management in Remote Teams: Strategies for optimizing meeting schedules to respect different time zones and avoid unnecessary meetings.
• Trends in Talent Acquisition: Insights into the current job market, employer branding, and the importance of a strong company culture.
• Compensation Strategies: Navigating the complexities of adjusting salaries based on geographical location and maintaining fairness.
• Retention in Remote Work: Identifying signs of disengagement and the importance of career development and growth opportunities.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ken Weary as we uncover the secrets to thriving in a remote work environment and attracting top talent in today's competitive market.

Make sure to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify. 🎧

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝

In this episode, we delve into the nuances of SaaS sales recruitment with our special guest, Sara Archer, VP of Sales at ChartMogul. Join us as we uncover the strategies that have helped ChartMogul build a successful, data-driven sales team.

Episode Highlights:

• The balance of speed and strategy in hiring: Insights from Sara’s experience with a 41-day hire cycle.
• Treating recruitment like a sales process: The importance of continuous candidate engagement and pipeline building.
• Leveraging both inbound and outbound recruitment methods: How to attract top talent while proactively reaching out to potential candidates.
• Building a strong employer brand: The role of company and personal branding in drawing top-tier sales professionals.
• Employee advocacy and transparent communication: Encouraging team participation in branding and maintaining honesty in selling job opportunities.
• Evaluating candidates effectively: Key indicators such as writing clarity, technical competency, and speed in execution.
• Post-hire evaluation and early success: Assessing new hires' performance and ensuring they fit well within the team.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Sara, as we explore the intricacies of building a high-performing sales team in the SaaS industry, balancing proactive and reactive recruitment strategies, and fostering a transparent and engaging hiring process.

Make sure to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify. 🎧

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝

In today's episode, we delve into the transformative world of talent acquisition with our special guest, Erika Ekstam from OneLab. Join us as we explore the essential tools and strategies that are shaping the future of recruitment.

Episode Highlights:

• Erika's journey in HR and the mission of OneLab in enhancing employee health and wellbeing.

• The critical role of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) in modern recruitment and when to invest in one.

• Balancing applications and headhunting: How to efficiently manage both aspects using ATS.

• The impact of AI in recruitment: Enhancing efficiency, reducing bias, and improving candidate experience.

• Best practices for integrating hiring managers into the ATS process to streamline recruitment.

• Building talent pipelines and the importance of proactive recruitment strategies.

• Key metrics to track in ATS: Time to fill, source of candidates, and linking retention to recruitment sources.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Erika, as we uncover actionable tips and forward-thinking approaches to recruitment in the SaaS industry.

Make sure to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify. 🎧

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝 In this episode, we're joined by Teemu Uotila, the dynamic COO of Quanscient, to delve into the monumental challenge of scaling a tech enterprise globally. We explore the strategic intricacies of building a diverse team culture, the nuances of international growth, and the pioneering intersection of quantum technology and talent acquisition. Episode Highlights: ✅ The Genesis of Quanscient: Teemu shares the foundation story of Quanscient and its ambitious journey from a small team to a global powerhouse. ✅ Crafting a Global Brand Story: Insights into the multi-layered approach to storytelling for employees, customers, and stakeholders, fostering a culture of diversity and innovation. ✅ Strategies for International Talent Acquisition: The challenges and solutions in recruiting a global team, from local representation to evaluating candidates remotely. ✅ Building a Robust Organizational Culture: How Quanscient navigates the complexities of scaling its team while maintaining a cohesive culture and operational integrity. ✅ Navigating Leadership Challenges in a Startup: Teemu discusses the balance between current operational demands and strategic planning for future growth. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Teemu as we dissect the art and science of global talent acquisition, the future of work in tech, and the balance between human intuition and technological innovation in building a global team. Make sure to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify. 🎧

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝

We are joined by Johan Odén from Mediaflow Europe AB, as we delve into the transformative approach of servant leadership within the SaaS industry. Uncover the intricate balance of guiding teams towards innovation and growth while fostering an environment of trust, humility, and purpose.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding servant leadership: Beyond management, into inspiring and growing with your team.
• Remote work and its impact on leadership styles: How Mediaflow's hybrid model is paving the way.
• The critical role of building trust and collaboration in remote and diverse teams.
• Empowering employees: Why letting people choose their growth paths creates a more vibrant and innovative company culture.
• The necessity of leading with humility and listening for the unsaid, to drive forward creativity and ownership.
• Service to a higher purpose: How connecting personal values with the company's mission can fuel passion and performance.
• Johan shares his personal journey and insights on developing a servant leadership mindset, emphasizing the importance of adding value to employees' lives for overall organizational success.

Join us for an inspiring dialogue with Johan, as we explore the essence of servant leadership and its profound impact on SaaS companies. Discover the actionable steps towards creating a nurturing, empowering, and purpose-driven workplace.

Make sure to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify. 🎧

🎙️ Welcome back to #TalentBuzz 🐝, your go-to podcast for insights into the tech industry's talent landscape. In this episode, join your host Samuli Salonen from TalentBee as we dive into the strategies behind scaling a tech company with our distinguished guest, Emilie Sørgård Anderssen, the Vice President of People Operations at SalesScreen.

Discover the delicate balance between growth and profitability in the SaaS sector, the art of combining teams for unified success, and the emerging importance of employer branding in attracting top talent. SalesScreen's journey from a bootstrapped startup to a profitable entity offers invaluable lessons on adapting hiring strategies to market demands and the crucial role of employer branding in today's competitive landscape.

Episode Highlights:

• The evolution from growth at all costs to sustainable profitability: SalesScreen's strategic pivot in response to market changes.

• Building cohesive teams: Strategies for cross-functional collaboration and alignment towards common goals.

• Employer branding as a cornerstone of modern recruitment: A deep dive into SalesScreen's approach to attracting and retaining top talent.

• The role of leadership in decision-making: Balancing departmental needs with the company's overall growth strategy.

• Insightful perspectives on future hiring trends and the potential impact of market shifts on recruitment practices.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Emilie, as we uncover the pillars of success for tech companies in the current economic climate. Stay tuned for actionable insights and the unveiling of SalesScreen's unique employee value proposition.

Follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify to catch every buzz in the world of tech talent. 🎧

Welcome to #TalentBuzz

In this episode, Elin Flipp, Chief People Officer at Puzzle, discusses the importance of taking time in recruitment and finding the right candidates.

She emphasizes the need to invest time in the hiring process to ensure a good culture fit and reduce turnover. Elin also highlights the significance of providing a positive candidate experience, including timely feedback and transparency.

She shares strategies for creating a good candidate experience, such as involving employees in the feedback process and maintaining open communication. Additionally, Elin addresses the challenges of retention and the importance of balancing the selling of opportunities with transparency about the company's challenges.

Takeaways

• Take the time to find the right candidates and ensure a good culture fit.
• Provide a positive candidate experience by offering timely feedback and transparency.
• Involve employees in the feedback process and maintain open communication.
• Balance selling the opportunity with transparency about the company's challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Puzzle and Elin Flipp

01:13 The Importance of Taking Time in Recruitment

04:14 Balancing Urgency and Finding the Perfect Candidate

06:15 Creating a Good Candidate Experience

07:27 The Basics of Candidate Experience

08:01 Involving Candidates in the Feedback Process

09:24 The Role of Talent Managers in Candidate Experience

10:11 Providing Personalized Feedback to Candidates

11:09 Determining the Level of Feedback for Applicants

12:57 Involving Hiring Managers in the Recruitment Process

13:28 Using Personalized Feedback Videos

14:13 The Benefits of Personalized Feedback

15:42 The Impact of Candidate Experience on Purchase Decisions

16:11 The Long-Term Effects of Candidate Experience

17:18 The Importance of Employee Engagement and Happiness

18:26 Working with Employees to Improve Engagement

20:22 Balancing Selling the Opportunity with Transparency

24:13 The Impact of Recruitment on Retention

25:12 Finding the Balance in Selling the Opportunity

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝

In this special 50th episode celebration, we sit down with Robin Choy, the innovative mind behind HireSweet, to delve into the transformative strategies shaping the future of talent acquisition in the SaaS domain. Discover how HireSweet's unique approach to recruitment CRM and talent marketplace is redefining the recruitment landscape.

Episode Highlights:

• Behind HireSweet's Vision: Unpacking the creation and evolution of HireSweet's pioneering products in the recruitment space.
• Challenges and Solutions in Modern Recruitment: Robin shares his insights on overcoming common recruitment challenges with systematic and personalized outreach strategies.
• The Human Touch in Automation: A critical look at the balance between automating recruitment processes and maintaining personal connections with candidates.
• Effective Outreach Techniques: Strategies for enhancing communication with potential candidates, including multi-channel outreach and the importance of follow-ups.
• Value Proposition in Recruitment: Shifting the narrative to focus on the candidate's career growth and potential, making them the hero of their journey.
• Building Long-term Relationships: The significance of nurturing talent and cultivating lasting relationships in the recruitment industry.
• Insights on 'I'm Not Interested' Responses: Transforming disinterest into opportunities for engagement and understanding.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Robin, as we explore actionable tips for talent acquisition professionals and the key learnings from HireSweet's success. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to elevate their talent acquisition strategies in the competitive SaaS market.

Make sure to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify. 🎧

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝

In this conversation, Esko Mertsalmi, the former CEO & Co-Founder of Unikie, discusses various topics related to business growth, talent acquisition, and company culture.

He shares insights on the bottlenecks faced by Finnish companies in international business, the challenges of recruiting senior tech talent, and the importance of building a strong company culture.

Esko also explains the principles of lean methodology and the need to transition from founder-led to team-led operations as a company grows. He concludes by discussing the challenges of rapid growth and the importance of developing a scalable system.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Finnish companies face bottlenecks in international business and can learn from advanced countries like Silicon Valley, Israel, South Korea, and Japan.

✅ Recruiting senior tech talent is easier during times of market abundance, but it is important to have a clear positioning and conduct talent research to attract the right people.

✅ Building and leading a strong company culture requires a balance between defining values and empowering employees to use their expertise.

✅ Lean methodology involves visualizing the layout of the system, implementing a uniform toolchain, and focusing on optimizing customer satisfaction and employee experience.

✅ As a company grows, it is important to transition from founder-led to team-led operations and delegate responsibilities to outside management to ensure scalability and growth.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:22 Bottlenecks in Finland's International Business

07:44 Recruiting Senior Tech Talent

19:17 Building and Leading Company Culture

26:23 Understanding Lean Methodology

32:58 Transitioning from Founder-led to Team-led

38:26 Bringing in Outside Management

44:15 Challenges of Rapid Growth

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of #TalentBuzz 🐝! 

Today, we delve into the critical first hundred days of a Chief People Officer with our guest, Anna Aarnisalo from CADMATIC. Anna shares her journey of transition, the challenges and learnings from her extensive career in human resources, and the unique perspectives gained from her recent role.

Episode Highlights:

• The transition experience from Sympa to CADMATIC: The challenges and opportunities of joining a new company as a Chief People Officer.

• Inside Anna's first 100 days: Understanding company culture, setting priorities, and aligning with business goals.

• The strategic role of HR in driving business growth: Balancing employee retention, company culture, and innovation.

• Anna's approach to HR: Leveraging data and technology to enhance HR processes and employee experiences.

• The power of effective goal setting: How Anna navigates the complexities of a multinational company.

• Valuable insights on retention strategies, cultural shifts, and the evolving role of HR in today's dynamic business environment.

• Key takeaways for HR professionals embarking on a new journey in their careers.

Here are the timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:35 Reasons for Hiring a Chief People Officer

06:03 Taking the Risk of Changing Workplaces

09:01 Balancing Expectations and Input

12:20 The Importance of Retention

15:54 Short-Term Goals for the HR Team

19:53 The Value of Retention as a Metric

21:23 The Role of Culture in HR

25:38 The Impact of AI on HR

29:18 Structuring the HR Team

32:30 The Future of HR with AI

35:58 Defining the HR Value Proposition

37:58 Advice for a New Chief People Officer

Join us in this captivating conversation with Anna Aarnisalo as we uncover the secrets to a successful start in a high-level HR role, and explore the evolving landscape of human resources in the tech industry. 

Don't forget to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify for more insights into the world of talent management and HR innovation. 🎧

🎙️ Hey there, welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝
Grab a coffee and join us in this super engaging episode where we're hanging out with Laura Daniels, the Chief People Officer at Typeform.

Laura's not just an expert in her field; she's truly passionate about what makes businesses tick – and she's here to spill the beans on 'talent density.'

What We're Chatting About:

1. What's Talent Density Anyway? - Laura breaks down what this buzzword really means and why it's a game changer in today's business world.
2. Happy Employees, Innovative Company: - Dive into how a talent-rich company can make employees happier and more creative.
3. The Tough Bits: - Every silver lining has a cloud, right? We'll talk about the challenges in building a talent-dense workplace and how to tackle them head-on.
4. Typeform's Secret Recipe: - Get the inside scoop on the strategies Typeform used to create an enviable talent-rich environment.
5. Peeking into the Future: - What's next for talent density? Laura gives us her predictions on how this concept will shape the business world.

And hey, don't forget to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify. We’ve got plenty more where this came from! 🎧

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝

In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of remote hiring with our special guest, Tony Jamous, a two-time unicorn founder. Tony shares his personal journey and insights into building global teams and the power of remote work.

1. Remote Work as a Force for Change: How Tony's personal experiences shaped his vision for global employment equality.
2. The Three Pillars of Success: Tony's formula for scaling companies – big markets, timing, and hiring the best talent.
3. Remote Hiring as a Superpower: Leveraging global talent pools to build diverse, high-performing teams.
4. Navigating Cultural and Time Zone Differences: Strategies for managing a globally distributed team and fostering a strong company culture.
5. The Compensation Debate: Balancing fair pay across geographies and the future of remote work salaries.
6. Diversity in Leadership: The intentional approach to building diverse teams and its impact on decision-making.
7. Adapting to Remote Work Dynamics: From traditional office settings to remote work, the evolution of workplace culture and performance measurement.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Tony Jamous, as we explore the nuances of remote hiring, the importance of intentional culture-building, and the future of the global workforce.

Be sure to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify for more enlightening discussions! 🎧

Episode Highlights:

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz 🐝

In today's episode, we explore the intricate dance of modern recruitment with our special guest, Malin Freiman Moezzi from Asker Technologies. Dive deep with us into the world where human intuition gracefully intertwines with data-driven decisions.

Episode Highlights:

• The evolving role of AI in recruitment: Can tools like ChatGPT really be unbiased?
• The dichotomy of hiring in small teams versus larger conglomerates: Where does the gut feeling fit in?
• The art of conducting interviews and the challenges faced in today's age of rehearsed responses.
• Unraveling the biases in CV screenings and interviews: How can we move towards more equitable hiring?
• The importance of being in the moment during interviews and how new technologies can support this.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Malin, as we dissect the complexities of hiring, the need for active listening, and the future of recruitment that balances technology with genuine human connection.

Make sure to follow #TalentBuzz on Spotify. 🎧

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz! 🐝 In this episode, we venture into a crucial topic in the world of talent acquisition: Making hiring a shared responsibility. Ana Tavares, the distinguished Head of Global Talent Acquisition at MANTA, joins us to unravel the intricacies of balancing responsibilities in the hiring process.

Together, we explore: 1️⃣ The significance of clear responsibilities in recruitment. 2️⃣ Determining who plays which role in the process. 3️⃣ A deep dive into how MANTA structures its hiring team. 4️⃣ The end-to-end process, from profile definitions and recruitment to seamless onboarding. 5️⃣ Recognizing when and how to adjust hiring responsibilities for optimal outcomes. 6️⃣ The delicate dance of information sharing and ensuring top-notch candidate experiences in a shared responsibility model.

Whether you're an HR aficionado, a team lead, or someone navigating the hiring realm, Ana's insights offer a fresh perspective on collaborative hiring practices. Ready to rethink recruitment? Tune in and elevate your talent acquisition strategy! 🎧🌟 #CollaborativeHiring #MANTA #TalentStrategy

🎙️ Welcome to #TalentBuzz! 🐝

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the cutting-edge realm of People & Culture tech, where AI meets human intuition, and data drives decisions.

🎧 Topics we're buzzing about:

1️⃣ Measuring the pulse of well-being and stress in real-time. 2️⃣ The AI revolution in leadership – how the future of decision-making is being reshaped. 3️⃣ Analytics evolution: From describing events to predicting the future and even changing outcomes. 4️⃣ The rapid progression of ESG and DEI regulations in the EU. Are we ready? 5️⃣ The P&C tech stack essentials for 2023 - gear up to stay ahead! 6️⃣ Vanity vs. Value: Deciphering the metrics that truly matter in People and Culture. 7️⃣ The delicate balance of morality and ethics in the world of people data.

Our special guest, Christian Højbo Møller, CEO of Zoios™, joins us to share insights. Zoios™ is making waves with their intuitive software that accurately measures and boosts employee well-being, eNPS, and stress levels. So, no more guessing how your employees feel; let's get proactive with data!

Stay tuned, and get ready for an enlightening conversation!

🎙️ Tune into this week's episode of #TalentBuzz where we dive deep into the realm of Employer Branding (EB) with the brilliant Tatjana Obenaus, Global Head of Employer Brand at Miro. 🌟

🔍 Here's what we cover:

1️⃣ The secrets behind securing buy-in & budget for EB from the management.

2️⃣ Building an impeccable EB strategy: Navigating from the current state to future visions.

3️⃣ EB's transformative role throughout the candidate journey.

4️⃣ Architecting the perfect EB team for brand success.

5️⃣ The role of data in EB: Measuring, interpreting, and acting.

Whether you're an EB newbie or a seasoned expert, Tatjana's insights are game-changing. Make sure you don't miss out! 🚀

🔗 Subscribe, share, and keep the #TalentBuzz going! Dive into more insightful chats by following us on Spotify.