Most employees have no idea what’s really happening inside their own company — and that’s exactly why so many advocacy programs fall flat. Matt See has spent his career transforming internal comms at massive organizations, and he’s discovered something most leaders miss: employee advocacy doesn’t start with LinkedIn posts or social-media training. It starts inside. In this episode, Matt and Rhona dig into how internal storytelling can transform culture, inspire authentic advocacy, and turn your employees into your best brand ambassadors — without a single content calendar. What You’ll Learn Why internal comms often fail (and how to cut through the noise) The four-part framework Matt uses: Inform, Educate, Inspire, Celebrate How to build “reporter beats” inside your org to uncover real stories Why your all-company email should feel like it came from your bank or your mom How to measure success beyond open rates and clicks The secret to getting employees to actually visit the intranet How internal stories power your external employer-brand reputation CONNECT WITH US Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-see/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit perceptiblestudios.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. Don't forget to leave us a 5-star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498⁠ 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr⁠ Workfluencer, employee advocacy, internal communications, storytelling, company culture, employer branding, leadership, employee engagement, workplace storytelling, brand communication, HR strategy, Matt See Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when your worst bosses plant seeds that turn into your best lessons? In this episode of Workfluencer, Kat Kibben—author, speaker, and founder of Three Ears Media—joins Rhona to talk about healing work trauma, rebuilding confidence, and writing a book that almost didn’t happen. Kat opens up about the three-year journey behind The Bounce Back Factor, van life lessons that rewired their approach to leadership, and why editing was harder than writing. You’ll hear the story behind their first flat tire, the imposter syndrome that nearly killed the book, and the harsh feedback that forced Kat to rewrite the ending—but made it stronger. This is the author interview no publicist would approve—the messy, honest, behind-the-scenes story of what it really takes to bounce back. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Buy The Bounce Back Factor: http://thebouncebackfactorbook.com/ Hire Kat: https://threeearsmedia.com/ Video Podcast Production - Perceptible Studios: https://perceptiblestudios.com/ CONNECT WITH US: Follow Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinakibben/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Don't forget to leave us a 5-star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498⁠ 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr⁠ Workfluencer, Kat Kibben, The Bounce Back Factor, leadership, resilience, van life, work trauma, bad bosses, imposter syndrome, writing a book, Three Ears Media, career growth, Workfluencer podcast, HR, personal growth, burnout recovery, workplace culture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Workfluencer Podcast, Rhona Pierce sits down with Sherehan Ross, VP of Marketing at Modus Planning, to talk about the human side of B2B marketing. From viral LinkedIn rants to the chaos of working moms and motherhood, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a personal brand, lead with marketing authenticity, and avoid burnout while balancing work and family. Sherehan explains how “building in public” turned into her most powerful form of content creation, why she believes revenue isn’t a marketing KPI, and how her “3-6-9 plan” transformed her B2B marketing strategy. Together, Rhona and Sherehan unpack the moments every marketer, parent, and creator can relate to — the messy middle, the fear of posting on social media, and learning how to build trust online without losing yourself. What you’ll learn How to build a personal brand that attracts opportunity, not burnout Why authenticity beats perfection in marketing leadership The truth about motherhood in B2B sales — and why the “balance” myth must go How to use community-driven branding to build loyalty and connection What it really takes to go viral on LinkedIn (and why you probably shouldn’t try) The fine line between relatable rants and meaningful storytelling CONNECT WITH US: Sherehan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherehanross/ Rhona's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ workfluencer, workfluencer podcast, rhona pierce, sherehan ross, marketing leadership, building in public, content creation, b2b marketing strategy, b2b, how to build a personal brand, marketing authenticity, avoid burnout in marketing, female leaders in tech, linkedin, how to go viral, marketing community building, branding, the human side of b2b marketing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before “personal brand” became a buzzword, Hung Lee was already doing it—building Recruiting Brainfood into one of the most trusted communities in the industry. In this conversation, recorded at RecFest USA 2025, Hung and Rhona dig into what it really takes for recruiters to think like media brands: showing up every week, curating with integrity, and letting transparency replace polish. He shares how an accidental send from the beach in Lisbon made him realize just how much readers depended on his newsletter. Plus, why he believes quantity beats quality, what he looks for in every Brainfood link, and how his “Open Kitchen” approach builds trust without a team. If you create content around recruiting or employer branding, this episode is a masterclass in consistency and community. In This Episode: The Lisbon mishap that proved consistency matters (when his phone blew up overnight) Hung’s 4-point test for what makes content “Brainfood” How to curate without gatekeeping Why recruiters should think like media companies The “Open Kitchen” philosophy of transparency Why quantity beats quality for creators Running a one-person media brand without a team Thanks to the folks at Teamtailor for letting us film at their booth.  Discover why over 10,000 of the smartest companies in the world use Teamtailor to attract talent and optimize their recruitment https://link.rhonapierce.com/TTRecFest25 RESOURCES MENTIONED Subscribe to Recruiting Brainfood - https://www.recruitingbrainfood.com/  Get Rhona's Newsletter - https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw  Perceptible Studios: Video Podcast Production - https://www.perceptiblestudios.com/  CONNECT WITH US: Connect With Hung on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunglee/  Connect with Rhona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/    Don't forget to leave us a 5-star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498⁠ 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr⁠ Workfluencer, Recruiting Brainfood, recruiter media brand, content curation, creator mindset, HR content marketing, Workfluencer Podcast, Hung Lee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone wants to get paid to speak, but few know how to turn it into a real career. In this episode, Torin Ellis joins Rhona Pierce to break down the business behind the mic — from commanding rooms and carving your niche to staying relevant in a space that changes overnight. You’ll learn: How to turn free speaking gigs into paid opportunities The mindset shift that keeps your message authentic (even when the world isn’t) When to raise your rates — and how much The power of relationships in getting booked Why “caring about people” will always be timeless advice Plus, in the Time to Confess segment: Torin reveals the surprising songs on his pre-stage playlist The one event he’ll never speak at again And the biggest misconception people have about him CONNECT WITH US: Connect With Torin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torinellis/ Connect with Rhona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Don't forget to leave us a 5-star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498⁠ 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr⁠ Workfluencer, getting paid to speak, speaking career, public speaking tips, professional speaker, Torin Ellis, HR conference speaker, building a speaking business Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most recruiters think they’re filling roles. Dave Vu thinks they should be building brands. In this episode, Rhona Pierce sits down with the co-founder of Ribbon.ai to explore why the future of recruiting belongs to teams who think like marketers. From his early days in talent acquisition to building one of the most talked-about AI interview platforms, Dave shares how empathy, storytelling, and transparency can transform candidate experience — and why bad recruiters should probably be worried about AI. You’ll learn: Why recruiting is really just marketing in disguise How to turn candidates into fans — even the ones you reject The difference between “culture fit” and “culture add” How AI can free recruiters to focus on what humans do best: build relationships What every recruiter can do today to stand out as a brand If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have time to create content — I have reqs to fill,” this one’s for you. RESOURCES MENTIONED Learn More about Ribbon.ai - https://www.ribbon.ai/ Get Rhona's Newsletter - https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw Perceptible Studios: Video Content Production - https://www.perceptiblestudios.com/ CONNECT WITH US: Connect With Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-vu/ Connect with Rhona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Don't forget to leave us a 5-star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498⁠ 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr⁠ Workfluencer, Recruiting, Employer Branding, Recruitment Marketing, Talent Acquisition, AI Recruiting, Candidate Experience, HR Technology, Ribbon.ai, Workfluencer Podcast, Dave Vu, Personal Brand for Recruiters, TA Strategy, Culture Add, Hiring Innovation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laurie Ruettimann has spent nearly two decades shaping how we talk about work—from CNN’s “Top Career Advisor” list to her globally recognized Punk Rock HR podcast. But behind the accolades lies a story of confidence, capitalism, and the unpaid labor of influence. In this episode, Laurie joins Rhona Pierce to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to turn credibility into a career—how she built her platform before influencer culture existed, why “being right” doesn’t always pay, and the emotional toll of being HR famous. They talk money, mistakes, and the myth of full authenticity online—and Laurie’s raw advice for anyone chasing visibility in the HR and creator world. We covered: The early days of blogging before “influencer” was a job title The moment she realized confidence had to be self-made Why being “10% more real” is enough online How unpaid labor powers most “personal brands” The financial and emotional costs of standing for something RESOURCES MENTIONED: Laurie's new LinkedIn Learning Course: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/ethical-hr-leadership/ethics-the-secret-to-driving-business-success Listen to Laurie's Podcast: https://laurieruettimann.com/podcast/ Get Rhona's Newsletter - https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw Perceptible Studios: Video Podcast Production - https://www.perceptiblestudios.com/ CONNECT WITH US: Connect with Laurie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurieruettimann/ Connect with Rhona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Don't forget to leave us a 5-star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498⁠ 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr⁠ workfluencer, Laurie Ruettimann, HR famous, Punk Rock HR, Workfluencer podcast, Rhona Pierce, personal brand, creator economy, HR tech, human resources, talent acquisition, career advice, blogging, influencer marketing, podcasting, LinkedIn Learning, keynote speaker, authenticity online Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if someone stole your entire career — your résumé, portfolio, headshot, even your home address? In this Workfluencer Trend Report, Rhona explores the real case of freelance writer Jolissa Skow, who discovered an imposter had been living her professional life since 2023. The impersonator used Jolissa’s identity to land contract work, participate in Slack, attend camera-off meetings, and even get paid — all while colleagues believed they were working with her. Based on Jolissa’s public LinkedIn posts and reporting by Dr. Janice Gassam Asare, this episode examines how career identity theft is emerging as a new risk for anyone building a personal brand. With job scams tripling since 2020 and 17% of hiring managers reporting deepfake candidates, the line between authentic and artificial has never been thinner. Has this happened to you? Share your questions or story at https://www.workfluencerpodcast.com — your voicemail may shape a future series on protecting your brand from impersonation. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Read Dr. Gassam Assare's article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/career-identity-theft-how-one-womans-stolen-without-asare-ph-d--2zrre/ CONNECT WITH RHONA ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ personal branding, remote work, identity theft, workfluencer, Job scams, Protecting your brand, Online reputation, Career protection, Employment fraud, personal brand protection, imposter scams, remote work risks, professional impersonation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Alder, host of Recruiting Future and co-host of The Alder Hour, has spent over 15 years shaping how the recruiting industry talks about work. With nearly 800 episodes published, his podcast is one of the most trusted sources for talent acquisition insights. In this conversation, Rhona and Matt chat about how Recruiting Future became the go-to recruiting podcast and what it really takes to build authority through consistency. You’ll hear: Why consistency matters more than virality in podcasting How audience-first thinking drives guest strategy The unique power of recruiting podcasts to influence decision-makers Why brands underestimate creator partnerships in HR tech How to stay relevant as a creator long term If you’re building influence in recruiting, employer branding, or HR, Matt’s story proves that podcasting is one of the most powerful mediums to create authority. RESOURCES MENTIONED Listen to Matt’s podcast - https://recruitingfuture.com/ Get Rhona's Newsletter - https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw Perceptible Studios: Video Podcast Production - https://www.perceptiblestudios.com/ CONNECT WITH US: Connect With Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattalder/ Connect with Rhona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Don't forget to leave us a 5-star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498⁠ 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr⁠ Workfluencer, Recruiting Future podcast, Matt Alder, recruiting podcast, talent acquisition thought leadership, HR content strategy, podcasting, creator economy, audience engagement, authority building, recruitment, long-term strategy, content creation, podcasting success, influence, feedback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your employees may be your best influencers—but how do you pay them fairly when they start creating content for your brand? In this episode I sit down with compensation strategist Cynthia Abbott-Kerr, founder of WellPay.ai, to explore how companies can design clear, simple, and fair systems to reward employee content creators. From commission structures and affiliate links to ownership rights and tax considerations, Cynthia shares practical strategies for building employee-creator programs that actually work. If you’ve ever wondered whether to pay per post, add stipends, or build commissions tied to store performance, this conversation is your roadmap. RESOURCES MENTIONED Visit Wellpay.ai - https://www.wellpay.ai/ Get Rhona's Newsletter - https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw Perceptible Studios: Get your employees to create videos that build trust https://www.perceptiblestudios.com/ CONNECT WITH US: Connect With Cynthia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiawellpay/ Connect with Rhona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Don't forget to leave us a 5-star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498⁠ 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr⁠ employee content creators, employee advocacy, employee-generated content, fair compensation, creator pay, commission structures, affiliate links, WellPay, Cynthia Abbott-Kerr, Workfluencer podcast, workfluencer, EGC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building a personal brand in today’s job market isn’t about chasing viral posts—it’s about showing up authentically. In this special takeover episode, recruiter-turned-founder Brooke Wheeler flips the mic on Workfluencer creator Rhona Pierce. Together they dive into how to build your personal brand with honesty, how layoffs and career pivots can fuel reinvention, and why companies fail when they try to script employer branding. If you’ve wondered what to share online, how vulnerable to be, or how to turn career shifts into opportunities, this conversation will give you the playbook for building an authentic personal brand that works. You'll Learn: How to brand yourself authentically without oversharing Why employer branding fails when companies script employees The simple system Rhona uses to decide what to post online How layoffs and career pivots can fuel reinvention Ways to turn conference moments into long-lasting content CONNECT WITH US: Connect With Brooke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookewheeler/ Connect with Rhona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Don't forget to leave us a 5-star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498⁠ 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr⁠ personal branding, employer branding, personal brand, talent acquisition, content creation, career development, business ownership, Podcast rebrand, social media influence, career pivots, LinkedIn Strategies, authentic storytelling, career creator, linkedin personal branding, workplace storytelling, employee generated content, video content strategy, layoffs career advice, authentic content creation, recruiting careers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It doesn’t get more Gen Z than making a TikTok to get hired at TikTok—and that’s exactly what Jade Walters did. But she didn’t stop there. From landing jobs to landing on the TEDx stage, Jade has used content creation to build a career on her own terms. In this episode, she shares how content became her biggest career tool, what Gen Z really wants from work, and why boundaries at work aren’t red flags—they’re strategy. CONNECT WITH US: Connect With Jade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadekwalters/ Connect with Rhona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Don't forget to leave us a 5-star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498⁠ 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr⁠ workfluencer, content creation, Jade Walters, Gen Z career advice, TikTok resumes, TEDx talk careers, personal branding, early career content, job search tips, video resumes, content creators at work, Workfluencer podcast, Gen Z workplace boundaries, career content strategy, personal brand job search Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when employee advocacy moves beyond “posting on LinkedIn” and into creating full-blown branded content? Should those employees be paid like influencers? In this episode of Workfluencer, employment lawyer and creator Heather Bussing joins Rhona to explore how companies can compensate employee-creators fairly and compliantly. We dig into: Why paying employees for branded content builds trust and authenticity How to classify and compensate employee-creators without missteps Overtime, equity, and ownership issues every HR team should consider Lessons from influencer contracts employees can adapt How HR and marketing can protect employees and unlock brand value If you’re an HR leader, TA pro, employer brand manager, or corporate content creator, this episode will help you champion employee advocacy programs the right way. RESOURCES MENTIONED Get Rhona's Newsletter - https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw Perceptible Studios: Video Podcast Production - https://www.perceptiblestudios.com/ CONNECT WITH US: Connect With Heather on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-bussing-785122161/ Connect with Rhona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/   Don't forget to leave us a 5-star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498⁠ 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr⁠ Workfluencer, employee advocacy programs, employee ambassadors, employee generated content, EGC, paying employees for content, HR compliance, influencer contracts, content ownership law, work for hire, internal influencer program, Heather Bussing interview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LinkedIn can be overwhelming, especially for introverts. But what if your quiet approach is actually your superpower? In this episode, certified career coach and LinkedIn Top Voice Lissa Appiah shares how she built a personal brand that converts—without being loud, posting daily, or faking confidence. You’ll learn how to: Build a personal brand on LinkedIn as an introvert Turn your side hustle into a full-time business Grow visibility without burning out Use content strategy that works for quiet creators Create LinkedIn posts that attract clients and speaking gigs Whether you're a content creator, coach, or corporate professional, this episode breaks down exactly how to grow on LinkedIn—on your terms. RESOURCES MENTIONED Visit Lissa's Website: https://weapply.ca/ Subscibe to Lissa's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LissaAppiahCareerStrategist Get Rhona's Newsletter - https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw Perceptible Studios: Video Podcast Production - https://www.perceptiblestudios.com/ CONNECT WITH US: Connect With Lissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lissaappiah/ Connect with Rhona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Don't forget to leave us a 5-star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr Workfluencer, introverts, content creation, personal branding, LinkedIn, social media strategy, corporate branding, side-hustle, full time content creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people think building a community is about finding a niche and hoping people show up. Jeremy Lyons knows better—he’s the man behind the RecOps community. From launching the first RecOps conference to building the widely read RecOps Roundup newsletter, Jeremy has turned a behind-the-scenes role into a movement. In this episode, we dig into: The four (sometimes five) pillars of Recruiting Operations—and why employer branding belongs in the mix. How Jeremy built the RecOps community during a wave of layoffs, and why neutrality became his non-negotiable. The moment his newsletter stopped being about him and started being for the community—and how that shift changed everything. Why he replaced “hot takes” with “spicy takes” (and what Scoville levels have to do with recruiting). His advice for anyone who wants to start creating content but feels overwhelmed: start small, start simple, start now. Whether you’re a recruiting pro, a corporate content creator, or someone thinking about how to build trust through content, this conversation offers both clarity and inspiration. RESOURCES MENTIONED RecOps Collective - https://www.recopscollective.com/ RecOps Roundup Newsletter - http://recops.substack.com/ Get Rhona's Newsletter - https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw Perceptible Studios: Video Podcast Production - https://www.perceptiblestudios.com/ CONNECT WITH US: Connect With Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyonsjeremy/ Connect with Rhona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Workfluencer, RecOps, Recruiting Operations, Recruiting Ops, Talent Operations, Hiring Operations, Talent Acquisition, Employer Branding, RecOps Community, RecOps Roundup, HR Tech, Recruiting Conferences, Community Building, Content Creation, Spicy Takes, Neutrality in Content, Newsletter Growth, HR Community, Recruiting Strategy, Candidate Experience, Talent Strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Nunn, founder of Living Corporate, pulls back the curtain on what it takes to create authentic content about race and identity in the workplace. From deleting episodes with problematic guests to calling out patronizing DEI storytelling, Zach shares why most corporate diversity content misses the mark and how to create conversations that actually matter. What You'll Learn: Why Zach sometimes doesn't release podcast episodes (including one with a tech executive) The problem with DEI storytelling that treats employees like "rescued" success stories How to spot performative vs. productive conversations about workplace equity Why individual anecdotes often miss systemic issues in DEI discussions The responsibility content creators have when platforming voices How journalism's decline affects podcast integrity Real examples of authentic workplace storytelling that drives change RESOURCES MENTIONED: Visit the Living Corporate Website - https://living-corporate.com/ Takeover The Workfluencer Podcast Get My Newsletter Perceptible Studios – Video content that builds trust ****🌟 CONNECT WITH ZACH💼 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharynunnphr/  🌐 Website: https://living-corporate.com/  📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingCorporate/  🎙️ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mRmf9FpyH8GfhRNSQ1ZV9     🌟 CONNECT WITH RHONA💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rhonab.bsky.social  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhonabpierce 🌐 Website: https://www.rhonapierce.com/  📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RhonaBPierce/     💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr Workfluencer, diversity equity inclusion, race at work, workplace conversations about race, DEI content, corporate diversity programs, authentic DEI, workplace equity, inclusion podcast, systemic racism workplace, DEI storytelling, platform responsibility, content creator ethics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tired of recruiter content that chases likes but lacks substance? In this episode, discover how Andrew Lewis grew from 0 to 45K followers by mastering content creation that delivers real value and opens up new career opportunities. As Head of Talent at Worldly, Andrew shares how he carved out his unique voice, built personal branding that stands out, and earned the trust of his audience. We dive into actionable strategies for recruiters and creators who want to break free from recycled talking points and create original content that builds credibility—not just engagement. Learn how Andrew curates what’s worth sharing, turns daily recruiting challenges into high-impact posts, and balances authority with vulnerability. Plus, get tips for staying consistent with your content creation while leading a busy talent acquisition function. What you’ll learn: - How to identify your unique lane and voice as a recruiter-creator - Why selective curation matters for personal branding - The difference between content that gets clicks and content that builds long-term trust - Turning real-world recruiting challenges into high-value posts - Practical strategies for consistent content creation in TA - How personal branding can unlock new career opportunities in talent acquisition RESOURCES MENTIONED: Subscribe to The Talent Operator  Takeover The Workfluencer Podcast  Get My Newsletter  Perceptible Studios – Video content that builds trust 🌟 CONNECT WITH ANDREW LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lewis-31104559/ Website: http://www.talentoperator.com/ 🌟 CONNECT WITH RHONA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhonabpierce Website: https://www.rhonapierce.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RhonaBPierce/ 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr If you’re ready to elevate your content creation, boost your personal branding, and open up new career opportunities, this episode is a must-listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anessa Fike has led 125+ organizations, pioneered the Fractional HR model in the U.S., and built a career by saying the things most people won’t. In this episode, she joins Rhona to break down what it really costs to speak up in HR—especially when it challenges power, calls out performative allyship, and disrupts the speaker circuit status quo. Anessa shares how she uses her privilege intentionally, what she’s given up to stay true to her values, and why she keeps going even when the backlash hits. This one’s for every HR leader, content creator, or change-maker wondering if the risk is worth it.   What you’ll learn:   How Fractional work gave Anessa the freedom—but not the reason—to speak up The difference between bold leadership and performative allyship What privilege looks like when it’s used, not just acknowledged How to spot fake expertise in HR and DEI spaces What it really costs to use your platform for good—and why she does it anyway RESOURCES MENTIONED: Fractional Coaching with Anessa Buy Anessa’s Book: The Revolution of Work Takeover The Workfluencer Podcast Get My Newsletter Perceptible Studios – Video content that builds trust    ****🌟 CONNECT WITH ANESSA💼 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anessafike/  🌐 Website: https://www.fikeandco.com/  📗 Book: https://a.co/d/6ZAsC8d     🌟 CONNECT WITH RHONA💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rhonab.bsky.social  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhonabpierce 🌐 Website: https://www.rhonapierce.com/  📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RhonaBPierce/    💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr Workfluencer, HR leadership, fractional HR, privilege, authenticity, DEI, speaking up, business alignment, expertise, HR conferences, community, performative allyship, advocacy, allyship, authentic allyship, social justice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode, recorded live at SHRM 2025, Rhona Pierce interviews Tara Amaral, a veteran talent acquisition expert. Tara shares practical strategies for building effective recruiting functions, highlighting the importance of simple, repeatable processes, data-driven decision-making, and thoughtful change management. She discusses how organizations of all sizes can optimize hiring, leverage technology and AI wisely, and foster strategic partnerships. Tara emphasizes the enduring value of human expertise in recruitment, offering actionable advice for leaders and recruiters navigating today’s evolving talent landscape.   This episode was brought to you by VirgilHR, The all-in-one SaaS solution that empowers HR professionals to make smart, compliant employment decisions in real-time. HR compliance doesn’t have to be a headache.  👉🏾 Schedule a demo and see how easy it can be: https://link.rhonapierce.com/VirgilHR    **** Connect with Tara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taranamaral/  Learn more about Riviera Advisors at https://rivieraadvisors.com/ **** 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr   SHRM 2025, Talent Acquisition, HR, Data-Driven Recruitment, Change Management, AI in Recruitment, Intake Calls, Recruitment Strategies, Employee Engagement, Hiring Process, Recruitment Technology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When two established HR professionals decide to launch a podcast together, what could go wrong? According to Desiree Goldey and Ashley King, co-hosts of the new Talentless podcast, quite a lot – and that's exactly what made their partnership stronger. In this episode of Workfluencer, we dive deep into their journey from recording "absolutely trash" episodes to building a mission-driven show that's already generating buzz in the talent acquisition space.  If you're considering launching a podcast (solo or with a partner), thinking about content creation as an HR professional, or simply want to understand what it takes to build authentic influence in a crowded space, this episode delivers actionable insights wrapped in refreshingly honest storytelling.   What you’ll learn:  Why they named their podcast, Talentless. Challenges faced by women in the podcasting space. Importance of education and skill-building in HR and talent acquisition. Maintaining creative control and authenticity in content creation. Overcoming societal and internal barriers for women in leadership roles. The learning curve and unexpected challenges of podcasting. Strategies for audience building and community engagement. Ethical considerations regarding podcast metrics and organic growth. Why they believe HR professionals have the power to impact the wealth gap in America. RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE→ Content Creation While Employed: Jessica Winder on Brand + Boundaries   ****🌟 CONNECT WITH DESIREE💼 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/desireegoldey/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentless_podcast/  🎙️ Podcast: https://www.talentlesspodcast.com/    🌟 CONNECT WITH ASHLEY💼 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleykingdei/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentless_podcast/  🎙️ Podcast: https://www.talentlesspodcast.com/    🌟 CONNECT WITH RHONA💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rhonab.bsky.social  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhonabpierce 🌐 Website: https://www.rhonapierce.com/  📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RhonaBPierce/    💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workfluencer/id1740429498 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr Workfluencer, podcast launch, HR podcasting, talent acquisition content, creative partnerships, podcast planning, women in HR, content creation strategy, ow to start a podcast with a partner, women in HR podcasting, creative control in podcasting, podcast planning mistakes, HR content creation, talent acquisition thought leadership, women lifting women in business, podcast audience building strategies, authentic podcast marketing, HR industry representation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices