Building a world-class recruiting function takes more than filling roles — it’s about strategy, technology and getting close to the work. On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Cortney Grant, Director of Global Talent Acquisition of Johnson Controls. They discuss Cortney’s journey from agency recruiting to leading global TA functions, how specialization and automation transform hiring outcomes and why understanding operations on the ground drives better recruiting strategies. Cortney shares how strategic changes reduced time-to-fill by 40%, how AI is reshaping high-volume recruiting and why measuring quality of hire is just as critical as speed.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:35 Cortney shares how agency recruiting built her tenacity.
04:46 Leading high-volume recruiting at Amazon during the peak of COVID demand.
08:31 An opportunity to scale TA through RPO improved time-to-fill.
10:09 Two recruiter tracks built deeper subject expertise.
12:05 The two-track model isn’t one-size-fits-all and must align strategically.
14:00 AI dominates conversations, driving a shift in recruiter training.
18:14 Happy teams drive business success, and tenacity is key in today’s job market.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortneygrant/
Johnson Controls | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/johnson-controls
Johnson Controls | Website
https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
Navigating talent acquisition at scale requires a balance of technology, candidate experience and recruiter-driven success metrics. On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Carin House, Director and Talent Acquisition Partner at Grainger. They discuss her career journey, the scale of Grainger’s hiring operations, and how her team measures success in TA. Carin also shares initiatives that shape the candidate experience and her advice for those building careers in recruitment.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:31 Carin graduated from law school in 2008 and joined Grainger through a temp job.
03:57 Grainger is a global MRO distributor with a mission to keep the world working.
06:08 Carin’s team measures TA success with recruiter-driven metrics.
08:24 The future of TA lies in blending AI innovation with human connection.
10:05 Always ask the question in your mind — it can spark valuable insights.
10:39 Mistakes are opportunities to learn and move forward.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carin-house-7a7936b8
Grainger | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/w.w.-grainger/
Grainger | Website
https://www.grainger.com/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
Balancing innovation with the human side of hiring is shaping the future of talent acquisition. On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Jeff Ollinger, Director, Talent Acquisition – Corporate and Campus, of Sun Life. They discuss Jeff’s career journey, the evolution of his role and the strategies Sun Life is deploying to strengthen both campus and experienced hiring. Jeff shares how his background in athletics and early career experiences led him into HR and TA, eventually shaping his leadership approach. He highlights the scope of Sun Life’s hiring operations, the company’s student conversion strategy and its focus on inclusion through specialized programs.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:36 Jeff shares how he became an accidental HR professional.
05:07 Jeff’s journey from RBC to the tech sector to broaden his campus recruitment work.
10:07 Sun Life hires 500–700 students annually, with a focus on full-time conversion.
13:45 Student recruitment is balanced all-year-round, not just in the summer.
18:03 Sun Life prioritizes manager and new hire satisfaction with a seamless experience.
20:12 Internal hiring is a priority for developing talent and filling senior roles.
22:14 AI is used to boost efficiency and insights, while decisions remain human-led.
25:10 Be open to unexpected career paths and new ways of doing business.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffollinger
Sun Life | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial
Sun Life | Website
https://www.sunlife.com/en/
Dean Connor Inclusion Scholarship
https://www.sunlife.ca/en/careers/student-and-new-graduate-programs/scholarship-guidelines/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
Predictable hiring isn’t just possible —it’s essential. On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Michael Peterson, Sr. Director of Global Talent Acquisition – Talent Sourcing, Intelligence and Innovation at Edwards Lifesciences, to explore how strategic planning, data-driven practices and a consumer-minded approach are shaping modern TA functions in highly regulated industries. Michael walks through his path from aspiring pilot to TA leadership, sharing lessons from roles across healthcare, tech and international organizations. From building teams from scratch to redefining success metrics, Michael also offers practical insights into the evolving TA landscape.
Key Takeaways:
(00.00) Introduction.
(02:35) Michael pivoted from aviation to a career in TA leadership.
(04:48) Edwards Lifesciences leads in heart valves, with 17 on Michael’s TA team.
(05:59) Intelligence and innovation functions are early, with one analytics role in place.
(07:58) The Valencia plant proves the strategy works and uncovers key process gaps.
(10:11) TA taught the business the market’s tough — now it’s about how to act on it.
(12:52) Quality of hire is the top priority, even if measurement still needs work.
(15:12) TA priorities include field roles, tech optimization and guiding AI innovation.
(17:01) Focus on doing the right thing, not on being liked.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taleadermichaelkpeterson/
Edwards Lifesciences | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/edwards-lifesciences/
Edwards Lifesciences | Website
https://www.edwards.com/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
A career shaped by competition and strategy is now fueling transformation in talent acquisition. On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Chris Ross, Head of TA of North American Packaging at International Paper. Chris shares insights from nearly 25 years in TA, including agency work, leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, and now guiding strategic transformation at International Paper. They discuss his unique path from Division I college hockey player to recruiter, and how his hands-on agency experience shaped his leadership approach.
Key Takeaways:
(02:32) Transitioning from hockey to headhunting in medical sales.
(05:10) Early corporate TA experience begins at Monster during its startup heyday.
(10:00) Strategic TA work unfolds, backed by strong leadership and a 19-person team.
(13:18) DS Smith deal grows IP to 60,000 and expands EMEA reach.
(14:55) A focus on listening and observation reveals early opportunities in team structure.
(18:12) Recruiting efficiency becomes priority, with Gem and Beamery aiding speed to fill.
(20:21) TA metrics shaped by J&J experience guide internal and executive priorities.
(24:09) Growth comes from stretching beyond your comfort zone and taking the leap.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisrossrecruiter/
International Paper | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-paper/
International Paper | Website
https://www.internationalpaper.com/
https://monster.com
https://www.mathworks.com/
https://www.jnj.com/
https://www.dssmith.com/
https://beamery.com/
https://www.gem.com/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
Talent acquisition in healthcare demands a unique blend of strategy, adaptability and human-centered leadership. In this episode, host Ryan Dull speaks with Josh Dudzik, Associate Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Inova Health, about transforming TA practices to support a growing health system. Josh shares how his team revamped Inova’s talent acquisition structure by introducing a dedicated sourcing function that has already delivered significant ROI. He also dives into the importance of balancing AI with human touchpoints, optimizing referral programs and engaging early-in-career talent through proactive workforce development.
Key Takeaways:
(02:30) Josh starts in agency recruiting and grows into system-level TA leadership.
(04:46) Inova averages 6,000–7,000 hires annually, supported by low turnover.
(09:38) Recruiters turn survey feedback into action plans that drive progress.
(12:29) TA teams must balance tech adoption with maintaining human connection.
(15:31) Early outreach and military transition programs expand future talent pipelines.
(17:59) Referral sourcing shows strong results and is being scaled with the right tech.
(21:01) Don’t overlook small wins — celebrating success boosts team morale.
(22:55) Own your data and use it to tell a clear, consistent TA story.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshdudzik/
Inova Health | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/inovahealth/
Inova Health | Website
https://www.inova.org/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
Stepping outside your comfort zone can shape your career in unexpected and rewarding ways. That’s exactly what Jenny Hofler, Director, Early Career Recruiting, Global Talent Acquisition at Labcorp has done — and now she’s building opportunities for early career talent at a global scale. On this episode, she joins host Ryan Dull, and they discuss how Jenny’s journey from a communications graduate to a TA leader has informed her passion for early talent and inclusive hiring.
Key Takeaways:
(02:33) Jenny’s non-traditional entry into talent acquisition.
(04:20) Her transitions across Fidelity, MetLife, AWS and eventually to Labcorp.
(06:37) An overview of Labcorp’s global presence and mission.
(07:59) Internships across the globe — from the US to Singapore and Bulgaria.
(10:00) Enhancing internal and external communications around early talent.
(13:34) Leveraging data to improve conversion, diversity and retention.
(15:40) Taking ownership of the internship experience beyond recruitment.
(16:51) What’s next: evolving internship programming and university outreach.
(18:34) Advice for job seekers and those transitioning into TA.
(20:05) TA professionals inspire creativity, perseverance, and growth.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyhoflerlovestalent/
Labcorp | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/labcorp/
Labcorp | Website
https://www.labcorp.com/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
Navigating global hiring challenges takes more than process — it takes strategy, relationships and relentless curiosity. In this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Ryan Alexander, VP of Global Talent Acquisition at Flowserve. They discuss Ryan’s experiences at Flowserve, a global leader in flow control solutions with over 18,000 employees across 52 countries. Ryan also breaks down the company’s hiring model, explains the challenges of operating in diverse geographies and outlines his strategic approach to transforming TA delivery and aligning it with business needs.
Key Takeaways:
(02:42) Ryan started his career in retail, becoming the top salesperson in his company at 18 years old.
(07:14) Flowserve builds critical pumps and valves for fluid systems.
(10:06) Flowserve outsources 90% of hiring to a global RPO team.
(13:32) Ryan outlines four TA pillars: delivery, search, operations and talent intelligence.
(16:03) TA success is measured through KPIs, retention, diversity, and audits.
(18:48) Strategic workforce planning is a top HR priority linked to TA.
(21:40) TA success depends on treating everyone as a customer.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalexandersphr/
Flowserve | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowserve/
Flowserve | Website
https://www.flowserve.com/en/
https://www.workday.com/
https://www.sap.com/sea/products/scm/integrated-business-planning.html
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
Knowing your career path early can be a game-changer, but aligning internships to long-term hiring goals is where most companies fall short. Jacquilynne Ellison-Wickson, Director of Talent Acquisition for Canada of HUB International, joins Ryan Dull to explore how HUB builds career pipelines, rethinks intern hiring and redefines what success looks like in TA.
Key Takeaways:
(02:38) Jacquilynne’s journey into recruitment and how a serious life event reshaped her career focus and passion.
(08:07) Creating her first internship program showed how vast and impactful TA can be.
(12:18) HUB International offers personalized, solution-focused insurance guidance.
(16:51) Tailoring internships to student intent creates meaningful outcomes.
(20:53) Partnering with schools and converting newcomers strengthen HUB’s talent pipeline.
(25:40) Standardized tools and training ensure recruiter success and hiring integrity.
(28:03) Leverage your personal brand in TA while leading with empathy and kindness.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaellison/
HUB International | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hub-international/
HUB International | Website
https://www.hubinternational.com/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
In today’s tight labor market, delivering the right talent at speed isn’t just an advantage, it’s a necessity. On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Tara Darnell, Vice President of Talent Acquisition Strategy and Workforce Planning at Sutter Health. Tara discusses how she led the transformation of a decentralized TA model into a highly efficient, centralized function serving one of the largest healthcare systems in the US. She also offers advice on prioritization and the power of small, consistent improvements in driving long-term impact.
Key Takeaways:
(02:47) Tara’s journey into the recruiting space and her development at Sutter Health.
(04:32) Sutter Health’s scale and the scope of its TA operations.
(06:25) Transitioning from a decentralized to a centralized TA model.
(07:08) The rollout of a CRM and enterprise platform to unify recruitment tools.
(08:52) The impact of lean project management and data discipline on outcomes.
(13:09) Dashboards for workforce planning and TA performance metrics.
(15:08) Internal TA dashboard tracks aging, time to fill, and stuck roles.
(16:40) “Getting better never stops” drives daily 1% improvements.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taradarnellvpofta/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health/
https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/cx/24/01/ads-for-linkedin?mcid=7059959449221828769&src=go-pa&trk=sem-ga_campid.20073717598_asid.147321868543_crid.670678880585_kw.linkedin%20for%20business_d.c_tid.kwd-313105743753_n.g_mt.p_geo.9197977&cid=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5PK_BhBBEiwAL7GTPRQFZ03lMs2pex5JwHvoFHcMuyvQpe-wvGBdI0hz55-r_NYeaH7JnRoCPBQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
Transforming talent acquisition at a global scale starts with one thing: a mindset ready for change. On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Mike Aronson, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition Global Operations at Johnson Controls. Mike shares his career journey from agency recruiting to leading global TA operations, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in systems, data-informed decision-making and a readiness for continuous change.
Key Takeaways:
(02:22) Mike Aronson’s unconventional path from sports marketing to TA.
(06:19) Using AI, automation and data to enhance candidate experience.
(09:43) The role of Mike’s team as a COE supporting regional TA leaders.
(11:03) Shifting TA from transactional to consultative through better tools and processes.
(12:05) Designing experiences for candidates, hiring managers and recruiters.
(16:01) Embracing a culture of ongoing change and experimentation.
(21:38) Using dashboards and conversion metrics to diagnose process issues.
(30:30) Prioritizing internal mobility and onboarding as strategic growth areas.
(32:23) The need for recruiters to be seen as true subject matter experts.
(33:57) Mike’s advice: pursue knowledge, not just titles — curiosity drives growth.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikearonson/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/johnson-controls/
https://www.workday.com/en-us/products/talent-management/talent-acquisition.html
https://www.paradox.ai/
https://www.avature.net/
https://marketingplatform.google.com/about/analytics/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
Host Ryan Dull is joined by Mark Rogers, Global Executive Talent Acquisition Director of Mondelēz International. Mark shares his career journey from the military to leading TA teams across major global organizations. He discusses the evolution of TA, the impact of proactive talent pipelining and how technology is transforming recruitment strategies.
Mark highlights the importance of building an integrated talent function, the role of executive TA in cost efficiency and the key metrics Mondelēz uses to measure success.
Key Takeaways:
(02:37) Mark's transition from the Navy to HR and TA.
(05:01) Leadership roles in college recruiting and diversity hiring.
(07:27) Moving from pharma into RPO and later to Mondelēz International.
(14:08) The impact of proactive talent pipelines and internal mobility.
(17:40) Key initiatives, including AI-driven hiring processes.
(19:36) How Mondelēz structures its TA function and measures success.
(20:50) How executive TA creates cost savings and efficiency.
(22:57) The importance of aligning TA with business strategy.
(25:16) Mark’s advice for TA professionals: stay purpose-driven and adaptable.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdrogers/
Mondelēz International | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mondelezinternational/
Mondelēz International | Website
https://www.mondelezinternational.com/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
On this episode, Ryan Dull is joined by Candi Thomas, Director of Talent Acquisition: Field, Corporate and Supply Chain at Mattress Firm. With 22 years of experience, Candi shares her journey from retail management to leading TA teams, unifying processes and building a strong talent acquisition brand.
Candi discusses key metrics like time to fill and offer turnaround, as well as initiatives like AI-enabled assessments and active sourcing. She emphasizes the value of honesty in recruiting and fostering autonomy and creativity within teams to drive success.
Key Takeaways:
(02:31) Candi’s career is rooted in achieving operational excellence and customer focus.
(04:45) Mattress Firm sought a TA evolution to streamline processes.
(06:39) Field site hiring is the top priority for the TA team.
(09:37) Metrics help improve turnover rates and retention strategies.
(11:54) Career growth is a key focus from employee engagement surveys.
(13:12) Recruiting focuses on industries with commission-driven professionals.
(15:51) Providing realistic job previews builds trust with candidates.
Resources mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/candi-thomas-sphr-58a01b9/
Mattress Firm | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mattressfirm/
Mattress Firm | Website -
https://www.mattressfirm.com/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
Host Ryan Dull is joined by Assil Omar, Chief Equity Officer and Vice President, Talent Acquisition of AbbVie. They discuss her unique career journey, the transformation of TA at AbbVie and how the balance between human capital and technology is driving their success.
Key Takeaways:
(02:40) Assil Omar’s background and entry into TA at AbbVie.
(08:21) AbbVie’s organizational structure and TA function.
(12:45) The impact of AbbVie’s acquisition of Allergan during COVID.
(14:09) Establishing a transformation office to revamp TA.
(20:46) Implementing a new operating model and aligning staff globally.
(22:36) The importance of hiring manager feedback and measuring success through key TA metrics.
(24:54) Balancing technology with the human element in TA.
(29:02) Assil’s advice for career development in TA.
Resources Mentioned:
Assil Omar | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/assil-omar/
AbbVie | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/abbvie/
AbbVie | Website
https://www.abbvie.com
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
On this episode, Ryan Dull is joined by Ashley Phillips, Director of Talent Acquisition, Sales and Corporate at Beacon Building Products. They discuss Ashley’s career journey from sales to TA, including her current role overseeing a team that hires 2,500 employees annually.
Ashley shares insights into building a strong TA foundation, emphasizing the importance of communication, process standardization and forecasting headcount through 2028. She highlights the impact of metrics like time to fill and source of hire in refining recruitment strategies, especially in the competitive building materials industry.
Key Takeaways:
(02:32) Communications studies opened doors to sales and recruiting.
(05:07) Recruitment spans operations, sales, corporate and internship roles.
(06:23) Communication improvements target TA teams, business partners and candidates.
(08:07) Metrics like time to fill and source of hire drive TA decisions.
(10:02) Forecasting provides direction for marketing and recruitment strategies.
(12:06) Building rapport with candidates creates a lasting impression.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/agonzalesphil/
Beacon Building Products | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beacon-building-products/
Beacon Building Products | Website -
https://www.becn.com/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Blair Bennett, Senior Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at PepsiCo. Blair shares insights into managing over 30,000 requisitions annually, standardizing interview processes, leveraging data and technology, and enhancing PepsiCo’s employer brand. She discusses tackling frontline hiring challenges, upskilling recruiters and aligning talent strategies with business goals. This conversation provides valuable takeaways for senior-level TA professionals aiming to navigate the complexities of modern recruitment.
Key takeaways:
(02:39) From politics to PepsiCo, Blair Bennett shares her journey into TA leadership.
(07:10) PepsiCo’s TA team ensures business success at every level.
(10:24) Standardizing processes set the stage for rapid and positive change.
(13:21) Continuous improvement drives PepsiCo’s approach to future-ready and effective talent acquisition.
(16:01) Social listening tools help measure employer brand performance and engagement trends.
(17:50) Piloting interview intelligence tools refines talent strategies and business outcomes.
(20:59) Leveraging talent intelligence tools to support high-value recruiter contributions.
(24:31) Talent communities and tagging systems become more efficient with new tools. (26:34) Learning and curiosity fuel long-term success in the dynamic TA field.
(29:31) Lifting your focus beyond daily tasks fosters impactful contributions.
Resources mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/blairabennett/
PepsiCo | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pepsico/
PepsiCo | Website -
https://www.pepsico.com/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Anne Arnold, Director of Enterprise Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Marketing at Farmers Insurance®. They discuss her journey into TA, the role of AI in recruitment and her team’s efforts to align TA with business objectives.
Key Takeaways:
(02:30) Anne’s career journey into TA.
(04:54) Establishing structured career paths in TA.
(10:23) Implementing AI to streamline hiring.
(12:10) AI brings efficiency and value to recruitment processes.
(15:15) Focusing on data literacy and AI adoption to add business value.
(18:03) Prioritizing talent branding and enhancing candidate experience.
(21:35) Leading with trust, empowering teams and showing TA’s value.
Resources mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annearnoldprofile/
Farmers Insurance® | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/farmers-insurance/
Farmers Insurance® | Website -
https://www.farmers.com
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Dustin Leszcynski, Director of Talent Acquisition - Early Career at Burlington Stores, Inc. They discuss Dustin’s journey into the TA space, his experience working for various brands and the evolution of Burlington’s early career programs. Dustin shares how data has played a critical role in optimizing the recruitment process and highlights the importance of balancing efficiency with personalization in TA.
Key Takeaways:
(00:54) An unsuccessful sales interview led to TA.
(03:36) Early career work at Wayfair and TJX.
(07:15) Burlington recruits full-time and interns.
(08:48) Data drives improvements in the recruitment funnel.
(10:47) Measuring performance reveals improvement areas.
(14:45) Predicting trends in the early career market.
(17:01) Personalization is vital to TA success.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinleszcynski/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/burlington-stores/
https://www.wayfair.com/careers/jobs
HP’s HR Leadership Development Program -
https://hp-leaders.com/programs
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I’ve seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices but also deliver tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
Beth Barney, VP of Talent Acquisition at Cintas, joins Ryan Dull on this episode. They dive into Beth's extensive experience within the company and her approach to building a culture-focused TA strategy.
(02:15) Beth’s career journey at Cintas.
(06:42) The importance of culture in driving success.
(08:42) Recognition program for top recruiters.
(09:21) Key metrics for measuring TA success.
(12:00) Customer-first and partner-obsessed culture.
(15:00) Innovations in ATS and CRM systems.
(15:30) Centralizing relationships with RPO providers.
(16:39) Building trust with business leaders.
(17:00) Data-driven decision-making in TA.
(17:54) The importance of resilience in TA.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-barney-9057b313/
Cintas | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cintas/
https://www.cintas.com/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
In this episode, Ryan Dull is joined by Dora Rodriguez, Director of Talent Acquisition at The Friedkin Group, to explore how cutting-edge technologies and strategic initiatives are revolutionizing TA.
Key Takeaways:
(02:10) Dora’s journey into TA, starting in retail and hospitality.
(03:40) Overview of Dora’s role at The Friedkin Group, a privately held company in diverse industries.
(05:00) Building the EVP and various TA programs at The Friedkin Group.
(07:17) The importance of aligning performance metrics with the company's vision and culture.
(09:00) Measuring TA performance through various survey journeys and KPIs.
(11:00) The role of digital transformation in enhancing TA strategies.
(12:00) Focusing on data-driven talent and aligning TA with overall business goals.
(13:36) Advice for those entering the TA field and the diverse skill sets beneficial for success.
Resources Mentioned:
Dora Rodriguez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorarodriguez/
The Friedkin Group - https://www.linkedin.com/company/friedkin-companies-inc-/
This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.
Sagemark HR can help you:
✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.
After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.
✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.
We understand every organization is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.
✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.
We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach me at:
#Talent #Recruiters #Recruiting #HRTech
