Is This Still A Good Time?

Kyle Lagunas, an HR industry analyst who founded Kyle and Co., shares fast-paced takes on how AI is rewriting HR and recruiting. He discusses AI shifting from efficiency to rebuilding operating models. He highlights the push for defensible, explainable AI choices and the rise of practitioner-led vendor design. He also touches on recruiting pain points and the role of community in coping with HR stress.

In this episode of ITSAGT, we're joined by Brandon Jeffs, a dynamic force in the recruiting industry and the founder of Building the Talent Machine. Brandon shares his journey from working long hours in high-pressure recruiting environments to becoming a pivotal connector and industry influencer. Listeners will gain insights into how recruiting is evolving and why relationships remain at its core.Brandon and our host dive into the changing landscape of recruiting, emphasizing the importance of community and connection. They discuss how Brandon's experiences in publicly traded companies, private equity, and startups have shaped his approach to talent acquisition. Brandon's unique perspective as a fractional recruiter and his knack for building networks offer valuable lessons for both new and seasoned recruiters.Throughout the conversation, Brandon highlights the significance of maintaining genuine relationships and how these connections drive success in recruiting. He also shares his experiences of balancing multiple roles and projects, illustrating the hustle and passion required to thrive in today's recruiting world. Tune in to discover how Brandon's approach can inspire you to rethink your strategies and embrace the power of community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful episode of ITSAGT, we sit down with Jaylyn Jones, a university recruiter from Duolingo. Jaylyn shares her unique perspective on the challenges and intricacies of campus recruiting in the tech industry. From dealing with high volumes of resumes to building trust with early-career applicants, Jaylyn's insights are a must-listen for anyone in the recruitment field.Throughout the conversation, Jaylyn discusses the importance of relationship-building in recruitment, the impact of the pandemic on student behaviors, and the unique challenges of attracting talent to certain locations. She also delves into the strategies Duolingo employs to engage with potential candidates, highlighting the shift from large career fairs to curated, invite-only events. Tune in to learn more about the world of university recruitment from an industry expert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful episode of ITSAGT, we're joined by Emily Mucken, a seasoned recruiter with a rich background in renowned companies like Netflix and Reddit. Emily candidly shares her experiences, from dealing with unexpected layoffs to harnessing the power of LinkedIn to land new opportunities. She also discusses the importance of building and maintaining relationships in the recruiting industry.Emily's journey is not just about career transitions, but also about the evolution of communication in today's digital age. She shares her thoughts on mental load and how voice notes can add a human touch to our interactions. Furthermore, Emily delves into the nuances of the recruiting industry, including the common phrases and behaviors that have become reflexive. With her unique perspective, she offers valuable insights for both recruiters and job seekers navigating the ever-changing job market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this thought-provoking episode of 'Is This Still A Good Time?', we sit down with Brian Fink, a well-respected talent advisor with experience at renowned companies like Apple and Twitter. Brian shares his deep insights into the evolving challenges of the recruiting industry, and how recruiters can adapt to these changes. Brian and Mike delve into a range of critical topics, from the pressures faced by recruiters in 2026, the impact of AI on the industry, the importance of training recruiters to be EOC compliant, and the role of hiring managers in conducting diligent interviews. They also discuss the implications of remote work and the potential benefits of in-person events like career fairs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the future of recruiting and how to prepare for it.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'Is This Still A Good Time', we sit down with experienced recruiter, Kelli Hrivnak, to discuss the importance of keeping the human element in recruiting. Kelli, who has spent the better part of two decades in the recruiting industry, shares her insights on how to approach potential candidates and how to integrate personal experiences into your recruitment workflow.Throughout the conversation, we delve into Kelli's journey in the recruitment industry, her time as a 'slay at home mom', and her passion for working with small businesses. We also discuss the common phrases used in recruiting like 'Is this still a good time?' and how these seemingly small elements contribute to the overall humanization of the recruitment process. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Kelli's vast experience and unique perspective on the recruiting world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Use code PEDITTO10 for 10% off Talent Acquisition Week. Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the world of talent acquisition with our special guest, Kara Mignanelli, founder of the TA Week Conference. Kara shares her unique perspectives on the evolution and future of recruiting, offering listeners an inside look at the TA Week Conference and its role in fostering a community for recruiters. We discuss the integral role of AI in reshaping workflows, not just in automating tasks but also as a partner in recruitment. Kara also shares the origin story of TA Week, its structure and the benefits it offers recruiters. From pre-conference workshops and labs to the mentorship program, TA Week is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Listen in as we also explore the importance of professional development, the power of networking, and the significance of transparency in the recruitment industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this riveting episode, we dive deep into the world of recruitment with the charismatic and candid Shaun Hervey. As an independent recruiter specializing in the software and tech space, Shaun brings a unique perspective to the table. He shares his journey from trying to fit into a buttoned-up mold to embracing his authentic self and how this shift has impacted his career. During the conversation, Shaun opens up about his decision to be unfiltered and how it has helped him navigate the recruitment industry. He discusses the importance of being genuine, his experiences in the software sales recruitment sector, and his thoughts on the perception versus reality of online personas. He also shares his insights on the role of content creation in his career, his stance on cold calling, and how he has managed to stay afloat in the industry for over two years. Tune in to hear Shaun's refreshing take on recruitment and his advice for those trying to make their own mark in the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recruiter, author, and LinkedIn fire-starter Richie Lampani joins Mike for a wide-ranging conversation about the real state of recruiting today. From the brutal realities of the 2024 job market to the decline of agency work, Richie breaks down what it’s like to job search as a recruiter for the first time in his career and why so many teams are struggling to keep the lights on. He also opens up about building Underground Admin with his partner Amy, what agencies are truly facing behind the scenes, and how AI is reshaping the role—if recruiters let it. Richie walks through the inspiration for his upcoming book Head and Heart: Winning the AI Recruiting War, dives into the growing wave of fraudulent interviews, and shares the mindset shift required for recruiters to stay valuable while surrounded by tools that can do “the middle work” faster. From nightmare clients to fake candidates to LinkedIn chaos, this episode captures what it really feels like to be a recruiter “hanging on by a thread” in 2025. Whether you’re agency or internal, this one will make you laugh, nod, and maybe cry a little. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike welcomes talent acquisition consultant and friend Laura Gassman, who is well-known for rage-quitting her cushy corporate job two years ago to launch her own fractional TA consulting and RPO business. The conversation immediately dives into the current recruiting breakdown and the profound instability shaking the industry to its core. Mike and Laura explore the massive exodus of recruiters, discussing how years of companies cutting L&D budgets have created a crisis where no new, properly trained talent is entering the field. They predict a chaotic future where companies will either rely entirely on high-cost boutique RPO models or revert to a losing cycle of untrained, inexpensive internal hires. This "merry-go-round of layoffs" is causing both experienced and junior talent to leave the profession for good. The two then shift to the daily frustrations faced by those still in the fight, tearing apart the toxic LinkedIn debate that falsely pits "headhunters" against "recruiters." Laura argues that this distinction is unnecessary—a good recruiter must be a hybrid, expertly blending tech tools for efficiency with essential, irreplaceable human relationship-building skills. This lack of respect for the recruiting function is perfectly captured in Laura's all-time nightmare story: an executive team that used a final-round candidate as a personal chauffeur for six hours—with the CEO's dog in the car—illustrating the kind of out-of-script chaos that drives burnout. It’s an honest, funny, and deeply relatable conversation that speaks directly to recruiters' shared experience of being under-resourced and undervalued. The episode concludes with a look at how to cope in this volatile environment, culminating in Laura's unusual but effective method for protecting her peace: disassociating from social media and reality by reading fantasy novels about dragons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices