The Breakthrough Hiring Show: Recruiting and Talent Acquisition Conversations

Join host James Mackey and Julio Martinez, Co-Founder & CEO at Abacum, in a dynamic conversation about mastering financial planning and forecasting.James and Julio engage in a comparison of planning in spreadsheets versus utilizing a centralized platform. They highlight the importance of a single source of truth by emphasizing how it improves accuracy and streamlines processes.They explore top-down planning versus bottom-up planning, offering valuable perspectives on budgeting breakdowns and areas for improvement. They emphasize the power of rolling forecasts to adapt and optimize.In the final segment, they discuss the need for comprehensive process playbooks, onboarding strategies, and the power of analytics and data-driven decision-making.    0:31 Julio Martinez introduction   4:08 Headcount planning breakdowns   8:05 Northstar metrics and executive leadership10:41 Budgeting breakdowns and areas for improvement14:20 What is a structured hiring process and how does it work19:37 How to make planning more data driven for headcount data25:50 Rolling forecasts for larger companies31:59 What is the impact of having more clarity around planning and forecasting on banking relationships41:47 How to effectively lead a company in the right direction when you have a bigger variance47:44 The importance of process playbooks for every part of the business Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible!  Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/SecureVision: #1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

Join host James Mackey on this value-packed episode as he sits down with Boris Epstein, Founder of Binc and former Head of TA at Robinhood, a well-known expert in recruiting and building talent-first organizations. The conversation dives into the topic of how to attract and retain top talent, with a specific focus on recruiting in the tech space. They share their experience in the early stages of hiring in a growth stage and discuss the importance of having a unique and distinguished value proposition to stand out from the competition.James and Boris delve into the process and key data points to consider. The discussion also explores the distinction between hiring for talent versus culture and explains what it means to be a talent-first organization.They point out the relevance of leveraging data-driven metrics for success and emphasize the significance of building a data-driven recruitment model from day one.They also provide key takeaways from leading teams through uncharted waters and the importance of measuring results and metrics as an integral part of building a successful team.They continue the conversation by discussing how to respond quickly to market conditions without making a false step that could be detrimental and share valuable strategies for navigating these situations. The episode concludes by emphasizing the significance of setting realistic and achievable goals in recruitment.   0:47 Boris Epstein introduction   3:27 How to attract and retain top talent in the early stages of growth stage  6:54 How to fine-tune the value proposition13:29 What does it mean to be a talent first organization17:26 The importance of hiring top-quality talent and metrics23:49 The importance of having a data driven approach to hiring27:41 Leading teams through uncharted waters in the technology industry35:08 How to respond quickly to turbulent market conditions37:37 How to build a talent-first culture42:17 The importance of setting realistic and achievable goals vs. unrealistic goals Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible!  Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/SecureVision: #1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

Join host James Mackey and special guest Sandy Gould as they delve into the intricate relationship between philosophy, psychology, and leadership.They unravel the concepts of individualism and collectivism, drawing inspiration from influential philosophers. From Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead” and “Atlas Shrugged” to Aristotle’s Golden Mean, they connect these philosophical and psychological insights to real-world applications, emphasizing the significance of understanding individuals’ contexts and environments in shaping their perspectives.The conversations extend beyond philosophy alone. They discuss the evolving landscape of talent acquisition and the need for a mindset shift. They explore the limitations of relying solely on experience as the primary criterion for hiring and propose a new approach that focuses on adaptability, compatibility, and accelerated learning. The discussion highlights the importance of diverse perspectives and the growth potential when individuals are given opportunities to stretch beyond their comfort zones.James and Sandy highlight the importance of outcome-focused approaches and the impact of internal hiring versus external recruitment. Lastly, they examine the opportunities presented by internal promotions and discuss the perfect ratio of internal hiring to external hiring.   0:46 Sandy Gould's background   2:38 The journey of discovering his superpowers  7:00  Ayn Rand’s perspective on what a good mission looks like12:06 Tying psychology and philosophy to real-world application15:02 The concept of theoretical anarchy18:30 The importance of critical thinking and independent thinking22:44 Shifting recruiter mindset to adaptability and compatibility27:37 Three things that are becoming more heavily weighted in the recruitment process32:41 Why it’s good to hire people who have done 75% of the job before37:05 Hiring people with superpowers38:09 The importance of having an outcome-focused approach41:47 Recruiters are business evangelising humanists and become an important circulatory system for company54:07 The perfect ratio of internal hiring to external hiring Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible!  Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/SecureVision: #1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

In this episode, host James Mackey and his guest Jason Radisson, CEO at Movo, delve into the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on software companies, particularly in the realms of recruitment and HR.They explore the deeper implications and discuss how it will shape the future of talent acquisition and organizational dynamics. They navigate the intricate balance between harnessing AI's capabilities while preserving the irreplaceable human connections.They tackle essential questions such as whether software companies will develop their own in-house AI products or rely on licensed solutions from a select few major providers who have mastered the intricacies of AI.The discussion touches upon the resistance to AI, the impact of bias in hiring systems, changing roles in the workplace, and the evolving relationship between humans and AI. They also discuss the evolving dynamics between large companies and startups in the AI era which raise intriguing questions about competitiveness, differentiation, and the strategies of both entities.Lastly, they debate what role regulation is going to play in slowing down AI efficiencies so that the global economy has the ability to transition employment.  1:53 Jason’s background   4:47 Presenting Movo company - the AI-powered all-in-one platform for high-volume HR   9:20 Will software companies develop their own in-house AI products?10:28 What’s going to happen in the future of generative decision-making16:34 Resistance to AI and automation24:43 The impact of AI on startups and big companies34:49 The future of technical talent 38:07 What role regulation is going to play in slowing down AI efficiencies  Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible!  Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/SecureVision: #1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

Join our host James Mackey and his guest Connor Swalm, CEO at Phin Security for an insightful episode as they dive into the world of startups, focusing on the challenges and strategies involved in hiring talent, scaling teams, and fostering a strong company culture.They discuss how to scale a startup and the challenges of hiring talent from enterprise backgrounds to the startup world.Discover why culture fit is crucial in startups and how prioritizing alignment and setting clear expectations are essential for long-term success. They delve into the detrimental impact of a bad hire, the hidden costs associated with hiring the wrong people, and the importance of hiring for attitude and soft skills.They explore the future of security talent in startups shedding light on the types of skills and expertise that will be in high demand over the next years.Lastly, they shift their focus to the impact of technology on security insurance, delving into the realm of insurtech and what is missing in cyber insurance companies.  1:18 Connor Swalm background  3:45 Lessons learned from hiring talent as a startup.  6:28 Why culture fit is crucial in startups11:30 Why high-growth companies need to be transparent about challenges16:40 The hidden cost of hiring the wrong people28:30 Onboarding and collaboration32:45 Companies should require hiring managers to create a 30, 60, 90 day plan before they can open a new role40:09 What skillsets will be required in cybersecurity over the next years42:37 What is Insurtech45:57 What are the risks and rewards of cyber insurance?51:16 Why cybercrime is so popular in foreign countries Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible!  Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/SecureVision: #1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

In this episode, our host James Mackey and his guest Joseph Rose, President at JBS Custom Software Solutions, explore the world of technical hiring and leadership.  James and Joe discuss various methods to detect and mitigate fraudulent behavior and how to incorporate these strategies into the hiring process, so you can minimize the risk of selecting candidates who are not genuinely qualified.Transitioning to the realm of leadership, they delve into strategies for identifying and nurturing potential leaders and explore the concept of a pyramid of leadership.They also share insights on maximizing employee satisfaction and productivity, highlighting the correlation between a happier workforce and business success. They explore the dynamics of scaling businesses and how to optimize operations to achieve sustainable growth.Lastly, they discuss the influence that ChatGPT will have on technical roles.1:14 Joseph Rose background3:12 How to hire top tech talent4:46 How to optimize the conversion rate of candidates7:42 How to avoid catfish tech candidates15:32 What are some of the red flags that you should look for when hiring new employees20:37 Promoting vs. hiring leaders31:48 The importance of transparency in attracting talent40:37 How do you scale a business if you have more demand43:20 ChatGPT's impact on software development. Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible!  Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/SecureVision: #1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

In this episode, host James Mackey and his guests dive into the complex issue of the ongoing writer's strike, examining its causes, implications, and potential outcomes. The conversation begins with an overview of the writer's strike and the main concerns driving it, including the impact of inflation and the decline in residuals from streaming platforms. The conversation touches upon the billions of dollars lost in the economy due to halted productions, impacting writers and various production teams. The parallel between the writer's strike and American Airlines employees' recent approval of a strike is also examined, highlighting the correlation between high-inflation environments and worker strikes.They also discuss the controversy created around Andi Owen, CEO of MillerKnoll as she faced backlash for denying bonuses to her team while she received a bonus between 1-5 million dollars. They explore the challenging decisions businesses face when it comes to pricing strategies in a recession market. From mass layoffs to pay cuts, they discuss the delicate balance between prioritizing employee satisfaction and ensuring organizational sustainability. They delve into the dilemma between maintaining profitable customers or offering lower prices to sustain the budget. The conversation delves into various perspectives, including the importance of maintaining product value and providing exceptional outcomes for clients, that preserve both financial stability and customer satisfaction while considering long-term growth and the overall health of the organization.Guest Panel: Andreea Florescu, Bridget Tesler, Julia Arpag   0:59 Writers’ strike and how this strike will impact the economy   5:54 The correlation between high inflation and strikes11:29 American Airlines strike12:17 Andi Owen, CEO of MillerKnoll faces backlash for denying bonuses to her team21:50 The importance of alignment and compensation in the workplace29:41 Why companies have had to go through mass layoffs32:53 How to invest in employee satisfaction in leaner times35:49 Pay cuts vs layoffs. Are layoffs a better option than reducing pay?43:13 How do you make a decision when you have several unfavorable options53:18 How do you balance the need for profitability with the need to retain staff59:34 What are some of the metrics of success that companies need to consider Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible!  Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/SecureVision: #1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

In this provocative episode, our host James Mackey and guest panelists (TA executives) are debating the future of jobs, exploring the latest report of the World Economic Forum.They delve into the report's findings, including the prediction that approximately 23% of jobs could be disrupted within the next five years, and the factors behind this disruption with a particular focus on the advancement of AI technology.They also discuss the impact of AI on the economy with a highlight on the potential impact of AI on both blue-collar and white-collar economies.The panel takes an intriguing turn as they start to debate what would need AI to become self-aware. They delve into the fears and dangers associated with the prospect of self-aware AI, stimulating reflections on personal responsibility. The episode ends by delving into the captivating topic of advancing technology to the point of replicating the complexity of human brains.   2:35 What’s going on with the future of jobs? World Economic Forum’s latest report  6:38 What are retraining programs   9:02 The impact of AI on the economy16:07 What would need to happen for AI to become self-aware? Are sci-fi movies preparing the human race for the future to come? 18:21 The need for personal responsibility21:11 How to advance technology to the point of replicating the complexity of human brainsGuest Panel: Andreea Florescu, Bridget Tesler, Julia ArpagWorld Economic Forum/ Future of Jobs Report Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible!  Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/SecureVision: #1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

In segment 2 of our podcast, James and our guest Janine Yancey, CEO at Emtrain, dive into the world of leadership and share some valuable lessons learned along the way.The conversation highlights how different business stages require different people with diverse skill sets. They discuss the importance of aligning the titles with the job requirements and why assigning VP titles to those who aren’t truly qualified can lead to several adverse effects.While providing an impressive title may appear enticing to prospective employees, it can create an environment where individuals are granted responsibilities beyond their capabilities.James also emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize team success and align their roles with the company’s Northstar metrics, even if it means reevaluating titles and responsibilities.2:04 World of leadership and lessons learned along the way4:01 The business needs different things at different times9:59 The importance of aligning titles with the job requirements. Why assigning VP titles to those who aren’t truly qualified can lead to several adverse effects. Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible!  Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/SecureVision: #1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

Join our host James Mackey and his guest, Janine Yancey, Founder & CEO at Emtrain as they delve into the key lessons learned on how to attract the right people and help them to become valuable contributors to the organization. They discuss best practices for creating a supportive and growth-oriented work environment, dive into the professional journey of employees and what is the right balance between public praise and private feedback.Ultimately, they explore the concept of "clarity is kindness" and emphasize the importance of clarity and anchoring employee development to the needs of the business and the team.  2:05 Key lessons learned on how to attract the right people and help them become valuable contributors to the organization   8:13 The social fabric and team dynamics16:55 What is the right balance between public praise and private feedback18:53 The concept of "clarity is kindness" and why is important25:22 Scaling your business Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible!  Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/SecureVision: #1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!