We're Only Human

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Terry Terhark of NXTThing RPO to explore how hiring is evolving faster than ever in 2025 — and why keeping the human element in recruiting still matters more than ever.They discuss how organizations are adapting to unprecedented speed and scale in hiring, how AI and automation are reshaping recruiter roles, and where people still make the biggest impact in the process. Terry shares his unique perspective from decades in the talent space, including the balance between efficiency and empathy, the importance of culture fit, and how technology can empower — not replace — great recruiters.You’ll hear real-world insights on candidate experience, the future of RPO partnerships, and what leaders should prioritize to stay ahead in a tech-driven talent market.Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 04:12 Why Hiring Is Moving Faster Than Ever 09:35 The Human Element: Why It Still Matters 14:58 How AI and Automation Are Changing Recruitment 19:47 Balancing Speed, Scale, and Candidate Experience 24:26 Building Trust and Culture in High-Volume Hiring 28:53 The Future of Recruiting Partnerships (RPO Insights) 33:10 What Leaders Should Focus On in 2025 36:42 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinks for show notes: Connect with NXTThing RPO: https://nxtthingrpo.com/ Connect with Terry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryterhark/See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

n this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks explores one of the biggest questions of our time: what does it really mean to be human in an age of artificial intelligence? As AI tools become faster, smarter, and more deeply integrated into the workplace, many HR leaders and employees are asking the same question — where do people fit in?Ben unpacks why staying human-first is not just a mindset but a strategy for success. The conversation dives into how HR can balance automation with empathy, how learning and curiosity are becoming the most valuable skills, and why emotional intelligence remains a competitive advantage even when technology takes over repetitive work.You’ll hear reflections on fear, hope, and the future of work — plus practical guidance on how to lead with humanity in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms.Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 03:15 Why “Being Human” Still Matters in an AI World 08:02 Balancing Efficiency and Empathy in HR 13:47 Automation, Learning, and the Changing Role of Work 19:11 Hope vs. Fear: How HR Can Lead the AI Conversation 24:36 The Power of Emotional Intelligence in the Machine Age 28:59 Redefining Human Value Beyond Data and Speed 33:42 How to Stay Curious, Relevant, and Human 36:18 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinks for show notes: Check out the AI Livestream Replay: https://streamyard.com/watch/9GTfDMQ8GeTESee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Conrad Riddle, HR technology leader at Aimbridge Hospitality, to explore how frontline hiring and scheduling are being reimagined in today’s fast-moving workplace. They dig into the challenges of recruiting and retaining hourly workers, why scheduling is the heartbeat of retention, and how technology can empower employees while easing the load on managers.You’ll hear practical examples of streamlining the candidate journey—from frictionless mobile applications to instant interview scheduling—plus insights on self-service scheduling tools that give employees more flexibility and control. Conrad also shares how automation is saving thousands of hours for managers, improving compliance, and transforming the onboarding experience.Whether you’re an HR leader, a hiring manager, or simply curious about the future of frontline work, this conversation offers actionable takeaways on speed, simplicity, and employee empowerment.Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 02:01 Inside Aimbridge Hospitality: Scale and Challenges 05:18 Why Scheduling is the Core of Frontline Retention 09:01 Fixing the Candidate Experience: From Application to Interview in Minutes 13:28 Competing with Amazon and Uber: Speed Matters 17:02 Empowering Employees Through Self-Service Scheduling 22:19 Balancing Manager Control and Employee Flexibility 26:44 Automation in Onboarding: Saving 40,000+ Hours 31:12 Compliance Wins and Smarter HR Tech 34:20 Key Takeaways and Final ThoughtsLinks for show notes: Thanks to the team at Fountain for connecting us with Conrad and the team at Aimbridge Hospitality for this conversation! Connect with Conrad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conradriddle/ Connect with Fountain: https://www.fountain.com/See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode, Ben sits down with Nicole Eisdorfer to uncover how curiosity, courage, and creativity can reshape the world of HR. From breaking out of the “HR Matrix” to asking better questions, Nicole shares her journey from traditional reporting into human-centered, impactful work. Together, they explore how technology and data can empower—not replace—HR professionals, and why cultivating curiosity is the most critical skill for the future.You’ll hear stories from Nicole’s experience, insights into making data meaningful, and practical guidance for rethinking how HR operates today. If you’ve ever felt stuck in dashboards, metrics, or endless processes, this episode will inspire you to step back, reimagine, and lead with curiosity.Read Nicole's Substack: https://nicoleeisdorfer.substack.com/ Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neisdorfer/Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 04:12 Nicole’s Background and HR Journey 08:47 Escaping the “HR Matrix” 13:25 Why Curiosity Is the #1 Skill for HR Professionals 17:41 From Reports to Real Impact: Making Data Useful 22:09 Technology’s Role in Supporting (Not Replacing) HR 26:55 Asking Better Questions and Driving Change 30:18 Courage and Creativity in HR Leadership 33:42 Final Takeaways and Closing ThoughtsSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode, the host explores why employee experience (EX) has become a board-level priority and how organizations can move from ideas to impact. Drawing on insights from the research report A Critical Moment: Why Employee Experience Should Be Every Company’s Priority, the conversation covers practical ways to elevate EX without massive budgets, how to measure what matters, and where AI can support (not replace) a human-centered approach. You’ll hear actionable tactics for quick wins, guidance for building leadership buy-in, and a real-world example of EX in practice.Read the research we reference during the episode: https://www.insperity.com/resources/guide/a-critical-moment-why-employee-experience-should-be-every-companys-priority/Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup05:24 Why Employee Experience Should Be a Priority11:57 Research Highlights: Key Findings from the Report15:38 From Insight to Action: Quick Wins for EX19:13 Measuring What Matters: EX Metrics and KPIs24:47 Technology & AI: Enabling Human-Centered EX26:23 Real-World Example / Case Discussion28:46 Building Leadership Buy-In and Strong Partnerships30:40 Wrap-Up and Final TakeawaysSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks talks with Kelly Burlage, Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Lineage. They discuss strategies for improving the recruitment process, creating better impacts for candidates, and the challenges faced by TA leaders today. Kelly shares insights on the role of artificial intelligence in recruitment, the importance of focusing on people, and the value of internal mobility. They also explore practical advice for leaders receiving pressure to adopt AI and the significance of building strong business partnerships within HR. Additionally, Kelly highlights the achievements of her team in transforming their reputation from order takers to valued business partners.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:09 Kelly Burlage's Background and Role at Lineage02:32 The Importance of Talent Acquisition04:15 Challenges Facing TA Leaders: AI and Innovation05:53 AI's Role in Enhancing Human Skills16:30 Internal Mobility and Talent Development23:43 Proud Achievements and Team Success26:22 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in a detailed conversation with Alicia Jones, a senior HR business partner for a global medical company. They delve into the complex role of an HR business partner, discussing essential skills like understanding the business context, influencing, and synthesizing data insights. Alicia shares her career experiences, the importance of integrity and resiliency, and the challenges HR teams face today. The discussion provides valuable advice for current and aspiring HR business partners keen on making a significant impact in their organizations.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:41 Alicia Jones' Background and Experience01:26 Defining HR's Role and Context04:32 Challenges Facing HR Today05:57 The Importance of Organizational Agility07:35 Alicia's Personal Learning Journey13:01 Aligning HR with Business Needs22:47 Key Skills for HR Business Partners28:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks chats with Matt Leitzman, VP of Talent Acquisition at MasterCard, and Craig Drysdale, VP of Talent and Engagement at Leonardo. The discussion delves into the role of AI in hiring, effective candidate screening techniques, and the evolving landscape of talent acquisition. Both guests highlight their organizations' experiences with AI-driven tools for screening, such as automated interview scheduling and video assessments, and emphasize the importance of testing, human connection, and strategic alignment with hiring managers. The episode provides valuable insights for improving candidate experience, recruiter efficiency, and making data-driven hiring decisions.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:26 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds02:39 The Evolution of Candidate Screening07:04 High Volume and Early Career Hiring Challenges10:10 Technology and Screening Tools20:50 Data-Driven Talent Acquisition32:48 AI in Recruitment: Opportunities and Cautions39:23 Final Thoughts and Key TakeawaysConnect with Matt on LinkedInConnect with Craig on LinkedInThanks to Phenom for connecting us for this episodeSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks connects in an insightful discussion with Debra Squyres from Bonusly and Hope Weatherford from Fountain. They delve into strategies to improve workplace performance and the evolving nature of performance management. The conversation covers the significance of real-time feedback, building trust between managers and employees, leveraging recognition platforms, and the importance of addressing the human element in work environments. Both guests share practical tips for managers to enhance employee engagement, foster personal growth, and create meaningful relationships within teams.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:45 Hope Weatherford's Background and Insights01:55 Debra Squyres' Background and Insights04:08 Challenges in Current Performance Management07:08 Solutions and Best Practices for Performance Management12:03 The Importance of Real-Time Feedback and Recognition24:36 Engaging Managers in the Performance Process30:25 Final Thoughts and Top RecommendationsConnect with Hope on LinkedInConnect with Debra on LinkedInCheck out the 2025 State of Recognition report from BonuslySee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Michael Cleavely, founder of CoComply, to discuss the complexities of compliance in contingent workforce management. Michael shares the journey of CoComply, a platform that assists organizations in classifying, managing, and discovering their contingent and non-permanent workforce. The conversation delves into the challenges companies face with worker classification, common compliance risks, and the two-fold benefits of leveraging AI in compliance tools for both risk mitigation and strategic workforce optimization. They also explore the broader implications of having a total workforce view, encompassing all talent acquisition channels. Michael provides practical insights and suggests how firms can better manage compliance and make informed workforce decisions. This episode offers valuable perspectives for HR leaders and procurement professionals looking to enhance compliance and workforce efficiency.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:57 Michael Cleavely's Background and CoComply's Mission02:31 The Importance of Compliance04:02 Common Compliance Challenges15:44 AI in Compliance Management21:18 Strategic Benefits of Compliance24:50 Conclusion and Contact InformationConnect with Michael on LinkedInSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates