Episodes

First Aired: 4/22/22 Todd Kaplan is the Chief Marketing Officer at Pepsi. In his role, he oversees all brand creative, communications and commercial execution across Pepsi, Diet Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar, while building a long term strategy and new product innovation for the brand overall. He has implemented a unique “culture in, brand out” approach, which has led him to develop big cultural moments, like bringing J. Lo and Shakira to the 2020 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime show, making history as the first two Latina artists to headline the event. More recently, he put together the 2022 halftime show with landmark Hip Hop and R&B acts like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J Blige and 50 Cent. This Episode’s Heavy-hitter’s: Todd started the first student-run ad agency in the country after observing how poor marketing and targeting was in on-campus advertising. Todd’s entry point into Pepsico was approaching Indra Nooyi at a speaking event at his Alma Mater, Yale. He …

Anton Nootenboom, also known as the Barefoot Dutchman, shares his journey from the Dutch army to walking barefoot across the United States to raise awareness for mental health. He discusses his military background and 3 tours of Afganistan in the Dutch Army, the challenges of mental health in the military, and the importance of seeking help. Anton also talks about his decision to walk barefoot and break world records, including reaching Everest Base Camp barefoot. He emphasizes the need for mental health awareness and the support of organizations like Movember. The conversation highlights the power of perseverance and finding purpose in helping others. For mental health resources, visit Movember.com If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24/7 free and confidential help. To learn more about Anton’s barefoot journey across the U.S. and donate to the cause, visit BraveMenTalk.com #thePOZcast is brought to yo…

Angelic Vendette, CEO and founder of Ave Advisory and former Global Head of Marketing at Alo Yoga, shares her journey and insights into marketing and innovation. She discusses her early entrepreneurial spirit and the lessons she learned from working in the service industry. Angelic also talks about her decision to pursue business school instead of acting and the valuable skills she gained from her first job at Deloitte. She shares her leadership style and the importance of assessing character and soft skills in interviews. Finally, Angelic expresses her excitement for the future of innovation in retail and the potential for personalized experiences. In this conversation, Angelic Vendette discusses the importance of creating immersive branded experiences and the impact of AI on marketing. They also explore the success of Pepsi's Super Bowl activation and the factors contributing to Alo Yoga's success. The conversation touches on building a community, transitioning from employment to …

In this episode, Lan Phan, author and CEO of Community of Seven, shares her inspiring journey from being a Vietnamese refugee to becoming a successful entrepreneur and leader. Lan discusses the influence of her parents' refugee experience on her upbringing and education. She also talks about working in her family's nail and hair salon and the power of community in both gangs and professional settings. Lan shares her transition from teaching to marketing and how she founded Community of Seven. She highlights her challenges and the importance of overcoming self-doubt and self-limiting beliefs. In this conversation, Lan Phan shares her journey of overcoming insecurity and self-doubt to find her purpose and live a meaningful life. She emphasizes the power of mindset and taking ownership of one's life. Lan discusses the four phases of change and how they can lead to personal transformation. She also highlights the importance of asking for help and building a supportive community. Lan p…

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/Jd5Vc_ASVKg Leah McSweeney discusses her journey from reality TV on The Real Housewives of NY to entrepreneurship, as well as her conversion to Judaism. She shares her experiences and challenges in the entertainment industry and the impact of current events on her personal and professional life. Leah also delves into the origin story of her clothing brand, Married to the Mob, and the inspiration behind it. Leah McSweeney, founder of Married to the Mob, shares her journey of starting a successful streetwear brand and the challenges she faced along the way. She discusses the importance of learning on the fly and the power of obsessive thinking in entrepreneurship. Leah also opens up about her sobriety and the accountability she has found in her life. She talks about her involvement with Club Pillar, a dating app for people who don't drink, and her experience on OnlyFans. Leah emphasizes the importance of doing the right thing and finding purpose in life. …

Join us for a riveting conversation with Joe Schaeppi, the innovative mind behind Solsten, as we navigate the intersection of artificial intelligence, human psychology, and the transformative power of digital tools. In an era where the line between compelling content and addictive design is increasingly blurred, we dissect the responsibilities and potential of social media. With Joe's expertise in video game development for mental health and cognitive assessments, we weave through personal anecdotes, reflecting on the influence of our parents' diverse career paths and the fusion of user experience design with clinical psychology. As you tune into our latest episode, prepare to engage with thought-provoking insights on the ethical tightrope walked by today's digital creators. We tackle the challenges of designing products that not only captivate but also promote well-being, scrutinizing the implications of gamification and the potent allure of social media metrics. This exchange with …

The Collab You Never Know You Needed: Chad & Cheese x #thePOZcast @ TransformHR 2024 LIVE from Transform HR Las Vegas 2024!  Full Video! https://youtu.be/AticJ3mcg5E This is the podcast collab that you never knew you needed until now! I had the honor at Transform HR Las Vegas 2024 to walk the expo floor while interviewing the legendary Chad & Cheese! Yes, Joel Cheesman and Chad Sowash blessed me with their time on #thePOZcast! We uncover the unspoken realities of HR Tech and the podcasting world as we share our firsthand experiences and unvarnished insights from the industry's core. Get ready to laugh, nod in agreement, and maybe even shake your head as we chart a course through the dynamic landscape of high-energy industry events like Transform, where stamina meets strategy.  Our gratitude runs deep for those who've laid the groundwork for voices like ours, enabling us to weave lasting connections within this vibrant community. We also pull back the curtain on AI in HR, breaking do…

LIVE from Transform HR Las Vegas 2024! Full Video:  Step into the mind of Jeremy Schiff, the AI maestro behind RecruitBot, whose entrepreneurial odyssey is as instructive as it is inspiring. Jeremy's story is not your run-of-the-mill tech tale; it's a chronicle of innovation, from the successful exit with OpenTable to revolutionizing the recruitment industry. As we converse, Jeremy unfolds the significance of targeting the right problems and how a founder's adaptability can lead to groundbreaking pivots in their business model. His approach to maintaining work-life harmony offers an authentic perspective on the deep commitment required to thrive in the startup world. This episode takes you behind the curtain of AI's role in transforming the recruiting landscape, where Jeremy champions a problem-solving approach over a checkbox mentality. We dissect common fallacies and discuss how AI refines talent acquisition, especially in the realms of candidate sourcing and outreach. Amidst ap…

LIVE from Transform HR Las Vegas 2024! Video: https://youtu.be/iBfV-Bq3spE Dive headfirst into the entrepreneurial trenches with Felix Mitchell, the trailblazing CEO and Founder of Instant Impact, as he opens up about the relentless hustle of building a recruitment empire straight out of college. London's very own game-changer, Felix, joins us to recount the journey of shattering the multi-million-dollar revenue ceiling and revolutionizing talent acquisition with his unique flair. His candid discussions on the industry's low barriers to entry and the unwavering audacity needed to scale a venture offer invaluable lessons for those daring to disrupt the status quo. As we navigate the ever-evolving recruitment terrain across finance, professional services, and the life sciences, we trade insights on the cultural idiosyncrasies of recruiters in the UK versus the US, uncovering the intricate dance between forming lasting relationships and leveraging analytical prowess in strategic busin…

LIVE from Transform HR 2024 Las Vegas: The Evolution of Hiring Efficiency through AI with Siadhal Magos CEO @ Metaview Video: https://youtu.be/o3yebmTsv5c Listen in as we sit down with Siadhal Magos, Co-Founder and CEO of Metaview, where we explore the groundbreaking AI note-taker revolutionizing the recruitment process. Metaview is carving out a niche for itself by enabling recruiters and hiring managers to focus on what truly matters: building meaningful connections with candidates. Siadhal unpacks how their technology not only enhances the efficiency of interviews but also the quality of communication between all parties involved. By eliminating the age-old 'telephone game' from recruitment, Metaview ensures that the essential elements of a candidate's interview are accurately captured and conveyed. During our engaging conversation, Siadhal also touched on the unique selling points that set Metaview apart in a market with other competitors. We discuss the painstaking effort that…

LIVE from Transform HR 2024 Las Vegas! Video: https://youtu.be/8MBrcEwYY8Q Unlock the secrets of transforming your employees into powerhouse recruiters as I sit down with Mike Stafiej, CEO @ ERIN, the employee referral platform taking the corporate world by storm. Raise your glasses and join our lively discussion at the Wynn, where we exchange tales of last evening's hilarity and then pivot to the serious business of revolutionizing the referral game. This episode is packed with insights into how ERIN is amplifying employee engagement, driving the quality of hires, and meeting the intricate demands of enterprise-level recruitment. Discover the competitive edge that sets ERIN apart and how they navigate the recruitment funnel and community-centric hiring, all while keeping a keen eye on the prize. Brace yourself for a candid look into the entrepreneurial journey, where we dissect the latest venture capital trends and the grit it takes to thrive in the startup ecosystem. Mike and I s…

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/zi3cn7ahdIw Gail Fierstein, the trailblazing Chief People Officer at CaaStle, joins us to shed light on how their innovative fashion rental service reshapes the retail industry. Imagine being able to wear and experience high-end fashion without the commitment of purchase - CaaStle makes this a reality while tackling the economic and environmental concerns of e-commerce returns. Gail discusses the thrilling new directions for careers in this data-centric market, as well as the complexities of nurturing a vibrant company culture when your team spans the globe, all within the context of our ever-evolving post-pandemic work life. In our dynamic conversation, we tap into the heart of what keeps a company's spirit alive, even when boardrooms and watercoolers are virtual. I share candid snapshots from leading my dispersed team, emphasizing the importance of embodying the values we cherish to encourage connection and collaboration. We move on to the art of attracting…

Full Video: https://youtu.be/GRH6ouCfpzg Have you ever wondered how the art of headhunting has evolved with the rise of digital culture? Kyle Samuels, the brain behind Creative Talent Endeavors, joins us in unraveling the recruitment revolution. From his bold leap leaving corporate recruitment to pioneering his executive search firm, Kyle's narrative is a treasure trove of resilience and innovation. We dissect how the industry has pivoted from simply spotting talent to actively engaging it and why maintaining robust relationships has never been more vital. Kyle also challenges the conventional recruitment model, championing the merits of a retained search strategy and sharing savvy techniques for rekindling connections with former clients to stay ahead in the relentless talent acquisition battleground. Navigating through the entrepreneurial maze can be as thrilling as it is daunting. Our conversation dives into the inception of Farranty, Kyle's groundbreaking concept featuring a gut…

Unlock the secrets of transforming your company's hiring approach with Benjamin Encz, CEO & Co-Founder at Ashby, who's redefining the recruitment game through data analytics. We're bringing our series to a close with a powerful discussion on Ashby's innovative strategies, where Benjamin's journey from software engineer to hiring guru illustrates the power of data in tackling common hiring challenges. He takes us behind the scenes, revealing the lightbulb moment that ignited his mission to optimize the talent acquisition process. It's not just about the algorithms; it's the human-centric approach to understanding the needs of teams and the transformative belief in creating a business that resonates with real-world struggles. Prepare to elevate your talent metrics literacy as we delve into the crucial statistics that can make or break your organizational growth. We're talking about more than just filling positions; it's about investing in each team member with intention and precision…

LIVE from Transform HR 2024 Las Vegas: Transforming Adversity into Innovation: The Ethical AI Revolution in HR with Mike Pauletich Full Video: https://youtu.be/mmzq2_erOl0 Prepare to be captivated by Mike Pauletich's extraordinary pivot from the world of mergers and acquisitions to the frontiers of HR innovation. Our conversation unveils how Mike, alongside his wife, built and sold a groundbreaking recruitment marketing agency before facing his next battle: Parkinson's disease. With resilience as our guide, we delve into Mike's unwavering commitment to transforming HR tech through This Way Global's AI-powered tools, meticulously crafted to root out bias and spotlight skills and location in the recruitment process. As Mike shares his personal encounters with bias and the rigorous journey to perfecting an ethical AI application, you'll gain a profound understanding of the challenges and triumphs in setting new ethical benchmarks in the ever-evolving landscape of human resources techno…

Full Video: https://youtu.be/JfARswyez44 Live from Transform HR Las Vegas 2024! Unlock the secrets of the hidden job market with Summer Delaney, a former journalist turned tech visionary who founded CollabWork, guiding you through a world where your next career move could be lurking just around a digital corner. Our engaging chat with Summer reveals how her innovative platform harnesses the power of community networks to unearth opportunities that often go unnoticed. We traverse the challenges and successes of startup life, including the pivotal shifts CollabWork made to stay ahead of the curve and their lauded use of AI, earning them accolades at HR Tech's pitch fest. Feel the pulse of professional growth as we introduce you to CollabWorks' Community Connect, a beacon for job seekers navigating the often overlooked nooks of niche newsletters and slack communities. Summer's wisdom sheds light on how strategic networking can be a game-changer for your career trajectory. By the end of…

Recorded LIVE @ Transform HR 2024 Las Vegas! Video: https://youtu.be/jaKMYDLwvAc Embark on a captivating expedition with Adriaan Kolff, CEO of Matchr, as he charts the course from his early days at Unilever to the entrepreneurial summit, where his venture in senior-level recruitment reshapes the industry. Our thought-provoking conversation sheds light on the uphill battles faced by start-ups, the persistent myths surrounding the role of a recruiter, and the grit required to transition from the corporate grind to the freedom and challenges of starting your own business. Adriaan's narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of an idea rather than waiting for perfection to strike. Further stirring the pot, we delve into the life-altering ethos of unconditional giving, illustrated by the extraordinary culture of Burning Man—an event that not only sparked a romance but ignited a new worldview. The stories we share reveal the magnetism of selflessness…

Full Video Interview: https://youtu.be/Ojvn4sHT-VI Dive deep into the evolving world of HR with John Baldino, the mastermind CEO of Humareso, as we unpack the complexities of HR consulting. Our rich discussion spans John's journey from retail personnel roots to leading a pioneering consulting firm, tackling the pressing issues organizations face in HR today. We dissect the essence of adaptable and visionary leadership, probe into the reshaping of workplace hierarchy due to remote work, and share unique anecdotes that bring to life the critical role of HR in navigating the rapid currents of our contemporary work environment. Expressing gratitude for the serendipitous conference connection with John amid a flurry of events, this episode also highlights the power of feedback in refining our engagements. As John directs listeners to Humareso and his LinkedIn for continued dialogue, I reflect on the myriad of insights gleaned and the anticipation of seizing more knowledge from the remain…

Full Video: https://youtu.be/qdJ09DB5cgg Unlock the secrets of organizational health as we chat with Kristen Boyle, VP of Marketing at HireRoad, about the groundbreaking People Insight product. Discover how intricately intertwined HR data from recruitment to development can reveal the pulse of your company, pinpointing factors that lead to employee turnover and strategies to boost engagement. Kristen doesn't just offer us a glimpse into the diagnostic power of people analytics; she provides actionable insights on how to identify top performers and influence career trajectories for the better. This episode isn’t just about data analysis; it's a roadmap to marketing mastery and hiring excellence. Learn how to tackle the challenge of making your brand indispensable and how complacency in your approach can be your downfall. We also highlight key traits to look for in new hires, such as initiative and problem-solving skills, to ensure your team is built to last. Plus, we'll share excitin…

Welcome to the first of 14 episodes recorded LIVE at Transform HR 2024 in Las Vegas this March! I am proud to share the first episode with Donald Knight, the Chief People Officer at Greenhouse. Enjoy!  Full YouTube interview: https://youtu.be/1j850x-mcOs Discover the profound impact of parental leave on families and teams as we share heartfelt stories and expert insights with Donald Knight, the Chief People Officer at Greenhouse. Our conversation navigates the personal and professional journeys of taking time off for new family members, heralding a powerful message about the value of work-life balance. Donald brings to the table his personal experiences with family expansion and the unexpected tax advantages that came with it, underscored by the crucial influence of male participation in parental leave. Find out how stepping away from the office can lead to unexpected growth within your team, and hear firsthand accounts of innovation from his time at South by Southwest. Ready for a…

My guest on E316 of #thePOZcast is Kelly Ann Winget! Kelly is an accomplished alternative investments expert and the founder of Alternative Wealth Partners (AWP), the first private equity firm founded and led by a millennial, openly LGBTQ+ woman. Kelly Ann has raised close to $1 billion in capital for startups, energy companies, manufacturing ventures, real estate, and other key emerging markets, including initiatives in Opportunity Zone Funds (OZF), aligning social impact investing through creative tax strategies. She is also the author of Pitch the Bitch: Grab Your Financial Future by the Bags and a sought-after keynote speaker and panelist. When not working, Kelly Ann enjoys traveling with her partner, spending time with family, and cuddling with her two big dogs. This is a solid show packed with tons of gold. Enjoy! For more on Kelly, please visit: https://www.kellyannwinget.com/ #thePOZcast is brought to you by our friends at Interseller – the prospecting + outreach platform …

My guest on episode 315 of 3thePOZcast is Lyndsay Dowd, a seasoned business coach with a remarkable 25-year career in sales and leadership at IBM, who has garnered recognition as a Top 10 Coach by Apple News. Her passion for reshaping leadership and fostering positive cultures has earned her the 2023 Award for Innovation and Excellence, where she was named Business Coach of the Year. Lyndsay's legacy as an industry leader is underscored by her book, "Top Down Culture: Revolutionizing Leadership to Drive Results," solidifying her as a thought leader in leadership development and corporate culture transformation. Summary: Lindsay Dowd, a seasoned business coach with a 25-year career at IBM, discusses the importance of networking, the decline of family culture in companies, and her journey as an entrepreneur. She emphasizes the need for leaders to lead with heart and create a positive culture that values and supports employees. Lindsay also highlights the challenges of being an entrepr…

My guest on episode 314 of #thePOZcast is Mark Chaffey. He is the CEO of tech hiring platform Hackajob, a business he co-founded in 2014 aged 20, while studying at uni. Since then, Hackajob has raised $35m investment to back the platform's growth, grown to a team of 120 people and is the largest tech hiring platform in the UK and the US. In this episode, Mark Chaffee, CEO of Hackajob, shares his journey of starting and growing the largest tech hiring platform. He emphasizes the importance of co-founders and the value they bring to a startup. Mark discusses the concept of skills-based matching in the tech industry and how it can improve the hiring process. He also addresses the need for diversity in the tech industry and how AI can be used to improve diversity in hiring. Mark shares his insights on the future of resumes and career narratives, as well as the challenges and uncertainties in the job market. He breaks down his journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges he faced alon…

First Aired 8/20/21 Laura Gassner Otting is a professional motivational keynote speaker and Washington Post best selling author. Laura’s 25-year resume is defined by her entrepreneurial edge. She served as a Presidential Appointee in Bill Clinton’s White House, helping shape AmeriCorps; left a leadership role at respected nonprofit search firm, Isaacson, Miller, to expand the startup ExecSearches.com. She founded and ran the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group, which partnered with the full gamut of mission-driven nonprofit executives, from start-up dreamers to scaling social entrepreneurs to global philanthropists. She is the author of Mission-Driven, a book for those moving from profit to purpose. This Episode’s Heavy-Hitters: - Laura became a member of Bill Clinton’s campaign after she realized law school wasn’t for her. - She dropped out, and then “did what everyone does when they’re in a bad position in life” and “dated a guy that was awful.” Thankfully, this awful guy int…