In this episode of Art of Search: Hiring in the Age of AI, we sit down with Ha Nguyen—Fractional COO, community builder and Founder & Managing Partner of NextStep Advisory & Consulting. Ha Nguyen joins us to explore how, even in an AI-saturated world, success still hinges on showing up for people. She discusses her philosophy of being a “go-giver,” the value of building communities to help bring people together, and what it takes to be memorable in your network. While AI may help surface candidates through keywords and automation, Ha makes the case that real opportunities come from relationships and that anyone can start building theirs with intentional habits around networking. 

Ready to transform your network into your greatest career asset? Tune in now—listen on your favorite podcast platform. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Erynn Petersen, tech leader and CEO of Emme, for a grounded and insightful look at what it takes to thrive in today’s AI-driven hiring landscape. Erynn shares the credentials and qualities she values most in candidates right now, highlighting natural curiosity, a deep connection to customers and their needs, and a practical understanding of AI concepts. Above all, she emphasizes the importance of pacing yourself, the ability to stay strong while everything around us accelerates. 

Erynn shifts to the job seeker’s perspective and her top advice for executives? Build something, both to demonstrate your capabilities and to stay close to how the world is evolving. Throughout the episode, she shares compelling success stories and lessons from her own career. 

Take a listen to learn how to stand out, stay grounded, and succeed in the age of AI. 

We kick off our new season of Art of Search with a new focus on Hiring in the Age of AI. This season explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we hire, build teams, and grow talent. Starting with Nisha Paliwal, who is an entrepreneur, former CTO and seasoned technology leader for top financial institutions for the past 20 years, we dive into how AI is powering smarter hiring, helping shape a mentorship program, and enabling a global approach to talent discovery. A natural connector, Nisha shares how she’s now using AI to amplify her mission of matching people, mentors, mentees, and talent, with purpose. Her message? In the era of AI, the best skill you can have is the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Get ready to rethink everything you know about hiring. 

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of AI and the future of hiring. 

Titles are different from company to company so when you're handed a job that doesn't exist anywhere else, where do you start? In this episode, Somer asks Zen how she approaches these unique hiring challenges. Zen shares how it all begins with asking the right questions, clarifying the business need, and uncovering what the role really is. Tune in to learn how to approach roles that are unique to a company’s journey. 

In this episode of Art of Search – Hiring Manager Series, Somer and Zen share how to create a more effective interview experience. They break down what it takes to strike the right balance between vetting candidates and selling the role while clearly communicating its vision. Tune in to learn the key tactics great hiring managers use to drive better outcomes. 

In this episode of Art of Search: Hiring Manager Series, Somer and Zen unpack the role of metrics in executive search, highlighting both the pros and cons. They explain how each stage, from outreach to offer, tells a story, but it's thoughtful interview feedback that often unlocks the most successful and productive searches. Check out the full episode to learn more! 

In this episode of Art of Search: Hiring Manager Series, Somer and Zen dive into the art of delivering the full picture to candidates including the not-so-glamorous details. They break down why honesty from the start builds long-term trust and prevents painful surprises later. Learn how to lead with the positives, follow up with the real talk, and why phone conversations beat email when it comes to reading a candidate's gut reaction. 

If you’ve ever hesitated to share the full story with a candidate, this episode will change how you approach those critical conversations. Tune in to learn how transparency isn’t just the right thing—it’s your competitive edge.

Hit play on your favorite podcast platform and walk away with tips you can use on your next call. Honest hiring starts here.

Chris Cox, Chief Technology & Digital Officer at Keller Williams Realty, joins the show to talk about uncovering hidden talent during times of transformation, building cultures where people can step out of their lanes and shine, and why confident humility is key to servant leadership. He also shares hard-earned lessons on hiring including why resumes only tell half the story and why real insight takes time, trust, and curiosity. 

Chris offers sharp, actionable insights on spotting potential, leading with humility, and making hiring decisions that truly stick. A powerful listen for anyone invested in building teams that thrive. 

Listen & subscribe to Art of Search: Hiring Manager Series for more candid conversations with today’s top hiring leaders because great hires don’t happen by accident. 

In this episode of Art of Search: Hiring Manager Series, Somer and Zen discuss one of the most pivotal moments in the hiring process: the offer stage. What happens when your top candidate is also fielding multiple offers? How can you confidently know they’ll choose yours? This conversation explores the art of building deep trust with candidates so they feel safe sharing the full picture. 

Somer and Zen break it down into three core principles: learn, discover, and listen. They highlight the importance of truly understanding what the candidate wants and not just placing them in a role, but the right one. 

Tune in to learn how being a recruiter who genuinely has the candidate's back can make all the difference. 

In this episode of Art of Search: Hiring Manager Series, we’re joined by Akanksha Manik Talya, Chief Product Officer and transformation leader. She shares her approach to hiring during times of change, focusing on potential, adaptability, and alignment. From startups to large enterprises, Akanksha offers real-world strategies on building balanced teams and taking smart bets on people, just as others once did for her. If you’re rethinking how to build teams that thrive through change, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform.