Cappuccino with HR

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Alla Pavlova, AI Enabling Trainer and Interim Recruitment at Riot Games, about how AI is transforming the work of recruiters and talent acquisition teams.

They discuss the current state of AI in HR, why it’s important to start with real needs before adopting new tools, and which parts of recruiting should stay human while others can be automated. Alla also shares practical examples of AI tools, reflects on bias in AI-assisted hiring, and explains why closer collaboration between tech and people teams is becoming essential.

AI Tools for Recruiters by Alla Pavlova: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dj0ZVKpznV2iMJAUumoCd_XyyQNqklMYecvTLOVGmJY/edit?gid=712208593#gid=712208593

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Frank Spillers, Design Leader, about how human-centered design can improve both digital products and employee experience.

They discuss what makes an experience truly work, the differences between UI, UX, and service design, and how user expectations have evolved in the digital age. Frank also shares insights on the role of AI in design, the rise of hyper-personalization, and why accessibility, inclusion, and emotional value are essential for meaningful experiences.

The conversation explores what HR teams can learn from product and design practices, including tools like journey mapping and better ways to measure employee experience.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Ali Mahlodji, CEO of futureOne, about empowering the next generation and redefining leadership in times of rapid technological and societal change.

They discuss how our relationship with failure evolves over time, the biggest challenges young people face today, and how leaders can better manage diverse talent by breaking silos and embracing neuroinclusion. Ali shares powerful insights on preparing people for AI, stepping out of a victim mindset, questioning belief systems, and staying grounded in purpose and product value.

The conversation also touches on mental health, fairness, and the responsibility leaders carry in shaping a more resilient and future-ready society.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Manjuri Sinha, VP HR and Global Head of GTM Org Success at Miro, about leading organizations through the age of AI and reimagining work in an increasingly automated world.

They discuss how AI is becoming a new kind of team member, why the biggest barriers are often cultural rather than technical, and what organizations must unlearn to truly integrate AI into their structures. Manjuri shares insights on shifting roles instead of replacing them, fostering curiosity over fear, redefining productivity and success, and the leadership skills that will matter most in the future. 

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Diana Westrich, Vice President Corporate HR Leadership & Development at BASF, about empowering people and leading transformation in a digital world.

They discuss why transformation is never just about technology, but also about culture, mindset, and leadership responsibility. Diana shares insights on fostering curiosity, balancing innovation with safety, embedding AI across organizations, and the evolving role of HR in times of uncertainty.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Johannes Füß, Senior Vice President at EGYM Wellpass, about the evolving role of wellbeing in the modern workplace.

They explore how employee expectations are shifting, why wellbeing has become a strategic business decision, and how companies can design benefit programs that people actually use. The conversation covers flexibility, trust in hybrid work models, bottom-up versus top-down initiatives, the role of technology and AI, and how organizations can create environments that support sustainable performance and long-term employee satisfaction.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Nadine Schomacker, Founder of People Champ, about what neuroinclusion really means in the workplace.

They discuss why neurodiversity is gaining importance, where organizations should start, and how leaders can create psychologically safe environments. The conversation covers practical, easy-to-implement changes, building trust, measuring ROI, and what a truly neuroinclusive workplace could look like in the future.

You can get in touch with Nadine through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-schomacker/

If you're curious to read more about the neuroinclusive bags: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nadine-schomacker_neuroinclusion-bags-activity-7398630560115355648-GZPP/

Nadine also has a specialized newsletter on the topic of neurodiversity where can deep diver further into the topic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-schomacker/recent-activity/newsletter/

Manual of Me: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nadine-schomacker_onboarding-bedingungen-manualofme-ugcPost-7427257003607126016-EDXQ

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Péter Töpler, Global Head of Intelligence Advisory at Randstad Enterprise, about how talent intelligence and workforce planning support better business decisions.

They discuss aligning business and talent strategy, moving beyond dashboards and outdated HR KPIs, and how to pitch talent intelligence to CEOs. The conversation also covers the real role of AI, common automation pitfalls, building intelligence teams, and how talent intelligence helps organizations prepare for future skills.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Relinde Boerman, Lead Recruiter at Polarsteps, about values-based hiring and why aligning people, culture, and skills is essential for building strong, future-proof teams.

They explore what values-based hiring really means in practice, how organizations can define and operationalize their values, and where values fit alongside skills in hiring decisions. Relinde shares practical insights on evaluating values fit, aligning hiring managers and stakeholders, and making better recruitment decisions beyond gut feeling.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer sits with Barbara Greutter, Executive Advisor and Interim CHRO, to discuss how the HR function evolves in fast-growing startups and scale-ups, and why HR must move beyond administration to become a true business partner.

They discuss common HR pitfalls during rapid growth, building culture without losing agility, adapting quickly in new organizations, and the growing importance of data, tech understanding, and modern leadership skills. The conversation also covers hiring for skills and behavior, what HR needs to unlearn, and how to build an HR function from scratch in the first 100 days.