Cappuccino with HR

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Vanessa Raath, Global Talent Sourcing Trainer and Freelance Sourcer at The Talent Hunter, about what’s next for talent acquisition. 

From building communities over databases to redefining DEI metrics, Vanessa shares sharp insights and practical advice for HR teams navigating the future.

Here is the list of AI tools, Vanessa tested: https://start.me/p/l6bkk7/vanessa-raath-s-tried-tested-ai-tools

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Emily Firth, Co-Founder of TheTruthWorks, to explore the rising trend of high-agency cultures and what they mean for the future of work.

From shifting mindsets to redefining leadership, Emily breaks down the key elements of high-agency environments and shares practical insights on how HR can foster more autonomy, accountability, and innovation in the workplace. They discuss why bravery matters, how to build behavior frameworks, and what companies can do to attract talent that thrives in high-agency settings.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer, sits down with Daisy Ilaria, Founder and Podcast Host of Realistic Happiness, to explore the often-overlooked role of employee happiness in driving growth, leadership effectiveness, and company culture. From the impact of autonomy and trust to the power of the IKEA effect in boosting engagement, they uncover the key elements that make workplaces thrive.

Read more about the IKEA effect: https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication%20Files/11-091.pdf

What sets great leaders apart, and why is continuous growth essential for leadership success? In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Adriaan Kolff, Co-Founder and CEO of Matchr, to explore the key lessons learned through entrepreneurship, why action beats everything, and how leaders can cultivate resilience in the face of failure.

The conversation also covers the differences in failure culture between the U.S. and Europe, the shifting motivations of today’s leaders, and practical leadership advice for young entrepreneurs. 

How can companies create a strong employer brand, and what role does employee advocacy play? 

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Alex Her, Global Employer Brand Storyteller and Co-Founder of EB Space, about what makes employer branding authentic, how to align it with employee experience, and the best ways to turn employees into brand ambassadors. 

Is the recruitment process fundamentally flawed? And how can AI shape the future of hiring? 

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Jan Tegze, Director of Talent Acquisition, to explore the evolving landscape of recruiting in 2025. They discuss the missing elements in traditional hiring, the role of AI in streamlining processes, and whether technology can truly replace human recruiters. Jan also shares insights on building meaningful candidate relationships in an AI-driven world, selecting the right tools, and practical tips for integrating AI into your hiring strategy. Plus, a sneak peek into his upcoming book!

How do you build an authentic personal brand? And why does it matter for both individuals and companies?

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer and Anna Bertoldini, Branding Marketing at NielsenIQ, explore the connection between personal and employer branding, the impact of company culture, and how employees can use social media and advocacy programs to enhance their professional presence. 

They also discuss choosing the right channels, learning from role models, gathering feedback, and share a real-life example of personal branding in action.

Balazs Paroczay, Founder and CEO of The Source Code Agency, exposes the real issue with recruitment tech: Are you following trends blindly or solving real hiring challenges? In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi and Balazs dive into the gaps in sourcing and recruiting tech, why businesses adopt solutions without truly understanding their needs, and how to choose, implement, and maintain the right tech stack for long-term success.

Jessie Schofer, Founder of Stakkd, is challenging the status quo: HR is dead, and HR tech shouldn’t be complicated. In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer and Jessie, discuss the role of HR and how technology can simplify and enhance people operations. They explore the critical shift from a purchasing to a marketing mindset, the importance of building a strong foundation for people strategies, and how AI is transforming HR by automating repetitive tasks.

Together, they tackle key questions like: Is it an HR problem or a company problem? How can organizations identify gaps in their operating models and turn them into opportunities? And what does it take to find the right HR tech to truly improve the candidate experience?

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer is joined by Tatjana Obenaus, Senior Employer Branding Consultant (Ex-Booking.com, Ex-Miro, Ex-Nike), to discuss how authentic storytelling shapes employer branding. From crafting tailored narratives for diverse audiences to exploring AI's role in storytelling, they tackle the challenges of creating messages that resonate without becoming generic. The discussion also highlights the importance of transparency during crises and the impact of internal storytelling on talent retention and engagement.