What if HR wasn’t just about policies—but about building better companies from the inside out? In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada speaks with Kristina Karcic, a veteran HR business advisor with over 20 years of experience guiding high-growth startups and global enterprises. Kristina shares how her early career in the .com era shaped her people-first philosophy, and why she believes the key to sustainable success lies in intentional strategy, inclusive culture, and visionary leadership.

Together, they explore how to go beyond reactive HR and start designing workplaces that scale thoughtfully and humanely. From spotting early red flags in company culture to designing reward systems that actually drive performance, Kristina offers a blueprint for founders and people leaders looking to build with purpose. This episode is a masterclass in HR as a business accelerator—not a cost center.

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What really goes into verifying employment eligibility—and why should HR leaders care more than ever? In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada sits down with John Mazzeo, Senior Director of I-9 Success at Vertical Screen, to explore the often-overlooked world of I-9 compliance and onboarding. With years of experience in employment law and identity verification, John explains how technology and regulation are reshaping the way companies bring on new hires—and what HR teams need to know to stay ahead of legal pitfalls.

From simplifying electronic I-9 processes to navigating ever-changing federal guidelines, John breaks down how his team is setting a new standard in compliant onboarding. He also shares practical tips for making onboarding more efficient and secure, without sacrificing the candidate experience. Whether you're an HR professional, hiring manager, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes before day one, this episode is packed with insights that make a technical topic unexpectedly compelling.

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What if job seekers could experience a role before they apply? In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada sits down with Brian Glover, co-founder of Previewed, a platform reshaping how students, educators, and employers connect. Brian shares how his mission to make job hunting more transparent evolved from an idea inspired by TikTok into a robust career development tool powered by video and AI. Their conversation dives into the importance of authentic career previews, empowering the next generation of workers, and closing the gap between education and employment.

As they unpack trends in workforce development, Brian offers insights into how AI and storytelling can unlock new opportunities, especially for students entering an unpredictable job market. Whether you're an educator, a recruiter, or a job seeker navigating the early stages of your career, this episode offers fresh perspectives on building purpose-driven pathways into the future of work.

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As the buzz around AI continues to dominate headlines, what does meaningful innovation actually look like in the HR space? In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada sits down with Lydia Wu, a seasoned leader in human capital management and analytics, to unpack how the AI conversation is shifting from hype to hands-on implementation. With over a decade of experience driving digital transformation in HR, Lydia offers a grounded perspective on why adopting AI today isn’t as simple as flipping a switch—and how this tech shift differs from anything we've seen before.

Together, they explore the ethical gray areas of AI in hiring, the critical importance of change management, and why the human element—empathy, strategy, and trust—can’t be replaced by machines. Whether you're an HR professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, or a job seeker navigating a tech-driven market, Lydia’s advice will challenge how you think about business acumen, employer-employee dynamics, and the smart use of AI tools in your job search. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about where the future of work is really heading.

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In this episode of "From the Desk with Jada Montemarano," Jada speaks with Eric M. Bailey, President of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group and author of "The Cure for Stupidity." Eric shares how he "forced gummed" his way into HR, starting his journey as a Director of Organizational Development after a career in marketing and graphic design. They delve into the core principles of his work, focusing on the science of communication, understanding irrational behavior, and overcoming judgment in the workplace to build stronger, more connected organizations. Eric emphasizes the importance of clear expectations, self-awareness of judgment, and fostering genuine connection to combat workplace loneliness and improve overall employee experience.

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In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada speaks with Demario Bell, award-winning community builder and founder of Gatherful, about the power of community in HR and business. Demario defines what a community manager does and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in building strong communities with people, not just for them. The conversation explores strategies for creating both internal and external communities, the role of mentorship in employee experience, and actionable advice for job seekers looking to find the right community fit in their next role.

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In this episode of "From the Desk with Jada Montemarano," Joey Price, CEO of Jumpstart HR, joins the podcast to discuss the unique HR challenges faced by startups and small businesses. Joey shares his expertise in HR outsourcing and consulting, highlighting the importance of strategic HR support, employee engagement, and navigating compliance for organizations of all sizes. He emphasizes the need for HR to be adaptable in today's evolving work landscape, especially with remote work and rapidly advancing technology, and offers actionable advice for both HR professionals and job seekers to thrive in the modern workplace.

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 In this episode of "From the Desk," Jada Montemarano welcomes Eric Knauf, founder of Belong HQ, to explore the critical concept of belonging in today's human resources landscape. Eric explains how belonging is more than just an HR buzzword; it's the "secret sauce" for organizational resilience and a fundamental element for attracting and retaining top talent. They delve into the five pillars of belonging – psychological safety, inclusion, support, connection, and purpose – and discuss how companies and job seekers alike can leverage these principles for success. Discover practical strategies for fostering a culture of belonging, how it relates to DEI initiatives, and why prioritizing human connection is essential in the age of AI and rapid workplace change.

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Join Jada Montemarano in this insightful episode as she speaks with Keirsten Greggs, founder of Trap Recruiters and a top recruitment influencer. Keirsten shares her journey in the recruitment world, starting from the early days of online job boards and navigating through the dot-com boom to the current AI revolution. They delve into the dramatic shifts in technology and how it has impacted both recruiters and job seekers, discussing the balance between leveraging new tools and maintaining authentic human connections. Keirsten offers valuable perspectives on the evolving role of recruiters, addressing unconscious bias in the hiring process, and provides crucial advice for job seekers, especially those from underrepresented groups, on how to navigate today's complex job market and find organizations that truly value inclusivity.

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Join Jada Montemarano as she welcomes Edan Haddock, an award-winning HR leader from Australia, to the show! Edan shares his fascinating career journey, from owning a flower shop to becoming Head of Talent for November, a global charity focused on men's health. Discover the unique challenges and rewards of recruiting for a purpose-driven organization versus the corporate world, and learn why Edan values personal connection and storytelling above all else in candidates. Plus, Edan dives into his passion project, Rubber Band, a vital online community for recruitment professionals, and offers a surprising tip for job seekers in today's AI-driven market: the cover letter is back! Get ready for an inspiring conversation that blends career insights with a touch of Australian charm.

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