In this eye-opening episode of Hireside Chats, we tackle a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of workplace diversity: neurodiversity. While diversity of thought is gaining traction, neurodiversity—encompassing conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia—is still not a priority for many organizations. With unemployment rates for neurodivergent individuals as high as 30-40%, much higher than those without disabilities, it's clear that more attention is needed.

Join us as we speak with Dr. Sharanya Anil, Founder-Director of DIRECT and a leading cognitive and neurodiversity-affirming specialist. Dr. Anil shares her insights on the reality of neurodiversity in Indian organizations and the critical steps companies can take to foster a more inclusive, supportive work environment.

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(00:58) Part 1: Introduction to guest and the platform

(02:46) : To start, could you tell us a bit about your background and the work you do? We'd love to hear about your journey and how your expertise supports organizations in creating more inclusive workplaces.

(04:40) Many people have misconceptions about what neurodiversity is and what it entails in a workplace setting. So, what exactly is 'neurodiversity,' and why is it essential for companies to embrace it in the workplace? 

(06:06) Part 2: Breaking the Stigma – Neurodiversity in Indian Workplaces

(06:38) : What are some of the biggest misconceptions you encounter regarding neurodiversity, in professional environments? How do you see stigma manifesting specifically in the Indian corporate environment, and what impact does it have on neurodivergent employees?

(8:46) : From your experience, what would you say is one of the most effective ways to begin reducing stigma at an organizational level?

(11:26) You've worked with a lot of organizations that have successfully advocated, accommodated neurodivergent individuals and organizations. So it'll be great if you can  help us give some examples, some anecdotal inputs. How can we do that?

(11:09) Part 3: Accommodations that Work – Practical Solutions for Neuroinclusive Workplaces
(11:26) You've worked with a lot of organizations that have successfully advocated, accommodated neurodivergent individuals and organizations. So it'll be great if you can  help us give some examples, some anecdotal inputs. How can we do that?

(15:06) Now, in your experience are these initiatives that require a lot of budget or, you know, it's more the intent that counts.

And if, if we have the intent, do they, do these programs really require very large investments? 

(16:42) Part 4: Where and How Organizations Can Begin Their Neuroinclusion Journey

(17:04) : What do you think are some of our Indian ethos, the Indian cultural advantages of supporting neurodivergent behavior, if at all there exists one? 

(19:41) Do you think the current generation, the millennials, the Gen Zs being a lot more open in advocating neurodiversity in accommodating neurodiversity than let's say.  Gen X or the previous generation,  especially when it comes to the professional context?

(21:56) What would be your top two or three pieces of advice to some of our listeners who could be neurodivergent who are listening to this conversation right now?

(24:11) Part 5: Rapid Fire Round 

(24:33) : One book or resource you’d recommend for leaders on neurodiversity?

(25:00) : A skill that neurodivergent individuals bring to workplaces that often gets overlooked?

(25:11) : What’s one neurodiversity-friendly workplace practice everyone should try?

(25:48) : One piece of advice you’d give to a company starting its neuroinclusion journey?

(26:25) : So last one, a little more personal doctor, what would be one of the most fulfilling moments in your career? 

(27:04) Part 6: Closing Thoughts 

In this episode of Hireside Chats, we dive into one of the most pressing topics in today’s workplaces: balancing work and wellness. As discussions around mental health gain momentum, it's become clear that supporting employee well-being is essential for thriving in a high-pressure environment. Our guest speaker is Vamshi Vasudevan, founder of Anyo, a mobile app focused on mental health and emotional wellness. Vamshi’s personal journey of self-discovery has transformed her into a passionate advocate for mental wellness, guiding her mission to reshape how organizations approach employee well-being.

Join us as we explore the rise in workplace stress, the need for organizations to foster supportive environments, and practical strategies for avoiding burnout traps. Get ready for an insightful conversation on cultivating trust, openness, and flexibility within teams, and the importance of integrating emotional wellness into the workplace ethos. 

Guest Bio

Vamshi Vasudevan

Vamshi Vasudevan is a mental health and emotional wellness advocate and the founder of Anyo, a groundbreaking mobile app that supports mental wellness through a blend of traditional wisdom and modern science. Vamshi's journey into wellness began with her own experiences of self-discovery, where she identified limiting beliefs that hindered her growth. This transformative journey led her to create Anyo, where the core philosophy centers on holistic approaches to mental health that resonate with the challenges faced in today’s workplaces.

With a commitment to empowering individuals and organizations alike, Vamshi has dedicated her career to transforming mental health practices, making well-being accessible and actionable for all. In this episode, she shares her insights on navigating workplace stress, the common burnout traps employees face, and how organizations can cultivate a culture that values emotional wellness just as much as productivity.

(00:57) Part 1: Introduction to guest and the platform

(02:43) Can you start by telling us a little about your personal journey into mental wellness? What led you to create Anyo?

(04:36) Part 2: Part 2: Handling Workplace Stress

(04:43) How do you think employees and organizations should protect themselves from this high-pressure environment, and what steps should they take?

(07:23) In your opinion, what makes a mentally healthy workplace? What are some practical, everyday steps businesses can take to ensure emotional wellness is part of their core values?

(11:34) What Anyo does and how can organizations benefit by using the product. 

(14:11) Can you share with us some common themes you’ve seen in therapy rooms related to workplace stress? 

(18:23) What advice would you give to companies looking to integrate mental wellness into their HR policies?

(20:13) Part 6: Rapid Fire and Conclusion

(20:32) If you could introduce one wellness practice to every workplace, what would it be?

(20:53) Personally, one wellness practice you cannot live without.

(21:01) Your favorite wellness app other than Anyo?

(21:23) The unique combination of technology and wellness— is it a boon or a bane, according to you?

(22:30) When it comes to genders, do you feel that their requirement from a wellness app is different, or does Anyo cater to all genders as such?

(23:29) Your personal mantra or affirmation that you live by? 

(23:43) What is the best book on mental health that you've ever read, and is there a set of books that you would like to recommend to our audience?

(24:26) Is there a way we can address mental health? 

(26:18) Part 4 Closing thoughts

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it on your socials to help us reach as many ears as possible. So, until next time, stay tuned.

In this episode of Hireside Chats, we explore an emerging trend that’s reshaping the C-suite - Fractional Executives. As new economy companies prioritize agility and innovation, roles like fractional CFOs and CHROs are taking center stage.

Our guest speakers are two trailblazers in the fractional leadership space, Srinivasan V Swamy, Founder of CFO Bridge and CTO Bridge, and Suresh Bethavandu, Founder of KFW and CHRO Bridge. Together, they unpack the rise of fractional leadership, discuss the benefits, challenges, and the profound impact these leaders are having on startups and SMEs.

Tune in as we dive deep into the future of leadership, the strategic advantage of fractional roles, and how companies can leverage this model to thrive in dynamic markets. Plus, get insights into real-world success stories and expert advice on determining if a fractional executive is right for your business.

Guest Bio:

Srinivasan V Swamy is a true trailblazer in the fractional CXO business. As the Founder of CFO Bridge and Co-Founder of CTO Bridge, Srinivasan is an independent director, sleep advocate, business mentor, and growth partner, offering outsourced and virtual CFO services to SMEs and startups; 

Suresh Bethavandu, Founder of KFW and CHRO Bridge - Suresh is a Talent Transformation Specialist with a passion for the human side of business he has over 25 years of expertise across every imaginable HR role. 

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(00:53) Part 1: Introduction to guest and the platform

(01:43) Part 2: The Rise of Fractional Leadership

(02:06)  To kick things off, can you tell our audience what a fractional CFO or CHRO is and how they differ from a full-time role? Why are fractional roles becoming more popular, especially in new economy companies?

(04:49) Can you tell us the story of how you got this idea? How did this idea come to be? And a little bit of insight into how the last decade has been for the CFO bridge? 

(09:09) Do you really think a fractional CHRO can create an impact both in terms of value and in terms of lower costs for some of the new emerging organizations?

(13:23) Can you think of an example as to how a fractional CFO has been able to create the same impact or more impact despite working across multiple engagements or assignments? 

(17:56) For the fractional CFO or the CHRO, how important it is to build trust with the existing ecosystem? 

(23:29) Part 2: Challenges and Considerations

(23:50)  What are some of the challenges that you have seen in this model and overcome them? Have some of those challenges that you overcame earlier, are they helping you in redefining the way the model has to be introduced  to the new economy, new growth companies? 

(27:45) The fractional CXOs,  do they need to have  certain additional skills or different types of type of skills to be successful in a setup such as this? What is the adaptability, especially on the skill side, that they need to have to be successful in a typical fractional kind of an engagement? 

(32:39) Part 3: Rapid Fire Round 

(32:57) When you recruit  fractional CFOs,  what is that one must have skill that you look for?

(33:14) What is the common misconception about fractional execs that all of us carry, the world carries?

(33:38) One thing you wish companies, prospective clients of yours companies knew about the fractional exec role?

(34:00) How do you determine whether a fractional CXO is successful or not successful?

(34:54) Part 4 Closing thoughts 

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it on your socials to help us reach as many ears as possible. So, until next time, stay tuned.

In this episode of Hireside Chats, we explore the transformative potential of Generative AI in talent acquisition with Sukumar Rajagopal, Founder & CEO of Tiny Magiq and a veteran in the IT services industry. Sukumar shares his insights on how Gen AI is revolutionizing recruitment processes, from automating tasks to enhancing decision-making. We also debunk common myths surrounding AI, such as fears of it replacing human recruiters or being inherently biased. Sukumar offers a glimpse into the future of AI-driven hiring systems, discussing the evolving role of human recruiters and how organizations can prepare for a seamless collaboration between AI and humans. Tune in to discover what Gen AI can—and can't—do in the realm of talent acquisition, and get a sneak peek into the innovations shaping the future of work.

Guest Bio: Our guest on the show today is a visionary in the field—Sukumar Rajagopal, Founder & CEO of Tiny Magiq, a digital disruption accelerator startup that has been at the forefront of Gen AI innovation since 2015. With over 35 years of experience in the IT services industry, including his former leadership roles at Cognizant, Sukumar brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to our discussion.

(01:00) Part 1: Introduction to guest and the platform

(02:26) A quick introduction to everything you do at Tiny Magiq?

(04:12) Part 2: Setting the Stage

(04:25) Let’s start with your take on the current state of Gen AI, and how close are we to realizing its full potential, especially in the realm of talent acquisition?

(08:06) Can you share an example of an innovative company or two that are revolutionizing the way talent acquisition is done? 

(10:12) Part 3: Busting the Myths

(10:58) Myth 1: Generative AI Can Replace Human Recruiters

(14:51) Myth 2: Gen AI is Biased and Discriminatory

(16:58) Part 4: Vision of a Future TA System Powered by Generative AI

(17:26) Do you really think that something like this will become the core of future recruiting or a future talent system or is this still  several years away ?

(21:30) Part 5 : Rapid fire round 

(21:52) Imagine a day without Gen AI in your work life. What would be the biggest challenge?

(22:46) What are your top 3 Gen AI investments / tools in your arsenal? 

(24:38) The one thing where you felt Gen AI can’t do, no matter how advanced it gets?

(25:48) Considering your deep roots in IT and Gen AI, if you were to compare Gen AI to a pivotal invention in history, which would it be and why?

(26:44) Have you come across any individual who was anti Gen AI, who completely debunked the myth that Gen AI can do so many transformative things and you were able to transform this person's perception through your wor?

(28:38) Part 6: Closing thoughts

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it on your socials to help us reach as many ears as possible. So, until next time, stay tuned.

In This Episode we’re taking a closer look at the LGBTQ+ experience in the workplace. While there has been significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights, many workplaces still struggle with inclusion and discrimination issues. We dive into these challenges and discuss actionable steps toward a more inclusive workplace. Meet Our Guest: Neelam Jain - a dynamic social entrepreneur and the founder of PeriFerry, India's first social enterprise dedicated to improving the socio-economic status of the transgender community and fostering workplace inclusion. shares her insights on - the importance of diversity imperatives for meaningful progress toward LGBTQ+ inclusion and how to make recruitment and hiring processes more inclusive of LGBTQ talent.

(00:55) Part 1: Introduction to guest and the platform

(03:08) Could you just share with us a bit about your journey with the LGBTQ+ community and what led you to become an advocate for inclusivity in the workplace? 

(06:19) Did you have advice or did you have friends who kind of helped you in this journey?

(09:39) Share with us some examples of initiatives of practices that organizations today are following or implementing to foster a more inclusive environment. You know, I'd love to hear how has PeriFerry helped these organizations think about such practices and, and, and what help have you provided to these institutions?

(14:01) Do you help such organizations, walk them through the journey, train the talent acquisition specialists  and help them what to look for and guide them to this process?

(19:32) Have you come across  some people in organizations and how do you deal with them? How do you get them to start becoming inclusive,  make an attempt to include the other community into the larger ecosystem zone? 

(23:10) How did you name the organization Penny Ferry? Is there a story behind that? And what does it mean? 

(24:37) What advice would you give today's employees, both within the community as well as the allies,  how can they effectively contribute to creating more inclusive work workplaces?I mean, what is  the average employee?  On the floor. What is his or her  role as such?

(27:35) Part 4: Rapid fire round 

(27:43) What does a pride month mean to you personally?

(28:27) Any memorable pride moment that stands out to you that you would like to share with others?

(29:26) Who's your biggest inspiration?

(30:23) What message would you like to share with the LGBTQ+ youth today?

(30:50) Part 5: Closing thoughts 

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it on your socials to help us reach as many ears as possible. So, until next time, stay tuned.

In this episode, we explore the art of scaling businesses effectively and sustainably, focusing on one of the critical pillars: recruiting and retaining top-notch talent. With guest speaker Sreejith Moolayil, Co-Founder and COO at True Elements, India's first and only certified clean-label packaged food brand - we discuss the importance of scaling with the right talent. Whether you're a startup founder with ambitious growth plans, an HR professional navigating talent challenges, or simply interested in business scaling dynamics, this episode explores the intricacies of talent strategies, demystifies scaling challenges, and unveils the essence of a winning talent strategy. 

Guest Bio: 

Sreejith Moolayil is the co-founder and COO at True Elements, India's first and only certified clean-label packaged food brand. Sreejith is a food enthusiast with close to a decade of experience in retailing, distribution, and brand building. In his past life, he was a Human Resources professional with extensive experience in India and China. 

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(02:45) Introduction to guest and the platform

(3:38) How did you land up as an entrepreneur, and that too in a very unrelated industry? 

(6:28) What was your biggest learning when these startups failed and, how comeTrueElements is a success story today? What did you do differently?

(7:59) Tell us a little bit about TrueElements, the journey, and what did it start off as? What is it today?

(12:53) Part 2: Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

(13:00) How important was the talent element? And what is your biggest learning here? And if you have to advise startups, how do they think about talent as a strategy, and how do they make the right kind of investments in talent? What would be your advice to them?

(17:09) Did you make the right investments in technology or in any other or any other investments that helped you scale your business?

(19:42) Part 3: Takeaways from Health Food E-commerce Business

(19:48) Scaling up these businesses, how important is your HR function? And what do you think an HR function could do? Do you see the importance of the HR function in such organizations, in such enterprises?  And What do you believe should be their core objective?

(21:39) Can you give us some useful tips when you look for talent? I'm sure you also are in the constant lookout for good talent. What are the core expectations or characteristics you look for in a candidate?

(24:59) Have you used AI to run your enterprise? Have you used AI to scale your business?

Have you used AI  in the talent strategy or talent ecosystem?

(25:55) Part 4: Rapid Fire Round

(26:09) What advice would you give a company that has limited resources?

(26:18) One thing you wish you had known while scaling the firm, which you later realized was an important lesson for you.

(26:29) What was the biggest challenge you faced while scaling True Elements?

(27:26) What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

(27:49) Part 5: Closing thoughts

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it on your socials to help us reach as many ears as possible. So, until next time, stay tuned.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of mastering the talent supply chain and uncover strategies for success in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Our guest, Arunava Bhattacharjee, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Talent Supply Chain at Birlasoft, shares invaluable insights on aligning talent strategies with business objectives, overcoming the talent shortage, and leveraging technology to optimize recruitment processes. Learn how to build a resilient talent pipeline, align workforce capabilities with business needs, and stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Tune in now for actionable insights and expert advice to future-proof your organization’s talent supply chain.

About the Guest:

Arunava Bhattacharjee is the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Talent Supply Chain at Birlasoft. With over 27 years of expertise in talent management and driving talent transformation, Arunava is a visionary leader dedicated to successfully leading and implementing transformation projects across diverse environments. He excels in aligning talent strategies with business objectives and enhancing the employer brand. His deep knowledge and strategic insights have made him a pivotal figure in shaping effective talent supply chains and fostering organizational growth.

(00:58) Introduction to guest and the platform

(02:33) Segment 1: The Benefits of an Optimized Talent Supply Chain

(02:57) What do you think is the primary role of a talent supply chain function in an organization and its significance to modern businesses? 

(07:50) How do you effectively stitch together a talent strategy that will enable the right skills at the right time at the right cost?

(10:11) Segment 2: Building a Future-Ready Workforce with Effective Talent Supply Chains

(10:33) With the delivery organization demanding a hundred percent skill set, how do you manage this conundrum and what are some of the unique ways we can manage the situation? 

(16:09) What do you think are the similarities, differences, or uniqueness of each of these geographies when it comes to talent supply chain practices and strategies?  

(19:28) Segment 3: The Role of Technologies in Talent Supply Chain Management

(19:46) How do you think technology has played a role in optimizing talent supply chains across organizations?  And what do you think is the impact Gen AI has had on the jobs and on the talent supply chain ecosystem?

(27:52) Segment 4: Rapid Fire Round 

(28:04) What is your advice for companies looking to scale their recruitment process? 

(28:23) What are the top skills required to be a good talent supply chain expert? 

(28:49) Do you foresee AI replacing some of the traditional roles that the recruitment of other talent supply chain professionals have been doing,  and do you see this as a challenge?

(29:47) Segment 5: Closing Thoughts 

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it on your socials to help us reach as many ears as possible. So, until next time, stay tuned.

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In this episode of Hireside Chats, we delve into India’s Notice Period Dilemma, particularly in the technology sector. We explore the historical reasons behind the standard 60 or 90 day notice periods, how they've benefited organizations and employees, and the significant changes in today's landscape. 

With advancements in AI and the impact of COVID-19 on hiring practices, Sriram Rajagopal, Founder and Director Diamondpick, shares with us his insights on the potential advantages of transitioning to shorter notice periods and the challenges associated with this shift. Tune into this episode to explore the complexities and opportunities in reshaping India's notice period norms.

Sriram Rajagopal Founder and Director Diamondpick

Sriram is a thought leader and a trendsetter in the HR industry. With over 25 years of experience in Talent Management, Sriram is currently pursuing his dream of talent democratization through Diamondpick - an ecosystem that equally empowers candidates and companies to find the right fit. Sriram led the global talent supply chain for Cognizant, a Fortune 500 Global IT Services firm, for more than two decades, apart from stints in the human capital consulting team of Arthur Andersen.

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(00:55) Introduction 

(00:55) Part 1: Historical reasons behind extended notice periods 

(05:40) Part 2: Impact of advancements in AI on hiring practices 

(09:20) Part 3: Potential benefits and challenges of transitioning to shorter notice periods

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of cognitive brain science, which offers invaluable insights into how people learn, process information, and make decisions, as well as its transformative impact on talent management. Brain Science breakthroughs are being applied to various areas of talent management to train and develop top talent, identify high-potential candidates, make better hiring decisions, and much more. Join us as we explore how understanding the brain's inner workings can unlock the full potential of your workforce with our esteemed guest, Srinivas Ananthanarayanan, Founder and Chief Scientist at Peopleverse.

Guest Spotlight:

Srinivas Ananthanarayanan

Founder and Chief Scientist, Peopleverse

Srinivas Ananthanarayanan is a visionary leader with over 23 years of experience in global business leadership and organizational transformation. As the Founder and Chief Scientist at Peopleverse, he spearheads a cognitive science-powered venture revolutionizing the potential of people and businesses. Srinivas holds advanced certifications in business leadership and psychological aid provision from prestigious institutions such as Singapore Management University and John Hopkins University.

To listen to this interesting episode, click here. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our podcast for exclusive interviews, expert insights, and actionable strategies to transform your workforce.

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(00:43) Part 1: Introduction to guest and the platform

(01:56) Segment 1: Cognitive Brain Science in Talent Management

(01:56) Can you tell us a little more about the origin of Peopleverse, the story behind it, and what you do?

(04:08) What factors ignite employee motivation and propel them toward peak performance? 

(09:22) You mentioned the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) as a key region associated with reward and pleasure or the ‘surprise factor.’ Could you elaborate on its role in employee motivation?

(14:48) Segment 2: Application of Cognitive Brain Science

(14:48) Any stories or examples of how - gaining deeper insights into human behavior, cognition, and decision-making processes helps businesses make more informed talent-related decisions and optimize their workforce strategies?

(21:50) Segment 3: Spotlight on a Unique Tool: Predicting Candidate Joining 

(21:50) Can you share any success stories or case studies where this tool has been particularly effective in predicting candidate joining outcomes? What level of accuracy or reliability can you expect from this tool in predicting candidate joining outcomes? 

(27:27) Segment 4: Future Outlook and Closing Thoughts

(27:27) What are some emerging trends or developments in Cognitive Brain Science that you believe will have the most significant impact on talent management in the coming years?

(32:31) Rapid Fire Questions:

(32:31) An area of talent management where you believe Cognitive Brain Science has the most potential for success?

(32:59) One piece of advice to HR professionals about leveraging Cognitive Brain Science in talent management

(34:25) Segment 4: Closing Thoughts

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it on your socials to help us reach as many ears as possible. So, until next time, stay tuned.

In our first episode of a brand-new season of Hireside Chats, we explore the business landscape of 2024 with special guest Sowri K, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Synergize Partners. 

Join us as we delve into macro trends defining 2024, opportunities and challenges in India's business climate, the rise of Global Capability Centers (GCCs), and investor expectations for the year ahead. Plus, don't miss the exciting launch of Diamondpick’s Talent Trends ebook for 2024, providing valuable insights for navigating the evolving talent landscape. Tune in for a captivating discussion on the future of business!

Sowri K, Co-Founder, and Managing Partner at Synergize Partners, a company specializing in incubating and scaling healthcare technology companies. With over 25 years of experience, Sowri is passionate about leveraging generative AI to revolutionize healthcare. His expertise lies in driving business outcomes, leading digital transformations, and fostering innovation. With a strong track record in technology ventures, Sowri aims to empower healthcare providers and drive industry thought leadership.

(00:36) Part 1: Introduction to guest and the platform

(02:18)  Part 2: Introduction: Macro Trends Defining 2024

(02:18) What are the transformative changes or technological trends you are witnessing and anticipate in 2024?  And how do you think businesses such as ours should prepare for the opportunities that arise 

(06:23) Part 3: Zooming In On India

(06:23) How do you view the rise of  GCCs and their role in the country's business ecosystem? 

(06:23) You spoke about shrinking S curves, faster S curves, and so on. With that comes a lot of opportunity. How is India positioned to grab some of these opportunities?

(10:13)  Part 4: Closing Thoughts

(10:13)  From an investor's viewpoint, what are the key expectations and considerations in the business landscape for 2024? What are your expectations or considerations and the factors you use to influence some of the investment decisions for 2024?

(13:25) What are your observations? Has delivery mechanisms or the way work is done undergone any significant transformations? 

(17:13) What would you like to convey to those who aspire to be entrepreneurs and investors- your advice to them?

(19:58)  Launch of Talent Trends Ebook 2024

(20:53)  Part 5: Closing Thoughts

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it on your socials to help us reach as many ears as possible. So, until next time, stay tuned.