In this episode of E-coffee with Experts, our host Victor chats with Mike Zani, CEO at The Predictive Index and Author of the bestselling book The Science of Dream Teams, to break down why HR today isn’t just about paperwork, it’s really about people and potential.

Mike shares why most companies still treat HR as a cost, when it should be a growth engine, and how shifting to a “talent-first” mindset can change everything.

They chat about hiring myths, like putting too much weight on resumes and ignoring passion or personality fit. Mike introduces his “Head, Heart, Briefcase” framework for smarter hiring and how AI, when used right, can speed up the process and cut bias.

Whether you’re just starting your team or leading a big company, this convo is packed with insights on building teams that actually work, and keeping your best people around.

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In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 02:30: Introduction

02:30 - 03:50: From Olympic coach turned CEO

03:50 - 05:25: Why Mike left sailing for business leadership

05:25 - 06:40: Coaching athletes vs managing business teams

06:40 - 08:00: Hiring mistakes from Mike’s early career

08:00 - 09:20: What leaders still get wrong about HR

09:20 - 10:45: HR vs Talent: Why the language matters

10:45 - 12:20: Sports and the obsession with building great teams

12:20 - 13:40: Breaking down “Head, Heart, Briefcase”

13:40 - 15:00: Stop overvaluing resumes and titles

15:00 - 16:30: The 6-month hiring rule Europe gets right

16:30 - 18:10: How Predictive Index helps spot potential

18:10 - 20:00: AI’s growing role in hiring and HR

20:00 - 21:45: Why interviews are too long (and how to fix it)

21:45 - 24:00: Hidden bias in hiring and leadership decisions

24:00 - 26:10: The Workday lawsuit and AI ethics in recruitment

26:10 - 27:30: Tattoos, judgment, and workplace bias

27:30 - 29:00: Gen Z’s mindset and changing work culture

29:00 - 30:35: Should CEOs speak up on public issues?

30:35 - 32:00: The power of multi-generational teams

32:00 - 34:00: Job hunting tips for Gen Z in 2025

34:00 - 36:00: How to stand out in interviews today

36:00 - 37:30: Why “sales” is the best career starter

37:30 - 38:50: What Mike would do differently at age 20

38:50 - 40:17: Future of Predictive Index and final thoughts

 Connect with Mike Zani

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikezani

 predictiveindex.com

Check out his book The Science of Dream Teams here:

https://www.amazon.com/Science-Dream-Teams-Optimization-Productivity/dp/1260473740

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