In this episode of Talkin' Talent, host Sam McCarthy sits down with human resources (HR) leaders Julia Medvin and Chelsea Stearns to explore the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence (AI). They discuss how AI is reshaping the applicant experience and the challenges it presents in discerning genuine talent from embellished resumes.

As organizations adapt to the increasing influence of AI tools like ChatGPT, Julia and Chelsea share their insights on the changing expectations for resumes and how candidates present themselves. They dive into the pros and cons of AI in recruiting, highlighting the risks of inflated claims and the need for robust assessment strategies.

Filled with practical advice, this episode provides valuable perspectives for HR professionals navigating the complexities of modern recruitment practices. Tune in to learn effective techniques for vetting candidates and maintaining hiring standards amid rapid AI advancements, empowering you to handle AI in recruitment with confidence.

This episode covers:

• The impact of AI on candidate presentation and resume authenticity
• Strategies for conducting meaningful interviews to combat skills embellishment
• The importance of customized assessments in the recruitment process
• Future considerations for HR in an AI-driven talent acquisition landscape

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The information technology (IT) job market is evolving fast — are you keeping up? In this episode of "Talkin’ Talent," host Sam McCarthy sits down with IT recruiting experts Craig Savarick and Bryant Covelli to explore the key hiring trends shaping 2025. Whether you're looking to hire top tech talent, or advance your own IT career, this episode is packed with must-know insights.

Craig and Bryant break down what it takes to stay competitive amid the surging demand for skilled IT professionals and the shifting dynamics of remote and hybrid work. They also share insider perspectives on the growing role of contract and project-based work, why hiring speed matters more than ever and how IT professionals can stand out in a rapidly evolving job market.

Tune in to discover:

• The biggest hiring challenges and trends in IT for 2025
• How compensation expectations are shifting, and what that means for employers
• The rise of contract and project-based IT work, and when it makes the most sense 
• Proven strategies to attract and retain top-tier tech talent

Download the 2025 IT Salary Guide 

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In this episode of "Talkin' Talent," host Sam McCarthy is joined by industry professionals Kia Powell and Jay Zanone as they explore key trends shaping the accounting and finance workforce in 2025. They discuss strategies for compensation, the future of remote and hybrid work and how companies can remain competitive in the evolving landscape of talent acquisition and retention.

Their conversation highlights the growing demand for flexible work arrangements, the influence of geographic factors on salaries and the adjustments companies are making in response to pay transparency issues. Jay and Kia also examine how employees influence salary negotiations and emphasize the need for intentional compensation strategies that reflect company culture. 

This episode offers valuable insights for CFOs, CHROs, HR professionals and hiring managers in the accounting and finance sectors, offering tips to stay ahead of trends and make informed decisions regarding recruitment and retention.

Listen to learn more about: 

• Balancing base salary, bonuses and equity in 2025
• Understanding how remote and hybrid work impacts your workforce
• Navigating pay transparency and addressing compensation compression
• Implementing creative strategies to attract top talent

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In this episode of Talkin' Talent, host Sam McCarthy interviews Elizabeth Mashakas, an experienced HR leader, to explore strategies for supporting new hires during the critical "affirm phase," or the transition from job offer to their first day. Elizabeth shares how her team achieved a remarkable 97% offer acceptance rate, emphasizing the importance of trust, transparency and meaningful engagement during the hiring process. 

With the beginning of the year marking a peak time for new employees starting roles, this discussion offers actionable insights for HR professionals and leaders looking to set their teams up for success, regardless of company size. Listen for advice on bringing these insights to leadership and impacting your organization's onboarding. 

This episode covers: 

• The impact of employee attrition and engagement on organizational success
• Strategies for improving the "affirm phase" and onboarding when you have limited resources
• The importance of asking the right questions in interviews
• How cultural differences within organizations shape talent acquisition and HR strategies 

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In this episode of Talkin' Talent, host Sam McCarthy interviews Cynthia Daniel, the Diversity and Culture Leader at Cherry Bekaert. They discuss the evolution of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace, particularly since Cynthia joined the Firm in 2021. 

Cynthia shares her journey into HR, highlighting the importance of creating inclusive spaces through initiatives like Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and "Green Table Talks." They discuss common misconceptions surrounding DE&I, the integration of DE&I within HR functions and how organizations can navigate changing laws and societal attitudes toward diversity. 

This episode covers: 

• The broad scope of diversity, equity and inclusion 
• Strategies for initiating DE&I programs in smaller organizations
• The importance of creating spaces for fostering inclusivity and open dialogue within an organization
• Navigating DE&I discussion and proposals with leadership 
• Common misconceptions about DE&I

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In episode seventeen of Talkin’ Talent, Susan Pittman, Managing Director and Leader of Human Capital Advisory at Cherry Bekaert, joins Sam McCarthy to discuss all things human resources (HR). Together, they discuss her fascinating career journey, which includes working as the only female in personnel management at the United States Steel Corporation, and how it led to her managing the Human Capital Advisory practice at Cherry Bekaert. 

With over 35 years of experience in human capital strategy and organizational development, Susan shares her insights on creating people-centered strategies that align with business goals. She also discusses her passion for fostering organizational cultures that unite and engage employees while building strong talent pipelines. 

Tune in to hear her valuable perspectives and learn more about Cherry Bekaert’s Human Capital Advisory practice. This episode covers: 

• Susan’s unique career path
• Key functions of human capital advisory
• How human capital advisory differs from staffing and recruiting 
• The differences between transactional and strategic HR 
• Career tips on influencing organizational change

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In episode 16 of Talkin’ Talent, Doug Smith and Evan Seward join Sam McCarthy to discuss when an organization should use an external search firm and the dynamics of temporary vs. permanent staffing solutions. They provide professional advice on understanding client needs, navigating recruitment challenges, and adapting to current staffing trends. Whether you’re optimizing your team or exploring new hires, this episode offers essential insights to enhance your recruitment strategies.

This episode covers: 

• Insights on when an organization would benefit from external support
• Their tried-and-true approach to addressing client needs
• Current trends in staffing and recruiting, including an analysis of post-COVID shifts and the job market 

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In the latest episode of the Talkin’ Talent, Sam McCarthy, Director at Cordia Resources by Cherry Bekaert, is joined by Tori Mitchell, SHRM-CP, Talent Acquisition Leader at Juno Search Partners. They discuss how the HR recruiting landscape has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic and what the next 12 months have in store. They also delve into why working with an HR recruiter can be beneficial in this complicated hiring market, common mistake leaders make when hiring for HR and what to do instead.

Tune in to learn about:

• How the job market has changed post pandemic 
• Why working with a recruiter in the current job market is beneficial
• What the next 12 months looks like for HR, which roles will be open and which industries are ramping up hiring

Other episodes in this series:

• From Greeting Cards to Consulting: Tobey Wyatt’s Journey to Starting Her Own Fractional Operations Firm
• Key Strategies for HR Leaders During Acquisitions: Insights from Cherry Bekaert’s Chief People Officer

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In the 14th episode of Talkin’ Talent, Sam sits down with Tobey Wyatt, founder of Motherlode Consulting, as she shares how her unique career journey led her to offering “ops in a box” business operations services to support CEOs and leadership teams. Her trial-and-error approach, from starting a greeting card company as a child, to obtaining a degree as a high school math teacher, helped her uncover her passion for mentorship and helping others succeed in business. 

Unable to find a teaching job, she pivoted into business operations roles at several companies before starting Motherlode in 2021. Through her diverse professional experiences, Tobey recognized a need to help companies with 50 to200 employees with operations, human resources, change management and scaling. 

This episode covers: 

• Key milestones in Tobey’s career and how she transformed challenges into opportunities
• Operational and talent challenges small and medium-sized companies may face as they scale 
• Indicators businesses may benefit from operational consulting
• How fractional operational expertise can help CEOs reimagine human resources, implement organizational changes and handle transitions 

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Welcome to the 13th episode of "Talkin' Talent" with Sam McCarthy, MBA! Our guest, Lindsey McCarty, Chief People Officer at Cherry Bekaert, shares insights on navigating HR leadership during acquisitions. We explore key strategies such as transparent communication, talent retention and cultural integration. Learn how Cherry Bekaert excels in a flexible work model, embracing advanced technology, clear remote work policies and a commitment to employee well-being. Join us as we unravel HR leadership secrets in the dynamic landscapes of acquisitions and flexible work environments.

Listeners will learn about:

• Key strategies for HR leaders during acquisitions, emphasizing transparent communication and talent retention
• Cherry Bekaert's success in a flexible work model, driven by advanced technology and clear remote work policies
• The secrets of effective HR leadership in dynamic landscapes, navigating challenges in acquisitions and flexible work environments

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