The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show

In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Torin Ellis, entrepreneur, talent strategist, and founder of Ngoma, for a meaningful conversation about accessibility, inclusive leadership, and building trust through better human experiences.

Torin shares his journey from recruiting and diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting to building Ngoma, a trust assurance layer for products, systems, and solutions. He explains how the company's mission centers on one important question: What happens when someone uses a product or system that wasn't designed for them?

Anna and Torin explore why accessibility must go beyond recruitment and hiring. From workplace technology to driverless vehicles, they discuss how systems can create barriers for people with disabilities and why organizations must consider accessibility from the earliest stages of product development.

The conversation also examines the role leaders play in helping employees succeed. Torin explains why leaders have a responsibility to develop, inspire, resource, and support their teams, and how understanding people's experiences can strengthen relationships, engagement, and retention.

Throughout the episode, Torin emphasizes the importance of listening, learning from lived experiences, and creating solutions that support independence and inclusion. From Ngoma's disability-inclusive testing teams to the importance of transparency, he shares how organizations can build more accessible products and earn people's trust.

In this episode, you'll learn:

01:50 – Torin's journey from recruiting to DEI consulting
03:11 – Building Ngoma and its mission
06:28 – Real-world accessibility challenges with driverless vehicles
10:01 – Leadership, employee support, and accountability
16:58 – How lived experiences shape Torin's approach
19:13 – Why organizations should build on their own strengths
23:24 – A leader's responsibility to develop and support people
26:25 – How Ngoma tests products through disability-inclusive teams
32:52 – Practical ways to make events more accessible
39:44 – Introducing the Ngoma Trust Index

(Torin Ellis is an entrepreneur and talent strategist with experience in recruiting, consulting, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the founder of Ngoma, he focuses on helping organizations evaluate products, systems, and solutions through the lived experiences of people with disabilities to improve accessibility, trust, and inclusion.)

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In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Michelle Meehan, CMO and VP of Customer Success at VEDI, to discuss how AI is transforming talent acquisition and why building trust throughout the hiring process matters more than ever.

Anna and Michelle explore the difference between purposeful friction that protects organizations and unnecessary friction that frustrates candidates. They discuss how AI enables increasingly convincing fake candidates, synthetic identities, and proxy interviews, highlighting the importance of identity verification and background screening without treating every candidate like a suspect.

The conversation also examines how disconnected systems, repetitive requests, and poor communication create unnecessary barriers for job seekers. Michelle emphasizes the importance of mapping the candidate journey, explaining verification requirements, and keeping candidates informed to build trust and protect employer brand.

Throughout the episode, Anna and Michelle reinforce that technology should enhance human capabilities, not replace human judgment and connection. They challenge HR and Talent Acquisition leaders to work together, improve hiring processes, and create experiences that balance security, efficiency, and people-first leadership.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Stacy Willis, a people and leadership strategist, entrepreneur, and creator of the PEQuilibrium framework, for a fascinating conversation about how people can develop the skills, flexibility, and self-awareness needed to perform at their highest level.

Stacy shares the story behind PEQuilibrium, a framework developed from her experience across engineering, marketing, operations, and people leadership. The concept combines the idea of equilibrium with peak performance, helping people understand how they can balance seemingly opposite strengths and intentionally develop the capabilities they need to grow. The framework is built around three layers: the Creative Engine, the Performance Framework, and the Regulatory System.

Anna and Stacy unpack why organizations often make the mistake of treating people as fixed labeling someone as “the creative one,” “the disciplined one,” or “the doer” instead of recognizing that these capabilities can be developed. They explore why generic management training often misses the mark, how individualized development paths can better support emerging leaders, and why understanding someone's existing strengths is critical to helping them grow.

The conversation also dives into how PEQuilibrium can be applied to recruiting and interviewing. Stacy shares how hiring teams can use nuanced questions to uncover someone's ability to operate across different spectrums, why specificity in interview answers matters, and how intrinsic motivation can reveal a candidate's genuine curiosity and passion for their work.

Anna and Stacy also explore leadership development through the lens of the “Trailblazer” archetype, including the challenge of slowing down, delegating, and teaching others how to think rather than simply showing them how to execute. From the “handcuffed manager” exercise to the concept of connecting people with their future selves, Stacy offers practical ways leaders can build stronger teams while developing their own leadership capacity.

Throughout the conversation, Stacy and Anna challenge the idea that people should simply work harder at their weaknesses. Instead, they explore how leaders can build intentional growth practices, create space for different strengths, connect their work to a deeper sense of purpose, and continue evolving throughout their careers.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Stephanie Lemek, founder and CEO of The Wounded Workforce, for a candid conversation about trauma-informed workplaces, employee well-being, burnout, and resilience. Stephanie shares her journey from more than two decades in HR to entrepreneurship, and how conversations about mental health, suicide, substance misuse, and trauma in the construction industry inspired the creation of The Wounded Workforce.

Anna and Stephanie unpack why resilience shouldn't be treated as an individual responsibility or a solution to workplace problems. They explore compassion fatigue and secondary trauma among HR and Talent professionals, the limitations of relying solely on EAPs and wellness programs, and how workplace structures, leadership, and culture can either support people or contribute to burnout. Stephanie also explains the seven principles of trauma-informed workplaces and how they can be applied to recruiting, leadership, and the employee experience.

The conversation also highlights the power of community, vulnerability, curiosity, and collaboration between HR and Talent. Anna and Stephanie discuss how leaders can create safer workplaces without asking employees to disclose personal trauma, why HR and TA professionals need support too, and what it looks like to approach work with greater humanity and intention. Together, they challenge the idea that people simply need to become more resilient—and invite leaders to look at the conditions that shape how people experience work.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Maggie Brady, a seasoned HR and talent leader, for a candid conversation about building high-performing HR functions, breaking down silos, developing people leaders, and creating stronger connections inside and outside of work.

Maggie shares lessons from her career across consulting, GE, startups, private equity, and multiple HR functions, including why HR teams must understand how their different roles work together to deliver meaningful outcomes for the business. Anna and Maggie unpack the challenges that arise when teams operate in silos, the resistance that can come with changing long-standing ways of working, and why leaders have a responsibility to help people see the bigger picture.

They also explore the importance of intentional community, investing in conferences and professional development, and creating opportunities for people to learn from one another beyond the traditional workplace. Maggie shares how she evaluates conference investments through the lens of business value and ROI, while Anna discusses how better preparation, connection, and follow-through can turn an event into a meaningful professional experience.

(Maggie Brady is an experienced HR and talent leader with a career spanning consulting, GE, technology startups, private equity, HR business partnership, talent, and leadership development. She shares practical and personal lessons on building high-performing HR teams, developing leaders, investing in community, embracing authenticity, and intentionally creating a life and career aligned with what matters most.)

If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.

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If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.

In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Kim Henderson, VP of Training at Cobalt Compass, for a candid conversation about pricing, positioning, specialization, visibility, and building stronger relationships with clients. Kim shares lessons from her career about what happens when staffing providers compete primarily on price—and why the better strategy is to clearly communicate the unique value, expertise, and business problems you can solve.

Anna and Kim unpack how to identify your ideal client, use your past business data to uncover your niche, and move beyond transactional sales conversations. They discuss the importance of asking better questions, understanding the larger business behind a hiring request, adding value before asking for the sale, and building visibility through LinkedIn, content, community, and meaningful connections. They also explore AI, adaptability, and the future of recruiting, along with how conferences and professional communities can accelerate learning, credibility, and business development.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.

In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Vanita Capobianco for an honest and energizing conversation about layoffs, career insurance, personal branding, networking, visibility, and what it really means to build a career that can withstand unexpected change.

After spending a decade in HR technology and operations and working her way from analyst to senior director, Vanita never expected to be laid off from the company where she thought she would retire. But that unexpected career disruption became a turning point—pushing her to rethink what career security really means and what she wanted to build for herself.

Vanita shares what those first weeks after her layoff actually felt like, from losing her work community and identity to waking up without a team or a place she needed to be. Instead of immediately applying to hundreds of jobs, she took a more intentional approach—getting clear on her salary expectations, work environment, and the opportunities she actually wanted.

Anna and Vanita also unpack the power of relationships and career breadcrumbs. Vanita's next opportunity came partly through a former professional relationship that helped get her resume in front of the hiring manager. But that connection wasn't created during her job search—it was built over ten years of working relationships and consistent touchpoints.

The conversation then turns to LinkedIn and the importance of building your professional visibility before you need it. Vanita explains how her approach to social media completely changed after her layoff—from primarily sharing company content to documenting her own experiences, mindset shifts, books, running journey, and everyday life. Her story is a reminder that your professional identity is bigger than your job title.

Anna and Vanita also explore why being visible doesn't have to mean becoming an influencer. It can be as simple as starting conversations, commenting, sharing what you're learning, and allowing people to see the human being behind the résumé. They discuss the importance of understanding company social media policies, protecting confidential information, and giving yourself time before posting something emotional.
Finally, the conversation expands beyond individual career strategy into community, conferences, professional development, and saying yes to opportunities that feel uncomfortable. Vanita shares why she continues building her podcast even while working full time—and why creating something that brings you joy can be an important part of moving forward after a difficult season.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Kathy Love, VP at Something New, self-care coach, author, and two-time TEDx speaker, for a deeply honest conversation about self-care, burnout, boundaries, people-pleasing, and the importance of knowing what is—and isn't—ours to carry.

With more than a decade of experience supporting talent and people leaders, Kathy shares how the same patterns that show up in caregiving can also show up at work—taking on too much, seeking approval, putting everyone else first, and believing that everything will fall apart if we stop.

Anna and Kathy explore what happens when leaders prioritize everyone else's needs before their own, and why true self-care isn't about adding another task to your list. It's about becoming radically honest with yourself, listening to your body, setting boundaries, and giving yourself permission to take up space.

They also talk about the power of community, how to say no without overexplaining, navigating difficult leadership decisions with humanity, and why sometimes the first step toward change is simply stopping, breathing, and asking yourself the right questions.

In this episode, you'll learn:

(Kathy Love is a VP at Something New, a self-care coach, author, and two-time TEDx speaker who brings more than a decade of experience in talent strategy and recruiting. Through her work, she helps people recognize the patterns that lead to burnout, understand what is theirs to carry, and create healthier ways to lead and live.)

Join the EVOLVE 2027 Waitlist:⁠https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/qAdMlQRQIeVYVWw7349y⁠

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If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.

In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with HR leader, talent executive, recruiter, and comedian Peter Phelan to explore why humor, trust, community, and human connection matter more than ever in the world of work.

With more than 20 years of in-house HR experience and 145 people and talent leader placements, Peter brings a unique perspective to the conversation—one that blends deep HR expertise with his passion for comedy and helping people find more joy in their careers.

Together, Anna and Peter unpack the idea of “net mirth” and what it means to intentionally create more joy, laughter, and authenticity in our professional lives. They discuss how humor can accelerate trust, demonstrate credibility, strengthen relationships, and create space for people to show up as their full selves.

The conversation also dives into the realities facing HR and Talent professionals today—from navigating AI and organizational transformation to documenting career wins, building a personal brand, and staying connected through professional communities.

Whether you're an HR leader, recruiter, talent professional, or someone navigating a career transition, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to navigate the world of work alone—and that sometimes, a little laughter can go a long way.

In this episode, you'll learn:

(Peter Phelan is an HR and Talent professional with 20+ years of experience and 145 people and talent leader placements. He combines HR expertise with comedy, speaking, and community building to bring more connection, confidence, and—of course—mirth to the world of work.)

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterphelanhr/
Website:Funny People
Website: Home | ValuesCulture

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Website: Anna Morgan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-conference-careerbff/posts/?feedView=all
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If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.

In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, I sit down with People Operations leader T. Tara Turk-Haynes to explore what it truly means to create human-centered hiring experiences in an AI-driven world.

With a background spanning Talent Acquisition, People Operations, and equitable workplace design, Tara shares why organizations can't afford to "wing it" when it comes to hiring. Together, we discuss how intentional hiring processes, inclusive leadership, storytelling, and authentic communication create stronger businesses—and better experiences for candidates and employees alike.

As technology continues to reshape recruiting, we explore where AI can add value—and where human judgment, empathy, and relationship-building remain irreplaceable. From candidate advocacy and recruiter responsibility to leadership development and employer branding, this conversation is packed with practical insights for recruiters, HR leaders, hiring managers, and business owners navigating the future of work.

If you're looking to improve your hiring process, build trust with candidates, or create a workplace where people genuinely thrive, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

In this episode, you'll learn:

02:30 – Building equitable hiring experiences from application to onboarding
07:20 – Rethinking interviews and creating a candidate-centered process
09:15 – Where AI helps—and where people still matter most
18:45 – Closing the gap between recruiters and job seekers
24:50 – Why HR and Talent leaders need to collaborate
31:40 – Improving candidate communication and recruiter accountability
40:20 – Using storytelling as a leadership superpower
46:20 – Final advice for building more human workplaces

T. Tara Turk-Haynes is the Founder of Equity Activations, where she helps small and mid-sized organizations build equitable, people-first workplaces through fractional People Operations, Talent Acquisition, and leadership consulting. With deep expertise in candidate advocacy, inclusive hiring, and workplace storytelling, Tara is passionate about creating systems that help both businesses and people thrive.

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LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ttaraturkhaynes/

Website | Equity Activations

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Website | Anna Morgan
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Join the EVOLVE Shine 2027 Waitlist:
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If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.