The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show

By WRKdefined Podcast Network

Trust. Talent. Evolution.

Hosted by Anna Morgan, founder of EVOLVE, this is the podcast where talent acquisition, HR leadership, HR tech, and the future of work come into focus. Whether you’re an ind... more

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FAQs about The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show:

How many episodes does The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show have?

The podcast currently has 19 episodes available.

The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show episodes:

June 18, 2026Unmuting Yourself: Finding the Courage to Be Seen and Lead Authentically
In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with keynote speaker and leadership catalyst Rachel Druckenmiller to explore what happens when high-performing leaders stop silencing themselves and start showing up fully.
From burnout and self-doubt to rebuilding confidence and rediscovering purpose, Rachel shares her deeply personal journey from HR leader to entrepreneur, speaker, and recording artist. Together, Anna and Rachel unpack why so many people professionals mute their voices at work, the hidden cost of self-betrayal, and how community, reflection, and borrowed belief can help us reconnect with who we truly are.
If you've ever questioned whether you're enough, struggled to ask for help, or felt called toward something bigger while wondering if you're qualified, this conversation is the reminder you didn't know you needed.

In this episode, you'll learn:
Why burnout is often a form of self-betrayal

The three reasons people silence themselves at work

How self-doubt erodes confidence and self-trust

Why psychological safety is critical to innovation and engagement

A practical exercise to rediscover your strengths through the eyes of others

How to receive affirmation instead of deflecting it

The power of borrowing someone else's belief until you find your own

Why relationships, community, and authentic connection fuel transformation

How leaders can help others unmute their voices and step into their potential
03:38 – Burnout, self-betrayal, and the hidden cost of silencing yourself
06:44 – The warning signs leaders often miss before burnout
08:41 – The three reasons employees mute themselves at work
10:40 – Why most people struggle to recognize their own strengths
12:50 – The Reflected Best Self exercise and rebuilding confidence
20:21 – Learning how to receive affirmation and overcome the fear of being seen
25:19 – Borrowing belief and stepping into unfamiliar opportunities
27:12 – Rachel's life-changing accident and the resilience that followed
30:38 – Rediscovering joy through music and creative expression
34:37 – "An invitation is an indication of a qualification"
35:56 – How leaders can become catalysts for others' transformation
37:52 – What great conferences and communities get right
47:10 – Rachel's final reminder: You matter, and you are enough
Rachel Druckenmiller is a keynote speaker and leadership catalyst who helps people navigate self-doubt and disruption so they can show up with greater clarity, confidence, and courage. A former HR and employee wellbeing leader, Rachel empowers organizations and individuals to unmute their voices, strengthen self-leadership, and unlock what's possible through authentic human connection.

| Follow Us |
Follow Rachel Druckenmiller
Website | RACHEL DRUCKENMILLER
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbdruckenmiller/
Instagram | Rachel Druckenmiller | Keynote Speaker (@unmutedlife) • Instagram profile
Facebook | UNMUTED

Follow Anna Morgan
Website | Anna Morgan
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-conference-careerbff/posts/?feedView=all
Instagram | Anna Morgan | Careerbff® (@annamorgancareerbff) • Instagram profile
Facebook | https://web.facebook.com/anna.morgan.351104

Join the EVOLVE Shine 2027 waitlist:
EVOLVE 2027 — Anna Morgan

Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?
Book an EVOLVE partnership call:
https://calendly.com/annamorgan/evolve-partnership

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.
...more
51min
June 11, 2026The Human Side of Hiring: What AI Can't Replace
In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with executive recruiter Kyle Samuels, Founder and CEO of Creative Talent Endeavors, to explore why candidate experience has become one of the most overlooked competitive advantages in today's talent market.
As organizations increasingly rely on AI, automation, and applicant tracking systems to manage hiring, many are unintentionally creating friction, losing qualified talent, and damaging their employer brand in the process. Kyle shares what he's seeing from the front lines of executive search and why the human element of recruiting matters more than ever.
From hiring technology and salary negotiations to recruiter relationships and professional networking, this conversation offers practical insights for both employers and candidates navigating a rapidly changing workforce.
If you're an HR leader, recruiter, hiring manager, or job seeker, this episode will challenge you to rethink how talent is identified, engaged, and retained in an AI-driven world.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why candidate experience directly impacts employer brand

How AI and ATS systems can unintentionally filter out qualified talent

The hidden costs of treating recruiting as a numbers game

Why executive-level candidates are facing many of the same hiring challenges as everyone else

How candidates can negotiate more effectively and confidently

The role transparency plays in recruiter-candidate relationships

Why relationships still outperform algorithms in career growth

How conferences, networking, and community create long-term opportunities
02:48 – Why companies are rethinking AI-driven recruiting
04:51 – Candidate experience at the executive level
06:40 – What organizations can do better in the hiring process
10:37 – The difference between retained and contingent search
13:38 – Why candidates should always negotiate
14:55 – Salary negotiation strategies that work
18:30 – The power of intimate events and meaningful networking
23:29 – Creating experiences that foster authentic connections
30:43 – Why relationships still matter more than ever
32:30 – Building a career through community and connection
Kyle Samuels is the Founder and CEO of Creative Talent Endeavors, a retained executive search and outplacement firm specializing in director-to-C-suite talent. A recognized HR influencer, entrepreneur, and speaker, Kyle helps organizations identify exceptional leadership talent while advocating for a more human-centered approach to recruiting and candidate experience.

| Follow Us |
Follow Kyle Samuels
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylesamuels
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylesamuels
Website: ⁠https://www.hirecte.com
Follow Anna Morgan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-conference-careerbff/posts/?feedView=all
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annamorgancareerbff/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/anna.morgan.351104
Website: ⁠https://yourcareerbff.com/
Join the EVOLVE Shine 2027 waitlist:
https://yourcareerbff.com/evolve-2027

Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?
Book an EVOLVE partnership call:
https://calendly.com/annamorgan/evolve-partnership

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.
...more
54min
May 28, 2026Building Your Queendom: Community, Conferences & Courageous Career Reinvention
In this special episode of The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, recorded at the Workhuman Live Conference, host Anna Morgan sits down with Sarah McConnell for a conversation about community, entrepreneurship, intentional networking, and redefining success in the future of work.
After more than two decades in HR, Sarah shares why Workhuman Live remains the one conference she returns to every year—and how attending solo opened unexpected opportunities for growth, connection, and courage.
Together, Anna and Sarah explore the power of curated dinners, fringe events, and authentic relationship-building in an increasingly digital world. The conversation highlights why trust, generosity, and human connection continue to outperform transactional networking.
Sarah also opens up about her entrepreneurial journey—from leaving traditional HR paths to building a fractional consulting business—and the mindset shifts required to create something meaningful on your own terms.
One of the most memorable moments comes when Sarah reflects on friends telling her she’s building an empire, only to realize she may actually be building something different:
A queendom.
This episode is for HR leaders, founders, consultants, and anyone navigating career reinvention while seeking deeper community and purpose.
Why Workhuman Live is the one conference Sarah prioritizes every year

The freedom and growth that come from attending conferences alone

Curated dinners, fringe events, and creating meaningful connections

How community combats isolation for founders and HR professionals

Why trust and relationships outperform transactional networking

Building a business rooted in purpose, courage, and human connection

Sarah’s transition into entrepreneurship and fractional HR consulting

The realities of building a business after a long corporate career

AI, HR technology, and designing solutions intentionally for smaller teams

Frustrations with traditional HR systems and opportunities for innovation

Portfolio careers and the rise of fractional leadership

The mindset shifts required to create your own path

“Borrow the belief”: navigating uncertainty as an entrepreneur

Redefining success through fulfillment, flexibility, and ownership
00:09 — Anna introduces the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show and its mission
01:40 — Meet Sarah McConnell and the vision behind Gather Group
02:32 — Why Workhuman is the only conference Sarah attends annually
03:06 — The freedom and growth that comes from attending conferences solo
04:20 — Fringe event strategy: saying yes while trusting your instincts
05:11 — Why curated dinners create deeper human connection
06:25 — Community, hopelessness, and the power of gathering good humans
07:38 — Conferences as trust accelerators for vendors and practitioners
08:26 — Building a “Queendom” instead of just an empire
09:20 — Why intentionality defines the Workhuman conference culture
10:35 — Sarah’s journey into entrepreneurship and fractional HR consulting
11:09 — AI, HR tech, and building tools intentionally for tiny teams
12:47 — HRIS frustrations, market research, and designing better systems
14:12 — What Sarah wishes she knew before starting her business
15:31 — “Borrow the belief” and the emotional side of entrepreneurship
16:35 — Portfolio careers and the future of fractional work
17:40 — Why building your own path creates a different kind of fulfillment
18:16 — Where to connect with Sarah and Gather Group

| Follow Us |
Follow Sarah McConnell
Website | https://www.gthr-group.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-mcconnell-shrm-cp/
(Sarah McConnell is the co-founder and principal HR consultant of Gather Group, where she partners with small and midsize organizations to build scalable people operations, HR infrastructure, and human-centered workplace foundations. With more than 20 years of HR experience, Sarah specializes in helping growing organizations untangle operational complexity while creating intentional, people-first systems that support long-term growth.)

Follow Anna Morgan
Website | https://yourcareerbff.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-conference-careerbff/posts/?feedView=all
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/annamorgancareerbff/
Facebook | https://web.facebook.com/anna.morgan.351104

Join the EVOLVE Shine 2027 waitlist:
https://yourcareerbff.com/evolve-2027

Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?
Book an EVOLVE partnership call:
https://calendly.com/annamorgan/evolve-partnership

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.
...more
20min
May 23, 2026 The EVOLVE Effect: Why Conferences Need More Conversations, Not Just Content
Recorded live after WorkHuman Live in Orlando, Florida, host Anna Morgan is joined by guests Sam Eaton and Miles Pell to explore the conversations that often matter most at conferences — the ones that happen after keynote sessions end and people connect as humans rather than job titles.

Together, they discuss why leaders, founders, HR professionals, and vendors are craving experiences beyond transactional networking. The conversation explores trust in the future of work, the renewed importance of in-person connection, and why emotionally intelligent community-building is becoming a competitive advantage.
They unpack conference FOMO, networking anxiety, psychological safety, and why meaningful opportunities often come from curiosity and authentic relationships rather than scripted business development. The discussion also examines how curated dinners and community-centered experiences create long-term ROI through collaboration, mentorship, and unexpected partnerships.
At its core, this episode explores the EVOLVE effect: creating intentional spaces where conversations spark ideas, people feel seen, and community becomes the catalyst for elevating the future of work.
• Why trust is becoming one of the most valuable currencies in business
• How curated conference dinners create deeper opportunities
• Why HR leaders need to rethink transactional networking
• The role psychological safety plays in conferences
• How curiosity builds stronger relationships than pitching
• Why in-person connection matters more than ever
• How conferences strengthen leadership and emotional intelligence
• Tips for navigating networking anxiety and conference FOMO
• Why collaboration outperforms gatekeeping
• How intentional follow-up creates long-term conference ROI

00:00 — Purpose behind the curated WorkHuman dinner experience
00:14 — How Trua is modernizing background screening and trust verification
02:00 — Why in-person conferences matter in a remote-first world
03:22 — Elevator conversations that became meaningful opportunities
04:25 — Why curated dinners differ from traditional networking
05:21 — Conference pet peeves and disengaged attendees
06:11 — Relearning human connection after years of isolation
07:46 — Modeling confident connection through “permission slips”
08:56 — Why psychologically safe spaces matter
09:58 — Conference FOMO and navigating exclusive events
11:49 — “You’re not going to get what you don’t ask for.”
12:21 — Why curiosity is an underrated networking skill
14:24 — The danger of gatekeeping in communities
15:35 — Conferences as a response to loneliness and leadership isolation
16:24 — Why trust-centered dinners outperform transactional networking
18:08 — Why conference ROI starts before attendance
19:43 — The problem with short-term relationship-building
22:19 — Leadership, mentorship, and “borrowing belief”
| Follow Us |
Follow Miles Peli
Website | Reusable Identity & Background Screening | Trua
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesradio/
(Miles Pell has spent more than 15 years working alongside HR leaders and organizations on systems, strategy, and workforce trust solutions. He currently works with Trua, helping organizations modernize identity verification, background screening, and ongoing trust validation in a more human-centered and privacy-conscious way.)

Follow Sam Eatoon
Website | https://mindabilitybusinesscoaching.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaeaton1450
Instagram | Sam Eaton (@sam.eatonagain) • Instagram profile
(Sam Eaton is a community-driven business strategist and mastermind host with Mindability. She is known for creating intentional networking experiences that prioritize authentic relationships, collaboration, and long-term community growth across the future of work ecosystem.)

Follow Anna Morgan
Website | Anna Morgan
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-conference-careerbff/posts/?feedView=all
Instagram | Anna Morgan | Careerbff® (@annamorgancareerbff) • Instagram profile
Facebook | https://web.facebook.com/anna.morgan.351104

Join the EVOLVE Shine 2027 waitlist:
EVOLVE 2027 — Anna Morgan

Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?
Book an EVOLVE partnership call:
https://calendly.com/annamorgan/evolve-partnership

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.
...more
32min
May 18, 2026 What Companies Get Wrong About Hiring and Retaining Veteran Talent
In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent and HR Show, Rhona Pierce sits down with Lee Cage, technology strategist, Army National Guard veteran, and Director of Technology & Transformation at BDO USA, live from EVOLVE 2026 in Atlanta.
Organizations often celebrate hiring veterans—but hiring is only the first step. What happens after the offer letter matters just as much. From onboarding and retention to everyday team support, Lee shares what companies and leaders need to understand about supporting veteran employees who may be balancing both civilian and military responsibilities.
Drawing from nearly 18 years of service in the Army National Guard, Lee explains the mindset shifts veterans navigate daily, why strong team support matters, and how organizations can create environments where veteran talent truly thrives.
This conversation offers practical insight for HR leaders, managers, and teammates who want to build stronger, more supportive workplaces for those who serve.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why hiring veterans is only the first step toward real inclusion
- The unique challenges of balancing civilian careers and military service
- What organizations often misunderstand about veteran commitments
- How managers and teams can better support veteran employees
- Why veterans bring strong project management and execution skills to organizations
- The mindset shifts required for dual military and civilian service
- Practical ways coworkers can step up to support veteran colleagues
- One simple action leaders can take to better support veterans at work
Key Moments / Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show
02:43 – Lee Cage’s journey serving in the Army National Guard
03:19 – Why having the right “flight crew” matters in organizations
04:15 – What companies get wrong after hiring veterans
05:34 – What organizations that support veterans well actually do
06:51 – Why veterans bring strong execution and leadership skills
07:58 – The realities managers often misunderstand about military service
08:52 – The mindset shift between military and civilian roles
10:16 – How coworkers can support veteran teammates
12:38 – Simple ways to better support veterans at work
14:37 – Where to connect with Lee Cage
Lee Cage is a technology strategist, Army National Guard veteran, and Director of Technology and Transformation at BDO USA. With nearly two decades of military service and extensive experience in enterprise transformation and collaborative work management, Lee is passionate about helping organizations position talent for success while advocating for better support of veteran professionals in the workplace.
| Follow Us |
Follow Lee Cage
Website | https://linktr.ee/LeeCageJr
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecage/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/leecagejr/
Follow Rhona Pierce
Website | https://www.rhonapierce.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonapierce
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/
Follow Anna Morgan
Website | https://yourcareerbff.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-conference-careerbff/posts/?feedView=all
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/annamorgancareerbff/
Facebook | https://web.facebook.com/anna.morgan.351104
Join the EVOLVE Shine 2027 waitlist:
https://yourcareerbff.com/evolve-2027
Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?
Book an EVOLVE partnership call:
https://calendly.com/annamorgan/evolve-partnership
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.
...more
18min
May 17, 2026 Why Ignoring Gen X Is Costing Your Organization
In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent and HR Show, Rhona Pierce sits down with executive recruiter Kyle Samuels live from EVOLVE 2026 in Atlanta to discuss an overlooked workforce advantage: Gen X leaders.
While organizations focus heavily on attracting Gen Z and Millennials, Kyle argues that companies are missing a powerful opportunity by overlooking the generation currently running teams, bridging cultures, and delivering stability inside organizations.
From hiring bias to candidate experience and leadership maturity, this conversation explores why Gen X professionals bring a unique combination of work ethic, technological fluency, and organizational loyalty that many companies underestimate.
If you're a recruiter, HR leader, or hiring manager, this episode challenges you to rethink how generational dynamics shape your talent strategy.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why Gen X may be the most undervalued leadership generation
- How hiring processes unintentionally filter out experienced candidates
- Why Gen X leaders offer stability and loyalty organizations often overlook
- The role generational bias plays in recruiting decisions
- What Gen X can teach younger generations about leadership and execution
- What Gen Z can teach Gen X about boundaries and work-life balance
- How recruiters and HR leaders can make hiring processes more inclusive across generations
- A simple way to audit your hiring process for generational bias
Key Moments / Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show
02:17 – Kyle Samuels’ journey into executive search
03:20 – Why Gen X is the workforce’s secret weapon
05:13 – How Gen X candidates experience modern hiring processes
07:42 – Hidden signals in job descriptions that discourage experienced candidates
08:48 – Why companies overlook Gen X talent
09:51 – The loyalty advantage Gen X brings to organizations
11:04 – What Gen X can learn from Gen Z about work-life boundaries
12:58 – How HR leaders can reduce generational bias in hiring
13:41 – Where to connect with Kyle Samuels
Kyle Samuels is the founder of Creative Talent Endeavors, an executive search and career advisory firm specializing in leadership placements and outplacement services. With experience placing senior leaders across industries, Kyle helps organizations identify top executive talent while also guiding professionals through career transitions. He is a frequent speaker on leadership hiring trends, generational workforce dynamics, and candidate experience.
| Follow Us |
Follow Kyle Samuels
Website | https://www.hirecte.com
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylesamuels
Follow Rhona Pierce
Website | https://www.rhonapierce.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonapierce
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/
Follow Anna Morgan
Website | https://yourcareerbff.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-conference-careerbff/posts/?feedView=all
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/annamorgancareerbff/
Facebook | https://web.facebook.com/anna.morgan.351104
Join the EVOLVE Shine 2027 waitlist:
https://yourcareerbff.com/evolve-2027
Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?
Book an EVOLVE partnership call:
https://calendly.com/annamorgan/evolve-partnership
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.
...more
18min
May 16, 2026 Julia Arpag on Building a LinkedIn Brand That Converts (Without Selling Your Soul)
In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent and HR Show, Rhona Pierce takes over live from EVOLVE 2026 in Atlanta for a conversation with Julia Arpag, founder and CEO of Aligned Recruitment.
After being laid off just five weeks postpartum, Julia built a seven-figure recruiting firm in under two years—largely fueled by founder-led marketing and storytelling on LinkedIn. In this episode, she shares how authenticity, consistency, and a clear sense of purpose helped her turn content into real revenue.
Julia and Rhona dive into how recruiters and leaders can build visibility without feeling performative, why vanity metrics don’t matter, and how authentic storytelling can convert into meaningful business relationships.
If you’ve ever struggled with showing up online, selling your services, or balancing authenticity with growth, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why revenue—not engagement—is the metric that actually matters
- How Julia built a seven-figure recruiting firm in under two years
- The difference between marketing on LinkedIn and selling on LinkedIn
- Why storytelling is the most powerful sales tool recruiters have
- How to build visibility online without feeling inauthentic
- What to post about when you're just starting and don’t have many success stories yet
- How founder-led marketing can drive real revenue
- Why learning sales skills can transform your career or business
Key Moments / Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show
02:48 – Julia’s journey: laid off postpartum to building a firm
05:52 – Why vanity metrics don’t matter
07:41 – Storytelling as a recruiting sales strategy
10:08 – Learning to sell as a first-time founder
12:19 – The mindset behind building a seven-figure business
15:01 – How to build an authentic LinkedIn brand
16:31 – Where to connect with Julia ArpagGuest Bio
Julia Arpag is the founder and CEO of Aligned Recruitment, a values-driven recruiting firm specializing in tech talent. After being laid off five weeks postpartum in 2023, she launched the company and grew it to seven figures in under two years through founder-led marketing and authentic storytelling on LinkedIn. Julia is passionate about helping companies hire exceptional talent while empowering recruiters and founders to build businesses rooted in authenticity, values, and service.
| Follow Us |
Follow Julia Arpag
Website | https://alignedrecruitment.com
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-arpag/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/foster_your_tribe/
Follow Rhona Pierce
Website | https://www.rhonapierce.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonapierce
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/
Follow Anna Morgan
Website | https://yourcareerbff.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-conference-careerbff/posts/?feedView=all
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/annamorgancareerbff/
Facebook | https://web.facebook.com/anna.morgan.351104
Join the EVOLVE Shine 2027 waitlist:
https://yourcareerbff.com/evolve-2027
Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?
Book an EVOLVE partnership call:
https://calendly.com/annamorgan/evolve-partnership
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.
...more
20min
May 15, 2026 The Softer Side of Posner: Career Pivots, Podcasting, and the Power of Community
In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, host Anna Morgan sits down with Adam Posner, founder of NHP Talent Group and host of the globally ranked podcast The POZcast. Adam shares the real story behind his career pivots, entrepreneurial journey, and how podcasting became a powerful flywheel for both brand and business.
From building a recruiting firm to recording nearly 500 podcast episodes, Adam reflects on resilience, authenticity, and what it truly means to show up for your community. He also opens up about navigating a cancer diagnosis while continuing to build, create, and lead.
This conversation is a candid look at the human side of leadership, career reinvention, and the role community plays when life throws unexpected challenges your way.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why authentic storytelling creates stronger professional communities
The real reason most people start podcasts (and why it usually fails)
How Adam built a recruiting business after losing his corporate role
The difference between good recruiters and great recruiters in today’s job market
How AI is changing recruiting—and why it won’t replace great recruiters
What candidates can do today to stand out in a hyper-competitive job market
How podcasting became a flywheel for Adam’s brand, recruiting firm, and partnerships
The leadership lessons Adam learned while navigating cancer treatment
Key Moments
00:00 – Introduction and Adam Posner’s career journey
04:10 – Losing his corporate job and pivoting into recruiting
08:30 – Starting NHP Talent Group and building an entrepreneurial path
12:00 – The realities of today’s hiring market
16:00 – AI in recruiting and what candidates get wrong
20:45 – Adam shares his cancer diagnosis and treatment journey
28:30 – The power of community during difficult seasons
33:00 – How podcasting became a flywheel for business and brand
37:30 – Podcasting mistakes most new hosts make
44:30 – Conference season, future plans, and closing reflections
Adam Posner is the Founder and President of NHP Talent Group, a New York–based recruiting firm specializing in marketing, media, tech, and product roles. He is also the host of The POZcast, a globally ranked career podcast approaching 500 episodes where he explores the life and career journeys of leaders across industries. Through his work in recruiting, podcasting, and content creation, Adam has become a trusted voice in the HR, talent, and future of work ecosystem.
| Follow Us |
Follow Adam Posner
Website | https://tr.ee/B5ujzSTP8s
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjposner
Instagram | https://tr.ee/i8j9WcUQdJ
Follow Anna Morgan
Website | https://yourcareerbff.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-conference-careerbff/posts/?feedView=all
Instagram | http://nstagram.com/annamorgancareerbff/following/
Facebook | https://web.facebook.com/anna.morgan.351104
Join the EVOLVE Shine 2027 waitlist:
https://yourcareerbff.com/evolve-2027
Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?
Book an EVOLVE partnership call:
https://calendly.com/annamorgan/evolve-partnership
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.
...more
55min
May 14, 2026 Jennifer McClure on HR Influence, AI, and Why HR Should Lead Disruption
In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent and HR Show, Rhona Pierce takes over live from EVOLVE 2026 in Atlanta for a powerful conversation with Jennifer McClure, keynote speaker, future of work strategist, and founder of DisruptHR. Together, they unpack why HR is uniquely positioned to lead transformation, how leaders can build influence that outlasts their title, and why personal brand starts with clarity—not self-promotion.
Jennifer also shares a grounded perspective on AI, urging leaders to frame it as an empowerment tool rather than a threat. This episode is a must-listen for HR and talent leaders who want to lead boldly, communicate their value, and help shape more human-centered workplaces.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why HR is uniquely positioned to lead disruption and transformation
- What it really means to become the “Chief Disruption Officer” in your organization
-Why personal brand is really about being clear on what you want to be known for
- How to build internal influence before focusing on external visibility
- The role feedback, mentors, and sponsors play in career growth
- How leaders should reframe AI as an enhancement tool—not just an efficiency tool
- Why reskilling and internal mobility should be core to talent strategy
- One practical way to build influence that lasts beyond your current role
Key Moments / Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the EVOLVE Talent and HR Show
01:36 – Rhona Pierce introduces Jennifer McClure live at EVOLVE 2026
03:39 – Why HR should be the “Chief Disruption Officer”
05:27 – Why personal brand is really about clarity and self-advocacy
09:49 – How to tell the difference between bias and lack of visibility
14:13 – The AI conversation leaders should be having
16:19 – AI, reskilling, and the future of talent strategy
18:40 – How to build influence that outlasts your current role
21:22 – Where to connect with Jennifer McClure
Jennifer McClure is a globally recognized keynote speaker, future of work strategist, and founder of DisruptHR, a movement active in more than 30 countries. After spending the first 20 years of her career in HR and executive search, she launched Unbridled Talent in 2010, where she speaks on high-impact leadership, strategic HR, and personal branding. Jennifer is also the self-appointed Chief Excitement Officer of DisruptHR, where she helps amplify bold ideas and fresh voices across the HR community.
| Follow Us |
Follow Jennifer McClure
Website | https://jennifermcclure.net
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermcclure
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_mcclure/
Follow Rhona Pierce
Website | https://www.rhonapierce.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonapierce
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/
Follow Anna Morgan
Website | https://yourcareerbff.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-conference-careerbff/posts/?feedView=all
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/annamorgancareerbff/
Facebook | https://web.facebook.com/anna.morgan.351104
Join the EVOLVE Shine 2027 waitlist:
https://yourcareerbff.com/evolve-2027
Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?
Book an EVOLVE partnership call:
https://calendly.com/annamorgan/evolve-partnership
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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25min
May 13, 2026Adam Marx on Relationship Building in the Age of AI
In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent and HR Show, Rhona Pierce sits down with Adam Marx live from EVOLVE 2026 in Atlanta to explore what networking really means in an era dominated by automation, AI outreach, and growth hacks.
Adam brings a refreshing perspective: real relationships still win. Drawing from his background in music, journalism, and startups, Adam explains why patience, consistency, and meaningful follow-up matter more than viral posts or follower counts.
If you're building a network, growing a business, or navigating modern relationship-building in a digital world, this conversation will challenge how you think about scale, authenticity, and connection.
Why follow-up is more valuable than a first introduction

The biggest misconception about “scaling” your network

Why follower counts and viral posts rarely translate into meaningful business

How patience and consistency strengthen professional relationships

The role of AI in networking—and where human connection still wins

Why diverse networks across industries create unexpected opportunities

How gratitude and curiosity can unlock opportunities you didn’t anticipate

One simple message you can send today to revive a dormant relationship
00:00 – Welcome to the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show
02:36 – Adam’s journey from music to startups
05:19 – The real meaning of networking at scale
09:01 – Why relationships require patience and follow-up
12:41 – Can relationships actually scale?
14:01 – How a relationship led to SXSW
16:23 – A simple way to reconnect with your network
18:38 – Where to connect with Adam Marx
Adam Marx is a relationship strategist, startup advisor, and speaker focused on helping entrepreneurs and professionals build meaningful networks that last. With a background in the music industry and tech journalism, Adam brings a unique perspective on how authentic relationships drive long-term business success. He has spoken at South by Southwest (SXSW), Emory University, and startup communities across the country, advocating for patience, gratitude, and human connection in an increasingly automated world.

| Follow Us |
Follow Adam Marx
Website | https://www.zerotoonenetworker.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammarx13/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/adammarx13/
Follow Rhona Pierce
Website | https://www.rhonapierce.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonapierce
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/
Follow Anna Morgan
Website | https://yourcareerbff.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-conference-careerbff/posts/?feedView=all
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/annamorgancareerbff/
Facebook | https://web.facebook.com/anna.morgan.351104
Join the EVOLVE Shine 2027 waitlist:
https://yourcareerbff.com/evolve
Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?
Book an EVOLVE partnership call:
https://calendly.com/annamorgan/evolve-partnership
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.
...more
22min

FAQs about The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show:

How many episodes does The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show have?

The podcast currently has 19 episodes available.