The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show

The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show

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The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show episodes

  • Building Careers Through Community: Why Relationships Still Matter

    In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, I sits down with Talent Acquisition leader Leena Chugh to explore how resilience, networking, and authentic human connection continue to shape successful careers in today's rapidly evolving hiring landscape.

    After navigating career transitions, layoffs, and an increasingly competitive job market, Leena shares the lessons she's learned throughout nearly two decades in talent acquisition—and why simply applying for jobs is no longer enough. Together, Anna and Leena discuss the importance of building meaningful relationships, investing in professional communities, and creating candidate experiences that leave a lasting impact.

    From overcoming imposter syndrome to finding confidence in new industries, this conversation is filled with practical advice for recruiters, HR professionals, hiring leaders, and job seekers alike.

    If you're navigating a career transition, leading talent acquisition efforts, or looking to grow your professional network, this episode will remind you that careers are built through people—not just resumes.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why networking has become one of the most important job search strategies

    • How resilience helps professionals navigate layoffs and career transitions

    • Why recruiters should focus on hiring to retain—not simply filling positions

    • How candidate experience impacts long-term organizational success

    • Practical ways to overcome imposter syndrome in a new role

    • The value of conferences, industry events, and professional communities

    • How to build meaningful relationships that accelerate career growth

    • Why organizations should invest in employee development and professional learning

      • 02:48 – Job search lessons from navigating career transitions
      05:02 – Why networking matters more than ever
      08:02 – Overcoming imposter syndrome at Grady Health System
      09:43 – Hiring to retain and creating meaningful candidate experiences
      11:51 – The power of community in talent acquisition
      14:25 – Making the business case for professional development
      16:49 – Choosing the right conferences and learning opportunities
      20:49 – Why meaningful relationships accelerate career growth
      25:51 – Advice for recruiters hesitant to attend networking events
      30:43 – Rapid-fire conference insights and professional development challenges


      | Follow Us |
      Follow Leena Chugh
      LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/leenachugh/
      Website | Homepage

      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.

      40 min
    • Unmuting 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.

        51 min
      • The 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.

          54 min
        • Building 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.

            20 min
          • 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.

            32 min
          • 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.

            18 min
          • 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.

            18 min
          • 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.

            20 min
          • 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.

            55 min
          • 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.

            25 min

          About The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show

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