The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show

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

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.

What if the most important leadership skill in today’s workplace isn’t having the perfect answer—but knowing how to influence with clarity, humanity, and conviction? In this episode, Anna Morgan sits down with Kat Kibben (founder of Three Ears Media, two-time author) for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, resilience, community, and what it means to stay human as work evolves.

From the hidden mechanics behind broken job postings to the deeper mindset shifts leaders need right now, Kat shares frameworks and real talk on why “good enough” systems produce generic outcomes—and why connection is the most reliable form of career stability.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What “influence instead of convince” looks like in leadership, recruiting, and consulting

Why “good enough” hiring systems create generic results—and how leaders raise the bar

How to define roles beyond “years of experience” using autonomy, aptitude, peopling, and communication

Why job descriptions shouldn’t be a legal CYA—and how job postings should actually function

How experimentation builds resilience (and why teams hide AI usage at work)

Why quitting is a valuable skill—and how “pruning” protects your energy and growth

How community and networking become career insurance in uncertain markets

What event organizers get wrong about education, equity, and speaker experience

Key moments / timestamps
00:00 Anna introduces Kat Kibben + the “more human” mission
02:50 The real issues teams bring to Kat (and what’s underneath)
03:53 “Influence instead of convince.”
06:18 The “good enough” culture problem
09:11 Skills-based hiring: why words aren’t universal
10:08 A better role framework: autonomy, aptitude, peopling, communication
14:21 Why job posting work is actually process + culture work
23:18 Why people hide AI usage—and how leaders normalize experimentation
25:11 Resilience as the outcome of safe experimentation
26:17 Kat’s new book + navigating uncertainty as a life strategy
32:19 Functional leadership: model the behaviors you want mirrored
35:11 Knowing when to quit (and why it matters)
49:50 Speaker + event insights: reduce friction, increase clarity
54:07 Networking is caring about others in disguise
01:00:22 Speaker compensation: minimums, equity, and value exchange
01:04:20 Why continuing education gets deprioritized—and the cost

Kat Kibben is the founder of Three Ears Media and a recruitment consultant and writer who helps organizations transform how they hire by improving role clarity, job storytelling, and the systems behind recruiting. She’s a two-time author, a sought-after speaker, and known for blending practical talent strategy with deeply human leadership and resilience insights.

|Follow Us|

Follow Kat Kibben
Website | https://threeearsmedia.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinakibben/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/KatrinaKibben

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/?hl=en
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/anna-morgan-careerbff/evolve-by-careerbff?back=1

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

This isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a reflection of what’s happening across our community — and across the future of work.

In this welcome episode of The EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, we share the why behind the evolution, reflect on the energy and insight coming out of EVOLVE 26, and outline how the podcast, conference, and broader ecosystem now connect in a more intentional way. This show is for executive-level Talent and HR leaders shaping culture, leadership, and organizational strategy — together.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why EVOLVE is expanding beyond a podcast into a full ecosystem of experiences
What shifted at EVOLVE 26 — and what it revealed about the future of Talent and HR
How emotionally intelligent leadership is becoming a strategic differentiator
Why community-driven learning outperforms isolated expertise
What to expect from future episodes and conversations
How partnership, sponsorship, and co-creation fit into the EVOLVE vision
The type of leaders and organizations this show is built to serve

Chapters
00:00 The Birth of Your Career BFF Podcast
02:59 Evolve Conference: A Personal Experiment
05:49 Transitioning to Evolve Talent and HR Show
09:14 Building Community in HR and Talent Acquisition

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

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

To collaborate or explore sponsorship and custom EVOLVE experiences, book an EVOLVE partnership call: Partnership Call with Anna Morgan (Evolve 26/27) - Anna Morgan

If this episode resonates, subscribe, share with a fellow Talent or HR leader, and leave a review to help more forward-thinking leaders find the show.

The conversation at Wild Connections Night at the Zoo explores the concept of a 'Career BFF'—a supportive figure in one's professional life who encourages growth, honesty, and collaboration. Various guests share insights on workplace dynamics, hiring red flags, and the importance of networking. The discussion emphasizes the need for radical honesty in career development and the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, particularly in the context of AI. The event fosters a sense of community among professionals, highlighting the value of mentorship and authentic connections in navigating the job market.

00:00 Welcome to Wild Connections Night at the Zoo

02:33 The Role of a Career BFF

04:30 Corporate Red Flags in Hiring

06:23 Work Style and Zoo Animals

08:09 Networking and Building Connections

10:27 Hiring Red Flags and Corporate Culture

12:37 The Importance of Radical Honesty

15:06 The Evolution of Talent and AI

18:52 Building a Community of Career BFFs

21:54 Navigating the Job Market

24:12 Finding Your Work Style

26:07 Future Projects and Opportunities

28:01 Career BFF: A Movement for Support

30:20 Wrap Up and Reflections

Follow us:
Laura Washington | Humanly

Larry Anderson

Clark Willcox | Digital Recruiter

Kirsten Guthrie | Evolve Workforce Partners

Virgina Tirado

Don’t Miss: EVOLVE TA & HR Experience 2026
Thursday January 29th, 2026 | Atlanta, GA |
Get your ticket NOW! EVOLVE — Anna Morgan
https://yourcareerbff.com/evolve-2026-waitlist

Elevate your brand with the Evolve Event - book a partnership call: https://calendly.com/anna-morgan-careerbff/evolve-by-careerbff

Be a Career BFF!
If this episode inspired you, please SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel and leave a review — it helps more professionals find their BFF in career growth!
https://www.youtube.com/@annamorganyourcareerbff

Stay connected with Anna Morgan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamorgan-recruiter-careerbff/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annamorgancareerbff/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@annamorganyourcareerbff
Website: https://yourcareerbff.com/

Navigating Talent Acquisition with Emily Brooks

In this episode of the Your Career BFF Podcast, host Anna Morgan chats with Emily Brooks, talent acquisition manager at Mid-Atlantic Truck and Equipment, about the unique challenges and opportunities in recruiting for the heavy equipment and vocational vehicle industry. Emily shares her journey from hospitality to recruiting and discusses the high demand for diesel technicians, the impact of industry skill gaps, and the importance of relationship building in talent acquisition. The conversation also touches on hiring strategies, including the value of trade jobs and programs to upskill employees, as well as navigating recruitment in a tech-focused world. Emily and Anna also delve into the significance of transparency, understanding personal stories, and fostering a supportive work environment for all employees.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:27 Emily Brooks' Career Journey

03:59 Challenges in Diesel Technician Recruitment

06:11 Investing in Trade Skills and Training

13:20 Navigating Background Checks and Building Trust

19:07 Creative Ways to Improve Recruiting

19:24 The Importance of Employer Branding

20:13 Implementing New Recruiting Systems

20:37 Building a Talent Community

21:23 Ease of Use in Recruiting

22:34 Transitioning from Hospitality to Recruiting

24:07 The Value of Transferable Skills

26:20 The Role of Recruiters in Building Relationships

28:03 Current Recruiting Needs and Roles

29:01 Encouragement for Job Seekers

33:05 The Human Element in Recruiting

37:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Follow Emily Brook | ⁠LinkedIn ⁠

Don’t Miss: EVOLVE TA & HR Experience 2026

Thursday January 29th, 2026 | Atlanta, GA |

⁠Get your ticket NOW! EVOLVE — Anna Morgan⁠

Elevate your brand with the Evolve Event - ⁠book a partnership call⁠.

Be a Career BFF!

If this episode inspired you, please ⁠SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel⁠ and leave a review — it helps more professionals find their BFF in career growth!

Stay connected with Anna Morgan:

⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Instagram | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Website⁠

Career Journeys and AI: Elevating HR and Community Building with Enrique Rubio

In this episode of the Your Career BFF Podcast, host Anna Morgan interviews Enrique Rubio, an electronic engineer turned HR expert. Enrique shares insights into his unconventional career path from technology to human resources, emphasizing the importance of community building and elevating HR as a business-leading function. The discussion covers the impact of AI on HR, the significance of curiosity and diversity, and practical advice for utilizing AI in strategic human resource management. Enrique also discusses his experiences studying at Syracuse University and his creation of Hacking HR, a community designed to address technological advancements and evolving trends in HR. The episode concludes with thoughts on the future of work, the potential of AI, and the legacy Enrique hopes to leave in the HR and talent acquisition fields.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:35 Enrique's Background and Career Journey

01:53 Transition from Engineering to HR

04:15 Educational Experiences and Lessons Learned

08:44 Building and Leading Diverse Communities

15:01 Founding Hacking HR and Transform

21:19 The Future of HR and Technology

36:59 Final Thoughts and Legacy

Follow Enrique Rubio | LinkedIn

Don’t Miss: EVOLVE TA & HR Experience 2026

Thursday January 29th, 2026 | Atlanta, GA | Get your ticket NOW!

EVOLVE — Anna Morgan

Be a Career BFF!

Subscribe to the channel and leave a review:

Anna Morgan

Stay connected with Anna Morgan:

LinkedIn | Instagram | Website | YouTube

The future of work is inclusive — and it starts with understanding neurodiversity.

In this episode of the Your Career BFF Podcast, Anna Morgan sits down with Dan Vasquenza, founder of a sales and marketing firm and advocate for neurodiversity, to explore his career journey and insights on creating inclusive environments in the workplace. Dan shares his personal experiences in sports media, his transition to working with the non-profit Culture City, and building his own business. The conversation delves into the importance of recognizing invisible disabilities, including the challenges and strategies for supporting neurodiverse individuals in corporate settings. The episode also highlights the significance of training leaders and employees to foster an inclusive culture, the potential of leveraging AI in the workforce, and upcoming events like the Culture City Gala and the Running Man wellness festival.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:27 Dan's Career Journey in Sports

03:00 Transition to Nonprofit and Entrepreneurship

05:49 Personal Impact and Advocacy

06:57 Understanding Neurodiversity

12:59 Creating Inclusive Environments

17:19 Future Goals and Workforce Development

18:14 The Untapped Potential of Neurodiverse Talent

19:23 AI and Human Collaboration in the Workforce

20:47 The Impact of AI on Recruitment

23:01 Culture City Gala and Community Events

25:20 Running Man Festival Experience

29:00 The Power of Collaboration and Entrepreneurship

33:18 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Follow Dan Vasquenza LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danvasquenza/

Don’t Miss: EVOLVE TA & HR Experience 2026 Thursday January 29th, 2026 | Atlanta, GA | Get your ticket NOW! EVOLVE — Anna Morgan

Elevate your brand with the Evolve Event - book a partnership call!

Be a Career BFF! If this episode inspired you, please SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel and leave a review — it helps more professionals find their BFF in career growth!

Stay connected with Anna Morgan:

LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Website

The future of recruiting is human — and bold.

The future of recruitment conferences is here. In the very first episode of the Your Career BFF Podcast, we sit down with Jamie Leonard, founder of RecFest, the world’s most inclusive and innovative event for recruiters, TA leaders, and HR professionals.

RecFest is unlike any other recruitment event:

- 100+ speakers and global talent leaders

- A festival vibe with live music, food, and networking

- Real conversations about AI, DEI, and the future of hiring

- Thousands of recruiters connecting in Nashville & the UK

We cover:

00:00 Podcast launch + RecFest intro

02:15 Why traditional recruitment events are broken

05:00 Building a true community in TA & HR

09:40 Bringing RecFest from the UK to the US

15:30 How inclusion + accessibility shape the event

22:00 ROI for recruiters & sponsors

30:00 What’s new for RecFest 2025 in Nashville

RecFest isn’t just another HR event. It’s the conference changing recruitment forever.

Follow Jamie Leonard, founder of RecFest on LinkedIn for insights on leadership, talent innovation, and community-driven recruiting. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieasleonard/

Be Part of RecFest USA 2026
Experience the world’s most innovative event for recruiters, TA leaders, and HR professionals.

Learn more and secure your spot:
RecFest USA 2025 - Supercharging Talent Acquisition Teams

Work with Anna Morgan:
Get personalized coaching to clarify your career path, strengthen your personal brand, and grow your professional confidence.
Anna Morgan

Explore more resources + ways to work with Anna:
Visit Podcast — Anna Morgan

Don’t Miss: EVOLVE 2026
Be part of the global movement redefining how recruiters and career professionals show up, connect, and lead.

Join the waitlist + get early access to resources and event updates:
EVOLVE — Anna Morgan

Help us spread the movement!
If this episode inspired you, please SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel and leave a review — it helps more professionals find their BFF in career growth!
Anna Morgan

Stay connected with Anna Morgan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamorgan-recruiter-careerbff/

Instagram: Anna Morgan | Careerbff® (@annamorgancareerbff)

YouTube: Anna Morgan

Website: Anna Morgan

Welcome to Your CareerBFF Podcast, hosted by recruiter and community builder Anna Morgan. This teaser episode sets the stage for what’s ahead: an anthem for underdogs, innovators, and leaders navigating the future of work. In an age where AI dominates the headlines, Anna focuses on what tech can’t replace—trust, human connection, and collaboration over competition. Expect conversations that blend talent strategy, hiring manager enablement, employer brand, and real-world job search insights. With energy, honesty, and a dash of BFF fun, Anna is here to help leaders and job seekers alike rethink what it means to thrive in the modern workplace.