The Human Capitalist

By Trent Cotton & Purple Acorn Network

What is a Human Capitalist? Well, it's the new version of Human Resources. It's time to get rid of the outdated and reactive HR and replace it with Human Capitalism.

I'm Trent Cotton and I'm ready to... more

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FAQs about The Human Capitalist:

How many episodes does The Human Capitalist have?

The podcast currently has 64 episodes available.

The Human Capitalist episodes:

December 07, 2025 The 4-Question AI Compass Every Board Needs
For board members, the biggest risk isn't moving too fast with "artificial intelligence"; it's failing to ask the right questions before it's too late. This video emphasizes that AI is not a passing trend, highlighting the importance of strategic thinking and "ai leadership" for executives in 2025. It's crucial for "c suite leadership development" to understand this shift, as "ai for business" will redefine the "future of work" and require a new approach to "leadership" in the modern era.

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7min
December 01, 2025 AI's Impact on Jobs: 1.1M Layoffs & Your Career Strategy
I'm thrilled to have talent strategy expert Rachel Bourne on the show.
I've been tracking some alarming headlines about layoffs in 2025, and I knew Rachel was the perfect person to help me unpack what's really happening. We dive deep into the data (because we both geek out on this stuff!) and what it means for YOUR career.
🔍 **What We Cover:**
**The Workforce Reality:**
- 1.1 Million layoffs in 2025 - approaching COVID-era levels
- Why companies are hiding behind "AI layoffs" instead of admitting they're just catching up on automation
- The ghost jobs debate (spoiler: I'm skeptical)
- Long-term unemployment hitting 25% - a historical recession indicator
**The Game-Changer:**
Rachel introduces her **Checkerboard Career Strategy** that honestly left me speechless when she first explained it in Paris. This framework focuses on:
- Building your "back row" of ultimate career goals
- Acquiring skills over chasing titles
- Making strategic lateral moves to keep options open
- Creating your own development program
**Connect with Rachel:**
- Podcast: The Shift Show with Rachel Bourne
- Website: TheShiftShow.net
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-bourne/
**Timestamps:**
0:00 - Introduction & Format Change
2:30 - Breaking Down the 1.1 Million Layoffs
9:00 - Why Economic Data is Like "Driving with No Windshield"
14:30 - The Ghost Jobs Debate
17:00 - Job Hugging & The Low Hire/Low Fire Era
22:30 - AI Investment: Where's the Steak vs. The Sizzle?
25:00 - Long-Term Unemployment Warning Signs
27:00 - Can Companies Grow Without Hiring?
36:00 - The Paris Conversation That Left Me Speechless
40:00 - Unpacking the Checkerboard Career Strategy
45:00 - 5 Steps to Build Your Career Checkerboard
52:00 - Why Relationships Matter: My Banking Story
55:00 - Where to Find Rachel's New Executive Search Series
#FutureOfWork #CareerStrategy #AI #JobMarket #HumanCapitalist #TalentStrategy #Layoffs2025 #SkillsBasedHiring

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58min
November 25, 2025 Open AI vs LinkedIn? Who will will win the recruiting war?
I've been in the human capital space for over 20 years, and I'm ready to discuss how OpenAI could shake up the world of recruiting. This video explores the potential for an "openai jobs platform" to disrupt LinkedIn, focusing on real skills and better job matching. It's a look at the future of work, specifically how AI could impact "jobs" and "talent acquisition" as we know it.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - History Repeats: LinkedIn's Original Play
1:15 - LinkedIn in the Crosshairs
2:30 - The Big Shift: How Sourcing Changes Forever
4:00 - Evaluation Gets an Upgrade
5:15 - Development Gets a Makeover
6:30 - What This Means for HR
8:15 - Final Question: Would LinkedIn Still Make the Cut?
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9min
November 22, 2025 Why Are So Many People Losing Jobs in 2025?
AI was supposed to be the hero of the future of work. Instead? 2025 is shaping up to be a workforce disaster.
Over **1.1 million** U.S. jobs have been cut this year alone, and yet, companies are doubling down on automation. But here’s the catch: **42% of firms have already abandoned most of their AI projects** due to poor results and lack of internal capability.
So what happens when you’ve cut your talent and your tech fails?
In this video, Trent Cotton—author, talent exec, and Human Capitalist—breaks down:
- Why massive layoffs in 2025 mirror the Great Recession and COVID crash
- The false promise of AI-first orgs and why most investments flop
- How corporate America is headed for a crash-landing without a workforce strategy
- What CHROs and execs must do *now* to avoid long-term damage
🔍 Packed with data, charts, and straight talk—this is a must-watch for forward-thinking HR and C-suite leaders navigating the intersection of people + tech.
👥 Share this with someone who still believes AI can replace strategy.
#FutureOfWork #AIinHR #Layoffs2025 #CHRO #WorkforceStrategy #HumanCapitalist
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10min
November 22, 2025 The FUTURE of Work Is Here AI Insights from Accenture's CEO
Here's what I've learned after 20+ years in HR: AI isn't just a tech play anymore. I's a complete workforce revolution, and most boards are still underestimating what's coming.
I just watched Accenture's CEO lay out how the world's most powerful companies are thinking about AI, and let me tell you—it's not what most people think. It's not about scaling models. It's about scaling PEOPLE, changing how work gets done, and making hard choices about talent.
In this episode, I'm breaking down her most powerful insights and what they mean for you if you're a CHRO, CEO, or anyone shaping the future of work.
Here's what I cover:
1. Why 75% of leaders say AI is moving faster than they can prepare their workforce
2. The critical difference between using AI personally versus running enterprise AI
3. The three pathways I tell every leader about: upskill, rotate, or transition out
4. How to "rewire" work (not just automate it) with AI at the center
5. My executive framework for leading through AI transformation
My Key Takeaways:
✅ AI is no longer a shiny innovation project—it's core business infrastructure
✅ The bottleneck isn't technology, it's TALENT strategy (and that's what I help fix)
✅ Some employees will grow, some will shift, and some roles will disappear—we have to be honest about this
✅ The best CHROs I work with are building rapid reskilling pipelines RIGHT NOW
✅ Fear thrives in silence—I always say transparent communication is critical
Watch the full Accenture CEO interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HabAoy3nv4
About The Human Capitalist:
I'm Trent Cotton, and I've spent 20+ years in HR working with and consulting enterprise-level executive teams on high-impact talent strategies. This channel is for executives, disruptors, and bold HR professionals ready to challenge the status quo and rethink the future of work.
If you're clinging to old-school HR playbooks, this probably isn't for you. But if you're ready to lead through transformation—you're in the right place.
💬 Drop a comment below:
What's the hardest part of the AI workforce shift for you?
📌 Subscribe if you want more straight-talk insights on the future of work, AI transformation, and modern HR strategy.

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14min
November 22, 2025 3 BIG Mistakes HR is Making with AI Adoption
We are all chasing AI adoption in HR like it's a golden ticket, but let's be honest, we're failing. It isn't a tech problem; it's a people problem. HR's hesitation to adopt AI is a leadership failure, with many teams stuck in the past relying on outdated methods.
But what if I told you the problem isn't AI, but the people behind AI adoption in HR? I'm Trent Cotton, a 20-year HR veteran and self-proclaimed Human Capitalist, and I've seen every trend imaginable. Nothing has fractured HR like AI, and after speaking with dozens of experts, it's clear: AI adoption isn't about technology; it's about three hidden human roadblocks we need to fix.
In this video, I'm going to expose the three human problems breaking every AI rollout in HR.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: The 3 Human Problems
00:56 - Problem 1: The Skill Gap
04:02 - Problem 2: The Trust Gap
08:14 - Problem 3: The Fear Factor
10:18 - Conclusion: Building an AI-Ready HR Organization
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more recruitment tips and strategies!
Join the mailing list here: https://bit.ly/3UrBhGP
#AIinHR #HRTechnology #HRTransformation #AIAdoption #HumanCapital #PeopleAnalytics #FutureofWork #HRStrategy #Leadership #HRPros

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14min
November 22, 2025 The Secret to Mastering Recruiting Operations (RecOps)
Are you struggling to navigate the world of recruiting operations? You're not alone! In this episode of the Human Capitalist Podcast, we dive deep into the secrets of RecOps with industry expert Jeremy Lyons. Discover why your victories might be quiet, but your failures are loud—and why understanding the "why" behind Recruiting Operations can transform your career!
🎯 Video Summary:
Join me as I interview Jeremy Lyons, a leading figure in the recruiting operations community and founder of RecOps Collective. With years of expertise behind him, Jeremy shares key strategies for success in RecOps, including:
✅ The four pillars of recruiting operations
✅ The 4 HEADACHES no one is talking about
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just stepping into the world of RecOps, this episode provides valuable insights that can help you excel!
📖 Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction to Jeremy Lyons
1:22 What is Recruiting Operations (RecOps)?
4:15 The Four Pillars of RecOps Explained
8:00 The Importance of Skill Clarity
10:45 Where are We Going? Career Paths in RecOps
14:00 Understanding Tactical vs. Strategic Roles
17:50 The Role of AI in Recruiting Operations
21:00 What Should We Call Each Role? Job Title Clarity
24:30 The 'Train Them and Drain Them' Dilemma
28:15 Proving the Value of Recruiting Operations
32:00 Key Takeaways and Mic Drop Moment
33:15 How to Connect with Jeremy Lyons
💬 What do YOU think is the biggest challenge in Recruiting Operations? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I read every single one! 👇
🔥 Watch Next:
➡️ What 80,000 resume screens can teach you: https://youtu.be/Y02ai9JfZWE
➡️ Why the workforce is suffering from AI Fatigue: https://youtu.be/QzdfBftPtAs
👍 Like & Subscribe for more expert insights into the world of recruiting! 🚀
#RecruitingOperations #RecOps #HumanCapitalist #CareerPath #AIinRecruiting

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45min
November 22, 2025 Top Recruiting Experts Reveal SHOCKING Truths About AI Hiring
The gap between recruiters is widening, and what you do next could be pivotal for your career. In this eye-opening recap, we're diving into how AI is transforming recruiting and what side of the divide you truly belong to.
Check out this virtual panel program discussing hiring strategies and AI's impact on the process. Hear from various speakers as they share tips and reactions on ai job interview and how to hire employees effectively. This panel presentation is full of valuable insights!
You’ll learn:
- The shocking truth about productivity disparities—those leveraging AI are 60% more effective!
- Why mastering AI is no longer optional; it's the key to your future success.
- How *augmented intelligent recruiting* is reshaping the industry, with actionable insights from leading experts.
Join us as we unpack powerful metaphors, practical applications of AI, and mindset shifts you need to adopt to stay ahead.
⭐️ Chapters
00:00:00 : Introduction to AI in Recruiting
00:03:00 : Understanding Augmented Intelligent Recruiters
00:06:00 : The Role of Agentic AI
00:09:00 : AI as a Colleague
00:12:00 : Contributing to AI
00:15:00 : The Future of Recruitment with AI

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23min
November 22, 2025 What Your Personal Brand is Telling Employers and How to FIX It
Are you struggling to make your mark in your industry? Have you ever wondered how a simple video can change everything for your career? In this episode, we uncover the transformational power of personal branding with Rhona Pierce, a true expert in leveraging video to amplify influence!
In this engaging conversation, Rhona shares:
✅ The unexpected path from software engineer to personal branding guru.
✅ How she landed her first job using a unique video strategy.
✅ Key steps for successfully defining your personal brand, including why your content should focus on others, not just yourself.
✅ Tips on niching down and why less can sometimes mean more in brand visibility.
✅ Real-life examples of personal brands that have excelled in today's digital landscape.
🌟 Rhona's unique insights and tips from her extensive experience provide a roadmap for anyone looking to elevate their personal branding game!
📖 [Timestamps]:
0:00 - Intro to the Human Capitalist Podcast
0:28 - Meet Rhona Pierce: From Engineer to Branding Expert
1:33 - The Power of Video in Job Search
4:54 - How Rhona's Videos Changed Her Career Path
8:12 - Building Personally Authentic Brands
11:25 - The Evolution of Rhona's Career and Services
14:15 - Defining Personal Branding
18:50 - The Importance of Service in Branding
22:32 - Learning from Industry Experts
27:00 - Niching Down for Success
30:40 - The Rise of Workfluencers
33:15 - Building Trust through Authenticity
39:05 - Closing Thoughts on Visibility
41:20 - Rapid Fire Questions: Book Recommendations
Links & Resources:
- Rhona’s Podcast: (https://workfluencerpodcast.com)
- Trent Cotton's LinkedIn: (https://linkedin.com/in/trentcotton)
💬 What do YOU think about the impact of personal branding? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I read every single one! 👇
#PersonalBranding #VideoMarketing #HR #Workfluencer #HumanCapitalist

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48min
November 22, 2025 How HackerJob's AI is Transforming Recruitment
Are you ready to discover how AI is reshaping recruitment? You won’t believe how voice technology can revolutionize talent acquisition—let’s dive in!
🎯 Video Summary:
In this groundbreaking episode of the Human Capitalist podcast, we bring you insights from Mark Chaffey, co-founder and CEO of HackerJob. Learn how they are flipping recruitment on its head, transforming the way companies connect with tech talent. Here’s what we’re discussing today:
✅ The Evolution of HackerJob: Discover the unique approach that has attracted over a million tech professionals globally.
✅ AI’s Impact on Recruitment: Mark shares how AI can reason like a human, making the recruitment process more efficient.
✅ Voice as the New Interface: Learn why Mark believes voice technology will redefine how we interact with recruitment tools.
✅ Future Trends in Human Capital: Insights into the next 5-10 years of the workforce landscape that every HR professional needs to know.
📖 Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro to the Episode
1:10 - Meet Mark Chaffey: Visionary Behind HackerJob
2:40 - Transforming Recruitment with AI: The HackerJob Model
5:00 - AI Can Reason Like a Human: What It Means
8:15 - Voice is the New UI: A Game Changer?
11:00 - Trends in Talent Acquisition: What’s Next?
15:45 - The Role of AI in the Future of Work
19:20 - Real Stories: AI in Action at HackerJob
23:30 - Recruitment: Moving Beyond Keywords
27:00 - The Power of Collaboration: AI as Your Colleague
30:15 - The Importance of Leadership and Culture in Tech
34:00 - Mic Drop Moment: Wrap-Up Insights
💬 What do YOU think about AI revolutionizing recruitment? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I read every single one! 👇
🔥 Watch Next:
➡️ The Future of Recruiting according to @hireez https://youtu.be/arePty73R_w
➡️ The Mistake in Your AI Recruitment Strategy: https://youtu.be/bkXMa_kYPY0
👍 Like & Subscribe for more expert insights from the forefront of HR technology! 🚀
#AI #Recruitment #HackerJob #TalentAcquisition #HumanCapital #FutureOfWork

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50min

FAQs about The Human Capitalist:

How many episodes does The Human Capitalist have?

The podcast currently has 64 episodes available.