I sit down with Laura LaBine, a Forbes-listed recruiter with over two decades of experience.

We explore the dynamic world of talent acquisition, especially in the context of AI's growing influence.

Laura shares her journey from the prairies of the Dakotas to becoming a leading figure in recruitment.

We discuss the challenges and opportunities AI presents, the importance of maintaining a human touch in recruitment, and how flexible work schedules are reshaping the job market.

Laura also offers insights into the evolving landscape of various industries, from tech to healthcare, and the critical role of understanding candidate motivators.

Whether you're a recruiter, a job seeker, or just curious about the future of work, this episode is packed with valuable insights and engaging stories. Join us for a conversation that promises to be both enlightening and entertaining.

On this episode of the Labor Pool, we're thrilled to have Trent Cotton, VP of People and Culture at HatchWorks AI, on the show. Trent shares his fascinating journey from banking to HR, highlighting the critical role of human capital as a key asset. We dive into the transformative power of AI in reshaping HR functions, discussing tools like Make.com and ClickUp. You'll hear about how AI is poised to revolutionize talent acquisition, learning development, and operational efficiency. Trent provides a forward-thinking perspective on integrating AI in HR, emphasizing the importance of upskilling and strategic change management. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the evolving HR landscape and the exciting possibilities AI brings to the table.

0:00 Intro

5:28 AI's impact on talent acquisition

11:55 Low-code tools revolutionizing HR workflows

19:06 AI tools enhancing productivity in HR

26:57 Replit and AI-assisted app development

33:28 AI transforming content creation and analysis

40:23 The future of HR in the AI era

On this episode of The Labor Pool, we're thrilled to have Kyle Willis, VP of Virtual Assistant Services at Belay Solutions. Kyle shares his journey from the healthcare industry to leading Belay's remote staffing services. We explore the evolution of virtual assistants, especially post-COVID, and how Belay has been at the forefront for over 15 years. Kyle discusses the benefits of remote staffing for small business owners, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and the role of technology in enhancing productivity. We also touch on the changing workforce landscape, the impact of AI, and the future of remote work. Whether you're a business leader considering virtual assistance or curious about the trends shaping the future of work, this episode offers valuable insights. Join us as we dive into the world of virtual assistants and remote staffing.

0:00 Intro

5:12 Evolution of virtual assistants

10:34 Client mix

15:40 White glove onboarding

20:57 Success stories

26:40 Flexibility attracts talent

32:35 Virtual assistants as career accelerators

36:41 Future of remote staffing

In this episode of The Labour Pool, host Alex Mann welcomes Todd Warner, President of MyWorkChoice, to explore the shifting dynamics of the hourly workforce. Todd shares his journey from the traditional staffing industry to pioneering flexible work models that cater to modern employee needs. He discusses the impact of the gig economy, the importance of adaptability in manufacturing, and how his company has successfully attracted a higher percentage of female workers. With insights into the evolving expectations of Gen Z and millennials, Todd offers a glimpse into the future of work, predicting a significant transformation in manufacturing by 2025. Join us for a compelling conversation on the future of hourly work and the innovative strategies reshaping the industry.

0:00 Intro

11:21 Accommodating life events for employees

24:03 Rethinking traditional manufacturing work models

30:33 Creating a larger talent pipeline

37:36 Social media and referrals drive recruitment

43:14 Workers treating jobs as gig work

46:00 Future trends in manufacturing employment

In this episode of The Labor Pool, we're thrilled to welcome Jon Cramer and Collin Francom from Kajae, a leading staff augmentation company. As we kick off the new year, Jon and Collin bring a wealth of experience in global talent acquisition, sharing insights into how Kajae connects businesses with top-tier international talent. We explore the shift towards remote work and the growing acceptance of global teams, especially post-COVID. Jon and Collin discuss the misconceptions about offshore talent and highlight Kajae's commitment to conscious capitalism, emphasizing the importance of providing meaningful career opportunities. Join us as we uncover how Kajae is transforming the hiring landscape by offering businesses access to exceptional talent worldwide.

0:00 Intro

5:15 Global talent and remote work opportunities

11:47 Conscious capitalism in business practices

18:19 Misconceptions about offshore talent quality

24:34 Sourcing high-quality international candidates

30:22 Success story: Canva director to startup leader

37:25 Kajae's internal practices and team building

41:16 Future outlook for remote hiring trends

In this episode of "The Labor Pool," host Alex sits down with Yong Kim, CEO and founder of Wonolo, to explore the dynamic world of blue-collar labor markets. Yong shares his inspiring journey from South Korea to founding Wonolo, a platform revolutionizing temp staffing by connecting workers with employers efficiently. He discusses the challenges faced by companies like Coca-Cola in finding reliable workers and how Wonolo addresses these issues with innovative solutions. The conversation delves into the impact of COVID-19 on the gig economy, the evolving role of AI in talent acquisition, and the importance of worker retention. Yong highlights Wonolo's unique approach to creating a strong community among its workers, known as "Wonoloers," and the company's commitment to enhancing the hiring process for both employers and employees.

0:00 Intro

5:42 COVID's impact on hiring landscape

11:40 Temp staffing market outlook for 2025

17:30 AI's role in talent acquisition

24:06 Wonolo's unique end-to-end data advantage

31:19 Client perceptions of AI in recruitment

37:22 AI-driven candidate selection process

In this episode, Sonya Locke, industry vet and CEO of EDS Service Solutions, shares insights on workforce management in the travel industry.

She discusses the challenges of scaling operations across 131 locations, managing 7,000 employees, and navigating the post-COVID labor market. Sonia emphasizes the importance of personal touch in recruitment, challenging the overreliance on AI in hiring processes.

The conversation explores the evolving nature of work, the impact of technology on HR practices, and strategies for adapting to changing workforce dynamics.

0:00 Intro

5:09 Labor market challenges post-COVID

11:48 New normal in work-life balance

17:18 AI's role in talent acquisition

23:46 AI as a tool, not replacement

30:27 Hospitality industry workforce challenges

37:42 EDS Service Solutions' 2025 strategy

Susan Levine, CEO of Career Group Companies, shares her journey as a pioneering recruiter and entrepreneur in this episode of The Labor Pool.

With over 40 years of experience, Susan discusses the evolution of recruiting, from traditional job placements to becoming "career matchmakers." She delves into the importance of company culture, the impact of remote work post-pandemic, and the challenges facing both employers and job seekers in today's market.

Susan offers a unique perspective on the role of AI in recruiting, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human connection in the hiring process.

0:00 Intro

5:24 Evolution of recruiting over 40+ years

11:57 Building a recruiting empire

18:59 Adapting to new recruiting markets

25:46 Impact of COVID on hiring practices

31:46 Importance of workplace relationships and culture

38:17 Fear as a barrier to career change

44:22 AI's impact on recruiting and talent

50:18 Personal approach to candidate rejection

Matt Masucci, CEO and founder of Hirewell, shares insights on navigating the rapidly evolving recruitment landscape.

He discusses the impact of globalization, remote work, and AI on talent acquisition, highlighting the challenges and opportunities these changes present. Matt emphasizes the importance of adapting to market shifts, focusing on strategic partnerships with clients, and maintaining a human touch in an increasingly tech-driven industry.

The conversation delves into the complexities of modern hiring processes, the value of relationship-building in recruitment, and the need for recruiters to continuously upskill to remain relevant in a changing job market.

0:00 Intro

5:01 Global talent access

10:08 Remote work challenges

15:48 Strategic partnerships

21:44 Technology's impact on recruitment

28:31 Human element in recruiting

34:01 Future of recruitment

In the very first episode of "The Labor Pool," Roger Koeppe, CFO of New Tech Global, discusses the shifting dynamics of talent acquisition.

He highlights the challenges posed by AI-generated resumes and online job platforms, emphasizing the need for innovative vetting processes. Roger also explores how remote work has expanded access to global talent, allowing companies to compete more effectively.

Offering insights into the intersection of finance, technology, and HR, Roger provides a fresh perspective on the future of staffing.

0:00 Intro

5:00 AI-generated resumes: A new challenge

11:34 Creative testing for resume authenticity

18:31 Balancing speed and diligence in hiring

25:30 Untapped potential in ATS data

32:09 Remote work's impact on talent acquisition