The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam Posner

The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam Posner

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The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam Posner episodes

  • The AI Arms Race (That No One’s Winning): Matt Charney (Live @ Unleash 2026)

    These episodes of #thePOZcast, live from Unleash 2026 in Las Vegas, are proudly brought to you by our friends at PIN. AI recruiting tools that automate candidate sourcing, screening, and scheduling across 850M+ profiles. Built for recruiters, agencies, and hiring teams.

    Learn more and check out a demo:  https://www.pin.com/book-a-demo?via=adam-posner

    Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

    For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com

    Matt Charney is a prominent voice in the recruiting, talent acquisition, and HR technology space. As Principal Analyst for Industry and Markets at Kyle & Co, he covers startups, M&A, the TA ecosystem, strategic partnerships, and capital markets, providing deep analysis on HR tech funding, market strategy, and industry dynamics. He also serves as Executive Editor at Mediabistro and as an Editor at ERE Media, where he produces sharp, insightful content on the future of work, AI in hiring, recruitment marketing, and emerging trends, served with a side of snark. 

    With over 15 years of experience, Matt has held leadership roles including Editor in Chief and CMO at Recruiter.com, partner and Managing Editor at Recruiting Daily (which he helped grow into a leading HR media brand), Chief Content Officer at Allegis Global Solutions, and Head of Industry & Product Marketing at SmartRecruiters. He began his career as a corporate recruiter for companies like Walt Disney and Warner Bros.

    A graduate of the George Lucas School for Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California, Matt also advises a variety of high growth HR Technology companies, including Humanly, Joveo, Dalia, Hiring Branch, HeyHire, Perfect Hire, Boon, Textio and Noota.

    ⏱️ Chapters

    00:00 – Vegas banter & setting the stage

    Light opening, personality, and rapport—setting the tone for an unfiltered conversation.

    02:00 – “What do you actually do?”

    Charney on connecting startups with capital—and “trolling” the industry as a side effect.

    04:30 – From screenwriting to recruiting

    A non-traditional path from Hollywood to corporate recruiting leadership.

    08:00 – Why recruiting is still the best job in the world

    The overlooked impact: changing lives through employment.

    11:00 – Has recruiting actually changed?

    Spoiler: not really. The goal is still making hires—everything else is layered complexity.

    14:00 – The truth about AI in TA tech

    AI as the latest buzzword cycle, echoing past trends like social recruiting and big data.

    18:00 – The “AI anxiety” problem in HR

    Why TA leaders feel behind—and why no one is actually ahead.

    21:00 – Should recruiters become AI experts?

    Charney pushes back: focus on business outcomes, not technical cosplay.

    25:00 – Where AI actually works today

    High-volume hiring as the strongest real-world use case.

    28:00 – Where AI breaks down

    Knowledge work, personalization, and the limits of automation.

    31:00 – Tools that actually impress (Gamma, workflows, experimentation)

    Practical use cases that genuinely save time and effort.

    35:00 – LinkedIn, data control, and the real business model

    Why LinkedIn doesn’t need to “win” recruiting—and why it won’t disappear.

    40:00 – Why most new HR tech ideas fail

    Recycled concepts, inherent bias, and “Chatroulette for jobs.”

    44:00 – The next disruption: consolidation & enterprise integration

    The future isn’t more tools—it’s fewer, integrated systems.

    48:00 – VC, PE, and the business of HR tech

    Private equity driving consolidation while startups chase valuation.

    52:00 – Buzzword bingo & industry frustrations

    AI, “human-centered,” and the marketing clichés that need to die.

    55:00 – The 3 questions every vendor must answer

    1. How do you make recruiting easier?
    2. What do you do differently?
    3. How do you make money?

      4. 58:00 – Final thoughts: stop chasing trends

      Focus on outcomes, not tools. Recruiting is still about people.

      🔑 Key Takeaways

      1. Recruiting hasn’t fundamentally changed

      Despite all the tech, the job is still about one thing: making hires. Everything else is noise layered on top.

      2. AI is overhyped—but not useless

      It’s real, but it’s being sold like every previous trend. The strongest use case today is high-volume hiring, not complex knowledge work.

      3. No one is actually “ahead” in AI

      The industry-wide anxiety about falling behind is misplaced. Most people are still figuring it out.

      4. Stop trying to be a technical expert

      Recruiters win by understanding the business and careers—not by pretending to be AI engineers.

      5. The real problem isn’t time—it’s priorities

      AI promises efficiency, but recruiters aren’t reinvesting that time into better hiring practices.

      6. Most HR tech “innovation” is recycled

      New tools often repackage old ideas with new buzzwords.

      7. LinkedIn isn’t going anywhere

      It’s not about recruiting tools—it’s about attention, content, and ad revenue.

      8. The future is consolidation, not expansion

      The fragmented HR tech stack will collapse into broader enterprise systems.

      9. Private equity is shaping the space

      PE firms are driving consolidation and determining which companies survive.

      10. Focus on outcomes, not tools

      The only question that matters: does this help make better hires, faster?

       

      21 min
    4. From Streetwear to Gaming: The Evolution of Greg Selkoe

      #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.

      To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.

      Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

      For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com 


      Takeaways

      - Greg Selkoe's journey reflects the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
      - Cultural influences play a significant role in shaping business ideas.
      - Karma Loop was a pioneer in streetwear and e-commerce.
      - Navigating growth requires learning from mistakes and adapting.
      - The collapse of Karma Loop taught valuable lessons about resilience.
      - XSET aims to redefine gaming culture and community engagement.
      - Authenticity in branding is crucial in today's market.
      - Hiring for cultural fit is as important as skills and experience.
      - Success is defined by happiness and meaningful experiences, not just money.
      - The importance of self-awareness and managing stress in business. It's important to balance personal commitments with professional responsibilities.
      - Financial strategies are crucial when dealing with large investments.
      - Effective event planning requires clear communication and coordination.
      - Marketing partnerships can significantly enhance brand visibility.
      - Live streaming offers unique opportunities for audience engagement.
      - Collaboration within a team is essential for success.
      - Final preparations are critical to ensure a smooth launch.
      - Understanding audience dynamics can drive attendance and participation.
      - Post-event reflections can inform future strategies.
      - Maintaining strong relationships with partners is key to ongoing success.

       

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to Greg Selkoe and His Journey
      09:21 The Birth of Karma Loop
      18:07 The Collapse of Karma Loop and Personal Reflection
      25:25 Building XSET: A New Era in Gaming and Culture
      33:40 Hiring for Values and Culture

      42 min
    5. Jay Paterno: Leading Through Change in College Football

      #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.

      To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.

      Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

      For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com 

      Takeaways

      - Jay Paterno emphasizes the importance of accountability in leadership.
      - The influence of Joe Paterno shaped Jay's views on leadership and responsibility.
      - Coaches must set clear expectations and standards for accountability.
      - Lessons learned from coaching experiences can be applied to leadership in various fields.
      - The NIL era has changed the dynamics of college sports significantly.
      - Mental health is a growing concern for both players and coaches in college sports.
      - Building a strong team culture is essential for success.
      - Empathy and discipline must be balanced in coaching.
      - Writing 'Blitz' provided insights into the challenges of modern college football.
      - Corruption and accountability issues are prevalent in college sports.

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to Jay Paterno and His Legacy
      02:24 The Influence of Joe Paterno on Leadership
      04:23 Accountability in Leadership
      06:02 Core Values and Team Dynamics
      08:06 Lessons from Early Coaching Experiences
      10:00 The Pressures of Modern College Football
      11:57 NIL and Its Impact on College Sports
      12:53 Mental Health and Performance Pressure
      13:51 The Role of Coaches in Player Development
      15:29 The Business Model of College Football
      16:15 Potential Course Corrections in College Sports
      18:07 Leadership Under Pressure in Sports and Beyond
      21:57 Identifying Cultural Signals in Sports and Business
      25:16 The Balance of Empathy and Discipline in Coaching
      26:42 Navigating Gender Equity in Sports
      29:23 The Importance of Mental Health in Leadership
      31:10 Addressing Corruption and Accountability in College Sports
      34:33 Defining Success and Excellence in Leadership
       

       

      43 min
    6. BEST OF: Julia Menez: How to Hack and Maximize Airline Points

      Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

      For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com 

       

      Chapters:

       

      2:48 - Life and Career before becoming a professional

      4:06 - High School era and Tattoo inspiration

      4:51 - Travel Experience

      8:06 - Stay in China and culture difference

      9:45 - First taste of Exotic Food

      10:51 - Understanding the travel moments / The Aha Moment

      12:51 - GeoBreeze - the origin

      13:04 - Learning from Corporate America

      13:56 - Overall Point Strategy

      15:42 - Travel points Hack

      16:54 - Value of points and transfers

      18:25 - Earning vs Burning Ratio

      19:36 - Getting a Better Deal

      22:32 - Common Traveling Mistakes

      24:17 - Favorite transfer sites

      25:27 - Hidden fees

      26:18 - Best Airline with Status update potential

      27:49 - Airport Lounge situation

      28:41 - Secret Auxiliary benefits

      31:09 - Secret Reservations

      31:57 - Wrong Information out there

      33:37 - Massive Brilliant point redemption experience

      36:10 - Exciting challenges in business

      38:30 - Percentage Savings / Pragmatic Approach

      39:45 - Next Travel destination on wishlist

      41:03 - Best and Worst Airlines

      42:39 - Message for people stuck in 9-5 jobs

      44:00 - Julia's Super power

      45:00 - Julia's North Star

      48 min
    7. Neal Tricarico: Transforming Grief into Purpose

      #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.

      To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.

      Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

      For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com 

      Takeaways

      - Grief is a universal experience that transcends individual circumstances.
      - Love and connection are essential in navigating loss and grief.
      - Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, especially for men.
      - Community support plays a crucial role in healing and resilience.
      - Awareness and open conversations about mental health can save lives.
      - The journey of grief can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.
      - Finding purpose in pain can create a legacy that honors lost loved ones.
      - It's important to recognize and address the signs of mental health struggles in others.
      - Creating safe spaces for dialogue about mental health is vital for youth.
      - The power of storytelling can foster connection and understanding in communities.

       

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to Grief and Purpose
      01:14 Navigating Loss and Finding Grace
      05:52 The Complexity of Grief
      09:56 Living with Duality: Joy and Pain
      12:49 The Role of Community in Healing
      18:09 Faith and the Power of Connection
      23:46 The Journey of Giving and Receiving
      30:20 Creating a Legacy from Loss
      32:58 Navigating Parenthood Through Adversity
      40:51 The Birth of a Movement: Endurance
      47:41 Sacred Transformation: Beyond Survival
      50:30 Enduring with Love: Finding Strength in Vulnerability
      56:31 Understanding the Signs: Preventing Tragedy
      01:00:16 Messages of Hope: Honoring Anthony's Legacy
       


       

       

      1 hr 8 min
    8. Ashley Herd: The Manager Method: A Practical Framework to Lead, Support & Get Results

      #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.

      To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.

      Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

      For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com 

       

      Takeaways

      - Ashley Heard emphasizes the importance of proper training for first-time managers.
      - Promoting strong individual contributors to management roles can lead to failure without support.
      - Management styles can be categorized into 'tight jeans' and 'cozy joggers' to illustrate different approaches.
      - The Pause, Consider, Act framework helps managers make thoughtful decisions under pressure.
      - Intentional leadership is crucial for fostering a positive team environment.
      - Leadership development should be an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
      - AI can enhance leadership by providing tools for better decision-making and communication.
      - Cultural sensitivity is essential for effective management in diverse teams.
      - Success in leadership is defined by passion for work and a balanced life.
      - The Manager Method book provides practical frameworks for effective management.

       

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to Leadership Development
      02:54 The Journey to Law and Corporate Life
      05:59 The Challenges of Promoting Managers
      09:00 Management Styles: Tight Jeans vs. Cozy Joggers
      11:46 The Pause, Consider, Act Framework
      15:02 Navigating Toxic Management
      18:02 The Manager Method Book Launch
      20:36 Self-Discovery Through Writing
      22:22 The Importance of Continuous Leadership Development
      23:38 AI: A Tool for Human Connection
      26:57 Using AI to Enhance Team Dynamics
      29:14 The Human Element in Performance Reviews
      32:07 Evolving as a People Leader
      34:44 The Positive Side of HR
      35:54 Navigating the Future of Work
      37:43 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
      39:16 Defining Success in Work and Life

      42 min
    9. Why Do We Repeat Our Mistakes? Insights from Kati Morton

      #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.

      To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.

      Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

      For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com 

      Takeaways

      "We don't take the time to think about if we like our therapist."
      "Words have power; we speak them into existence."
      "You should feel like you like them; it's pretty comfortable."
      "We often give our partners the least energy, love, and support."
      "You have to consider whether you'd go to them for advice; if not, don't take their feedback."
      "Control gives us a sense of safety, but we can only control ourselves."
      "Healing is not a straight line; it's two steps forward, one step back."
      "Be curious, not judgmental, about your process."
      "Relationships are everything to me; if I'm not supporting them, something's wrong."
      "You have to unlearn the patterns that are no longer serving you."

       

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to Kati Morton
      01:07 The Importance of Mental Health
      06:59 Navigating Therapy: Finding the Right Fit
      10:06 The Power of Language in Mental Health
      16:39 Understanding Eldest Daughter Syndrome
      20:39 Patterns in Love and Attraction
      28:39 Recognizing Love Bombing and Red Flags
      32:38 Control, Anxiety, and Burnout
      38:05 The Journey of Healing and Self-Trust
      39:48 Kati's New Book: Why Do I Keep Doing This?
      46:00 Kati's North Star: The Importance of Connection
       


       

       

      51 min
    10. Nir Bashan: Unlocking Creativity: The Key to Workplace Innovation

      #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.

      To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.

      Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

      For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com 

      Takeaways

      - Creativity is a skill, not a personality trait.
      - In-person collaboration enhances creativity and problem-solving.
      - Complaining is seductive but unproductive; focus on solutions instead.
      - The fear of being wrong stifles innovation; embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.
      - Old-school skills are becoming the new techniques for success.

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to Nir Bashan and His Journey
      05:08 The State of Creativity in Advertising
      10:07 The Importance of In-Person Collaboration
      15:00 Reframing Creativity as a Skill
      19:47 Shifting from Complaining to Creating
      24:56 The Cost of Ignoring Creativity

      32 min
    11. Kimberly Storin: Zoom CMO: Navigating the Future of Marketing

      #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.

      To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.

      Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

      For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com 

      Takeaways

      - Curiosity drives success in marketing and leadership.
      - Eating the frog means tackling the hardest tasks first.
      - Building relationships with finance is crucial for marketing leaders.
      - Organizational culture is defined by behaviors and values.
      - Experiential marketing is making a comeback in the digital age.
      - AI should enhance human engagement, not replace it.
      - Remote work requires new strategies for effective communication.
      - Marketing must focus on long-term value and customer lifetime.
      - Nonprofits need to communicate their impact effectively to engage donors.
      - The future of work will involve multi-generational collaboration.

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to Kim Storen and Her Journey
      02:50 The Impact of Early Experiences on Career Choices
      05:49 Curiosity and the Importance of Tackling Challenges
      08:57 Interviewing for Curiosity and Problem-Solving Skills
      12:10 Joining Zoom: A CMO's Perspective
      15:01 Building a Marketing Strategy at Zoom
      17:57 The Role of Finance in Marketing
      19:52 Defining Organizational Culture
      21:56 The Renaissance of Experiential Marketing
      24:52 The Cost of Community Engagement
      32:34 Navigating AI and Human Connection
      34:58 Adapting Marketing Strategies in a Hybrid World
      36:54 Measuring Experience Quality Beyond Attendance
      41:59 Shifting Focus from Presence to Progress
      45:11 Engaging Donors in a Hybrid Philanthropic Landscape
      48:32 The Future of Work and Multi-Generational Collaboration
      50:50 Defining Success and Career Advice

       

      55 min
    12. Jason Walker: Why Empathy is Crucial in HR

      #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.

      To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.

      Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast

      For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com 

       

      Takeaways

      - Jason Walker's journey into HR was influenced by his dyslexia and strong people skills.
      - Empathy is crucial in HR, especially for those who have faced challenges.
      - AI has disrupted traditional job searching methods, making networking more important.
      - Job seekers need to adopt a warrior mentality to compete in the current market.
      - Companies are hesitant to hire due to uncertainty about future needs.
      - AI tools can help streamline hiring processes but may lead to a competitive environment.
      - Job hugging reflects employees' fears of job security and market instability.
      - Hybrid work models present challenges for employee engagement and development.
      - HR leaders must focus on maintaining culture and employee appreciation during tough times.
      - Fractional HR services provide cost-effective solutions for companies needing specialized support.

       

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to Jason Walker and ThriveHR Consulting
      02:32 Jason's Journey into HR and Empathy Development
      05:01 The Changing Talent Landscape and AI's Impact
      11:14 The AI War: Job Seekers vs Employers
      12:18 Positive Uses of AI in Hiring Processes
      18:45 Understanding Job Hugging in Today's Market
      20:47 The Hybrid Work Model: Pros and Cons
      23:42 Culture, Burnout, and Compliance Risks in HR
      27:02 Practical AI Adoption in HR
      32:37 Fractional HR: A Growing Demand
      37:47 Actionable Advice for Job Seekers
      40:42 Optimism in the HR Landscape
       


       

      45 min

    About The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam Posner

    From the publisher's feed

    Career & Life Journeys: Hosted by Adam Posner, he interviews top experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from the world of Entrepreneurship, Talent Acquisition, Personal Growth, and other world-class amazing humans to decode their success via their insights into their own career journeys and personal growth.