Highlights

• Travel experiences in Asia and Europe
• Decline in job postings and the impact on the recruitment industry
• Acquisition of Textkernel by Bullhorn and the importance of AI in recruitment
• Rebranding of StepStone and the significance of consistent branding
• Funding of TechWolf and the trend towards skills-based hiring Companies struggle with skills-based hiring because they often don't understand the specific skills required for a job. Testing candidates for these skills before hiring them can be more effective than relying on traditional screening processes.
• AI governance software is becoming increasingly important for companies in highly regulated industries. Fair now, an AI compliance company, has raised $3.5 million in seed funding to expand its operations.
• Job search engine Indeed has seen a decline in global and US traffic, possibly due to changes in Google's algorithm and the rise of AI summaries. Competitors like ZipRecruiter have shown different trends, suggesting specific challenges for Indeed.
• The car industry is experiencing various trends, including the rise of EVs, the challenges of infrastructure and consumer spending habits, and the impact of competition on companies like Tesla.
• Morgan Stanley is using generative AI assistants to improve efficiency and client engagement for its financial advisors. This trend of using AI assistants for administrative tasks is expected to continue across industries.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Travel Adventures

08:05 - The Acquisition of Textkernel by Bullhorn

11:37 - StepStone's Rebranding

25:08 -Skills-Based Hiring Challenges

26:24 -The Rise of AI Governance Software

29:17 -The Decline in Traffic for Job Search Engine Indeed

33:29 -Trends in the Car Industry: EVs and Competition

46:35 -AI Assistants in Financial Advising: Improving Efficiency

51:15 -The Challenges Faced by Hooters

Lieven passionately defends traditional brewing against AI enhancements in Belgian beer, while Chad shares his excitement. They also critique StepStone’s recent rebranding efforts and their potential impact on the company's future.

Tune in for a lively discussion on AI, recruitment tech, and European innovations, all with a side of humor and a dash of Belgian beer.

00:00 - Talk’n’Job Intro

03:20 - Market Challenges and Opportunities

13:13 - Funding and Expansion Plans

16:27 - Blue-Collar Jobs and Easy Recruitment Processes

27:44 - The Impact of AI

00:01:00 - Special Guest Introduction

00:03:30 - Euro 2024 Soccer Talk

00:06:30 - Shoutouts and Upcoming Events

00:11:00 - RecFest Insights

00:14:30 - Indeed Launches into Staffing

00:20:00 - Staffing Industry Disruption

00:25:00 - Bullhorn Acquires TextKernel

00:30:00 - AI in Recruitment and Staffing

00:38:00 - Skills-Based Hiring

00:44:00 - Retail Job Challenges

00:49:00 - McDonald's AI Experiment

00:54:00 - Closing Remarks

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:14 The Unicorn Parade and VC Winter

07:16 Opportunities for Seed Investors

10:23 The Thaw and the Future of Venture Capital

16:23 Investment Themes: AI, Compliance, and Global Workforce

22:36 Advantages and Disadvantages of Incumbents in Leveraging Data

23:53 Challenges of Integrating HR Tech Systems

26:15 Evaluating Startup Pitches and the Importance of Referrals

29:55 Evaluating European Startups vs. US Startups

33:49 The Potential for Disruption in the ATS Market

35:23 Best Bets, Worst Mistakes, and Missed Opportunities in Venture Capital

Next up, they dive into Ashby's latest funding round, wondering if this ATS can stay the "hot chick" in a fickle market. Seek pulls out of Latin America, and Chad has some colorful memories of OCC Mexico. The guys then shred Rubio's Coastal Grill for blaming California's $20 minimum wage for their bankruptcy and eviscerating Walmart's "generous" employee bonuses.

Flight attendants are fed up, and Chad channels his inner union boss, while Joel fears the future of paid service for basic flight amenities. Finally, in the most important segment of all, an Edmonton Oilers fan's flashing antics spark a debate on the year of the boobs. Because, really, what's a podcast without some hockey Hooters? Tune in for laughs, rants, and the inevitable dad joke to cap it all off.

Chapters with Timestamps

00:00 - Opening Banter

02:21 - D-Day

05:53 - Tupper Indeed Prediction

08:10 - Recfest, Singapore, & Guest Hosts

15:01 - Ashby more like Cashby

22:53 - Seek Pulls Out

28:48 - Walmart & American Airlines BS

42:24 - Hockey Hooters

Episode Chapters

0:00:00 - Podcast Intro

0:00:23 - Live from Transform Las Vegas

0:00:42 - Welcoming Janine Yancey

0:01:03 - Janine Yancey's Background

0:04:03 - Differentiating in a Competitive Market

0:06:10 - Partnerships with Industry Leaders

0:07:39 - Developing Management Skills

0:08:26 - Measuring Team Chemistry

0:09:49 - Building a Unified Team Culture

0:11:00 - Launching New People Analytics Tools

0:14:02 - The Impact of AI on Work

0:17:20 - Evolution of the Workforce

Chapters:

0:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

0:00:35 - Gerry Crispin's Background

0:02:17 - Early Days and Formation of CareerXroads 

0:03:09 - The Internet and Job Boards Revolution

0:05:49 - Writing and Publishing the First Book

0:14:45 - Transition to Building a Community

0:16:35 - Reflecting on the Evolution of Talent Acquisition

0:17:31 - AI and the Future of Recruiting 

0:19:42 - Current State of Talent Acquisition Technology

0:25:11 - Improving Recruiting Efficiency and Integration

0:30:40 - DEI and the Supreme Court Decision Impact 

0:36:01 - Corporate Responsibility and Community Engagement

0:37:01 - Insights from the UNLEASH Conference

0:38:16 - Conclusion and Gerry’s Contact Information

00:00 - Intro and Entertainment

03:51 - Industry News and Acquisitions

13:11 - Events and Celebrations

26:52 - Indeed's Market Expansion Strategy

27:34 - Challenges of Skills-Based Hiring

43:37 - Chuck E. Cheese as a Remote Workspace

00:00 - Exploring Scotland: Haggis and Distilleries

12:26 - Glasgow vs. Edinburgh: Contrasting Cities

15:33 - Tasting Experience at Glenkinchie Distillery

16:29 - Experiences in Scotland

23:08 - Challenges at Seekout: A Go-to-Market Problem

31:59 - Indeed's Shift to Paid Postings

35:38 - Reducing Reliance on External Platforms

• Fear Factor: HR Edition: Why is HR so terrified of the C-suite? We'll explore the existential dread of asking for more budget and why HR prefers to live in the land of "No Money, Mo' Problems."
• Tech Wreck Tech Deck: Listen as we ridicule the shiny new HR technologies that promise the moon but deliver a piece of cheese. John breaks down why these tools often end up as expensive digital paperweights.
• The Boomerang Boomers: Why are retirees flooding back to the workforce? Is it for the love of the job or just because they can't afford Netflix on their pensions? We'll look at why the golden years are now being spent in cubicles rather than on cruises.
• Leadership or Lack Thereof: Get ready for John's rant on why today's HR leaders might just be masquerading as competent professionals. Spoiler alert: It involves a lot of snark and some uncomfortable truths about leadership (or the absence of it).

Tune in for an episode that promises to be as enlightening as it is entertaining, with plenty of laughs, a few cringes, and maybe some existential questioning of your career choices. Don't forget to leave your sensibilities at the door—this ride isn’t for the faint of heart or the humorless in HR.

Highlights:

- Kristen introduces herself, sharing her six-week tenure at HireRoad and her rich history in HR tech with companies like Amazon and Indeed.

- Formerly known as Ascendre, this Australian ATS has recently been rebranded as HireRoad, aiming to make a mark in the HR tech arena with new leadership and innovative products like People Insight by HireRoad.

- Kristen discusses the challenges and strategies in rebranding and marketing in a competitive industry, emphasizing understanding diverse customer bases and leveraging partnerships.

- The conversation turns to the role of AI and data analytics in HR, where Kristen elaborates on HireRoad's capabilities in people analytics and predictive analytics, and how these tools aid in succession planning and talent retention.

Whether you're an HR veteran or just trying to get through your commute without falling asleep at the wheel, tune in for a mix of brash opinions, occasional wisdom, and relentless mockery of everything the HR tech industry holds dear. Just remember, you were warned. So buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride, and by the end, you might just find yourself wishing you had spent your time doing literally anything else.

We delve into why DEI is a cornerstone at Bridge Partners, tracing its roots back to the early 2000s when multiculturalism was at the forefront. Our guests discuss a recent survey they conducted on DEI initiatives in corporate America, revealing that 80% of respondents consider DEI important, with it ranking as the top priority among non-core business initiatives.

The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Chief Diversity Officers, who often have the shortest tenure in the C-suite due to a lack of support and resources within companies. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of DEI in organizations and the future of leadership diversity.

Microsoft appoints Mustafa Suleyman as CEO of its AI division to compete with OpenAI, Google, and other Big Tech companies. Anthropic's Claude 3 Opus surpasses GPT-4 on the Chatbot Arena leaderboard, marking the first non-OpenAI model to do so. Mark Zuckerberg is also personally recruiting Google DeepMind talent for Meta AI without requiring interviews.

HR AI is also on the rise, with Toronto-based Borderless AI and its HR assistant Alberni securing $27 million in seed funding. Hippocratic AI raises $53 million in Series A funding, bringing its valuation to $500 million.

Economists argue that immigration has been a major boon for the economy, boosting employment and consumer spending. Policymakers like Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell acknowledge the benefits of migration on labor shortages.

BMW is testing robot workers at its South Carolina plant, and a controversy at a Florida school over a mother's OnlyFans account sticker on her car led to the expulsion of nine students.

But first, let's talk funding. Milan's Talentware just secured €800,000 for its AI-driven SaaS platform, while NOVA, a freelancer hub, snagged $1.75M in seed funding. Talent management software is hot, folks, and NOVA's growth from a private Instagram page to a powerhouse in the freelance world is impressive.

Now, onto the self-serve saga. Big retailers like Dollar General, Target, and Walmart are rethinking self-checkout due to theft concerns and customer experience woes. Dollar General's pulling out self-checkouts in some stores, while Target's implementing "express self-checkout" with item limits. Who would've thought petty crime would lead to job creation?

First up, we delve into Paradox's latest move – appointing a brand-new CEO. This change at the top has the industry buzzing, and we're here to analyze what this means for the company's future direction.

Then, we're going TMZ-style, uncovering a high-profile industry veteran caught in an unexpected situation Down Under. Rumors are swirling about a potential acquisition in the works, and we've got the inside scoop that's heating up the business world.

But that's not all! We're also talking about Veritone's latest strategic play, joining forces with one of the largest job board networks globally. This partnership could reshape the landscape of job seeking and recruitment, and we're breaking down all the implications.

If these fiery topics don't get you all jacked up, you've got to ask yourself – why are you even listening?

Tune in for an episode packed with insights, intrigue, and insider info from the world of work. It's all happening right here, live from Transform in Las Vegas!

We explore the phenomenon known as the "Great Resignation" and its lasting impact on the workforce, uncovering underlying issues like stagnant wages, layoffs, and limited career growth opportunities. The financial toll of attrition on organizations is also brought to the forefront, highlighting the significant costs associated with replacing employees.

As Chad and Joel question why talent acquisition professionals aren't taking more proactive measures to address retention and productivity concerns, Dr. Jim suggests that short-term fixes often take precedence over long-term talent management strategies. He stresses the crucial role of effective leadership and managerial support in retaining employees.

Throughout the discussion, we delve into key aspects of employee retention and development, including brand integrity, onboarding processes, and the importance of clear communication. Dr. Jim draws parallels between corporate practices and military training, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and development.

We also explore shifting attitudes towards stability and career paths among different generations, advocating for a more flexible and entrepreneurial approach to career management. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of organizational adaptation to meet the evolving expectations and aspirations of employees, fostering long-term engagement and loyalty.

DEEL's Acquisition Spree: We start with Deel, the HR startup making waves with its recent acquisition of African-based PaySpace, following last week's purchase of Zavvy. This marks Deel's largest acquisition yet, as it aims to strengthen its presence in Africa and reach $500M in annual recurring revenue, with plans for an IPO in 2025/2026.

ZipRecruiter and Appcast's Pricing Changes: While Deel celebrates its growth, others like ZipRecruiter are facing scrutiny for a nearly 74% price hike without clear additional value. Meanwhile, Appcast is transitioning its business model away from supporting customers below the $20K/mo. spend, raising questions about its strategy and impact on agencies.

Klarna's Efficiency with AI: Klarna's partnership with OpenAI has resulted in significant efficiency improvements, with its chatbot managing two-thirds of customer service chats in 23 markets and 35 languages. The integration is expected to increase profits by $40 million in 2024, raising questions about the impact on recruiting.

Google's Data Deal with Stack Overflow: Google's Gemini chatbot will now utilize Stack Overflow's Q&A for coding assistance, marking Stack Overflow's first customer for paid access to content used to train AI chatbots. This deal could have significant commercial implications for Stack Overflow.

Indeed's Missteps: Finally, we touch on Indeed's recent controversies, including a disappointing Willy Wonka chocolate factory experience and a racist job ad that was posted on the platform. These incidents raise questions about Indeed's oversight and use of AI in job postings.

It's enough to make you forget politics, global conflict and the increase in prices at Chipotle. You're welcome.

The role of Microsoft in the competition between LinkedIn and other platforms was also discussed, with the potential impact on recruiters and job seekers being a key point of interest. The rise of alternative platforms like Polywork and the potential for new competitors to emerge in the recruiting space were also mentioned. Fink emphasized the importance of recruiters being adaptable and not relying solely on one platform like LinkedIn for sourcing candidates. He also stressed the need for recruiters to be creative and think outside the box when it comes to finding and engaging with candidates.

• PageUp: U.S. tech investor Battery Ventures is looking to cash out of talent management platform PageUp, which it funded in 2018. Despite efforts to expand globally and through acquisitions, PageUp struggled to gain traction in the U.S. market.
• HireRight: Investment funds affiliated with General Atlantic and Stone Point Capital are acquiring background check solution HireRight for approximately $1.65 billion. The sale suggests a smart move to sell while the stock is high.
• Beamery: Beamery's CTO and co-founder Michael Patterson has exited the company, amid rumors of acquisition by Workday. However, Workday may wait to acquire Beamery at a lower price, as Beamery has faced layoffs and client loss.
• The Hatch: Australian startup The Hatch has raised approximately $4.6 million to create a job platform targeting Gen Z professionals, aiming to disrupt traditional job boards by using AI to match users with jobs based on their values and skills.

In addition, Chad and Joel discuss various topics related to current events and news, including the National Labor Relations Board's disputes with Amazon, SpaceX, and Trader Joe's, LinkedIn's legal troubles, North Korean hackers using AI for phishing scams, and more. Join us for a lively discussion on labor rights, privacy, and corporate ethics!

Torin emphasizes the significance of taking action and not just relying on discussions, urging organizations to address issues like pay inequality actively. The trio explores strategies to navigate the socio-political landscape and drive progress in DEI initiatives. Then we discuss a controversial statements made by Governor Ron DeSantis, equating slavery to a work training program, and emphasizing the importance of addressing racism and inequality beyond just conversations in black churches but spreading awareness in various communities.

The conversation delves into the challenges of building relationships, advocating for honest discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Torin shares insights into the increasing demand for diversity and inclusion education in companies, highlighting the need for CEOs to make a genuine commitment, allocate resources, and be held accountable for diversity initiatives.

The discussion also touches on the performative nature of some diversity efforts and the importance of tangible outcomes. Torin reflects on the debate between Elon Musk and Mark Cuban, emphasizing the need for action in addition to public discourse. Finally, as it is Black History Month, Torin shares his personal connection to the month and encourages understanding and support from individuals, acknowledging the potential for positive change when addressing interference in achieving diversity goals.

We also delve into the latest earnings reports from various companies in the HR and recruiting industry. Recruit Holdings reported a decrease in revenue due to a contraction in hiring activities in the U.S. and Europe. DHI Group, the owners of Dice and Clearance Jobs, experienced a decline in revenue, primarily driven by a decrease in revenue from Dice. Randstad reported a drop in revenue, attributing it to global economic uncertainty. Monster revenue was also down. Despite a roaring U.S. economy, these companies are facing challenges, including upskilling, less job-hopping, and the need for internal networking.

In other news, the Biden administration announced a $5 billion investment to support research and development in advanced computer chips. This initiative aims to reverse the decline in the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing industry and boost domestic production of advanced semiconductors. However, companies are struggling to adapt quickly enough to a convergence of tech, generational turnover, and the fast pace of change. About 44% of workers' skills are set to be disrupted in the next five years, and about 60% of workers will require training in the next three years.

Jobster, the company behind the world's first predictive job advertising platform, is making a comeback. Jobster, first famous in the mid-2000s, is now back under new ownership. The return of Jobster could signal a new programmatic ad solution in the job market.

Lastly, Neon Money Club, a fintech platform, has launched a new dating app called Score, which requires users to have a credit score of at least 675. Users who are denied access will be directed to resources to improve their financial literacy and credit scores. The app has received mixed reactions due to its exclusionary nature, with some viewing it as aspirational and others seeing it as perpetuating class divides. Neon Money Club has raised over $10 million in venture capital and is the first Black-owned tech business to launch a credit card with AMEX.

Moving on, Fora, an Executive Relationship Management platform, has launched with $3.8 million in pre-seed funding. Featuring industry veterans like Joe Essenfeld and Susan Vitale, Fora aims to revolutionize decision-making for executives with tailored AI technology. Lyft is making waves in the U.S. ride-hailing industry with weekly earnings guarantees for drivers, aiming to attract more to its platform amidst competition with Uber.

Starship Technologies has secured $90 million to expand sidewalk delivery robot operations, while the NYPD ends its AI-driven security robot deployment in Times Square. And guess who's back? NYPD's K9 robot Digidog returns to service. Lastly, Apple's Vision Pro VR headset disappoints buyers as it blocks access to VR porn. Despite anticipation, users can't access explicit content, sparking frustration on social media and Reddit.

The move follows Personio's valuation at $8.5 billion, and the boys discuss the trend of venture capital and private equity focusing on headcount growth, emphasizing the importance of revenue. They predict more layoffs from other unicorns that have received substantial funding. The discussion also touches on the IPO plans for Personio and the challenges faced by companies expanding to the US, citing the example of VONQ.

The podcast later features a "Who'd You Rather" segment comparing two companies, HireAra and Poetry HR, and their recent funding rounds. The hosts share their preferences, highlighting the significance of the founders in their decision-making.

The episode concludes with a discussion on Amazon's French arm being fined over 27 million pounds for implementing an intrusive surveillance system to monitor staff performance. The hosts express varying opinions on the impact of the fine and the ongoing global conversation about workplace monitoring and employee privacy.

Looking to attend House of HR's E-recruitment Congress in March? Use CODE CP51000 and get 50% OFF when you register at https://www.erecruitment-congress.com/

In CEO updates, rumors suggest Arno Schafer is out at Vonq, the job advertising platform. Now, let's dive into tech news - ADP has launched ADP Assist, a cross-platform solution powered by generative AI, revolutionizing HR productivity.

Moving on, Twitter Jobs introduces featured job ads, giving verified organizations benefits like priority posts and premium support. Now, from Japan, Indeed Plus is automating job matching by distributing postings on various job boards within Recruit Holdings.

Lastly, UPS is cutting 12,000 jobs, saving approximately $1 billion after a 31.8% drop in quarterly profit. UPS CEO Carol Tomé announces the end of the hybrid work schedule, requiring employees to return to the office five days a week. Plus, over 10,000 autoworkers from non-union companies have signed union cards with the UAW.

• LinkedIn's Labyrinth: Remember stalking profiles like paparazzi? Now it's paywalled, like a Kardashian's closet.
• Moneybags Mania: Buckle up for a cash explosion! Huler's McDucking it, Ceridian's playing Monopoly with learning platforms, and DailyPay's got a billion-dollar piggy bank. Your salary? A rounding error.
• Job Board Jeopardy: Hold onto your FlexJobs! Bold.com snatched it like a free croissant at a networking event. Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated might be taking a dirt nap thanks to The Arena Group's fumble. Are robots writing your news now?
• Google's Global Games: Across the globe, Google's playing musical chairs with its Korean employees. But guess what? They're not having it.
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So there you have it, work world circus in a nutshell. Laugh, cry, maybe fart a little – that's what we're here for. Tune in next week for more corporate clowning and your weekly dose of The Weekly Show. Because in this game, we're all just juggling deadlines and dodging banana peels. Keep calm and carry on… with your trusty air freshener.

P.S. Spread the word, wage slaves! We're all in this crazy ride together.