Whenever we talk about recruiting automation, there is always a persistent narrative in favor of retaining the human touch in some way, shape, or form. While technology now enables us to interact in increasingly conversational ways, there's still an irreplaceable quality in human-to-human, face-to-face dialogue that no machine or video can fully replicate.

So, how can we enhance the effectiveness of our conversations in both professional and personal settings? And could asking more powerful, thoughtful questions lead to better hiring outcomes?

My guest this week is Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Topaz Adizes, founder of experience design studio The Skin Deep. Having conducted over 1,200 filmed conversations exploring human connection, Topaz has gained profound insights into what makes questions transformative. In our discussion, he shares what his work has taught him about crafting questions that break down barriers and foster authentic dialogue—lessons that can help us all engage more meaningfully in the workplace and beyond.

In the interview, we discuss:

Lessons learned from filming 1,200 conversations

How conversations build relationships

Avoiding power plays and making a safe space for conversation

The importance of well-constructed questions

Curiosity and openness in job interviews

The power of bringing unrelated concepts together

Connective questions

Listening versus speaking

Can AI write effective questions?

The differences between face-to-face and virtual conversations

What's the future of workplace conversations?

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