The Chad & Cheese Podcast

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Broadcasting from the ever-glamorous Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Chad & Cheese sit down with the powerhouse of DEI herself, Novonda Lilly, Director of DEI Campus and Community Engagement at Vanderbilt Health. Novonda schools the guys on how to navigate the choppy waters of diversity in hiring, especially with 2025 looming large. Spoiler alert: it’s not as simple as slapping a rainbow on your LinkedIn banner.Novonda doesn’t hold back, calling out the so-called “shortage of diverse candidates” and challenging recruiters to step up their game. She serves up practical advice on using social media to reach underrepresented talent, though she’s quick to throw a little shade at AI and its dicey role in hiring – because, let's be real, nobody wants a “smart” robot unintentionally screening out great people. And, if you're hoping for a warm fuzzy moment, sorry – Novonda’s here to make sure we all stay sharp and resilient. She dishes on the reality of adapting DEI strategies to market trends, and she’s already lined up LinkedIn requests from everyone who wants in on her best practices.Prepare for an episode packed with humor, hard truths, and a few digs at outdated recruiting “innovations.” Novonda reminds us that if you’re not actively building an inclusive culture, you’re just setting yourself up for 2025 – and not in a good way.

In this episode of Firing Squad, Josh Sklüt, co-founder and Chief People Officer of My Standard, discusses the innovative approach of his company as a Web3 alternative to traditional job platforms like LinkedIn. He explains how My Standard empowers users to control and monetize their professional data while addressing the shortcomings of existing recruitment methods.The conversation delves into the app's features, the challenges of candidate matching, and the future of job searching in a decentralized world. The discussion covers client success stories, the competitive landscape, and the go-to-market strategy focusing on AI jobs. Sklut also addresses challenges and critiques from the hosts regarding the complexities of blockchain and the need for effective education in the HR space.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to My Standard and Josh Sklut05:09 - Pitching My Standard: A New Approach to Job Searching09:54 - The Problem with Traditional Job Platforms15:11 - Data Verification and Candidate Matching19:51 - Monetization and Business Model of My Standard24:45 - Challenges and Future of My Standard17:52 - Understanding the Use Cases and Client Success Stories19:51 - Differentiating from Competitors and Market Positioning22:03 - Go-to-Market Strategy and Initial Focus on AI Jobs23:57 - Team Composition and Expertise Behind MyStandard26:04 - Exit Strategies and Future Growth Opportunities28:04 - Facing the Firing Squad: Challenges and Critiques

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese podcast, the boys discuss various topics including Sundar's velvet hammer, LinkedIn's financial success, the recent election results and their implications, and the trend of wealthy Americans considering relocation. The conversation flows from light-hearted banter to serious reflections on political and social issues, all while maintaining a humorous tone.They discuss various topics including the results of a hybrid work experiment, the growth and innovations at LinkedIn, and Google's recent all-hands meeting where AI's impact on jobs was addressed. They explore the implications of hybrid work on productivity and employee satisfaction, LinkedIn's revenue growth and new features, and the concerns surrounding job security in the tech industry due to AI advancements.Chapters01:03.95 - Election Commentary and European Perspective  01:13.19 - Chad in Nazaré, Portugal  01:37.89 - Travel Plans and Europe Compared to the U.S.  02:09.21 - Election Insights and Mental Health  02:41.38 - Joel Reflects on American Elections and Republican Revolution  04:21.03 - Reflections on Political Cycles and Voter Shifts  05:53.67 - Wealthy Americans Planning to Leave the U.S.  09:03.63 - Text Recruiting and Listener Shoutouts  10:45.49 - Draftboard Business Pivot  11:52.10 - Listener Art and Future Tattoo Ideas  17:20.55 - Hybrid Work Study Discussion  22:17.14 - Hybrid Work Future Predictions  24:34.07 - Immigration Impact on American Workforce  25:06.13 - LinkedIn Revenue and Global Market Growth  27:17.62 - LinkedIn AI and Coaching Feature Expansion  31:32.68 - Google's Velvet Hammer  36:03.05 - Closing Remarks and Halloween Joke

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Live from the Shaker Green Room, Mary Battle Broxton from Tractor Supply Company joined The Chad & Cheese at RecFest USA to talk AI, authenticity, and hiring without the ‘lazy applicants.’ ‘Embrace the robots, or get left in the dust,’ as Mary urges talent leaders to dive headfirst into AI tools like Paradox. Forget the old-school ways; it's all about tech-fueled, authentic candidate experiences now, where people and bots get to know each other before onboarding. Oh, and by 2025, you better be ready to keep up, or, as Mary might say, enjoy life as a digital dinosaur.

Live from the SmartRecruiters booth, Tracey Parsons, the CEO of Flockity, shared insights at the HR Tech conference in Las Vegas, drawing from her extensive 20-year background in recruitment marketing and employer branding. She highlighted the sluggish pace of change within the industry, attributing it to stakeholder resistance and a pervasive lack of genuine listening, which deteriorates candidate experiences. This oversight often stems from an employer's sense of superiority, exemplified by Amazon's challenged reputation due to its treatment of warehouse workers. Parsons noted the common occurrence of candidates being ghosted post-interview, a reflection of broader systemic failures in recruitment where candidate sentiment remains low and transparency around compensation is stifled.The friction in job application processes is often counterproductive, deterring potential talent, while companies like Amazon, despite recognizing the costs of high attrition, struggle with implementing meaningful change. Misaligned branding further complicates expectations for both candidates and employees. However, technology offers a beacon of hope by potentially streamlining interactions and enhancing communication.Parsons criticized the inefficiencies in the current job distribution model, marked by low trust in job postings, and introduced Flockity's innovative approach using influencer marketing to foster trust and improve the candidate experience. She pointed out the skewed dynamics where paid job promotions might not reflect genuine company endorsement, and content tends to emphasize skills over culture. Creators often avoid brand mentions to dodge backlash.

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel Cheesman and Emi Beredugo discuss Halloween festivities, share a humorous story about a naked neighbor incident, and delve into the upcoming US elections from a British perspective. They also touch on the cultural impact of Taylor Swift's concerts, highlight innovative recruiting platforms, and provide updates on their fantasy football league.Then they discuss the implications of AI in recruitment, focusing on LinkedIn's new Hiring Assistant tool and its potential to streamline recruitment tasks. They explore the impact of AI on coding jobs, the evolving role of recruiters, and the challenges of integrating AI while maintaining human connection. The discussion also touches on hiring trends for 2025, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new technologies and the need for recruiters to upskill in a changing job market.Emi and Joel discuss the evolving landscape of hiring practices, particularly the shift towards skills-based hiring. They explore the mindset of Gen Z, who prioritize mental health and work-life balance over traditional hustle culture. The discussion also highlights the alarming trend of prime-age men leaving the workforce, attributing it to economic shifts and societal pressures. Finally, they delve into the implications of influencer culture on society, questioning its long-term effects on individual identity and societal values.Takeaways Halloween is a favorite holiday for many, with unique costumes and traditions. A humorous incident involving a naked neighbor showcases the unpredictability of life. The US elections are a topic of global interest, especially from a British viewpoint. Taylor Swift's concerts have a significant cultural impact, turning non-fans into fans. Innovative recruiting platforms like Poetry are changing the landscape of recruitment. The excitement and tension surrounding elections can be felt worldwide. LinkedIn's Hiring Assistant aims to automate recruitment tasks. AI is seen as a tool to enhance productivity, not replace humans. Recruiters add value through human interaction, not just administrative tasks. AI's role in coding is growing, but human oversight remains essential. The demand for upskilling in tech roles is increasing due to AI. Candidates prefer remote work and are resistant to returning to the office. Skills-based hiring is not widely adopted among employers. Recruiters are evolving to focus on workforce planning and employer branding. AI can help with communication but should not replace human touch. The future of recruitment will require adaptability to new technologies. Skills-based hiring is gaining traction as a necessary approach. Gen Z is reshaping workplace expectations with a focus on mental health. The job market is evolving, requiring creative hiring strategies. Young people today have unprecedented career options. The influencer culture is influencing career aspirations among youth. Disengagement among young men is a growing concern for society. Economic shifts are impacting traditional employment pathways. Companies must adapt to retain talent in a changing landscape. The stigma around non-college careers is detrimental to workforce participation. Understanding the motivations of young people is crucial for future employment strategies. Chapters00:00 - Halloween Festivities and Costumes03:02 - Naked Neighbor Incident06:01 - US Elections and Global Perspectives10:04 - Taylor Swift's Impact and Concert Experience12:05 - Shout Outs and Innovations in Recruiting16:01 - Fantasy Football Update and Competition17:30 - AI in Recruitment: LinkedIn's Hiring Assistant26:01 - The Impact of AI on Coding and Employment34:11 - Hiring Trends for 2025: Balancing AI and Human Connection43:01 - Skills-Based Hiring: A New Paradigm46:03 - The Mindset Shift of Gen Z54:03 - The Decline of Prime Age Men in the Workforce01:00:53 - The Impact of Influencer Culture on Society

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this lively episode, Chad Sowash and Joel Cheesman sit down with Quincy Valencia, SVP of Innovation at Harri, at the HR Tech conference. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Quincy offers her candid insights on the overhyped AI trend, emphasizing that companies should focus on the outcomes AI can deliver rather than getting lost in technical jargon. She highlights how AI has evolved since ChatGPT’s launch, moving beyond basic functionalities to transformative real-time data applications in industries like hospitality. As she discusses the future of HR technology, Quincy predicts continued shifts toward integrated ecosystems and strategic partnerships, suggesting that adaptability and innovation are critical for survival. The conversation wraps up with her advice for cautious companies exploring AI: prioritize business results over the technology’s novelty.Chapter Timecodes1. 0:00 - Podcast Intro2. 2:31 - Meet Quincy Valencia3. 5:46 - AI in HR4. 10:31 - Real-World AI Applications5. 4:56 - Adapting in a Changing Market6. 20:11 - Advice for Newcomers7. 23:31 - Future of HR Tech8. 27:16 - Quincy’s HR Tech Wishlist9. 30:46 - Wrap-Up