The People Factor

Kathrin is a global talent leader with 16 years of experience shaping and implementing commercial people strategies. Deep expertise in talent acquisition for go-to-market, product & engineering in​ scale-up and big tech environments.Having lived in Singapore, Paris, London, Warsaw and Munich, she brings a global perspective and track record in hiring talent worldwide. From adtech to cloud, SaaS, cybersecurity and AI, she has enabled and led teams towards transformative outcomes.Shownotes00:00 - Intro & Context02:45 - Understanding Funnel Analytics and Data Literacy05:26 - Practical Application of Funnel Data07:01 - Optimizing Hiring Processes for Increased Efficiency12:43 - Aligning Hiring Managers and Recruitment Goals17:41 - Improving Quality and Efficiency in Hiring21:37 - Creating Alignment and Clear Expectations25:07 - The Art and Science of Talent Acquisition27:21 - Leveraging Financial Impact in Talent Acquisition31:32 - Closing Thoughts on Data-Driven RecruitmentLinksGuest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrinholzfurtner/Thomas Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-kohler-pplwise/Thomas e-mail: thomas@pplwise.compplwise: https://pplwise.com/

Milena Warner is an accomplished Talent and People leader with extensive experience in building and scaling high-performing teams. As a strategic partner to business leaders, she is passionate about creating inclusive and empowering environments that unlock potential and drive sustainable growth. With a proven track record in talent strategy, leadership development, and positive culture transformation, Milena is dedicated to fostering workplaces where people and businesses thrive together.Shownotes00:00 - Intro & Context06:50 - The Importance of Collaboration and Balance11:41 - Overcoming Personal Barriers and Self-Doubt16:42 - Understanding Power Dynamics in the Workplace21:55 - Practical Tips for Building Confidence and SuccessLinksGuest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milenadwarner/Yeliz Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeliz-castillo/Yeliz e-mail: yeliz.castillo@pplwise.compplwise: https://pplwise.com/

"A true recruiter who has come up through the ranks and is now Global Head of Talent, a serious hustler from the university of life and dedicated mum.”Shownotes00:00 - Intro & Context08:38 - The Importance of a Positive Mindset21:25 - The Role of Employers in Supporting Working Parents28:47 - Top Tips for New Moms Returning to WorkLinksGuest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-wilkinson-007197245/Yeliz Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeliz-castillo/Yeliz e-mail: yeliz.castillo@pplwise.compplwise: https://pplwise.com/

Alex is an experienced leader in Talent Acquisition and has worked in the field of Recruitment for more than 12 years, working for both agencies and tech product companies in South Africa and Germany. He has recruited internationally in EMEA and North America, predominantly focusing on Product and Engineering Recruitment.In his current role, Alex is the Lead Talent Acquisition Manager at HiveMQ, a startup whose product is focused on Industrial IoT connectivity. Some of his past employers include Successful Berlin based startups such as Klarna and Adjust.Shownotes00:00 - Intro & Context06:57 - Challenges in Talent Acquisition12:23 - The Importance of Retention in Hiring21:47 - Fighting for CandidatesLinksGuest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-oldewage-08b74674/Yeliz Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeliz-castillo/Yeliz e-mail: yeliz.castillo@pplwise.compplwise: https://pplwise.com/

ShownotesHarriet is the Head of Talent at SuperSeed VC, she’s spent the past 12 years hiring talent across industry leading and household name companies including Uber, Getir, L’Oréal and On Running - and now she’s using her experience to support SS portfolio companies to attract, onboard and retain top talent to their start ups.Shownotes00:00 - Intro & Context04:43 - Challenges in Building Teams in Startups09:58 - The Role of Founders in Hiring11:45 - Common Mistakes Founders Make20:08 - Advice for Candidates in Startups28:11 - Practical Tips for Founders29:58 - Building a Strong Company CultureLinksGuest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriet-ball/Yeliz Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeliz-castillo/Yeliz e-mail: yeliz.castillo@pplwise.compplwise: https://pplwise.com/

Mert Amcaoglu is the Head of Talent at Bark, a fast-scaling services marketplace tech company. He focuses on hiring top talent while driving strategies that support rapid growth and global alignment. Passionate about data-driven hiring, he brings valuable insights into building high-performing teams.Shownotes00:00 - Intro & Context04:14 - Impact on Employer Branding06:29 - Frustrations in the Interview Process11:11 - Constructive Feedback and Communication13:15 - The Future of Candidate Experience25:20 - Top Tips for Enhancing Candidate ExperienceLinksGuest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mertamcaoglu/Yeliz Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeliz-castillo/Yeliz e-mail: yeliz.castillo@pplwise.compplwise: https://pplwise.com/

Christoph Drebes ist Geschäftsführer der Mystery Minds GmbH. Mit den Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Lösungen des HR-Tech Unternehmens mit Sitz in München werden bessere Vernetzung und persönliche Zusammenarbeit ermöglicht. Ziele sind der Abbau von Silos und die Etablierung einer zukunftsweisenden Unternehmenskultur.Zuvor studierte er Internationale Betriebswirtschaftslehre in Ingolstadt, Toulouse und Santiago de Chile und arbeitete in einem internationalen Telekommunikationsunternehmen als Innovationsmanager und in der Prozessoptimierung.Shownotes00:00 - Intro & Context10:30 - Erfolgsgeschichten & Impact von Vernetzung22:15 - Remote, Hybrid oder Office? Die Zukunft der Arbeitsmodelle35:40 - Wie Vernetzung die Produktivität steigertGuest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophdrebes/Thomas Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-kohler-pplwise/Thomas e-mail: thomas@pplwise.compplwise: https://pplwise.com/

Derrick is a strategic HR leader with extensive experience helping high-growth global tech companies scale and transform. Over the years, he has worked across multiple geographies, scaling businesses, and partnering with both small and large companies in the eCommerce, delivery, mobility, and the ad tech sectors. His expertise lies in driving talent strategies, leading change management initiatives, and fostering leadership excellence to fuel business success. He works closely with C-suite executives to align people strategies with business goals, building organizations that are future ready.Shownotes00:00 - Intro & Context07:30 - The Dilemma: Career vs. Parental Leave15:45 - Embracing Uncertainty: Taking a Risk on a New Career Path22:10 - The Power of Self-Belief and a Strong Support SystemGuest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickjmenezes/Yeliz Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeliz-castillo/Yeliz e-mail: yeliz.castillo@pplwise.compplwise: https://pplwise.com/

Blaise is a Global Tech Recruiter and DEI Sourcing Specialist based in London. With eight years of experience in recruitment, Blaise has honed expertise in tech hiring and promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Blaise has collaborated with exceptional talent and prominent global brands such as Amazon, The Economist, and Gorillas.Driven by a passion for creating inclusive workplaces, Blaise has successfully enhanced hiring diversity, eliminated agency reliance, and spearheaded DEI workshops and internal initiatives to foster cultural transformation. Since being diagnosed with ADHD last year, Blaise has been dedicated to advocating for neurodivergent talent and cultivating environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.Shownotes00:00 - Intro & Context05:30 - Defining Neurodiversity15:45 - Inclusive Hiring Practices25:20 - Leveraging Strengths in NeurodiversityGuest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaisedaldin/Thomas Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-kohler-pplwise/Thomas e-mail: thomas@pplwise.compplwise: https://pplwise.com/

Dr. Alexander Insam ist ein erfahrener Experte auf dem Gebiet des Vergütungs- und Arbeitsrechts und der nachhaltigen Entscheidungsfindung. Er verfügt über mehr als 12 Jahre Erfahrung in der Beratung von Banken bei der Einhaltung von Gesetzen, Vorschriften und Richtlinien für Vergütungssysteme. Heute sprechen wir über Lohngleichheit und das geschlechtsspezifische Lohngefälle.Shownotes00:00 - Intro & Context3:46 - 12:30 - Vor- und Nachteile von Freelancing12:31 - 20:15 - Prüfungen der Deutschen Rentenversicherung20:16 - 28:45 - Alternativen zur ScheinselbstständigkeitGuest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderinsam/Thomas Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-kohler-pplwise/Thomas e-mail: thomas@pplwise.compplwise: https://pplwise.com/