

The Breakthrough Hiring Show: Recruiting and Talent Acquisition Conversations
James Mackey: Recruiting, Talent Acquisition, Hiring, SaaS, Tech, Startups, growth-stage, RPO, James Mackey, Diversity and Inclusion, HR, Human Resources, business, Retention Strategies, Onboarding Process, Recruitment Metrics, Job Boards, Social Media Re
Welcome to The Breakthrough Hiring Show! We are on a mission to help leaders make hiring a competitive advantage. Join our host, James Mackey, and guests as they discuss various topics, with episodes ranging from high-level thought leadership to the tactical implementation of process and technology. You will learn how to:- Shift your team’s culture to a talent-first organization.- Develop a step-by-step guide to hiring and empowering top talent.- Leverage data, process, and technology to achieve hiring success.Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible!
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 25, 2023 • 46min
EP 84: How AI will impact recruitment, HR, and the employee journey.
In this episode, host James Mackey and his guest Jason Radisson, CEO at Movo, delve into the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on software companies, particularly in the realms of recruitment and HR.They explore the deeper implications and discuss how it will shape the future of talent acquisition and organizational dynamics. They navigate the intricate balance between harnessing AI's capabilities while preserving the irreplaceable human connections.They tackle essential questions such as whether software companies will develop their own in-house AI products or rely on licensed solutions from a select few major providers who have mastered the intricacies of AI.The discussion touches upon the resistance to AI, the impact of bias in hiring systems, changing roles in the workplace, and the evolving relationship between humans and AI. They also discuss the evolving dynamics between large companies and startups in the AI era which raise intriguing questions about competitiveness, differentiation, and the strategies of both entities.Lastly, they debate what role regulation is going to play in slowing down AI efficiencies so that the global economy has the ability to transition employment. 1:53 Jason’s background 4:47 Presenting Movo company - the AI-powered all-in-one platform for high-volume HR 9:20 Will software companies develop their own in-house AI products?10:28 What’s going to happen in the future of generative decision-making16:34 Resistance to AI and automation24:43 The impact of AI on startups and big companies34:49 The future of technical talent 38:07 What role regulation is going to play in slowing down AI efficiencies Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible! Our host James Mackey Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/#1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

May 23, 2023 • 59min
EP 83: How to build a healthy startup culture and the challenges of hiring talent. The hidden costs associated with hiring the wrong people.
Join our host James Mackey and his guest Connor Swalm, CEO at Phin Security for an insightful episode as they dive into the world of startups, focusing on the challenges and strategies involved in hiring talent, scaling teams, and fostering a strong company culture.They discuss how to scale a startup and the challenges of hiring talent from enterprise backgrounds to the startup world.Discover why culture fit is crucial in startups and how prioritizing alignment and setting clear expectations are essential for long-term success. They delve into the detrimental impact of a bad hire, the hidden costs associated with hiring the wrong people, and the importance of hiring for attitude and soft skills.They explore the future of security talent in startups shedding light on the types of skills and expertise that will be in high demand over the next years.Lastly, they shift their focus to the impact of technology on security insurance, delving into the realm of insurtech and what is missing in cyber insurance companies. 1:18 Connor Swalm background 3:45 Lessons learned from hiring talent as a startup. 6:28 Why culture fit is crucial in startups11:30 Why high-growth companies need to be transparent about challenges16:40 The hidden cost of hiring the wrong people28:30 Onboarding and collaboration32:45 Companies should require hiring managers to create a 30, 60, 90 day plan before they can open a new role40:09 What skillsets will be required in cybersecurity over the next years42:37 What is Insurtech45:57 What are the risks and rewards of cyber insurance?51:16 Why cybercrime is so popular in foreign countries Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible! Our host James Mackey Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/#1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

May 18, 2023 • 52min
EP 82: How to avoid catfish tech candidates. Promoting vs. hiring leaders. ChatGPT's impact on software development.
In this episode, our host James Mackey and his guest Joseph Rose, President at JBS Custom Software Solutions, explore the world of technical hiring and leadership. James and Joe discuss various methods to detect and mitigate fraudulent behavior and how to incorporate these strategies into the hiring process, so you can minimize the risk of selecting candidates who are not genuinely qualified.Transitioning to the realm of leadership, they delve into strategies for identifying and nurturing potential leaders and explore the concept of a pyramid of leadership.They also share insights on maximizing employee satisfaction and productivity, highlighting the correlation between a happier workforce and business success. They explore the dynamics of scaling businesses and how to optimize operations to achieve sustainable growth.Lastly, they discuss the influence that ChatGPT will have on technical roles.1:14 Joseph Rose background3:12 How to hire top tech talent4:46 How to optimize the conversion rate of candidates7:42 How to avoid catfish tech candidates15:32 What are some of the red flags that you should look for when hiring new employees20:37 Promoting vs. hiring leaders31:48 The importance of transparency in attracting talent40:37 How do you scale a business if you have more demand43:20 ChatGPT's impact on software development. Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible! Our host James Mackey Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/#1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

May 16, 2023 • 1h 10min
EP 81: Panel Part 2: Writer's strike. When CEO's fumble on bonus conversations. Layoffs vs. pay cuts. Recession pricing strategies.
In this episode, host James Mackey and his guests dive into the complex issue of the ongoing writer's strike, examining its causes, implications, and potential outcomes. The conversation begins with an overview of the writer's strike and the main concerns driving it, including the impact of inflation and the decline in residuals from streaming platforms. The conversation touches upon the billions of dollars lost in the economy due to halted productions, impacting writers and various production teams. The parallel between the writer's strike and American Airlines employees' recent approval of a strike is also examined, highlighting the correlation between high-inflation environments and worker strikes.They also discuss the controversy created around Andi Owen, CEO of MillerKnoll as she faced backlash for denying bonuses to her team while she received a bonus between 1-5 million dollars. They explore the challenging decisions businesses face when it comes to pricing strategies in a recession market. From mass layoffs to pay cuts, they discuss the delicate balance between prioritizing employee satisfaction and ensuring organizational sustainability. They delve into the dilemma between maintaining profitable customers or offering lower prices to sustain the budget. The conversation delves into various perspectives, including the importance of maintaining product value and providing exceptional outcomes for clients, that preserve both financial stability and customer satisfaction while considering long-term growth and the overall health of the organization.Guest Panel: Andreea Florescu, Bridget Tesler, Julia Arpag 0:59 Writers’ strike and how this strike will impact the economy 5:54 The correlation between high inflation and strikes11:29 American Airlines strike12:17 Andi Owen, CEO of MillerKnoll faces backlash for denying bonuses to her team21:50 The importance of alignment and compensation in the workplace29:41 Why companies have had to go through mass layoffs32:53 How to invest in employee satisfaction in leaner times35:49 Pay cuts vs layoffs. Are layoffs a better option than reducing pay?43:13 How do you make a decision when you have several unfavorable options53:18 How do you balance the need for profitability with the need to retain staff59:34 What are some of the metrics of success that companies need to consider Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible! Our host James Mackey Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/#1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

May 11, 2023 • 29min
EP 80: Panel Part I: How sci-fi movies and AI could change how we hire. We discuss how quickly AI will disrupt jobs and what we can do to prepare.
In this provocative episode, our host James Mackey and guest panelists (TA executives) are debating the future of jobs, exploring the latest report of the World Economic Forum.They delve into the report's findings, including the prediction that approximately 23% of jobs could be disrupted within the next five years, and the factors behind this disruption with a particular focus on the advancement of AI technology.They also discuss the impact of AI on the economy with a highlight on the potential impact of AI on both blue-collar and white-collar economies.The panel takes an intriguing turn as they start to debate what would need AI to become self-aware. They delve into the fears and dangers associated with the prospect of self-aware AI, stimulating reflections on personal responsibility. The episode ends by delving into the captivating topic of advancing technology to the point of replicating the complexity of human brains. 2:35 What’s going on with the future of jobs? World Economic Forum’s latest report 6:38 What are retraining programs 9:02 The impact of AI on the economy16:07 What would need to happen for AI to become self-aware? Are sci-fi movies preparing the human race for the future to come? 18:21 The need for personal responsibility21:11 How to advance technology to the point of replicating the complexity of human brainsGuest Panel: Andreea Florescu, Bridget Tesler, Julia ArpagWorld Economic Forum/ Future of Jobs Report Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible! Our host James Mackey Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/#1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

May 9, 2023 • 20min
EP 79, Part 2: How misalignment between the employee’s title and competency can result in inefficiencies, inadequate decision-making, and impact organizational success
In segment 2 of our podcast, James and our guest Janine Yancey, CEO at Emtrain, dive into the world of leadership and share some valuable lessons learned along the way.The conversation highlights how different business stages require different people with diverse skill sets. They discuss the importance of aligning the titles with the job requirements and why assigning VP titles to those who aren’t truly qualified can lead to several adverse effects.While providing an impressive title may appear enticing to prospective employees, it can create an environment where individuals are granted responsibilities beyond their capabilities.James also emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize team success and align their roles with the company’s Northstar metrics, even if it means reevaluating titles and responsibilities.2:04 World of leadership and lessons learned along the way4:01 The business needs different things at different times9:59 The importance of aligning titles with the job requirements. Why assigning VP titles to those who aren’t truly qualified can lead to several adverse effects. Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible! Our host James Mackey Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/#1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

May 4, 2023 • 43min
EP 78, Part I: Adding to the social fabric: How to attract the right people and building a cohesive team w Janine Yancey
Join our host James Mackey and his guest, Janine Yancey, Founder & CEO at Emtrain as they delve into the key lessons learned on how to attract the right people and help them to become valuable contributors to the organization. They discuss best practices for creating a supportive and growth-oriented work environment, dive into the professional journey of employees and what is the right balance between public praise and private feedback.Ultimately, they explore the concept of "clarity is kindness" and emphasize the importance of clarity and anchoring employee development to the needs of the business and the team. 2:05 Key lessons learned on how to attract the right people and help them become valuable contributors to the organization 8:13 The social fabric and team dynamics16:55 What is the right balance between public praise and private feedback18:53 The concept of "clarity is kindness" and why is important25:22 Scaling your business Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible! Our host James Mackey Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/#1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

May 2, 2023 • 50min
EP 77: The unbundling of Linkedin: How to hire through communities and hiring for partnership teams with Christopher Samila.
In this episode, our host James Mackey, and Christopher Samila, Co-Founder, Chief Partner Officer at Partnership Leaders discuss the evolving landscape of communities and how to build partnership teams properly for the organization to ensure they can thrive and succeed.They dive into the different types of communities emerging in the tech industry and the importance of community as an internal asset for startups and growth companies.James and Chris also discuss how communities will continue to change the game in terms of revenue generation, professional development, networking, and hiring.They also define what a modern partnership program looks like and how it differs from traditional channel sales.3:03 Different types of communities that are emerging in the tech industry14:59 Considering community as an internal asset for startups and growth companies22:59 How to get your brand in front of the right people in your community31:53 What a modern partnership program looks like and how it differs from traditional channel sales Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible! Our host James Mackey Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/#1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

Apr 28, 2023 • 51min
Best of Season One: Make your talent acquisition process unforgettable by understanding how marketing, talent acquisition, and core human needs converge w Meqa Smith
We're thrilled to be celebrating one of our most popular episodes from Season 1. This episode really captured the attention of our listeners, and we couldn't be happier to revisit it and share it with new listeners too!Meqa Smith, Founder of The Unforgettable Agency, joins host James Mackey for an unforgettable, philosophical, and at times heady discussion about talent attraction, talent engagement, talent retention, creating a company with a clear mission and value proposition, and a lot more!Episode Chapters00:19 Who is Meqa Smith?04:01 The similarities between marketing and talent acquisition05:45 How can companies optimize talent attraction07:45 The human operating system09:55 What every human needs11:12 Understanding what you’re actually offering employees14:24 How do you package up and promote jobs using the seeking system17:25 A company needs a clear mission and value proposition infused into it’s talent acquisition messaging to candidates21:45 Don’t make a job description a job ad25:02 Create a brand that stands for something26:40 The key to talent attraction is having a brand and mission people can buy in to30:02 Tactical steps to changing your company’s mission and purpose to align with human needs35:33 The similarities between recruitment and dating39:50 Using a human voice in job descriptions43:30 You need to have 3-5 distinct values you can operationalize Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible! Our host James Mackey Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/#1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

Apr 27, 2023 • 30min
EP 76: How to make sure you don't hire the wrong people. High leverage tactics to improve hiring outcomes for startups, growth-stage, hyper-growth, and strategic hiring.
In this episode, our host James Mackey delves into the current state of the economy, particularly in the tech industry, and the impact it's having on hiring and layoffs. He delves into the reasons why companies often fail at hiring the right talent and provides invaluable insights into how companies can avoid hiring the wrong people. James also provides tips on how to build a talent acquisition department from scratch, and successfully navigate hiring plans during periods of hypergrowth. He also addresses the competitive landscape of recruitment, offering guidelines on how to stand out amongst other companies striving for the same talent. 4:11 How to build a talent acquisition department from scratch while in hypergrowth 7:18 How companies can avoid hiring the wrong people15:16 How to decide which roles to prioritize in tier one16:57 How to stand out from a talent acquisition perspective Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible! Our host James Mackey Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/#1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!