The Talent Tango Elevano

In this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Blake Williams, the Head of Talent at Nuro, a startup focused on enhancing daily life through robotics, notably with their self-driving delivery vehicles. They delve into the challenges and strategies of managing talent transition, particularly in a high-skill environment like Nuro, which specializes in computer vision technologies and robotics. Williams emphasizes the importance of preparing for inevitable departures by ensuring individuals leave as better ambassadors and how Nuro engages in proactive succession planning, involving internships and new graduate programs to maintain a pipeline of talent. Additionally, the conversation touches on Williams' transition from the Marine Corps to the talent acquisition field, reflecting on the valuable, transferable skills veterans bring to the corporate world. The episode concludes with insights into creating a talent-friendly culture and the benefits of intentional hiring and development strategies.
Highlights
00:16 The Inevitability of Employee Departures
00:55 Introducing Nuro and Its Mission
01:36 Challenges in Replacing Specialized Talent
02:34 Embracing the Reality of Employee Turnover
04:50 Proactive Succession Planning and Talent Development
06:14 Internships and New Graduates: A Strategy for Talent Acquisition
07:53 Creating Talent Ambassadors for the Future
10:08 The Process of Onboarding and Knowledge Transfer
11:57 Rethinking Replacement and Hiring Strategies
14:05 The Importance of Internships and Cognitive Diversity
18:09 The Role of the Talent Team in Shaping Company Culture
20:15 Transitioning from the Marine Corps to Corporate America
Guest:
Blake Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bwillia/
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Talent Tango, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

 

This podcast episode features a discussion with Ashley Core, Head of TA at SoFi, focusing on engagement strategies for high performing teams within talent acquisition (TA). They delve into maintaining team engagement during busy periods and downtimes, addressing the impact of layoffs on mental health, and strategies for personal and team productivity. Ashley shares insights from her experience, emphasizing the importance of rest, wellness, and meaningful projects to maintain performance levels. The conversation also covers the challenges of the current hiring landscape and the value of vulnerability and empathy in leadership. Additionally, Ashley and the host discuss the transient nature of the talent industry and strategies for long-term career fulfillment.
Highlights
00:45 Defining High Performing Teams and Engagement Strategies
01:39 The Importance of Balance: Performance, Mental Health, and Well-being
02:27 Leadership Lessons: Navigating Highs and Lows in Talent Acquisition
04:51 Maintaining Engagement During Slow Hiring Periods
10:48 Addressing Mental Health and Leading with Vulnerability
18:13 Career Longevity in Talent Acquisition: Passion and Resilience
Ashley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleycore/
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Talent Tango, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this podcast episode, the host interviews James Lafferty, Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Epicor, to discuss the shift from transactional to transformational recruiting. Lafferty shares insights on focusing on business outcomes, refining hiring requirements, and using data in recruiting strategies. He explains the differences between transactional and transformational recruiting, emphasizing proactive engagement in business decisions, and discusses Epicor's global presence and talent acquisition strategies. The episode explores the significance of engaging with hiring managers early in the recruitment process, akin to cybersecurity's 'shifting left' principle, to align talent acquisition with business goals better. Lafferty also delves into managing hiring manager expectations, the role of data in supporting recruitment decisions, and fostering a culture of recruitment within organizations. The discussion includes strategies for communicating effectively with hiring managers and empowering recruitment teams to be more independent and strategic.
Highlights:
01:36 The Journey from Transactional to Transformational Recruiting
05:42 Shifting Left: Engaging Early in the Business Process
17:01 The Hiring Manager Maturity Model: A Guide to Effective Recruitment
20:06 Leveraging Data in Recruitment: Strategies and Challenges
22:53 Empowering Recruiters: Coaching for Confidence and Independence
Guest:

James Lafferty is originally from the UK and now lives in Austin, Texas having moved in 2015. James is the VP of Global Talent Acquisition at Epicor Software, a 4,600-person Software company. James is responsible for the strategy and operations of Epicor’s talent acquisition teams. The position oversees global Talent Acquisition, Executive Recruiting, Talent Operations, Employer Branding, Global Mobility, and University Recruiting Teams worldwide.
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslafferty/ ------
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Talent Tango, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this podcast episode, Amir Bormand is joined by Kristen Duckett, the SVP of People and Talent at Cavnue, to discuss the intricacies of defining success in talent and people management. Kristen shares insights into the importance of clarity, persistence, and a consultative approach in HR. The episode delves into Cavnue's mission to innovate roadways for safer, more efficient transportation, underscoring the challenges and strategies in talent acquisition and management. Kristen emphasizes understanding business needs, setting realistic expectations, and the critical role of metrics in evaluating success and guiding HR practices. She also discusses the importance of listening, communication, and developing solutions-oriented approaches to effectively manage expectations and challenges in the HR field.
Highlights
02:33 Defining Success in Talent and People Management
04:38 Metrics for Measuring Success in HR
08:24 Navigating Ownership and Decision-Making in HR
11:41 Effective Talent Acquisition Strategies
16:38 The Importance of Clear Communication and Feedback
Guest: 
Kristen Duckett is a seasoned HR leader with over 20 years of experience in both established companies and high-growth startups. Currently serving as the SVP, People & Talent at a Series A tech startup, she has a strong track record in leadership coaching, talent management, and building HR functions from scratch. Her career includes notable roles at Capital One, Hilton, and Fannie Mae, where she developed and executed comprehensive HR strategies. Kristen joined Cavnue in 2021 as the first People & Talent hire, driving the development and execution of strategies that foster business and organizational success.
Prior to Cavnue, Kristen held significant HR leadership positions, including VP roles at Fannie Mae and Hilton, where she supported top executives and led talent initiatives for large divisions. Her expertise spans talent acquisition, performance management, and workforce planning, with a focus on cultivating inclusive cultures and high-performing teams. Kristen lives in Clifton, Virginia, with her husband and daughters, Paige, Emma, and Alexa. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Pennsylvania and actively participates in the Northern Virginia chapter of the National Charity League.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-duckett
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Talent Tango, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

This episode features Lubna Khaleeli, Director of Talent Acquisition at Coupa, discussing the intricate aspects of partnerships and stakeholder management within the realm of talent acquisition. She emphasizes the importance of establishing trusted relationships, harnessing data and authenticity to provide strategic hiring solutions, and prioritizing business outcomes. Lubna shares insights into the challenges of aligning with hiring managers and navigating the complexities of different stakeholder expectations. Through examples from her career, she highlights the impact of advocating for candidates and the necessity of a solution-oriented approach to problem-solving in talent acquisition. The discussion encapsulates the vital role of talent acquisition specialists in benefiting the businesses they serve and fostering a transformative environment through strategic and thoughtful engagement with candidates and hiring managers.
Highlights
01:59 The Art of Building Trusted Partnerships in Talent Acquisition
05:16 Defining Success in Talent Acquisition Beyond Hires
07:22 Navigating Challenges and Advocating for Candidates
18:04 Empowering Talent Teams and Stakeholder Management
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Talent Tango, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this podcast episode, Amir welcomes Amie Ernst, Director of Talent Acquisition at Pinecone, to discuss the crucial role of talent acquisition in understanding and influencing the rhythm of a business. Amie shares her insights on how talent acquisition is more than just monitoring and managing processes; it's about being an integral part of the business growth by knowing when and how to inject talent effectively. She highlights Pinecone's approach to building generative AI applications and the importance of strategic talent placement in startup environments. The conversation also explores the concept of influencing without authority, the significance of building trust with leadership, and the impact of talent acquisition on business goals. Amie stresses the importance of collaboration between recruiters and department leaders to ensure talent meets the immediate and future needs of the business. Furthermore, she discusses the challenges of influencing business leaders and the importance of strategic thinking and flexibility in talent acquisition to drive company success.
Highlights
01:29 The Art of Talent Acquisition and Business Influence
02:16 Understanding the Rhythm of Business
04:43 Influencing Without Authority: A Talent Acquisition Strategy
08:13 Operational Challenges and Strategic Solutions in Talent Acquisition
10:37 Building Trust and Influence in Talent Acquisition
12:57 Navigating the Tech Bubble: A Reset for Talent Acquisition
21:01 Stakeholder Engagement and Setting Expectations
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Talent Tango, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)