Hiring Happy Hour

SmartRecruiters
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BUSINESS

Welcome to Hiring Happy Hour, where we celebrate the human side of hiring. Join host, Nicole Hammond, and as she pulls back the curtain on the people shaping the future of work- the innovators, dreamers, and change makers behind today’s hiring technology experience.

  1. The Implementation Blueprint with Carrie Brophy — Hiring Happy Hour — Episode #013

    5H AGO

    The Implementation Blueprint with Carrie Brophy — Hiring Happy Hour — Episode #013

    What happens when you combine deep technical expertise with a genuine love for people? You get Carrie Brophy, and she is everything. With over 20 years of experience driving HR and recruitment transformation across the globe, Carrie is a rare ATS specialist who can speak the language of the recruiter on the floor and the HRIT team in the boardroom. She has implemented some of the world’s most powerful platforms across more than 70 countries, and she brings every ounce of that expertise to this episode. Whether you're mid-implementation, considering a transformation, or just trying to figure out why your ATS is not working the way it should, this one is for you. Carrie breaks down what it really takes to “Go-live” successfully, stay successful after launch, and build technology solutions that actually serve your people. She also brings a refreshing dose of real talk about working motherhood, simplicity as a design principle, and why you should never lift and shift. It all comes together in an episode worth savoring like a Negroni on a Friday evening. Takeaways: Bridge the gap between functional and technical. The rarest skill in TA tech is being able to speak both languages, and it's what makes transformation actually stick.Executive buy-in is non-negotiable. If the goal isn't championed from the top down, adoption will stall before you ever reach go-live.Design principles are your north star. Name them early, whether LFR, candidate-first, or simplicity, and let them filter every single decision throughout the process.Go-live is not the finish line. Hypercare is where real success is determined, so plan for feedback, iteration, and long-term support from day one.Simplicity scales. Complexity doesn't. Fewer, well-designed processes beat hundreds of edge-case configurations every time and make future changes infinitely easier to manage.Working motherhood is a masterclass in prioritization. Carrie delivered her final training session at eight and a half months pregnant, proving that radical clarity on what matters is a superpower.Stay open to the wonky path. Say yes to sideways steps and boomerang moments, because they often lead somewhere more extraordinary than any straight line could.Quote of the Show: “Success is never final, and day one of go-live is not the end of the journey.” - Carrie BrophyLinks: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carriebrophyWebsite: https://www.smartrecruiters.com/ Ways to Tune In: Substack: HiringHappyHour.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Pnhu7Njmi09N6Yzye59Nf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/hiring-happy-hour/id1868802369 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d60912b0-8925-4bba-aff1-f5230a0cc793 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/317223012/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hiring-happy-hour-6340769

    32 min
  2. Referral Hiring Isn’t Luck…It’s Strategy - Ed Zetusky - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 012

    APR 7

    Referral Hiring Isn’t Luck…It’s Strategy - Ed Zetusky - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 012

    Ed Zetusky, Director of Talent Acquisition at Comoto Family of Brands, spent over a decade transforming a good referral program into a great one, starting at RevZilla, a Philadelphia-based motorcycle e-commerce company, where he identified that only a small group of employees were driving the majority of referrals and set out to fix it by designing a point-based contest that rewarded employees at every stage of the hiring funnel, layered public recognition at all-hands meetings, and capped each year with an Olympic-style celebration complete with a custom podium and cash medals, resulting in referrals going through the roof, a full-time average tenure of five years, and voluntary full-time turnover of just 20% across Comoto’s 180+ locations. Takeaways: Reward the journey, not just the destination. A point-based system that credits employees at every stage of the hiring funnel, not just when someone is hired, motivates broader, higher-quality participation from across the organization.Pair recognition with rewards to maximize impact. Publicly celebrating referral winners in front of the whole company creates social proof and friendly competition that cash alone can’t generate, and makes the recognition as visible as possible.Sell referrals as a team benefit, not just a bonus. Framing referrals as a way for employees to bring in great colleagues who will make their own jobs easier speaks directly to employees’ self-interest and drives genuine engagement.Lean into your company culture when designing the program. The most successful referral programs are tailored to the organization’s personality, whether that’s Olympic ceremonies, themed branding, or weekly shout-outs; the format should feel authentic to your team.Get leadership involved early. Executive advocacy when launching the program provides the initial momentum and signals to employees that this initiative has real organizational backing.Quote of the Show: “Take risks, wear a helmet." - Ed ZetuskyLinks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edzetusky/ Website: https://ridecomoto.com/http://www.revzilla.com/careers https://www.cyclegear.com/careers https://www.jpcycles.com/careersWays to Tune In: Substack: HiringHappyHour.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Pnhu7Njmi09N6Yzye59Nf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/hiring-happy-hour/id1868802369 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d60912b0-8925-4bba-aff1-f5230a0cc793 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/317223012/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hiring-happy-hour-6340769

    26 min
  3. Disability, Inclusion & Integrity - Jamie Szymkowiak - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 011

    MAR 31

    Disability, Inclusion & Integrity - Jamie Szymkowiak - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 011

    What does it actually mean to build a hiring process that works for everyone, not just the majority? In this episode of Hiring Happy Hour, Nicole sits down with Jamie Szymkowiak, Head of Talent Acquisition at EcoVadis and former political advisor in the UK House of Commons, to dig into one of the most underrepresented conversations in TA: accessible and inclusive hiring for people with disabilities. Jamie speaks from both professional expertise and lived experience, navigating the workforce as a disabled recruiter who became a top 5% biller, then a political activist, and now a global TA leader driving real change. From AI interviewing pitfalls to the three-step framework any organization can start with today, this conversation is equal parts personal, practical, and long overdue.   Takeaways: Your hiring process sends a message before the interview even begins. Make your job descriptions and careers page explicitly state that accessible interview options are available.Unconscious bias training isn't a one-and-done box to check. It needs to be recurring and built into the rhythm of your team, or it quietly fades and old patterns return.When building inclusive hiring practices, start by talking to the people most affected. Lived experience is your most valuable source of insight and accountability.Measuring inclusion efforts requires both data and conversation. Don't overlook the candidates who made it through; they've seen your process and are often your most honest, trust-based source of feedback.Integrity in recruiting shapes your brand permanently. The moment you cut a corner with a client or candidate, the long-term cost far outweighs any short-term win.Great recruiters don't just fill roles; they redirect. Giving honest, actionable feedback to candidates who aren't the right fit, and pointing them toward better opportunities, is one of the most impactful things a TA professional can do.  Quote of the Show: “ There's a saying within disabled rights. If it's about us, make sure that we're included. Nothing about us, without us.” - Jamie Szymkowiak Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieszymkowiak/  Company website: http://www.ecovadis.com/  Ways to Tune In: Substack: HiringHappyHour.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Pnhu7Njmi09N6Yzye59Nf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/hiring-happy-hour/id1868802369 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d60912b0-8925-4bba-aff1-f5230a0cc793 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/317223012/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hiring-happy-hour-6340769

    41 min
  4. Culture Doesn't Disappear in an Acquisition - Lehua Stonebraker - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 010

    MAR 24

    Culture Doesn't Disappear in an Acquisition - Lehua Stonebraker - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 010

    What really happens to your culture, your people, and your identity when your company gets acquired, and what does it look like from both sides of the table? In this episode of Hiring Happy Hour, Nicole sits down with Lehua Stonebraker, SVP of People & Culture at SmartRecruiters, to unpack the very human side of mergers and acquisitions. Drawing from her time leading TA through eight acquisitions in 18 months at Dayforce, and now navigating SmartRecruiters' integration into SAP, Lehua brings a rare, hard-won perspective that goes far beyond the playbook. This conversation is a masterclass in change management, psychological safety, and why open-mindedness isn't just a buzzword.   Takeaways: No two acquisitions are the same. Each one comes with different goals, cultures, and challenges. Approach every integration with fresh eyes and curiosity rather than a checklist.Transparency beats perfection when leading through change. You don't need all the answers; you need to share what you can and bring people along for the journey rather than letting change happen to them.The most growth happens in the uncomfortable middle of a transition. Resist the urge to race to the other side; the lessons live in the uncertainty.Relationships are your most valuable currency during any acquisition. Start building them early, and don't wait for a formal introduction to make a connection.Shared values make integration infinitely easier. When both companies can point to the same cultural DNA, the path forward feels collaborative rather than combative.Ask "why", and then ask it again. Understanding the reason behind a process, policy, or behavior is how you unlock smarter, faster ways of doing things together.Open-mindedness isn't just about accepting change; it's about staying grounded in gratitude for what you can influence while gracefully releasing what you can't.  Quote of the Show: “There's natural apprehension when you're going through a learning curve, and oftentimes people wanna race to the other side. But the uncomfortable middle is where the most growth and the most learning happens.” - Lehua Stonebraker Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lehuastonebraker/  Company website: https://www.smartrecruiters.com/ Lehua’s Email: l.stonebraker@smartrecruiters.com  Ways to Tune In: Substack: HiringHappyHour.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Pnhu7Njmi09N6Yzye59Nf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/hiring-happy-hour/id1868802369 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d60912b0-8925-4bba-aff1-f5230a0cc793 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/317223012/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hiring-happy-hour-6340769

    34 min
  5. The Power in Partnership - Andrew Porter - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 009

    MAR 17

    The Power in Partnership - Andrew Porter - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 009

    Strong hiring doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens through relationships. In this episode of Hiring Happy Hour, host Nicole Hammond sits down with talent leader and transformation expert Andrew Porter to explore the power of partnerships in hiring, leadership, and technology. Andrew shares why the most effective talent strategies are built on authentic human connection, including building trust across internal stakeholders and creating collaborative vendor ecosystems. As organizations navigate rapid innovation, especially with the rise of AI, leaders must balance experimentation with pragmatism while strengthening the relationships that power real transformation. Tune in to learn how talent leaders can drive change through collaboration, navigate complex technology ecosystems, and foster partnerships that unlock better hiring outcomes. Takeaways: Partnerships are the foundation of successful talent strategies. Talent acquisition thrives when recruiters, leaders, and stakeholders collaborate to drive stronger hiring outcomes.Transformation requires collective buy-in. Meaningful organizational change happens when teams and stakeholders align around a shared vision and work toward it together.Move beyond “supplier relationships” to true collaboration. Treating vendors as strategic partners fosters trust, transparency, and better long-term results.AI adoption requires a balanced approach. Organizations should embrace AI thoughtfully, experimenting and learning while aligning its use with their broader strategy.Technology ecosystems work best when partners collaborate. Bringing technology partners together helps ensure tools integrate effectively and support a stronger hiring ecosystem.Difficult conversations strengthen partnerships. Open, honest dialogue builds trust and helps partners navigate challenges more effectively.Balance outside work fuels better leadership. Prioritizing health, relationships, and personal interests helps leaders stay energized and resilient. Quote of the Show: “Human connection underpins what we do as talent acquisition, and the power of partnership is how you leverage it. ” - Andrew Porter Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewjporter1Website: https://www.entaingroup.com/  Ways to Tune In: Substack: HiringHappyHour.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Pnhu7Njmi09N6Yzye59Nf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/hiring-happy-hour/id1868802369 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d60912b0-8925-4bba-aff1-f5230a0cc793 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/317223012/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hiring-happy-hour-6340769

    31 min
  6. Trust Your Gut, Back It With Data - Kyle Lagunas - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode #008

    MAR 10

    Trust Your Gut, Back It With Data - Kyle Lagunas - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode #008

    What does it actually mean to be AI-ready, and are you already doing it without knowing it? In this episode of Hiring Happy Hour, Nicole sits down with Kyle Lagunas, Founder of Kyle & Co., whose rare vantage point spanning practitioner, vendor, and analyst roles makes him one of the most grounded voices in talent today. Kyle unpacks the three dimensions of AI momentum and makes the case that getting AI-ready isn't about chasing the hottest tools. It's about the foundational work most organizations are already behind on. If you're navigating transformation, skeptical executives, or just wondering where to start, this conversation meets you exactly where you are. Takeaways: Redefine what "doing AI work" actually means for your team. Cleaning data, building integrations, and growing AI literacy all matter more than the tools you've bought.Ground your gut instincts in real data and experience. Strong instincts without receipts can come across as brash; the combination is what makes you a trusted advisor.Own the KPIs your team can actually control. Measuring interview-quality talent from inbound efforts gives sourcing and attraction teams a defensible, meaningful metric.Know your three dimensions of AI momentum: posture, capability, and investment. Every team, from a solo HR manager to a 3,000-person org, works through the same framework.Being solutions-oriented means knowing when to push back. The best TA leaders aren't yes people. They understand constraints and find a path that serves everyone.Don't wait for an executive mandate to start your AI readiness work. Most of the prep is within reach right now, regardless of company size.The AI winners in HR and talent will be the ones who stay curious, stay connected, and resist the urge to confuse buying software with building strategy. Quote of the Show: “We are solutions people, and solutions people are not just yes people.” - Kyle Lagunas  Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelagunas/ Website: https://www.kyleandco.com/  Ways to Tune In: Substack: HiringHappyHour.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Pnhu7Njmi09N6Yzye59Nf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/hiring-happy-hour/id1868802369 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d60912b0-8925-4bba-aff1-f5230a0cc793 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/317223012/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hiring-happy-hour-6340769

    39 min
  7. The Goldilocks Theory - Adam Reynolds - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 007

    MAR 3

    The Goldilocks Theory - Adam Reynolds - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 007

    What happens when you need to double your hiring output in the middle of a global pandemic while competing with every business on the block for the same talent? In this episode of Hiring Happy Hour, Nicole Hammond sits down with Adam Reynolds, Head of Talent at Fraser's Group, a leader who oversees hiring for a 40,000-employee multinational retail powerhouse supporting iconic brands. Adam shares how his team scaled from 12,000 hires in 2020 to 25,000 in 2022, all while navigating the chaos of post-COVID talent wars. He reflects on the "pain-associated learning" that came from outdated systems, the critical importance of speed in modern hiring, and how they completely reimagined their candidate experience. Nicole and Adam also dive into the "Goldilocks theory" of hiring, the power of in-person hiring events, and why pace matters more than perfection. Takeaways: Speed is everything in modern hiring. Candidates have short attention spans, so your job ads, application process, and candidate experience need to grab attention immediately and move quickly.Visual appeal matters. Heat maps revealed that candidates were abandoning job ads halfway through a scroll. Colors, captivating copy, and visual design are no longer optional; they're essential.Know your competition. Post-COVID, retail wasn't just competing with other retailers. They were fighting for talent against delivery services, pubs, gas stations, and anyone else hiring entry-level workers.The Goldilocks theory works. In high-volume hiring, speed trumps perfection. Move fast, learn from what breaks, and iterate quickly. Waiting for the perfect system or process will cost you talent.In-person connections still win. Whether it's hiring events or working with your team, face-to-face interactions create momentum, accountability, and better outcomes. Quote of the Show: “ We retain talent by giving them opportunities to do things that they would never in a million years expect they were going to be doing.” - Adam ReynoldsLinks: LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/adamreynoldsrecruitment Website: https://frasers.group/  Ways to Tune In: Substack: HiringHappyHour.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Pnhu7Njmi09N6Yzye59Nf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/hiring-happy-hour/id1868802369 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d60912b0-8925-4bba-aff1-f5230a0cc793 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/317223012/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hiring-happy-hour-6340769

    40 min
  8. Stop Playing the Hiring Game the Wrong Way - James Ellis - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 006

    FEB 24

    Stop Playing the Hiring Game the Wrong Way - James Ellis - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 006

    If recruiters only spend seconds reviewing resumes, why are we still telling candidates to play a game they can’t win? In this episode of Hiring Happy Hour, Nicole sits down with James Ellis, employer brand strategist, author, podcaster, and unapologetic truth-teller, to unpack what’s actually broken in hiring today…and what both candidates and companies can do differently. James challenges nearly every outdated assumption we still cling to: from resumes that all look the same, to job boards that feel productive but deliver diminishing returns, to talent pipelines that exist in theory but rarely in practice. This episode is equal parts practical, provocative, and refreshingly honest, whether you’re a recruiter trying to hire smarter or a candidate tired of sending your resume into the void.   Takeaways: Treat your resume like a commercial, not a biography. Lead with the value you uniquely bring, not a long list of responsibilities that look like everyone else’s.Stop trying to win the hiring game by applying more. Volume increases competition and fatigue, not your chances of being noticed.Design your resume to make a recruiter’s job easier, not harder. If they can’t quickly explain why you’re different, you won’t move forward.Don’t rely on job boards as your primary hiring strategy. They attract the same small pool of active candidates that every company is already chasing.Build relationships with talent before you need to hire them. Pipelines shorten time-to-fill and dramatically improve quality when roles open.Use employer branding to differentiate, not to polish. If your message sounds like everyone else’s, it won’t attract the people you actually want.Invest in internal mobility as a system, not a slogan. Without planning, trust, and recruiter support, it will break down under pressure. Quote of the Show:  ”Think about brands not as looking good, but as being different, showing how you are not like other companies.” - James Ellis Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thewarfortalent/  Company website: https://www.employerbrandlabs.com/ Ways to Tune In: Substack: HiringHappyHour.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Pnhu7Njmi09N6Yzye59Nf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/hiring-happy-hour/id1868802369 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d60912b0-8925-4bba-aff1-f5230a0cc793 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/317223012/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hiring-happy-hour-6340769

    50 min
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About

Welcome to Hiring Happy Hour, where we celebrate the human side of hiring. Join host, Nicole Hammond, and as she pulls back the curtain on the people shaping the future of work- the innovators, dreamers, and change makers behind today’s hiring technology experience.

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  • Creator
    SmartRecruiters
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
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    © 2026 SmartRecruiters
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    Hiring Happy Hour