Employer Branding Unfiltered

Shaker Recruitment Marketing
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Employer Branding Unfiltered, the go-to podcast for employer brand practitioners, talent acquisition leaders, and Chief People Officers. Hosted by John Graham, this show delivers the raw, unfiltered realities of building authentic and impactful employer brands in today’s fast-evolving world. From candid conversations with industry experts to actionable insights, we explore the challenges, triumphs, and future of this work. Topics include EVP development, culture transformation, DEI, and the global dimensions of employer branding. If you’re ready to rethink strategies, embrace bold perspectives, and uncover what’s next for the industry, this podcast is for you.

  1. 12/16/2025

    EB Unfiltered SE2: EP 9 - Douglas Mvududu - Recruitment Is Not Broken. We’re Just Asking the Wrong Questions

    Recruitment is no longer just about filling roles. It is about experience, trust, and how honestly organizations show up for candidates. In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, host John Graham sits down with Douglas Mvududu, recruitment strategist and talent acquisition expert, to unpack the realities shaping modern hiring. From candidate experience and workforce planning to employer branding and AI, Douglas shares what is actually working and where organizations continue to struggle. Together, they explore: Why genuine communication is one of the most overlooked hiring advantages How candidate experience directly impacts attraction, retention, and reputation The complexity of workforce planning in unpredictable markets The growing role of AI in recruitment and why it must be embraced, not feared Why transparency about company culture reduces attrition How executives can better understand and leverage employer branding This conversation is a grounded, honest look at the future of recruitment and employer branding, focused on clarity, curiosity, and continuous learning. 📺 Watch more episodes of Employer Branding Unfiltered: https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/ 👍 If this episode resonates, like, share, and subscribe to the channel. Turn on notifications so you never miss a new conversation. 🎧 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Douglas Mvududu 03:10 Journey into Recruitment and Marketing 09:00 The Transition to Employer Branding 14:31 The Evolution of Professionalism 16:40 Challenges in Workforce Planning 24:14 The Job Application Process as a Matchmaking Experience 29:29 The Importance of Authentic Employer Branding 32:09 Embracing Flaws in Company Culture 36:14 The Cost of Misrepresentation in Employer Branding 41:07 Building Executive Buy-In for Employer Branding 49:04 The Role of AI in Recruitment and Employer Branding 56:42 Advice for Newcomers in Employer Branding 58:13 Understanding Employer Branding for Executives

    1h 2m

  2. 10/21/2025

    EB Unfiltered SE2: EP 8 - Tynecia Walker - Policy & People: DEI, and Employer Branding with Heart

    True inclusion is not about chasing happiness. It is about creating spaces where people can experience joy, contentment, and humanity at work. In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, John Graham sits down with Tynecia Walker to explore the intersection of DEI, employer branding, and workplace culture. Tynecia shares her journey through the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion, emphasizing the difference between happiness and joy, and why authentic storytelling and psychological safety are non-negotiables for any healthy organization. They discuss how policies should serve people—not just protect companies—and how AI is shaping the future of HR and DEI work. The conversation also explores the role of leadership in driving engagement, contentment, and belonging at work. If you care about creating organizations where people can thrive, this episode will stay with you long after it ends. 📺 Watch more episodes of Employer Branding Unfiltered here: 👉 https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/ 👍 If this conversation resonates, please like, share, and subscribe to the channel. And do not forget to hit the bell so you never miss an episode. ⸻ 🎧 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Employer Branding Unfiltered 01:47 Tynecia Walker’s Journey in DEI and Employer Branding 05:36 The Difference Between Happiness and Joy at Work 09:22 Centering Humanity in DEI and Organizational Change 13:10 Storytelling as a Bridge in DEI and Employer Branding 17:45 The Role of Policy in Protecting People vs. the Organization 22:18 Building Psychological Safety and Trust in the Workplace 27:09 The Impact of AI on DEI and Employer Branding Work 31:34 Leadership, Engagement, and Authenticity in Action 36:42 Creating Sustainable Joy and Contentment in Work Culture 40:15 Reflections on the Future of Inclusion and Humanity in Work

    46 min

  3. 10/07/2025

    Employer Branding Unfiltered: SE02 - Ep 7: Amit Parmar - Building Trust in a Data-Driven Talent World

    Employer branding is evolving fast, and it is no longer just about attraction. It is about retention, employee experience, and building trust through storytelling and data. In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, John Graham speaks with Amit Parmar, CEO of Clickify, about the changing landscape of HR and employer branding. They dive into the importance of storytelling, the role of AI and data-driven insights, and the growing need for transparency and mental health support in today’s workplace. This conversation examines the challenges and opportunities for leaders in EB and HR, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and human connection, even in an increasingly AI-powered world. 📺 Watch more episodes of Employer Branding Unfiltered here: 👉 https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/ 👍 If this conversation resonates, please like, share, and subscribe to the channel, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. ⸻ 🎧 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Employer Branding and Talent Transformation 02:45 The Importance of Storytelling in Employer Branding 05:40 Employer Branding: Opportunities for Improvement 09:01 Data-Driven Insights for Effective Employer Branding 11:50 The Role of HR in Balancing Management and Employee Needs 14:42 Cultural Shifts and Data Utilization in HR 18:04 Differentiating Storytelling in a Saturated Market 20:53 Engagement and Conversion: The Holy Grail of Employer Branding 23:43 AI in Employer Branding: Opportunities and Challenges 32:21 Navigating Employer Branding in the Age of AI 34:54 The Importance of Differentiation in Content Creation 36:58 Trust Issues in AI-Generated Content 39:06 The Impact of Language on Inclusivity 39:46 The Future of Recruitment and AI Integration 42:57 Evolving from Employer Branding to Employee Experience 46:23 The Role of Government in AI Regulation 50:35 Investing in Talent Acquisition for the Future 56:17 The Critical Need for Mental Health and Wellness 59:46 The Human Element in HR and Employer Branding

    1h 4m

  4. 09/18/2025

    Employer Branding Unfiltered: SE02 - Ep 6: Shavonne Thomas - The Truth About Employer Branding

    Employer branding is not just about filling roles. It is about creating experiences that are authentic, transparent, and deeply connected to culture. In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, John Graham sits down with Shavonne Thomas to talk about her journey through talent acquisition into employer branding, with a focus on the pharmaceutical industry. Shavonne shares insights on building an Employer Value Proposition (EVP), the role of DEI in shaping culture, and why authenticity is non-negotiable. They also explore the difference between employer branding and recruitment marketing, how cultural challenges impact employee experience, and the importance of community support for professionals in this space. 📺 Watch more episodes of Employer Branding Unfiltered here: 👉 https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/ 👍 If this conversation resonates, please like, share, and subscribe to the channel. And do not forget to hit the bell so you never miss an episode. ⸻ 🎧 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Employer Branding and Guest Introduction 02:52 Shavonne Thomas’s Journey in Employer Branding 05:56 Understanding Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and Its Importance 09:01 Current Trends and Challenges in Employer Branding 11:55 The Role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Employer Branding 14:46 Distinguishing Between Employer Branding and Recruitment Marketing 17:48 The Importance of Authenticity and Transparency in Employer Branding 20:56 Navigating Cultural Challenges in Employer Branding 23:44 The Future of Employer Branding and Employee Experience 26:57 Final Thoughts and Questions for Future Guests

    44 min

  5. 09/04/2025

    Employer Branding Unfiltered: SE02 - Ep 5: Ankit Pathak - Your Employer Brand Is Not Your Culture

    Employer branding has never been more important or more misunderstood. In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, John Graham sits down with Ankit Pathak to explore the evolving landscape of EB, the challenges leaders face in driving real change, and why transparency is the new authenticity. They dig into:  • Navigating career transitions into employer branding  • Why telling the truth is non-negotiable  • The loneliness of leadership in EB  • How EB intersects with DEI and influences culture  • The role of emotional intelligence in building trust  • What activation strategies actually resonate with employees and candidates This is a candid, thoughtful conversation about what it takes to build employer brands that matter. Not just campaigns, but movements that employees can believe in. 📺 Watch more episodes of Employer Branding Unfiltered here: 👉 https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/ 👍 If this conversation resonates, like, share, and subscribe to the channel, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. ⸻ 🎧 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Employer Branding Unfiltered 02:01 Navigating Career Transitions 07:10 The Journey to Employer Branding 12:22 The Importance of Transparency in Employer Branding 16:39 The Loneliness of Leadership in Employer Branding 20:14 Building Relationships Across Teams 23:58 The Intersection of DEI and Employer Branding 28:56 Challenges in Employer Branding During Organizational Changes 33:06 Employer Branding’s Role in Shaping Culture 40:42 Activating Employer Brand Strategies 44:55 Reflections and Future of Employer Branding

    53 min

  6. 08/21/2025

    Employer Branding Unfiltered: SE02 - Ep 4: Arielle Julie - Good Vibes Only: How Memorable Moments Drive EB ROI

    In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, host John Graham sits down with Arielle Julie to explore the intersection of advertising, recruiting, and employer branding. Arielle shares her journey from agency life to talent branding, breaking down how experiential activations, co-branded events, and human-centered approaches can create unforgettable recruitment experiences that truly resonate. Connect w/ Arielle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellejulie/ They discuss:  • How to secure stakeholder buy-in for EB initiatives  • Why experiential activations leave lasting impressions on candidates  • Measuring ROI and making the business case for recruitment events  • The role of internal employee engagement in strengthening talent brand  • The power of transparency and vulnerability in company culture  • What the future of talent branding looks like ✨ Arielle’s insights remind us that employer branding isn’t just about attraction—it’s about experiences, connection, and authenticity. 📺 Watch more EB Unfiltered episodes here: 👉 https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/ 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss a new drop. ⸻ 🎧 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:01 Arielle’s Career Journey 04:24 Transition to Employer Branding 07:12 Falling in Love with Recruiting 10:24 Navigating Employer Branding Challenges 12:36 Experiential Activation in Employer Branding 17:47 Creating Memorable Experiences 20:29 Event Strategies and Budgeting 23:49 Co-Branding Events for Success 26:55 Leveraging Partnerships for Recruitment 28:59 Measuring ROI in Recruitment Events 31:46 Activating the Employer Brand Internally 32:15 Empowering Employee Visibility and Advocacy 36:42 The Distinction Between Talent Brand and Employer Brand 40:11 Organizational Structure and the Future of Talent Branding 46:29 The Human Element in Talent Attraction 50:35 Transparency vs. Vulnerability in Organizational Culture

    1h 3m

  7. 08/07/2025

    Employer Branding Unfiltered: SE02 - Ep 3: Claire De Souza - Embrace the Ugly: The Real Work of Employer Branding

    🎙 Unpacking Employer Branding with Claire De Souza | Employer Branding Unfiltered In this episode of Employer Branding Unfiltered, host John Graham sits down with Claire De Souza, co-founder of the EB Space community, to talk all things employer branding—from the evolution of the function to what it really takes to build an authentic brand employees and candidates trust. Claire shares her journey into the field, the growing recognition of EB roles, and how the pandemic forever shifted employee expectations. She opens up about the importance of embracing the “ugly side” of your brand, creating space for honest storytelling, and how community can fuel innovation in our work. They also explore: • How to prove the value of employer brand without over-polishing the truth • The tension between recruitment marketing and brand authenticity • Why collaboration between EB, comms, and marketing is a non-negotiable • How EB Space is creating bold, fresh experiences for brand pros everywhere ✨ If you’re navigating employer branding, struggling to connect with your people, or just looking for your community—this episode is for you. 📺 Watch more episodes and connect with the EB Unfiltered community: https://shaker.com/employer-brand-unfiltered/employer-branding-unfiltered-ep-3-claire-de-souza/ 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the bell so you never miss a new drop. ⸻ 🎧 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Employer Branding Unfiltered 01:10 Claire De Souza’s Journey in Employer Branding 03:33 Growth and Evolution of Employer Branding Roles 06:09 Challenges in Proving Employer Brand Value 10:45 Employer Brand Beyond Talent Attraction 11:16 The Importance of Collaboration in Employer Branding 15:17 Embracing the Ugly in Employer Branding 17:04 Fear of Reputation and the Impact on Employer Branding 22:08 The Need for Honesty in Employer Branding 23:58 Measuring the Impact of Employer Branding 26:27 The Cost of Unfilled Roles 28:51 Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing 32:39 Understanding Business Needs 33:36 Creating the EB Space 38:58 Innovative Event Formats 48:03 Building Authentic Connections

    56 min

  8. 07/24/2025

    Employer Branding Unfiltered: SE02 - Ep 2: Paige Elliott - You Can’t Tell a Story That Doesn’t Align: Employer Branding in Real Life

    What happens when storytelling, data, and authenticity collide in the world of employer branding? In this episode, John Graham sits down with Paige Elliott, a bold force in the EB space, to unpack what it really means to build a brand from the inside out. From activating your EVP to navigating DEI with intention, Paige shares how she disrupted the system by putting out content that resonated—and didn’t ask for permission. We explore the power of cross-functional collaboration with marketing and comms, how to build social strategies that actually land, and why authenticity can’t be faked—especially in the age of AI. If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between corporate approval and creative impact, this one’s for you.

    55 min
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About

Welcome to Employer Branding Unfiltered, the go-to podcast for employer brand practitioners, talent acquisition leaders, and Chief People Officers. Hosted by John Graham, this show delivers the raw, unfiltered realities of building authentic and impactful employer brands in today’s fast-evolving world. From candid conversations with industry experts to actionable insights, we explore the challenges, triumphs, and future of this work. Topics include EVP development, culture transformation, DEI, and the global dimensions of employer branding. If you’re ready to rethink strategies, embrace bold perspectives, and uncover what’s next for the industry, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Shaker Recruitment Marketing
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Employer Branding Unfiltered