Talent Unboxed

Chris Wright

A podcast dedicated to those seeking career-changing opportunities. Hear from the UK's leading businesses on how they recruit, what they look for and how you can make sure you get that career you dream of. Plus lots of hints and tips from the best in the business

  1. 7h ago

    The Personal Brand Myth Everyone Believes

    In this episode of Talent Unboxed, Chris sits down with Chloe Blades. Business mentor and college lecturer to unpack what personal branding actually means for job seekers, business owners, and employers trying to attract the right talent. Chloe shares the moment she quit her job with only 300 Instagram followers, why she believes a clear, potent message will always beat generic visibility. The conversation also digs into first impressions, dress codes, and why so many graduates are losing out on jobs before they even speak. 👍 If this episode gave you a new way to think about your personal brand, hit subscribe and give it a like it helps us keep bringing these conversations to you. Let us know in the comments what you thought about this conversation. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - 3:29 Intros 3:29 - 6:25 What is personal brand? 6:25 - 8:08 Will Personal Brand Replace the CV? 8:08 - 9:44 Visibility vs. Loyalty: What Actually Converts 9:44 - 13:14 Employer Brand 13:14 - 14:46 The #1 Tip for Improving Your Employer Brand 14:46 - 18:13 Chloe's Story: Quit Her Job With Just 300 Followers 18:13 - 20:37 Will AI Replace Personal Brand Consultants? 20:37 - 26:46 First Impressions Still Count 26:46 - 29:34 The importance of personal brand 29:34 - 31:12 What's Next for Chloe 31:12 - 32:35 The Biggest Personal Brand Mistake 32:35 - 36:04 Show People the Mission, Not Just the Content 36:04 - 38:29 Outros Links and Resources: 🔗 Find out more about Chloe and growing your personal brand: Website: https://www.itschloeco.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itschloeco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itschloeco/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-blades-59816911b/ 🎙️ Talent Unboxed Platforms: 🔗 Website: https://acs.acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/talent-unboxed 🔗 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/6aee5782-d75f-4ebd-9d69-13aed0b7632f/talent-unboxed 🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6XrU3VGEKwEZjxOck5elpi?si=fQy4lu8oR2S4niy1fXnyAg 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/talent-unboxed/4057a2b5-83a1-43b7-815f-982f10127b3c 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DqYapkPFu/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentunboxed 🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/showcase/talent-unboxed-podcast 🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talentunboxed

  2. Sep 7

    Schools Are Failing Kids (Here's The Real Reason)

    In this unfiltered episode of Talent Unboxed, Chris sits down with Ben Thomas founder of All Things Business, the Business Awards, and the Education Awards for Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes. Ben opens up about starting out on a market stall at 13, building multiple businesses through networking (not tech), and why he believes the current school system isn't preparing kids for the real world. Whether you're a business owner, parent, educator, or someone figuring out your career path, this episode will challenge how you think about relationships, technology, and what really prepares young people for life. 👍 If this episode made you think differently, hit subscribe and drop a like it genuinely helps us keep bringing these honest, unscripted conversations to you. And let us know your thoughts in the comments. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - 6:58 Introductions 6:58 - 12:03 Ben's Story 12:03 - 15:39 The power of networking 15:39 - 23:42 Why Relationships Still Beat Technology 23:42 - 33:05 Is the Education System Fit for Purpose? 33:05 - 38:52 Why Careers Advice in Schools Is Broken 38:52 - 44:17 Financial Life Skills Should Be on the Curriculum 44:17 - 49:30 Ben's Advice for the Next Generation 49:30 - 50:02 Outros Links and Resources: 🔗 Find out more about Ben: 🌐 Website : https://www.linkedin.com/company/gogiant/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbmtthomas/ 🎙️ Talent Unboxed Platforms: 🔗 Website: https://acs.acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/talent-unboxed 🔗 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/6aee5782-d75f-4ebd-9d69-13aed0b7632f/talent-unboxed 🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6XrU3VGEKwEZjxOck5elpi?si=fQy4lu8oR2S4niy1fXnyAg 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/talent-unboxed/4057a2b5-83a1-43b7-815f-982f10127b3c 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DqYapkPFu/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentunboxed 🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/showcase/talent-unboxed-podcast 🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talentunboxed

  3. Aug 31

    How to Scale a Business & Build a Winning Team

    What does it really take to scale a business, build a strong team and develop the right talent? In this episode of Talent Unboxed, Dan Harding, COO of Sign in Solutions, shares lessons from growing a Northampton tech start-up into a global business operating across multiple countries, including the importance of adapting to change, investing in apprentices, developing employees and thinking bigger when it comes to business growth. Dan also discusses AI and technology, recruitment, career development, apprenticeships, hiring young talent and advice for people looking to change careers or start a business. 👍 Enjoyed this video? Make sure to like, follow and subscribe for more insights on recruitment, careers, business growth, and workplace success. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - 3:29 Introductions 3:29 - 9:36 Story behind Sign in Solutions 9:36 - 12:20 Building a Local Team and Scaling Globally 12:20 - 14:44 Managing Culture Through Business Growth 14:44 - 16:04 Why Adaptability Drives Career Growth 16:04 - 18:12 Why Founders Need to Think Bigger 18:12 - 20:03 How AI Has Changed Business Growth 20:03 - 23:43 What's Next for Sign In App? 23:43 - 23:28 The Future of Business in Northampton 23:28 - 36:19 Why Businesses Should Invest in Apprentices 36:19 - 38:17 The Advice Every Job Seeker Needs 38:17 - 40:13 Outros Links and Resources: 🔗 Find out more about Dan Harding and Sign in Solutions : 🌐 Website : https://signinsolutions.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hardingdan/ 🎙️ Talent Unboxed Platforms: 🔗 Website: https://acs.acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/talent-unboxed 🔗 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/6aee5782-d75f-4ebd-9d69-13aed0b7632f/talent-unboxed 🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6XrU3VGEKwEZjxOck5elpi?si=fQy4lu8oR2S4niy1fXnyAg 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/talent-unboxed/4057a2b5-83a1-43b7-815f-982f10127b3c 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DqYapkPFu/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentunboxed 🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/showcase/talent-unboxed-podcast 🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talentunboxed

  4. Aug 17

    You Don’t Need to Tick Every Box to Get Hired (HR Expert Explains)

    Welcome to Talent Unboxed. In this episode, titled "You Don’t Need to Tick Every Box to Get Hired," I sit down with Ben Eveson, an HR Business Partner at HomeServe Finance. Ben shares invaluable insights on navigating the job market, emphasising that candidates should not hesitate to apply even if they meet only 50% of the job requirements. We delve into the importance of accommodating neurodiversity and creating inclusive work environments. Ben also discusses his journey from operations to HR, the impact of his ADHD diagnosis, and how it has become his superpower in the workplace. Tune in for practical advice on career progression, the significance of onboarding, and fostering a positive company culture. Don't miss this enlightening conversation, and remember to subscribe for more insights from Talent Unboxed. Links and Resources 🔗 Find out more about (name) : 🌐 Website: https://homeservegroup.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/homeserve-plc/ Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-eveson-mba-cmgr-fcmi-b25b6551/ 🎙️ Talent Unboxed Platforms: 🔗 Website: https://acs.acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/talent-unboxed 🔗 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/6aee5782-d75f-4ebd-9d69-13aed0b7632f/talent-unboxed 🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6XrU3VGEKwEZjxOck5elpi?si=fQy4lu8oR2S4niy1fXnyAg 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/talent-unboxed/4057a2b5-83a1-43b7-815f-982f10127b3c 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DqYapkPFu/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentunboxed 🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/showcase/talent-unboxed-podcast 🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talentunboxed

  5. Aug 10

    The Truth About Logistics Careers | Apprenticeships, Hiring & the Future of Recruitment

    In this episode of Talent Unboxed, I sit down with David Cormack from the Bedford College Group to explore the evolving landscape of logistics careers. We delve into the misconceptions surrounding the logistics sector and highlight the innovative apprenticeship programs designed to attract a diverse range of individuals, from young adults to those seeking career changes. David shares insights into the partnership with the National College of Logistics, emphasizing the importance of tailored training programs that align with employer needs and future workforce demands. We also discuss the underutilized apprentice levy and how it can be leveraged to fund essential skills training. Whether you're an SME or a large corporation, discover how these initiatives can drive meaningful change and create long-term career progression in logistics. Tune in to learn how we're reshaping perceptions and opportunities in this vital industry. 👍 Enjoyed this video? Make sure to like, follow and subscribe for more insights on recruitment, careers, business growth, and workplace success. Links and Resources: 🔗 Find out more about (name) : 🌐 Website : https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/colleges-and-campuses/national-college-for-logistics/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/bedford-college-group/ 🎙️ Talent Unboxed Platforms: 🔗 Website: https://acs.acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/talent-unboxed 🔗 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/6aee5782-d75f-4ebd-9d69-13aed0b7632f/talent-unboxed 🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6XrU3VGEKwEZjxOck5elpi?si=fQy4lu8oR2S4niy1fXnyAg 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/talent-unboxed/4057a2b5-83a1-43b7-815f-982f10127b3c 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DqYapkPFu/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentunboxed 🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/showcase/talent-unboxed-podcast 🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talentunboxed

  6. Aug 3

    Why You're NOT Getting Hired in 2026: Recruiter's Honest Advice

    In this episode of Talent Unboxed, permanent recruitment consultant Gabriella Saunders from ACS Staffing Solutions shares honest, real-world advice on why so many candidates are struggling to get hired in 2026. From unrealistic salary expectations and job titles to weak CVs, poor interview preparation and the importance of long-term career stability, Gabriella explains what employers are actually looking for in today’s competitive market. She also reveals how recruiters can help candidates stand out, why good candidates are being snapped up quickly, and what businesses must do to avoid losing top talent. Whether you’re a graduate, returning to work after redundancy, or actively job hunting, this episode gives you practical insights that could make the difference between being overlooked and getting hired. 👍 Enjoyed this video? Make sure to like, follow and subscribe for more insights on recruitment, careers, business growth, and workplace success. Links and Resources 🔗 Find out more about Gabriella : 🌐 Website : https://acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-saunders-bb400613a/ 🎙️ Talent Unboxed Platforms: 🔗 Website: https://acs.acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/talent-unboxed 🔗 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/6aee5782-d75f-4ebd-9d69-13aed0b7632f/talent-unboxed 🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6XrU3VGEKwEZjxOck5elpi?si=fQy4lu8oR2S4niy1fXnyAg 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/talent-unboxed/4057a2b5-83a1-43b7-815f-982f10127b3c 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DqYapkPFu/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentunboxed 🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/showcase/talent-unboxed-podcast 🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talentunboxed

About

A podcast dedicated to those seeking career-changing opportunities. Hear from the UK's leading businesses on how they recruit, what they look for and how you can make sure you get that career you dream of. Plus lots of hints and tips from the best in the business