From The Desk with Jada Montemarano

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Welcome to From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, the podcast where we explore the intersection of technology, talent, and transformation in the world of HR. Every week, host Jada Montemarano will sit down with innovators, leaders, and experts who are shaping the future of human resources through cutting-edge technology. So if you’re into innovation, making smart hires, and finding the future of work before everyone else does, then you’re in the right place.

  1. 3D AGO

    Clark Willcox: Redefining Digital Recruiting

    In this enlightening episode of From the Desk, we delve into the digital world of recruiting with our guest, Clark Willcox. Clark, a career coach and the founder of Digital Recruiter, shares his journey of transitioning from traditional recruiting methods to leveraging automation and digital strategies. He speaks about the importance of personal branding and creating content that connects, which forms the core of his platform, Digital Recruiter. Our conversation explores the significant shifts in the HR landscape, especially in the wake of the pandemic. We discuss how LinkedIn strategies, automation hacks, and audience building are revolutionizing the recruiting process. Clark also shares his insights on the potential pitfalls of automation and the importance of storytelling in creating a personal connection. Finally, we touch upon the evolving role of content in attracting and retaining talent, and how job seekers can stand out in the digital age. Whether you're a recruiter, job seeker, or HR enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights on navigating the digital recruiting landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    24 min

  2. 08/01/2025

    Kristina Karcic: HR That Builds, Not Just Protects

    What if HR wasn’t just about policies—but about building better companies from the inside out? In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada speaks with Kristina Karcic, a veteran HR business advisor with over 20 years of experience guiding high-growth startups and global enterprises. Kristina shares how her early career in the .com era shaped her people-first philosophy, and why she believes the key to sustainable success lies in intentional strategy, inclusive culture, and visionary leadership. Together, they explore how to go beyond reactive HR and start designing workplaces that scale thoughtfully and humanely. From spotting early red flags in company culture to designing reward systems that actually drive performance, Kristina offers a blueprint for founders and people leaders looking to build with purpose. This episode is a masterclass in HR as a business accelerator—not a cost center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    23 min

  3. 07/25/2025

    John Mazzeo: The I-9 Deep and Getting Onboarding Right

    What really goes into verifying employment eligibility—and why should HR leaders care more than ever? In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada sits down with John Mazzeo, Senior Director of I-9 Success at Vertical Screen, to explore the often-overlooked world of I-9 compliance and onboarding. With years of experience in employment law and identity verification, John explains how technology and regulation are reshaping the way companies bring on new hires—and what HR teams need to know to stay ahead of legal pitfalls. From simplifying electronic I-9 processes to navigating ever-changing federal guidelines, John breaks down how his team is setting a new standard in compliant onboarding. He also shares practical tips for making onboarding more efficient and secure, without sacrificing the candidate experience. Whether you're an HR professional, hiring manager, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes before day one, this episode is packed with insights that make a technical topic unexpectedly compelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    20 min

  4. 07/18/2025

    Brian Glover: Why the Job Market Needs a Massive Update—And How Previewed Delivers

    What if job seekers could experience a role before they apply? In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada sits down with Brian Glover, co-founder of Previewed, a platform reshaping how students, educators, and employers connect. Brian shares how his mission to make job hunting more transparent evolved from an idea inspired by TikTok into a robust career development tool powered by video and AI. Their conversation dives into the importance of authentic career previews, empowering the next generation of workers, and closing the gap between education and employment. As they unpack trends in workforce development, Brian offers insights into how AI and storytelling can unlock new opportunities, especially for students entering an unpredictable job market. Whether you're an educator, a recruiter, or a job seeker navigating the early stages of your career, this episode offers fresh perspectives on building purpose-driven pathways into the future of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min

  5. 04/25/2025

    The Pragmatic Reality of AI in HR w Lydia Wu

    As the buzz around AI continues to dominate headlines, what does meaningful innovation actually look like in the HR space? In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada sits down with Lydia Wu, a seasoned leader in human capital management and analytics, to unpack how the AI conversation is shifting from hype to hands-on implementation. With over a decade of experience driving digital transformation in HR, Lydia offers a grounded perspective on why adopting AI today isn’t as simple as flipping a switch—and how this tech shift differs from anything we've seen before. Together, they explore the ethical gray areas of AI in hiring, the critical importance of change management, and why the human element—empathy, strategy, and trust—can’t be replaced by machines. Whether you're an HR professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, or a job seeker navigating a tech-driven market, Lydia’s advice will challenge how you think about business acumen, employer-employee dynamics, and the smart use of AI tools in your job search. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about where the future of work is really heading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min

  6. 04/18/2025

    From HR Manager to Innovation Group President w Eric M. Bailey - From The Desk ep 16

    In this episode of "From the Desk with Jada Montemarano," Jada speaks with Eric M. Bailey, President of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group and author of "The Cure for Stupidity." Eric shares how he "forced gummed" his way into HR, starting his journey as a Director of Organizational Development after a career in marketing and graphic design. They delve into the core principles of his work, focusing on the science of communication, understanding irrational behavior, and overcoming judgment in the workplace to build stronger, more connected organizations. Eric emphasizes the importance of clear expectations, self-awareness of judgment, and fostering genuine connection to combat workplace loneliness and improve overall employee experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min

  7. 04/11/2025

    Building True Community in HR w Demario Bell - From The Desk ep 15

    In this episode of From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, Jada speaks with Demario Bell, award-winning community builder and founder of Gatherful, about the power of community in HR and business. Demario defines what a community manager does and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in building strong communities with people, not just for them. The conversation explores strategies for creating both internal and external communities, the role of mentorship in employee experience, and actionable advice for job seekers looking to find the right community fit in their next role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min

  8. 04/04/2025

    Building a People-First Culture w Joey Price - From the Desk ep 14

    In this episode of "From the Desk with Jada Montemarano," Joey Price, CEO of Jumpstart HR, joins the podcast to discuss the unique HR challenges faced by startups and small businesses. Joey shares his expertise in HR outsourcing and consulting, highlighting the importance of strategic HR support, employee engagement, and navigating compliance for organizations of all sizes. He emphasizes the need for HR to be adaptable in today's evolving work landscape, especially with remote work and rapidly advancing technology, and offers actionable advice for both HR professionals and job seekers to thrive in the modern workplace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min
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About

Welcome to From the Desk with Jada Montemarano, the podcast where we explore the intersection of technology, talent, and transformation in the world of HR. Every week, host Jada Montemarano will sit down with innovators, leaders, and experts who are shaping the future of human resources through cutting-edge technology. So if you’re into innovation, making smart hires, and finding the future of work before everyone else does, then you’re in the right place.

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