The Inclusive AF Podcast

Two BFFs. Decades in HR. Zero corporate speak. Katee Van Horn and Jackye Clayton talk about work, culture, and the things most companies won't say out loud. What actually happens to people at work, and what to do about it. Between them they've led people teams, run talent functions, built HR from scratch, and watched a lot of programs get announced and then quietly killed. They bring receipts. They also laugh a lot, because some of this is genuinely absurd. Expect real talk about hiring, leadership, burnout, bias, and the gap between what companies say and what they do. Plus monthly guests who've been in the room where it happened. If you work in HR, lead a team, or just want your job to suck less, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. inclusiveafpodcast.com

  1. 1d ago

    AI and Bias in Hiring with Tina Shah Paikeday

    General purpose AI can be more biased than humans. AI built for hiring can widen the candidate slate and raise quality at the same time. Tina Shah Paikeday, Senior Advisor for Responsible AI at Findem, has tested both, and she explains what HR leaders should check before they buy. Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn get into how to vet an AI hiring tool, why only about 5% of CHROs have real AI fluency, what new laws mean for anyone using automated hiring decisions, and how recruiters move from order taker to consultant. Key Takeaways General purpose AI draws on vast, unstructured data, and in Tina's testing it produced more bias than humans. AI built specifically for recruiting can widen candidate slates and raise quality at the same time. What goes into the data and the algorithm decides what comes out. Ask every vendor how theirs was built. Hiring teams now need AI to sort through the flood of AI written applications. Critical thinking and judgment are gaining value while tool specific skills lose it faster. Of roughly 7,000 US CHROs Tina reviewed, about 5% showed strong AI fluency. AI should make the recruiter role more strategic, not just faster. The person you need may already work for you. Check inside before you post the job. What you put into an AI tool can come back to you. Use tools with guardrails built for HR. Hiring laws are moving from guidance to enforcement in New York City, California and the EU. Timestamps 00:00 – Why general AI can be more biased than humans 03:36 – How AI can reduce bias in hiring 05:00 – How to vet an AI hiring tool 06:52 – The biggest hiring challenge: AI to sort through AI 12:17 – Only 5% of CHROs have AI fluency 14:33 – From order taker to consultant 20:27 – The scariest part: no guardrails 22:24 – Are your AI prompts protected? 25:54 – AI hiring laws: from soft law to hard law 27:27 – AI as a bias interrupter Keywords AI in hiring, hiring bias, responsible AI, recruiting technology, talent acquisition, AI regulation, CHRO, AI fluency, skills based hiring, HR technology Before your next AI vendor demo, ask two questions: was this built for hiring, and how did you test it for bias? Remastered from our original conversation with Tina Shah Paikeday, former partner and global practice head at Russell Reynolds.

    AI and Bias in Hiring with Tina Shah Paikeday
  2. Jul 17

    Where are the Black people in Argentina?

    What happens when an absence becomes so familiar that nobody thinks to question it? While watching the World Cup, Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn noticed that Argentina’s national team looked different from many of the teams competing around it. That observation opened a much bigger conversation about Black identity, national representation and how people can remain present while becoming invisible within the dominant story. In this episode of Inclusive AF, Jackye and Katee use Argentina as a lens for examining something HR and business leaders see every day: normalized exclusion. It happens when the leadership team has looked the same for so long that no one asks who is missing. When Black employees are represented in the workforce but absent from succession plans, influential roles and executive decision-making. When the same groups repeatedly leave, yet every departure is treated as an individual choice instead of part of a larger pattern. The conversation explores: Why representation is not the same as inclusion, influence or power How repeated inequity can begin to look normal Why organizations often notice individual outcomes but miss systemic patterns How hiring, promotion, sponsorship, performance reviews and succession decisions shape who becomes visible Why employees should not have to prove exclusion before leaders are willing to examine it What HR teams should measure when headcount alone tells an incomplete story This episode is not claiming that Black Argentines do not exist. It asks how people can be present while being excluded from the public picture of who belongs. That is also the question every organization should be willing to ask: Who is present in our workforce but missing from our picture of leadership, opportunity and influence? Because inclusion requires more than inviting people into the room. It requires someone to keep looking at who is heard, who advances, who holds power and whose absence the organization has learned not to notice. Listen to “Where Are the Black People in Argentina?” and join the workplace conversation about what we normalize, what we measure and what we choose to see.

  3. Mar 26

    Leveraging AI to Improve Talent Quality and Diversity with Tina Shah Paikeday

    Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation on The Inclusive AF Podcast! In this episode, hosts Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn sit down with Tina Shah Paikeday , Senior Advisor for Responsible AI at Findem, to dig into how AI is revolutionizing talent acquisition and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Discover: - How can AI help reduce bias in hiring—and what pitfalls you should watch out for? - What should HR leaders and recruiters know about evolving regulations surrounding AI in talent decisions? - Why human oversight is critical to ethical AI—and where technology is taking us next. - Real-world stories and practical tips for building more inclusive hiring processes with AI-powered tools. If you're an HR professional, recruiter, or just passionate about building better, more inclusive workplaces, this episode is for you! Learn why it's not about robots replacing humans, but about using AI to enhance our efforts and create a fairer hiring playing field. 🔗 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell for the latest on all things inclusion, HR, and future of work! #InclusiveAF #HRTech #AIinHiring #WorkplaceInclusion #ResponsibleAI #DiversityandInclusion #FutureOfWork #Recruiting #Findem #TalentAcquisition #AIethics #WomenInTech Listen now and join the conversation! If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

  4. Mar 3

    Elevating Neurodiverse Talent: Breaking Interview Barriers with Coach Ramon Santillian

    Ready to transform your job search and ace your next interview? In this powerful episode of the Inclusive AF Podcast, Katee Van Horn and Jackye Clayton sit down with expert interview coach Ramon Santillian to unpack the secrets to landing your dream role—especially for those who are neurodiverse or introverted.Ramon Santillian shares inspiring stories of helping clients on the autism spectrum get hired at top companies like Facebook, Google, NASA, and Amazon. You'll learn why it’s not about having the "perfect elevator pitch" or applying to hundreds of jobs, but about building real connections, presenting yourself authentically, and outsmarting—not out-competing—the competition.What you’ll learn in this episode:- The biggest barriers neurodiverse job seekers face (and how to overcome them)- How to turn awkward interviews into engaging conversations- Proven strategies to connect with decision makers on LinkedIn- Why you should ditch the elevator pitch and focus on education, entertainment, and engagement- The importance of customizing your job search and interview prep- How “Offer Letter Fridays” are motivating candidates everywhereWhether you’re a college grad, aspiring intern, or executive looking for your next move, this episode will empower you to approach your career with confidence, purpose, and authenticity.👀 Watch now and start achieving real results in your job search journey!#JobSearch #InterviewTips #Neurodiversity #CareerAdvice #InclusiveAF #CareerCoach #NetworkingTips #InterviewCoach #Neurodiverse #Hiring #GetHired #JobOffers #DiversityAndInclusion #CareerDevelopment #OutsmartNotOutcompeteSubscribe for more honest conversations about inclusion, careers, and creating workplaces that are Inclusive AF! 🔔 If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

  5. Feb 13

    Finding Reliable News: Media Blind Spots, Privilege, and the Power of Asking Questions

    🎙️ Welcome to The Inclusive AF Podcast with Katee Van Horn and Jackye Clayton! In this special episode, the hosts dive deep into how and where people get their news, the challenges of finding unbiased sources, and why it matters more than ever with today’s fast-moving headlines. From Ground News and TikTok to holiday celebrations and hilarious AI mishaps, this episode combines timely conversations about inclusion, current events, and some much-needed festive fun. Expect honest reflections, tips on credible news sources, and real-life stories about family, dogs, and favorite holiday foods. The episode also tackles the realities of privilege, global perspectives, and how the world of work and DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) is evolving into 2026. Don’t miss the gingerbread house competition, bacon bubbles for the dogs, Hallmark movie marathons, and the importance of setting New Year’s intentions as our hosts share laughs and advice to help you make the world a better, safer place—one step at a time. ✨ If you love candid conversations about news, DEI, and making change, hit subscribe and join our growing community! #InclusiveAF #DEI #Podcast #NewsSources #GroundNews #AppleNews #TikTokNews #HolidayFun #FamilyTime #DogsOfYouTube #YearOfNo #HallmarkMovies #GingerbreadCompetition #NewYearsResolutions #Community #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #StayInformed #Castmagic If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

  6. Feb 2

    Women, Minorities, and Veterans: Who Benefits in Texas’ New Business Program?

    Join Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn on this eye-opening episode of The Inclusive AF Podcast as they dive into recent controversial decisions affecting diversity, equity, and inclusion. From AT&T axing its DEI programs to Texas shifting its support for underutilized businesses, Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn break down what these rollbacks mean for marginalized communities, business owners, and the workplace. Curious how capitalism, government contracts, and even definitions of veteran status are influencing corporate America right now? Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn don’t shy away from challenging conversations—and you’ll want to tune in for their take on what’s next for DEI, social justice, and the ongoing cultural reckoning. Don’t miss out on their timely insights, personal stories, and their signature candid style. Whether you’re in HR, a business owner, or someone passionate about inclusion, this episode will keep you informed and inspired. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations that go beyond the headlines and get real about what’s happening in the world of inclusion! #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Podcast #WorkplaceCulture #DEI #Business #Veterans #SocialJustice #InclusiveAF #ATandT #TexasBusiness #CorporateResponsibility If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

  7. Jan 20

    Actionable Paths to Racial Equity and Belonging in Business with Hugues Sygney Jr.

    Welcome to The Inclusive AF Podcast! In this powerful episode, hosts Jackye Clayton & Katee Van Horn sit down with Hugues Sygney Jr. for an inspiring conversation about justice, equity, and how businesses can create true impact in their communities—with a special focus on the B Corp movement. We dig deep into what it means for a company to be a force for good, the transformative role of B Corps, and the real-life programs making generational change—like fair wages, open hiring, and wealth-building initiatives that are shifting legacies. You’ll also hear about the importance of the JEDI framework (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), climate justice, and practical steps that HR leaders and business owners can start using today. Whether you’re an HR professional, passionate about DEI, or curious how your everyday choices as a consumer or leader can ripple into meaningful change—this episode is for you. Don’t miss the insightful stories, practical advice, and uplifting discussions on how we each can make an impact in our organizations and beyond. Listen, learn, and join the movement toward true inclusion and business for good! #Bcorp #InclusiveAF #JusticeAndEquity #WorkplaceInclusion #DiversityAndInclusion #HRLeaders #DEIB #ClimateJustice #Podcast #BusinessForGood #GenerationalWealth #Belonging #CommunityImpact #Leadership #CareerDevelopment 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations that will inspire and challenge you! If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

About

Two BFFs. Decades in HR. Zero corporate speak. Katee Van Horn and Jackye Clayton talk about work, culture, and the things most companies won't say out loud. What actually happens to people at work, and what to do about it. Between them they've led people teams, run talent functions, built HR from scratch, and watched a lot of programs get announced and then quietly killed. They bring receipts. They also laugh a lot, because some of this is genuinely absurd. Expect real talk about hiring, leadership, burnout, bias, and the gap between what companies say and what they do. Plus monthly guests who've been in the room where it happened. If you work in HR, lead a team, or just want your job to suck less, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. inclusiveafpodcast.com

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