The Human Capitalist

Trent Cotton & Purple Acorn Network
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What is a Human Capitalist? Well, it's the new version of Human Resources. It's time to get rid of the outdated and reactive HR and replace it with Human Capitalism. I'm Trent Cotton and I'm ready to give the HR industry the punch it needs to become more focused on Human Capital versus the old stauncy HR. I’m thrilled to have you here as we dive into the future of Human Resources together. This podcast is all about empowering HR professionals to step up as proactive consultants, using AI and cutting-edge practices to manage a company’s largest expense and highest revenue producing asset—its people. As a senior HR Executive at HatchWorks AI, I get a rare glimpse into the impact technology advancement will have on the industry. This podcast is designed to share those insights with you! I’ll show you how to turn your biggest expense into a revenue-generating powerhouse by embracing change and leading with insight. If you are ready to be a rebel in the industry and unlock the true potential of human capital, this is the channel you've been looking for.

  1. 5D AGO

    Is AI Really Changing Jobs or Just Cutting Pay?

    In this episode of the Human Capitalist, host Trent Cotton sits down with Cynthia Abbott Kerr, founder of WellPay, to break down the biggest headlines shaking up the consulting and HR worlds. We start by dissecting the recent news that McKinsey is freezing entry-level salaries and potentially abandoning their famous “pyramid” hiring model due to AI. Is artificial intelligence really the culprit, or is it just a convenient excuse for a cooling market? Cynthia also weighs in on the “AI Doom Loop” in recruiting, why trust between candidates and employers is at an all-time low, and why she believes 2026 will see a return to “pension-style” retention strategies. About Cynthia Abott Kerr: Cynthia Abbott Kerr is the Founder and CEO of Wellpay.ai, a firm using AI to advance fair and equitable compensation across industries. With deep expertise in HR, total rewards, and AI technology, Cynthia has built innovative compensation systems for major organizations and is dedicated to fostering workplace transparency and trust. Recognized as a Saks Women to Watch honoree and Second Harvest Food Bank volunteer, she is known for strategic vision and driving impactful change in compensation and culture. Wellpay.ai partners globally to design transparent and competitive rewards programs, enhancing employee satisfaction and inclusion. Links Mentioned: Article 1: https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/consulting-firms-use-ai-to-squeeze-entry-level-hires-6781876/ Article 2: https://fortune.com/2025/11/18/hiring-job-seekers-recruiters-talent-acquisition-ai-doom-loop-application-technology/ Episode with Rachel Bourne: https://youtu.be/Qs1aA8_0sd0 Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:22 - Is McKinsey using AI as an excuse for salary freezes? 03:34 - Why companies are ditching expensive consultants 06:09 - The “AI Doom Loop” in Talent Acquisition 08:55 - Why managers don’t know how to interview anymore 15:57 - 2026 Predictions: Tariffs, Rate Cuts, and Retention 21:37 - The return of the “Pension Mindset” 28:36 - How to build a comp strategy in 4 weeks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min

  2. 12/07/2025

    The 4-Question AI Compass Every Board Needs

    For board members, the biggest risk isn't moving too fast with "artificial intelligence"; it's failing to ask the right questions before it's too late. This video emphasizes that AI is not a passing trend, highlighting the importance of strategic thinking and "ai leadership" for executives in 2025. It's crucial for "c suite leadership development" to understand this shift, as "ai for business" will redefine the "future of work" and require a new approach to "leadership" in the modern era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    7 min

  3. 12/01/2025

    AI's Impact on Jobs: 1.1M Layoffs & Your Career Strategy

    I'm thrilled to have talent strategy expert Rachel Bourne on the show. I've been tracking some alarming headlines about layoffs in 2025, and I knew Rachel was the perfect person to help me unpack what's really happening. We dive deep into the data (because we both geek out on this stuff!) and what it means for YOUR career. 🔍 **What We Cover:** **The Workforce Reality:** - 1.1 Million layoffs in 2025 - approaching COVID-era levels - Why companies are hiding behind "AI layoffs" instead of admitting they're just catching up on automation - The ghost jobs debate (spoiler: I'm skeptical) - Long-term unemployment hitting 25% - a historical recession indicator **The Game-Changer:** Rachel introduces her **Checkerboard Career Strategy** that honestly left me speechless when she first explained it in Paris. This framework focuses on: - Building your "back row" of ultimate career goals - Acquiring skills over chasing titles - Making strategic lateral moves to keep options open - Creating your own development program **Connect with Rachel:** - Podcast: The Shift Show with Rachel Bourne - Website: TheShiftShow.net - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-bourne/ **Timestamps:** 0:00 - Introduction & Format Change 2:30 - Breaking Down the 1.1 Million Layoffs 9:00 - Why Economic Data is Like "Driving with No Windshield" 14:30 - The Ghost Jobs Debate 17:00 - Job Hugging & The Low Hire/Low Fire Era 22:30 - AI Investment: Where's the Steak vs. The Sizzle? 25:00 - Long-Term Unemployment Warning Signs 27:00 - Can Companies Grow Without Hiring? 36:00 - The Paris Conversation That Left Me Speechless 40:00 - Unpacking the Checkerboard Career Strategy 45:00 - 5 Steps to Build Your Career Checkerboard 52:00 - Why Relationships Matter: My Banking Story 55:00 - Where to Find Rachel's New Executive Search Series #FutureOfWork #CareerStrategy #AI #JobMarket #HumanCapitalist #TalentStrategy #Layoffs2025 #SkillsBasedHiring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min

  4. 11/25/2025

    Open AI vs LinkedIn? Who will will win the recruiting war?

    I've been in the human capital space for over 20 years, and I'm ready to discuss how OpenAI could shake up the world of recruiting. This video explores the potential for an "openai jobs platform" to disrupt LinkedIn, focusing on real skills and better job matching. It's a look at the future of work, specifically how AI could impact "jobs" and "talent acquisition" as we know it. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - History Repeats: LinkedIn's Original Play 1:15 - LinkedIn in the Crosshairs 2:30 - The Big Shift: How Sourcing Changes Forever 4:00 - Evaluation Gets an Upgrade 5:15 - Development Gets a Makeover 6:30 - What This Means for HR 8:15 - Final Question: Would LinkedIn Still Make the Cut? Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/TrentCotton-Huma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    9 min

  5. 11/22/2025

    Why Are So Many People Losing Jobs in 2025?

    AI was supposed to be the hero of the future of work. Instead? 2025 is shaping up to be a workforce disaster. Over **1.1 million** U.S. jobs have been cut this year alone, and yet, companies are doubling down on automation. But here’s the catch: **42% of firms have already abandoned most of their AI projects** due to poor results and lack of internal capability. So what happens when you’ve cut your talent and your tech fails? In this video, Trent Cotton—author, talent exec, and Human Capitalist—breaks down: - Why massive layoffs in 2025 mirror the Great Recession and COVID crash - The false promise of AI-first orgs and why most investments flop - How corporate America is headed for a crash-landing without a workforce strategy - What CHROs and execs must do *now* to avoid long-term damage 🔍 Packed with data, charts, and straight talk—this is a must-watch for forward-thinking HR and C-suite leaders navigating the intersection of people + tech. 👥 Share this with someone who still believes AI can replace strategy. #FutureOfWork #AIinHR #Layoffs2025 #CHRO #WorkforceStrategy #HumanCapitalist Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/TrentCotton-Huma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min

  6. 11/22/2025

    The FUTURE of Work Is Here AI Insights from Accenture's CEO

    Here's what I've learned after 20+ years in HR: AI isn't just a tech play anymore. I's a complete workforce revolution, and most boards are still underestimating what's coming. I just watched Accenture's CEO lay out how the world's most powerful companies are thinking about AI, and let me tell you—it's not what most people think. It's not about scaling models. It's about scaling PEOPLE, changing how work gets done, and making hard choices about talent. In this episode, I'm breaking down her most powerful insights and what they mean for you if you're a CHRO, CEO, or anyone shaping the future of work. Here's what I cover: 1. Why 75% of leaders say AI is moving faster than they can prepare their workforce 2. The critical difference between using AI personally versus running enterprise AI 3. The three pathways I tell every leader about: upskill, rotate, or transition out 4. How to "rewire" work (not just automate it) with AI at the center 5. My executive framework for leading through AI transformation My Key Takeaways: ✅ AI is no longer a shiny innovation project—it's core business infrastructure ✅ The bottleneck isn't technology, it's TALENT strategy (and that's what I help fix) ✅ Some employees will grow, some will shift, and some roles will disappear—we have to be honest about this ✅ The best CHROs I work with are building rapid reskilling pipelines RIGHT NOW ✅ Fear thrives in silence—I always say transparent communication is critical Watch the full Accenture CEO interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HabAoy3nv4 About The Human Capitalist: I'm Trent Cotton, and I've spent 20+ years in HR working with and consulting enterprise-level executive teams on high-impact talent strategies. This channel is for executives, disruptors, and bold HR professionals ready to challenge the status quo and rethink the future of work. If you're clinging to old-school HR playbooks, this probably isn't for you. But if you're ready to lead through transformation—you're in the right place. 💬 Drop a comment below: What's the hardest part of the AI workforce shift for you? 📌 Subscribe if you want more straight-talk insights on the future of work, AI transformation, and modern HR strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    13 min

  7. 11/22/2025

    3 BIG Mistakes HR is Making with AI Adoption

    We are all chasing AI adoption in HR like it's a golden ticket, but let's be honest, we're failing. It isn't a tech problem; it's a people problem. HR's hesitation to adopt AI is a leadership failure, with many teams stuck in the past relying on outdated methods. But what if I told you the problem isn't AI, but the people behind AI adoption in HR? I'm Trent Cotton, a 20-year HR veteran and self-proclaimed Human Capitalist, and I've seen every trend imaginable. Nothing has fractured HR like AI, and after speaking with dozens of experts, it's clear: AI adoption isn't about technology; it's about three hidden human roadblocks we need to fix. In this video, I'm going to expose the three human problems breaking every AI rollout in HR. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: The 3 Human Problems 00:56 - Problem 1: The Skill Gap 04:02 - Problem 2: The Trust Gap 08:14 - Problem 3: The Fear Factor 10:18 - Conclusion: Building an AI-Ready HR Organization Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more recruitment tips and strategies! Join the mailing list here: https://bit.ly/3UrBhGP #AIinHR #HRTechnology #HRTransformation #AIAdoption #HumanCapital #PeopleAnalytics #FutureofWork #HRStrategy #Leadership #HRPros Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    13 min

  8. 11/22/2025

    The Secret to Mastering Recruiting Operations (RecOps)

    Are you struggling to navigate the world of recruiting operations? You're not alone! In this episode of the Human Capitalist Podcast, we dive deep into the secrets of RecOps with industry expert Jeremy Lyons. Discover why your victories might be quiet, but your failures are loud—and why understanding the "why" behind Recruiting Operations can transform your career! 🎯 Video Summary: Join me as I interview Jeremy Lyons, a leading figure in the recruiting operations community and founder of RecOps Collective. With years of expertise behind him, Jeremy shares key strategies for success in RecOps, including: ✅ The four pillars of recruiting operations ✅ The 4 HEADACHES no one is talking about Whether you're a seasoned professional or just stepping into the world of RecOps, this episode provides valuable insights that can help you excel! 📖 Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to Jeremy Lyons 1:22 What is Recruiting Operations (RecOps)? 4:15 The Four Pillars of RecOps Explained 8:00 The Importance of Skill Clarity 10:45 Where are We Going? Career Paths in RecOps 14:00 Understanding Tactical vs. Strategic Roles 17:50 The Role of AI in Recruiting Operations 21:00 What Should We Call Each Role? Job Title Clarity 24:30 The 'Train Them and Drain Them' Dilemma 28:15 Proving the Value of Recruiting Operations 32:00 Key Takeaways and Mic Drop Moment 33:15 How to Connect with Jeremy Lyons 💬 What do YOU think is the biggest challenge in Recruiting Operations? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I read every single one! 👇 🔥 Watch Next: ➡️ What 80,000 resume screens can teach you: https://youtu.be/Y02ai9JfZWE ➡️ Why the workforce is suffering from AI Fatigue: https://youtu.be/QzdfBftPtAs 👍 Like & Subscribe for more expert insights into the world of recruiting! 🚀 #RecruitingOperations #RecOps #HumanCapitalist #CareerPath #AIinRecruiting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min
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About

What is a Human Capitalist? Well, it's the new version of Human Resources. It's time to get rid of the outdated and reactive HR and replace it with Human Capitalism. I'm Trent Cotton and I'm ready to give the HR industry the punch it needs to become more focused on Human Capital versus the old stauncy HR. I’m thrilled to have you here as we dive into the future of Human Resources together. This podcast is all about empowering HR professionals to step up as proactive consultants, using AI and cutting-edge practices to manage a company’s largest expense and highest revenue producing asset—its people. As a senior HR Executive at HatchWorks AI, I get a rare glimpse into the impact technology advancement will have on the industry. This podcast is designed to share those insights with you! I’ll show you how to turn your biggest expense into a revenue-generating powerhouse by embracing change and leading with insight. If you are ready to be a rebel in the industry and unlock the true potential of human capital, this is the channel you've been looking for.

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  • Creator
    Trent Cotton & Purple Acorn Network
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Trent Cotton & Purple Acorn Network
  • Show Website
    The Human Capitalist