Episodes

  • Up Next @ Work, Episode 19 with Michelle Meehan of The Silver Thread

    Up Next @ Work, Episode 19 with Michelle Meehan of The Silver Thread
    Feb 17 2025
    The rules of HR Tech marketing are being rewritten as companies navigate shifting priorities, faster news cycles, and new technologies like generative AI. In this episode, Michelle Meehan, founder of The Silver Thread, joins host Kate Achille to explore how marketers can keep up by adapting, taking smart risks, and standing out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. With deep experience in talent assessment and purpose-driven branding, Michelle shares why the old playbooks no longer work—and what to do instead. Episode highlights include: The risk of clinging to old marketing “rules” and getting lost in the noise. Balancing the fast-moving nature of modern marketing with the needs and behaviors of HR Tech buyers. Borrowing from the tech world: developing a "rules roadmap" to navigate shifting industry trends. Michelle shares her perspective on brands that take risks and push boundaries, emphasizing that marketing is both an art and a science—its impact goes beyond just numbers. Connect with her on LinkedIn and visit The Silver Thread at thesilverthread.com.
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    30 mins
  • Up Next @ Work, Episode 18 with Julie Pridham of Valimail

    Up Next @ Work, Episode 18 with Julie Pridham of Valimail
    Feb 10 2025
    In this episode, host Jeanne Achille of The Devon Group joins Julie Pridham of Valimail to explore the growing threats businesses face from phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. Jeanne and Julie discuss how cybercriminals exploit human error to gain access to sensitive information and why organizations must integrate security into their culture and business strategy. Julie shares insights on how businesses can strengthen their defenses, from technical controls like email authentication and password management to fostering a culture of trust and awareness among employees. The two also dive into the risks posed by disgruntled former employees, the importance of HR and IT collaboration, and how companies—regardless of industry—can scale their security measures effectively. Conversation highlights include: Cybersecurity as a Trust Issue – Protecting employee and customer data is critical for maintaining trust within an organization. A strong security culture reduces both internal and external threats. Human Error is the Weakest Link – About 68% of data breaches stem from unsuspecting employees clicking on malicious links or failing to follow security protocols, highlighting the need for better training and awareness. Technical Controls Strengthen Security – Businesses can implement measures like email authentication, password managers, and multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access and minimize risks. Whether you're an HR professional, IT leader, or business owner, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to protect your organization and its people in an increasingly digital world. To learn more from Julie, connect with her on LinkedIn.
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    27 mins
  • Up Next @ Work, Episode 17 with Susan LaMotte of exaqueo

    Up Next @ Work, Episode 17 with Susan LaMotte of exaqueo
    Jan 27 2025
    In this thought-provoking episode, Jeanne Achille and Susan LaMotte of exaqueo dive into the profound ways employers and candidates are reshaping the hiring landscape. Together, Jeanne and Susan explore the heightened emotions in the talent market—ranging from excitement to frustration—and how these feelings are redefining candidate experiences. What’s driving this shift? Economic pressures, remote work, and the changing dynamics of employment relationships all play a role. Episode highlights include: The rise of "deeply feeling" candidates and their impact on hiring. The breakdown of workplace culture and reciprocity in employment. Predictions for 2025: The emergence of Gen Alpha in the workforce and what it means for the future of talent acquisition. Join Jeanne and Susan for a candid discussion about the evolving expectations of employers and employees, the importance of fostering strong workplace relationships, and how to navigate a rapidly changing labor market. Follow Susan on LinkedIn to learn more about her work. Powered by the WRKdefined Network.
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    33 mins
  • Up Next @ Work, Episode 16 with Lydia Wu of Oops, Did I Think That Out Loud

    Up Next @ Work, Episode 16 with Lydia Wu of Oops, Did I Think That Out Loud
    Jan 13 2025
    In this episode, Jeanne Achille and Lydia Wu dive deep into the intersection of HR technology, data-driven decision-making, and the critical role trust plays in successful tech partnerships. Lydia takes us through her journey from corporate HR to HR tech, shedding light on her experiences navigating the complex world of vendor relationships and data analytics. From the early realization that HR tech conversations often miss the mark, to the pivotal role trust plays in buying decisions, this conversation uncovers the untold dynamics of tech selection in enterprise environments. Jeanne and Lydia explore how data can drive impactful changes in workforce management, like reducing turnover and optimizing production lines. Their discussion also delves into the unique challenges faced by both large enterprises and smaller organizations when it comes to selecting the right tech solutions. Episode highlights include: Making tech purchasing decisions isn't just about ROI - buyers are investing their political capital and need to trust that vendors will deliver on their promises, not just secure a logo. HR tech is not just an HR function. To successfully implement solutions, collaboration with departments like legal and procurement is essential. Speak their language to get buy-in and move projects forward. Smaller organizations face a different set of challenges when selecting HR tech solutions, but with more effort and research, they can find alternatives that cater to their needs. From consulting at big names like Accenture and Deloitte to leading innovation at Panasonic and building HR tech solutions, Lydia Wu has been around the HR industry block a few times and can probably tell you where all the potholes are. She is a true HR Swiss Army knife—strategist, translator, connector, and problem-solver extraordinaire. Lydia is passionate about demystifying all things HR and Tech and helping everyone in the HR tech ecosystem find their next “aha!” moment (preferably before their coffee gets cold or watery). Always keeping things refreshingly real, Lydia is your real-talk bff on all things HR and Tech. Don't miss her insights and engaging stories on her popular channel, Oops, Did I Think That Out Loud? and connect with her on LinkedIn. Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.
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    30 mins
  • Up Next @ Work, Episode 15 with Jeanette Leeds

    Up Next @ Work, Episode 15 with Jeanette Leeds
    Jan 6 2025
    Jeanette Leeds, talent acquisition tech expert and co-host of the High Volume Hiring podcast, joins Jeanne Achille for an insightful conversation on the nuances of recruitment. The former CEO of Hourly by AMS, Jeanette has deep expertise in Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) for high-volume scenarios such as campus recruiting and retail hiring. Drawing on Jeanette's rich background, this episode explores how processes and strategies can adapt across diverse hiring needs while maintaining efficiency and scalability. Episode highlights include: A breakdown of skillsets and personality types suited for campus recruiting, high-volume hiring, and executive recruiting. A comparison of high-volume hiring to sales churn, emphasizing compensation level, flexibility, and unique perks as top candidate attractors. Guidance on selecting the right talent acquisition platform, tailored to your organization’s specific needs. Predictions for 2025, including AI-powered voice agents and Interview Intelligence tools transforming recruitment workflows. To hear more about Jeanette's work, connect with her on LinkedIn or visit JeanetteLeeds.com. You can also tune in to the High Volume Hiring podcast, part of the WRKdefined network and available on all major platforms, for more valuable insights.
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    38 mins
  • Up Next @ Work, Episode 14 with Michele Bodda of Experian

    Up Next @ Work, Episode 14 with Michele Bodda of Experian
    Dec 16 2024
    How are workplace culture and financial innovation shaping the future of inclusion and opportunity? On this week's episode of Up Next @ Work, Michele Bodda, President of Employer Services, Verification Solutions and Housing at Experian, joined host Jeanne Achille for an engaging discussion on Experian’s culture, innovation and the evolving role of credit in promoting financial inclusion. With 26 years at Experian, Michele shared insights from her journey, starting in a call center to becoming a senior leader driving transformative initiatives. Episode highlights include: How Experian’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) create supportive communities and influence product inclusivity. A groundbreaking program with HBCUs, challenging students to solve real-world problems for scholarships. Changes in credit processes driven by Experian’s Pride ERG to support transgender individuals navigating name changes. How Experian uses data to make financial services more inclusive, including unconventional credit-building opportunities for renters and new borrowers. Hear Michele’s unique perspective on leadership, innovation, and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. Find her on LinkedIn and learn more about Experian at http://www.experian.com. Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.
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    29 mins
  • Up Next @ Work, Episode 13 with Lighthouse Research & Advisory

    Up Next @ Work, Episode 13 with Lighthouse Research & Advisory
    Dec 9 2024
    Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, joins Up Next @ Work host Jeanne Achille for an insightful conversation on the evolving HR landscape, the challenges professionals face, and innovative solutions for the future of work. With a passion for empowering HR leaders, Ben shares practical advice from his research, books, and transformative HR Summer School initiative. Episode highlights include: How HR Summer School fosters community, inspiration, and education for professionals juggling diverse responsibilities. Unconventional HR strategies like financial literacy training and transportation assistance to better support employees. Key takeaways from Talent Scarcity, Ben’s latest book on adapting to the hiring crisis and a shrinking workforce. Predictions for 2025, including AI’s growing influence, the rise of skills-based hiring, and why onboarding is now a top priority. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn, explore his research at LHRA.io, and find updates about HR Summer School at HRSummerSchool.org. Don’t miss the next event in June 2025! Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.
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    33 mins
  • Up Next @ Work, Episode 12 with Caitlin MacGregor, CEO of Plum

    Up Next @ Work, Episode 12 with Caitlin MacGregor, CEO of Plum
    Dec 2 2024
    What if the secret to solving today’s hiring challenges lies not in resumes but in uncovering hidden skills and innate behaviors? In this episode, host Kate Achille sits down with Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and co-founder of Plum, to discuss how organizations can rethink their talent acquisition strategies. Caitlin introduces the concept of “gap-closers,” individuals driven to identify and fix inefficiencies in pursuit of better outcomes, and explains how adopting a skills-based hiring approach can unlock the potential of these transformative candidates. Episode highlights include: The unique traits of “gap-closers” and why they excel at solving problems across all areas of life. How generative AI tools help HR focus on skills and behaviors over outdated criteria like degrees. Why durable, transferable skills are key to long-term success, with a real-world example of skills-based hiring in Barbados, where transferable skills filled critical cybersecurity roles. Why leadership must drive innovation in hiring to adapt to a rapidly changing job market. Visit plum.io to complete your free Plum profile and learn how skills-based hiring can transform your organization. Be sure to listen to the full podcast episode for more insights and inspiration from Caitlin MacGregor. Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.
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    38 mins