Shows
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffBuilding teams that multiply: Stoic leadership and the art of making people feel special with Yasar AhmadIn this episode of the Leaders in Talent Podcast, Adrian sits down with Yasar Ahmad, one of the most influential voices in global recruitment, for a deep, unfiltered conversation on what actually builds high-performance teams and scalable companies.This is not theory. It’s real leadership under pressure, from bootstrapping and crisis management to culture design, candidate experience, and decision-making frameworks that scale.If you lead people, build companies, or hire talent, this episode is your operating manual.Timecodes:01:22 Introduction: Yasar Ahmad and the conversation ahead 02:27 Entrepreneurship, anxiety, and th...
2026-01-1152 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffBuilding a Global TA Engine: Lessons from Remote’s Hyper-Growth with Anastasia PshegodskayaIn this episode, we sit down with Anastasia Pshegodskaya, Director of TA at Remote, to unpack how the company scaled from 200 to nearly 2,000 people in just four years.We explore the realities of hiring without borders, managing intense applicant volume, building culture asynchronously, navigating compensation across countries, and experimenting with AI-powered first-round interviews.Whether you lead Talent Acquisition, People, HR operations, or you're scaling a global team, this conversation is packed with insights about building a TA function for the next decade of work.Timestamps01:15 Hiring globally: what changes when the...
2025-12-0834 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffStop Hiring Fast: The 10-Hour Rule for Choosing the Right LeaderWhat if one wrong leadership hire could quietly cost you 10 months of growth? In this episode of Leaders in Talent, Adriaan sits down with talent advisor Puren Ucar (ex–Head of Talent Advisory at VC fund Earlybird) to unpack how founders should really approach leadership hiring, why she’s obsessed with retention rates, and how to use your calendar as a strategic tool instead of a stress factory. If you’re a founder, TA leader, or VC operator making senior hires, this one will hit close to home. Timecodes: 01:38 – Meet Pur...
2025-11-2632 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffBuilding Talent Teams for Hypergrowth with Laura StapletonIn this episode of the Leaders in Talent Podcast, Adriaan Kolff, co-founder and CEO of Matchr, sits down with Laura Stapleton, a seasoned talent executive with over 15 years of experience in high-growth tech environments. Laura shares insights from her tenure at companies like Bullhorn, Litmus, Mirakl, and Engine, discussing how to build resilient teams, manage C-suite expectations, and drive talent acquisition in hypergrowth settings. Discover Laura's approach to operational excellence, fostering a high-performance culture, and the pivotal role of TA operations in recruitment strategy. Tune in to learn practical strategies for thriving in dynamic, fast-paced work environments.
2025-08-0437 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffHiring for Skills, Not Resumes: Olive Turon on the Future of TalentIn this episode of the Leaders in Talent Podcast, we sit down with Olive Turon, Head of People and Culture at TestGorilla. Olive shares her eclectic career journey from finance analyst in banking to leading roles at Google Cloud, Academy London, and consulting, before landing at TestGorilla. We delve into the concept of skills-based hiring, a practice that emphasizes assessing candidates based on their proven skills rather than traditional metrics like resumes and education. Olive discusses the benefits of this approach, such as improved hiring success, efficiency gains, and greater diversity. Learn how skills-based hiring can transform...
2025-07-0637 min
Berlin & ElsewhereHiring Expert for Wayfair & Zalando: Here’s How to Unlock Your Career PotentialAndreea Lungulescu, is Talent Acquisition Expert, with over 15 years of experience working with global companies like Wayfair and Zalando, reveals how to identify your most valuable skill—the one that will help you land a job you absolutely love.Andreea shares actionable steps on how to uncover the strengths you already have and use them to stand out in the job market. If you’re unsure about what makes you unique, this episode will help you:- Discover your unique strengths and how they can help you grow in your career- Learn how...
2025-06-161h 00
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffThe Future of Talent Acquisition: Strategic, Lean, and AI-Driven | Rory MullinsIn this episode of the Leaders in Talent Podcast, Adriaan is joined by talent acquisition expert Rory Mullins. Rory has led recruitment functions at companies like Uber, Trainline, Wise, and TransferGo. They discuss the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, moving away from large internal teams to more strategic, smaller TA teams supported by external plugins and AI tools. Rory shares insights on cost efficiency, the importance of building strong relationships with finance teams, and the critical aspects of retention. He also talks about the broader impact of modern recruitment methods on the overall people function and the...
2025-05-1140 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffThe End of Sourcing? Redefining Talent Acquisition with Balazs ParoczayIn this episode of The Leaders in Talent Podcast, host Adriaan welcomes Balazs Paroczay, founder of Source Code Agency and a renowned keynote speaker, to discuss the evolution and future of sourcing in recruitment. Balazs elaborates on the noticeable decline in traditional sourcing, the impact of economic downturns, and the transformational changes in the recruitment industry. He offers insights on the role of technology, particularly AI, in shaping the future of sourcing and recruiting. The episode delves into personal reflections, professional advice for sourcers and recruiters, and the importance of staying adaptable and connected in a continuously...
2025-04-2240 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffTrust Your People, Tell Real Stories: Employer Branding with Alex HerIn this episode of The Leaders in Talent Podcast, we welcome Alex Her, a global employer branding leader and co-founder of the EB Space community. Alex shares his expertise on the importance of employer branding, strategies for engaging employees as ambassadors, and how to measure the return on investment (ROI). Alex discusses building a sustainable employer brand, navigating changes in a post-pandemic world, and utilizing tools like AI to enhance content creation. Tune in for valuable insights on creating an authentic employer brand that resonates with both current and potential employees.Timecodes:00:58 Welcome...
2025-04-0932 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffFrom Krakow to Hyderabad: Inside Backbase’s Global Talent StrategyIn this episode of the Leaders in Talent podcast, host Adriaan interviews Rolando Jessurun, Global VP of Talent Acquisition at BackBase, at their new HQ in Amsterdam. Rolando shares the strategies and nuances of building large-scale development centers in Krakow and Hyderabad, including their unique challenges and successes. Rolando emphasizes the importance of cultural alignment, strategic planning, and the evolving role of technology in talent acquisition. Enjoy a deep dive into how BackBase successfully scales its global workforce. 01:10 Meet Rolando Jessurun: Background and Career Journey 04:35 The Growth and Expansion of BackBase 05:11...
2025-03-2528 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffGrowth-Driven Strategic Workforce Planning with Thomas WaldmanJoin us on the Leaders in Talent podcast as we dive into the intricate world of strategic workforce planning with Thomas Waldman, the Global Head of Talent Acquisition & Contingent Workforce at Action. With a rich background in companies like Shell, TomTom, Getir, Just Eat Takeaway, and currently Action, Thomas shares his insights on managing tremendous growth, the importance of a clean organizational structure, and staying true to a business model.Learn about Action's rapid expansion, opening a store a day, and managing a workforce of over 80,000 employees. Discover key strategies for balancing in-house and flexible resource allocation...
2025-03-1015 min
Cappuccino with HRBeyond Authority: Why Great Leaders Never Stop GrowingWhat sets great leaders apart, and why is continuous growth essential for leadership success? In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Adriaan Kolff, Co-Founder and CEO of Matchr, to explore the key lessons learned through entrepreneurship, why action beats everything, and how leaders can cultivate resilience in the face of failure.The conversation also covers the differences in failure culture between the U.S. and Europe, the shifting motivations of today’s leaders, and practical leadership advice for young entrepreneurs.
2025-03-0634 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffNo Weak Links: The Secrets to Running a Lean, High-Impact Recruitment TeamIn this episode of the Leaders in Talent podcast, join us as we welcome Alli Trussell, SVP at Bilt Rewards, who shares her unconventional journey from theater to tech. Alli discusses the importance of having the right people in your team, the similarities between recruiting and sales, and the impact of pushing teams under pressure. She recounts her experience at Wunderkind during COVID, handling rapid growth with a lean recruitment team, and maintaining quality hiring standards amidst high demands. Alli also dives into her approach at Bilt, the power of human touch in recruitment, and the lessons...
2025-02-2531 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffThomas Waldman: Growth-Driven Strategic Workforce PlanningJoin us on the Leaders in Talent podcast as we dive into the intricate world of strategic workforce planning with Thomas Waldman, the Global Head of Talent Acquisition & Contingent Workforce at Action. With a rich background in companies like Shell, TomTom, Getir, Just Eat Takeaway, and currently Action, Thomas shares his insights on managing tremendous growth, the importance of a clean organizational structure, and staying true to a business model. Learn about Action's rapid expansion, opening a store a day, and managing a workforce of over 80,000 employees. Discover key strategies for balancing in-house and flexible resource allocation...
2024-12-2315 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffAmanda Johnson on DeepL’s New Recruitment Philosophy and Its Impact on GrowthIn this episode of the Leaders in Talent podcast, we dive deep into DeepL's hiring philosophy and principles with Amanda Johnson, Head of Talent Acquisition at DeepL. Amanda shares her extensive experience and the innovative steps taken at DeepL to align hiring processes with core values, growth mindset, and subject matter expertise. From defining hiring principles to implementing structured hiring practices, Amanda discusses the challenges faced, the strategies for success, and the importance of maintaining high-quality, unbiased recruitment standards. This insightful conversation is a valuable resource for anyone looking to refine their organization's approach to talent acquisition.
2024-12-0830 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffRemote or Hybrid? Navigating the Modern Work LandscapeIn this episode, we dive deep into the benefits and challenges of flexible and hybrid working models with Nikki Scarr, a global HR leader with extensive experience in human resources and veterans from the British army. Nikki shares her insights on why the five-day office mandate may backfire and the critical role of trust, purpose, and inclusive workplaces in retaining top talent. Discover practical tips for implementing effective hybrid work strategies and fostering a connected, engaged workforce.Timcodes:00:49 Guest Introduction: Nikki Scarr01:46 The Debate on Office Mandates02:10 Evidence Supporting Flexible Work
2024-11-2527 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffBuilding Bridges: Joy Sybesma's Guide to Effective NetworkingIn this episode of the Leaders in Talent podcast, host Adriaan welcomes Joy Sybesma, founder and CEO of SkillJoy, who shares her invaluable insights on leveraging networks for career and personal success. Joy discusses the importance of being good at what you do, integrating integrity into your brand, and focusing on both professional and personal relationships.Joy also provides practical strategies for job searching, building a strong network, and turning connections into clients. Tune in to learn the art of networking from one of the best in the field.Timecodes00:47 Meet Joy Sybesma
2024-11-1331 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffOn Building Trust and Retaining TalentJoin us in an engaging episode of the Leaders in Talent podcast as host Adriaan Kolff interviews Annie Wickman, the Head of People at Character.AI. Annie details her career journey from Google to Character.AI, sharing operational and people-focused challenges she faced during a significant transaction with Google and the transition to an employee-owned company. Discover strategies for onboarding, retaining, and motivating employees in a rapidly growing AI startup, and learn about the importance of building trust and efficient onboarding processes. Gain leadership insights on transparency, remote work culture, and handling company downsizing. Finally, Annie shares...
2024-10-2428 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffBuilding High-Performing Teams In this episode of the Leaders in Talent podcast, we welcome Anne Brandt, co-founder of Invested and a veteran in senior leadership roles at companies like Uber, TomTom, Mollie, and more. Anne discusses the pivotal differences between evidence-based solutions and personal convictions in organizational leadership. Anna shares insights into the foundational aspects of successful onboarding processes and the essential blend of strategy, leadership, cultural assimilation, and stakeholder management. She also delves into the importance of combining data insights with a human-centric approach, highlighting her work with TechWolf and her observations on the future of the recruitment and...
2024-10-0827 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffBuilding Effective Talent EcosystemsIn this episode of the Leaders in Talent podcast, Lucy O'Brien, Head of Talent and Ecosystem at Eight Roads, joins us to share her extensive experience in executive search and her current role driving value in a global venture fund. Lucy offers insights into the importance of network building, the challenges of scaling organizations, and the strategies she employs to advise founders on talent acquisition and people strategies. With a career spanning companies like Nestle, Vodafone, Korn Ferry, and Facebook, Lucy explains the nuances of her roles and how she's adapted to continuously provide value. Tune in...
2024-09-1628 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffTransformational Leadership and Culture at Burning Man and BeyondIn this episode, join the insightful discussion with Kat Steinmetz as she delves into fostering human connection, leadership transformation, and organizational growth. Kat shares her experiences from her tenure at Burning Man in an HR and people leadership role, discussing the unique philosophy and structure that makes the event transformative. Learn about her lessons on how vulnerability and empowerment play crucial roles in leadership. Kat also reveals how she transitioned these learnings into rapidly growing companies like Stitch Fix and Box, and finally to her unexpected yet impactful journey into venture capitalism with Initialized Capital. Gain insights...
2024-09-0136 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffFrom HR to EX: Transforming Workplace CultureIn this episode of the Leaders in Talent podcast, host Adriaan Kolff interviews Samantha Gadd, founder and CEO of Excellent and Humankind, about the significance of employee experience (EX) and how it intersects with organizational culture and strategy. Samantha shares her journey from HR consulting to leading the field of EX design, emphasizing the importance of understanding employees deeply to create better workplaces. She introduces the PREP model, which focuses on Purpose, Relationship, Enabling, and Performance experiences as key areas of EX.Samantha also discusses the EX manifesto, co-written with industry leaders, that advocates for putting employees...
2024-08-1930 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffStrategic HR Leadership: Inclusive Cultures, Performance Management, and AIIn this episode of the Leaders in Talent podcast, Adriaan Kolff hosts Katie Evans Reber, a distinguished leader in HR, currently serving as Chief People Officer at Gladly. Katie shares her journey from working in financial services during the 2008 crisis to influential roles in startups like Gusto and Winolo.She emphasizes the importance of employee experience and performance review systems, recounting both successes and lessons learned, such as the implementation of the 'Align' framework at Winolo. Katie also discusses her leadership philosophy, the challenges of moving between industries, managing imposter syndrome, and the role of companies in...
2024-08-0545 min
Leaders in Talent Podcast with Adriaan KolffEp 1: Strategic Talent Acquisition in HypergrowthIn this episode of the Leaders in Talent podcast, the guest, Alan, the Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Deel, shares his journey from being part of the founding team of a micro-mobility company to leading talent acquisition at one of the fastest-growing companies.Operating in over 100 countries and hiring 2000 new employees annually, Alan discusses the strategies and challenges of recruiting in four main areas: revenue teams, operations, G&A functions, and R&D teams. He delves into the importance of TA function maturity, the use of technology in recruitment, and developing a company's employee value proposition...
2024-07-1929 min
The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam PosnerRevolutionizing Workplaces with John Baldino's HR InsightsFull Video Interview: https://youtu.be/Ojvn4sHT-VI
Dive deep into the evolving world of HR with John Baldino, the mastermind CEO of Humareso, as we unpack the complexities of HR consulting. Our rich discussion spans John's journey from retail personnel roots to leading a pioneering consulting firm, tackling the pressing issues organizations face in HR today. We dissect the essence of adaptable and visionary leadership, probe into the reshaping of workplace hierarchy due to remote work, and share unique anecdotes that bring to life the critical role of HR in navigating the rapid currents of our contemporary work environment.
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2024-03-2913 min
The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam PosnerNavigating Work-Life Harmony with Newborns and AI Recruiting Tools: Donald Knight @ GreenhouseWelcome to the first of 14 episodes recorded LIVE at Transform HR 2024 in Las Vegas this March! I am proud to share the first episode with Donald Knight, the Chief People Officer at Greenhouse. Enjoy!
Full YouTube interview: https://youtu.be/1j850x-mcOs
Discover the profound impact of parental leave on families and teams as we share heartfelt stories and expert insights with Donald Knight, the Chief People Officer at Greenhouse. Our conversation navigates the personal and professional journeys of taking time off for new family members, heralding a powerful message about the value of work-life balance. Donald brings to the tab...
2024-03-2717 min
Soul Kitchen with Jasper Mutsaerts64 // Adriaan Kolff on Building your personal brandWelcome to the Soul Kitchen!The place where Visions come alive. We offer podcast, events, retreats and co-living.Feel welcome to follow our Instagram page and to become a Member of the Soul Kitchen Familia :)Pura vida,JasperWhat you will learn:// What are the primary objective of Adriaan's founder's dinners?// What is Adriaan's perspective on establishing a personal brand as an entrepreneur?// In what ways has Adriaan embraced vulnerability in his role as a leader?// What recommendations can...
2024-02-2642 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuAdriaan Kolff - Starting and scaling a recruiting company in UkraineTaylor chats with Adriaan Kolff, co-founder of MatcHR and Pantala about starting his company in Ukraine, meeting his wife at Burning Man, and advice from past failures as well as a few successes.
(0:43) How Adriaan met his wife at Burning Man
(5:55) Starting a business in Kiev
(8:37) Moving and building a business based on a spreadsheet
(10:26) Early misconceptions of starting a recruiting business
(12:24) Covid - a blessing in disguise
(15:50) Lessons from managing a business fully remotely in a war zone
(19:40) Learning from working at a big...
2023-01-1541 min
Business Ninjas by WeLevelSolving Talent Gaps for Scalable Remote Work | Business Ninjas: WriteForMe and MatcHRJoin our resident Business Ninja Kelsey, together with Adriaan Kolff of MatcHR, a fully-remote global recruitment company where talent has no borders. Career Development is an important aspect to everyone's life. Learn how to rapidly progress your career, secure senior-level positions, make strategic career moves, plan ahead and stay ahead of the competition. MatcHR talent experts help clients, ranging from early-stage startups to scale-ups and global enterprises, as they go in-depth by understanding the talent function’s strengths and weaknesses and gauge whether they have the tools and capabilities to deliver on their hiring plan. Find out more about th...
2022-10-1118 min
Rec Tech: the Recruiting Technology PodcastAnother Unicorn in HR TechCulture Amp was founded in 2009 to let companies conduct anonymous employee surveys, but since then, its focus has expanded to helping employers turn the data they collect into action. The company announced today it has raised $100 million in Series F funding, led by returning investors Sequoia Capital China and TDM Growth Partners. The round bumps Culture Amp’s valuation to $1.5 billion, more than double what it was after the company’s Series E in 2019. That makes them our industries latest unicorn. There are now 27 different companies that have ever received a single funding round of $100 million or more...
2021-07-3006 min
RecruitingDaily PodcastMatcHR - If You Have WiFi And A Laptop - You Can Be Outsourced with Adriaan KolffListen & Subscribe on your favorite platformApple | Spotify | Google | AmazonVisit us at RecruitingDaily for all of your recruiting, sourcing, and HR content.Follow on Twitter @RecruitingDaily Attend one of our #HRTX Events
2020-11-1830 min
The Resilient RecruiterTo Increase Recruitment Profits, Focus on What You Do Best, with Maarten van der Kwaak, Ep # 34What are the parts of your job you’re best at? What are the things you don’t enjoy or aren’t very good at? How much of your time and focus is devoted to just those few things you’re best at, versus all the other tasks that eat into your day? This self-awareness of one’s strengths and limitations, together with a conscious decision to specialize with laser focus, have been key to the success of serial entrepreneur Maarten van der Kwaak. In this episode of the Resilient Recruiter, I had the opportunity to talk to Maarten, c...
2020-09-021h 13
Recruiting TrailblazersAdriaan Kolff: Founder, Sourcing as a ServiceSend us a textOn this episode of Recruiting Trailblazers, host Marcus Edwardes speaks with special guest, angel investor and serial entrepreneur, Adriaan Kolff, on job seeker strategies, advanced sourcing as a service - along with some amazing tools and tips that are worth their weight in gold!Adriaan shares the rollercoaster ride of MatcHR over the last few months - by doubling down on his Business Development efforts - focusing on current clients and by starting tooffer free Sourcing Workshops to showcase their value to existing clients.Adriaan also talks...
2020-07-1450 min
Sourcing Challenge ShowDmytro Ponochovnyi - E50 - Sourcing Challenge ShowIn this fiftieth Episode, I talked to Dmytro Ponochovnyi from MatcHR in Ukraine, about how he got into Sourcing, sourcing globally, and how to recruit in Ukraine. Follow and connect with Dima on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ponochovnyi/ OR on Twitter: https://twitter.com/d_ponochovnyi AND on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/d.ponochovnyi Support the show by using the following link for a trial of AmazingHiring: http://social.sourcingchallenge.com/AmazingHiringDemo and using the code "Sourcing Challenge" and sign up for the new Tech Sourcing Certification course: https...
2020-04-2222 min