Shows
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyUsing Content Creation for a Career TransitionMost people go quiet during a career transition. Laci McKinney did the opposite.
In this episode of the Workfluencer Podcast, Laci breaks down how she used content to make her transferable skills visible, pivot into organizational development, and earn three promotions in three years.
We talk about documenting your learning in public, building a dual personal + professional brand, navigating imposter syndrome, and why content isn’t self-promotion. It’s career leverage.
If you’re considering a pivot, growing influence while employed, or trying to connect content to real career outcomes, this episode is for yo...
2025-12-2245 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyWhy Storytelling Is Becoming a Real Job in 2026Storytelling isn’t a “soft skill” anymore. It’s becoming a core business function.
In this Workfluencer Trend Report, Rhona breaks down why companies are actively hiring for storytelling roles, not as PR rebrands, but as strategic hires tied to trust, hiring, and growth.
From Google and Microsoft to Notion restructuring entire teams around narrative, this episode explains what’s actually driving the demand and why AI has accelerated it, not replaced it.
If you work in employer branding, HR, internal comms, content, or you’ve been building an audience quietly on the side, this t...
2025-12-1807 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow to Write a Book That Builds Authority with Hady MendezWriting a book isn’t just a creative goal. It’s a credibility move.
In this episode of Workfluencer, bestselling author and leadership coach Hady Méndez breaks down the real process of turning lived experience into a book that builds professional authority.
We go behind the scenes of writing Calladita No More. What stories made it in. What she intentionally left out. And how the act of writing forced clarity around voice, boundaries, and visibility at work.
This conversation is for professionals who want to write a book without turning it into a per...
2025-12-1651 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow Adam Posner Built a Revenue-Driving PodcastAdam Posner didn’t just build a podcast — he built a revenue engine. With 475+ episodes and 1.8M downloads, his show drives the majority of his recruiting business and lands long-term, five-figure brand deals.
In this episode, we break down how he did it: using his podcast as a Trojan horse for business development, building trust with sponsors, creating event content that brands actually care about, and designing systems that keep the show running even when life forces you to step back.
We also get into the personal side — including how he navigated cancer while running a dual...
2025-12-0855 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow Minda Harts Rebuilt Workplace Trust Through StorytellingBestselling author and workplace revolutionary Minda Harts joins Rhona Pierce to break down the ideas behind her new book, Talk to Me Nice. She explains why trust keeps collapsing inside modern workplaces, how her Seven Trust Languages help rebuild it, and what she learned while growing from bestselling author to emerging filmmaker.
This conversation goes deep into trust, culture, storytelling, and what it really takes to challenge norms without burning bridges.
If you’re a creator, a leader, or someone trying to rebuild trust at work, this conversation will hit.
...
2025-12-0235 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow to Become a Content Creator Inside Your CompanySome people chase content creation outside of work. Others end up building influence inside the walls of their company. Shannon Ogborn is one of the first people in our space to do it at scale.
In this episode, we get into the real story behind becoming a content creator for your employer — the trade-offs, the boundaries, and the benefits no one talks about. You’ll hear how Shannon went from Recruiting Ops to podcast host for Ashby, what it takes to show up authentically when you represent a brand, and how she measures success in a role that...
2025-11-2547 min
The Human CapitalistWhat Your Personal Brand is Telling Employers and How to FIX ItAre you struggling to make your mark in your industry? Have you ever wondered how a simple video can change everything for your career? In this episode, we uncover the transformational power of personal branding with Rhona Pierce, a true expert in leveraging video to amplify influence!
In this engaging conversation, Rhona shares:
✅ The unexpected path from software engineer to personal branding guru.
✅ How she landed her first job using a unique video strategy.
✅ Key steps for successfully defining your personal brand, including why your content should focus on others, not just yourself.
✅ Tips on niching down and why less can...
2025-11-2245 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyFinding Confidence to Create Content Over 40Maureen Wiley-Clough didn’t set out to become a creator. She simply got tired of being called “a dino” in tech — and decided the silence around ageism needed to end. What started as a vulnerable side project became a top-2% podcast, a thriving community, and a message that resonates with anyone who’s felt “too old” to start something new.
In this episode, we get into how Maureen built confidence, hit publish while working in a youth-obsessed industry, and kept going even when no one was watching. We talk about comparison traps, owning your voice, booking big guests before...
2025-11-1752 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow to Turn Internal Stories into Employee Advocacy with Matt SeeMost employees have no idea what’s really happening inside their own company — and that’s exactly why so many advocacy programs fall flat.
Matt See has spent his career transforming internal comms at massive organizations, and he’s discovered something most leaders miss: employee advocacy doesn’t start with LinkedIn posts or social-media training. It starts inside.
In this episode, Matt and Rhona dig into how internal storytelling can transform culture, inspire authentic advocacy, and turn your employees into your best brand ambassadors — without a single content calendar.
What You’ll Learn...
2025-11-1147 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHealing Work Trauma and Rebuilding Confidence with Kat KibbenWhat happens when your worst bosses plant seeds that turn into your best lessons?
In this episode of Workfluencer, Kat Kibben—author, speaker, and founder of Three Ears Media—joins Rhona to talk about healing work trauma, rebuilding confidence, and writing a book that almost didn’t happen.
Kat opens up about the three-year journey behind The Bounce Back Factor, van life lessons that rewired their approach to leadership, and why editing was harder than writing. You’ll hear the story behind their first flat tire, the imposter syndrome that nearly killed the book, and the hars...
2025-11-0442 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyMaking B2B Marketing Human with Sherehan RossIn this episode of The Workfluencer Podcast, Rhona Pierce sits down with Sherehan Ross, VP of Marketing at Modus Planning, to talk about the human side of B2B marketing. From viral LinkedIn rants to the chaos of working moms and motherhood, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a personal brand, lead with marketing authenticity, and avoid burnout while balancing work and family.
Sherehan explains how “building in public” turned into her most powerful form of content creation, why she believes revenue isn’t a marketing KPI, and how her “3-6-9 plan” tr...
2025-10-2952 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow Hung Lee Built Recruiting’s Most Trusted BrandBefore “personal brand” became a buzzword, Hung Lee was already doing it—building Recruiting Brainfood into one of the most trusted communities in the industry.
In this conversation, recorded at RecFest USA 2025, Hung and Rhona dig into what it really takes for recruiters to think like media brands: showing up every week, curating with integrity, and letting transparency replace polish.
He shares how an accidental send from the beach in Lisbon made him realize just how much readers depended on his newsletter. Plus, why he believes quantity beats quality, what h...
2025-10-2425 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow to Get Paid to Speak with Torin EllisEveryone wants to get paid to speak, but few know how to turn it into a real career.
In this episode, Torin Ellis joins Rhona Pierce to break down the business behind the mic — from commanding rooms and carving your niche to staying relevant in a space that changes overnight.
You’ll learn:
How to turn free speaking gigs into paid opportunities
The mindset shift that keeps your message authentic (even when the world isn’t)
When to raise your rates — and how much
The power of relation...
2025-10-2146 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyRecruiting Is Marketing in Disguise with Dave VuMost recruiters think they’re filling roles. Dave Vu thinks they should be building brands.
In this episode, Rhona Pierce sits down with the co-founder of Ribbon.ai to explore why the future of recruiting belongs to teams who think like marketers. From his early days in talent acquisition to building one of the most talked-about AI interview platforms, Dave shares how empathy, storytelling, and transparency can transform candidate experience — and why bad recruiters should probably be worried about AI.
You’ll learn:
Why recruiting is really just marketing in disguise
How to...
2025-10-1342 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyThe Real Cost of Being HR Famous with Laurie RuettimannLaurie Ruettimann has spent nearly two decades shaping how we talk about work—from CNN’s “Top Career Advisor” list to her globally recognized Punk Rock HR podcast. But behind the accolades lies a story of confidence, capitalism, and the unpaid labor of influence.
In this episode, Laurie joins Rhona Pierce to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to turn credibility into a career—how she built her platform before influencer culture existed, why “being right” doesn’t always pay, and the emotional toll of being HR famous.
They talk money, mistakes, and the myth of...
2025-10-0846 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyCareer Identity Theft: Safeguarding Your Personal BrandWhat if someone stole your entire career — your résumé, portfolio, headshot, even your home address?
In this Workfluencer Trend Report, Rhona explores the real case of freelance writer Jolissa Skow, who discovered an imposter had been living her professional life since 2023. The impersonator used Jolissa’s identity to land contract work, participate in Slack, attend camera-off meetings, and even get paid — all while colleagues believed they were working with her.
Based on Jolissa’s public LinkedIn posts and reporting by Dr. Janice Gassam Asare, this episode examines how career ide...
2025-09-2503 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyBuilding Recruiting Future with Matt AlderMatt Alder, host of Recruiting Future and co-host of The Alder Hour, has spent over 15 years shaping how the recruiting industry talks about work. With nearly 800 episodes published, his podcast is one of the most trusted sources for talent acquisition insights. In this conversation, Rhona and Matt chat about how Recruiting Future became the go-to recruiting podcast and what it really takes to build authority through consistency.
You’ll hear:
Why consistency matters more than virality in podcasting
How audience-first thinking drives guest strategy
The unique power of recruiting podcasts to influence decision-makers
Why brands underestimate cr...
2025-09-2352 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow to Pay Employee Content Creators Fairly with Cynthia Abbott-KerrYour employees may be your best influencers—but how do you pay them fairly when they start creating content for your brand?
In this episode I sit down with compensation strategist Cynthia Abbott-Kerr, founder of WellPay.ai, to explore how companies can design clear, simple, and fair systems to reward employee content creators. From commission structures and affiliate links to ownership rights and tax considerations,
Cynthia shares practical strategies for building employee-creator programs that actually work.
If you’ve ever wondered whether to pay per post, add stipends, or build commissions tied to stor...
2025-09-1935 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow to Build Your Personal Brand Authentically in Today’s Job Market with guest host Brooke WheelerBuilding a personal brand in today’s job market isn’t about chasing viral posts—it’s about showing up authentically. In this special takeover episode, recruiter-turned-founder Brooke Wheeler flips the mic on Workfluencer creator Rhona Pierce. Together they dive into how to build your personal brand with honesty, how layoffs and career pivots can fuel reinvention, and why companies fail when they try to script employer branding.
If you’ve wondered what to share online, how vulnerable to be, or how to turn career shifts into opportunities, this conversation will give you the playbook f...
2025-09-1642 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyFrom TikTok to TEDx: Using Content to Build Your Career with Jade WaltersIt doesn’t get more Gen Z than making a TikTok to get hired at TikTok—and that’s exactly what Jade Walters did. But she didn’t stop there. From landing jobs to landing on the TEDx stage, Jade has used content creation to build a career on her own terms. In this episode, she shares how content became her biggest career tool, what Gen Z really wants from work, and why boundaries at work aren’t red flags—they’re strategy.
CONNECT WITH US:
Connect With Jade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/i...
2025-09-0943 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow to Pay Employee Advocates and Content Creators Fairly with Heather BussingWhat happens when employee advocacy moves beyond “posting on LinkedIn” and into creating full-blown branded content? Should those employees be paid like influencers?
In this episode of Workfluencer, employment lawyer and creator Heather Bussing joins Rhona to explore how companies can compensate employee-creators fairly and compliantly.
We dig into:
Why paying employees for branded content builds trust and authenticity
How to classify and compensate employee-creators without missteps
Overtime, equity, and ownership issues every HR team should consider
Lessons from influencer contracts employees can adapt
How HR a...
2025-09-0538 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyLinkedIn for Introverts: How Lissa Appiah Built a Personal Brand That ConvertsLinkedIn can be overwhelming, especially for introverts. But what if your quiet approach is actually your superpower?
In this episode, certified career coach and LinkedIn Top Voice Lissa Appiah shares how she built a personal brand that converts—without being loud, posting daily, or faking confidence.
You’ll learn how to:
Build a personal brand on LinkedIn as an introvert
Turn your side hustle into a full-time business
Grow visibility without burning out
Use content strategy that works for quiet creators
Create Link...
2025-09-0250 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyMeet the Man Behind the RecOps Community | Jeremy LyonsMost people think building a community is about finding a niche and hoping people show up. Jeremy Lyons knows better—he’s the man behind the RecOps community. From launching the first RecOps conference to building the widely read RecOps Roundup newsletter, Jeremy has turned a behind-the-scenes role into a movement.
In this episode, we dig into:
The four (sometimes five) pillars of Recruiting Operations—and why employer branding belongs in the mix.
How Jeremy built the RecOps community during a wave of layoffs, and why neutrality became his non-negotiable.
The moment...
2025-08-2646 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow to Have REAL Conversations About Race at Work with Zach NunnZach Nunn, founder of Living Corporate, pulls back the curtain on what it takes to create authentic content about race and identity in the workplace. From deleting episodes with problematic guests to calling out patronizing DEI storytelling, Zach shares why most corporate diversity content misses the mark and how to create conversations that actually matter.
What You'll Learn:
Why Zach sometimes doesn't release podcast episodes (including one with a tech executive)
The problem with DEI storytelling that treats employees like "rescued" success stories
How to spot performative vs. productive conversations about workplace equity
...
2025-08-1948 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyBuilding a Trusted Recruiter Brand with Andrew LewisTired of recruiter content that chases likes but lacks substance? In this episode, discover how Andrew Lewis grew from 0 to 45K followers by mastering content creation that delivers real value and opens up new career opportunities. As Head of Talent at Worldly, Andrew shares how he carved out his unique voice, built personal branding that stands out, and earned the trust of his audience.
We dive into actionable strategies for recruiters and creators who want to break free from recycled talking points and create original content that builds credibility—not just engagement. Learn how An...
2025-08-1244 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyThe Cost of Speaking Out in HR with Anessa FikeAnessa Fike has led 125+ organizations, pioneered the Fractional HR model in the U.S., and built a career by saying the things most people won’t. In this episode, she joins Rhona to break down what it really costs to speak up in HR—especially when it challenges power, calls out performative allyship, and disrupts the speaker circuit status quo.
Anessa shares how she uses her privilege intentionally, what she’s given up to stay true to her values, and why she keeps going even when the backlash hits. This one’s for every HR leader, content creator...
2025-07-2959 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyData-Driven Recruiting: How to Leverage Insights for Better Hiring Decisions with Tara Noonan AmaralIn this bonus episode, recorded live at SHRM 2025, Rhona Pierce interviews Tara Amaral, a veteran talent acquisition expert. Tara shares practical strategies for building effective recruiting functions, highlighting the importance of simple, repeatable processes, data-driven decision-making, and thoughtful change management. She discusses how organizations of all sizes can optimize hiring, leverage technology and AI wisely, and foster strategic partnerships. Tara emphasizes the enduring value of human expertise in recruitment, offering actionable advice for leaders and recruiters navigating today’s evolving talent landscape.
This episode was brought to you by VirgilHR, The all-in-one SaaS solution that emp...
2025-07-2519 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow to Launch an HR Podcast, with Ashley King & Desiree GoldeyWhen two established HR professionals decide to launch a podcast together, what could go wrong? According to Desiree Goldey and Ashley King, co-hosts of the new Talentless podcast, quite a lot – and that's exactly what made their partnership stronger. In this episode of Workfluencer, we dive deep into their journey from recording "absolutely trash" episodes to building a mission-driven show that's already generating buzz in the talent acquisition space.
If you're considering launching a podcast (solo or with a partner), thinking about content creation as an HR professional, or simply want to understand what it takes to bui...
2025-07-2253 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyTransforming Frontline Worker Training: From Boring to TikTok-Style Learning with Bites Co-Founder Hagai Horovitz at SHRM 2025In this bonus episode, recorded live at SHRM 2025, Rhona Pierce interviews Haggai, co-founder of Bites, a platform revolutionizing training and communication for frontline employees. Haggai explains how Bites transforms existing materials into TikTok-style microlearning videos, integrates with popular messaging apps, and achieves high engagement without users needing corporate email addresses. He discusses the unique challenges of training frontline workers, Bites’ seamless user experience, and their positive journey with SHRM Labs. Haggai also shares future plans to directly link training to business outcomes, making learning both engaging and impactful.
What You’ll Learn:
Why traditional L&D i...
2025-07-1815 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyLinkedIn Monetization & Personal Branding: How Bonnie Dilber Grew 440K+ Followers While Working Full-TimeCan you really master LinkedIn monetization and personal branding without quitting your 9–5? Bonnie Dilber proves it’s possible. As a recruiting manager at Zapier and a recognized LinkedIn content creation expert, Bonnie has built a thriving LinkedIn presence of over 440,000 followers—all while leading a recruiting team and managing high-value brand partnerships.
In this episode, Bonnie reveals the exact LinkedIn content creation strategies that fueled her growth, the boundaries she sets between her personal brand and her employer, and how she evaluates brand deals and monetization opportunities. Discover how to build authentic thought leadership on LinkedIn, handle workpla...
2025-07-1546 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow Storytelling Builds Inclusion and Community at Work with Tara Turk-HaynesWhat happens when a trained playwright enters the corporate world? Tara Turk-Haynes, founder of Equity Activations and former VP of DEI and Talent Acquisition, reveals how theatrical storytelling techniques can revolutionize workplace content, build authentic community, and challenge power dynamics from within the system.
In this episode, Tara shares her unique framework for finding story-worthy moments in everyday workplace situations, the difference between content that gets engagement versus content that creates genuine connection, and how to balance truth-telling with strategic relationship building. Whether you're an HR professional, content creator, or workplace leader, you'll walk away with actionable...
2025-07-0853 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow to Build Authentic Influence While Working Full-Time w/ Guest Host Tiffany TateWhat happens when you want to build your personal brand, but your company isn’t on board? This week on the Workfluencer Podcast, Tiffany Tate flips the mic and interviews our host, Rhona Pierce, about what it really takes to grow your influence as a working professional. They dive into how to build a personal brand, protect your career, and create content that resonates without burning out.
If you’ve ever wondered how to start posting, what to share, or how to navigate corporate boundaries, this is the episode for you.
What you’ll learn:
...
2025-07-0346 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow To Land Brand Deals as Corporate Influencers with Lorna Erickson & Victoria GatesLorna Erickson and Victoria Gates turned their decades of interviewing expertise into a profitable content business—landing 30+ brand deals worth six figures in under two years. Here's exactly how they did it, plus the tactical steps you can take this week to land your first partnership.
In this episode, Rhona, Victoria & Lorna will discuss:
How to identify profitable niches within your expertise area (even if they seem "smaller")
The exact DM formula that landed them an $18,000 brand deal
Why follower count matters less than you think for partnerships
How to price partnerships when you hav...
2025-06-2455 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyContent Creation While Employed: Jessica Winder on Brand + BoundariesWhen HR executive Jessica Winder decided to share her sobriety journey on LinkedIn, her family warned it would destroy her career. Instead, it became her most powerful content and helped hundreds of professionals struggling in silence. In this episode of Workfluencer, Jessica reveals how she built authentic influence while navigating executive roles, why she finally embraced video content after years of resistance, and the real cost of speaking truth to power in corporate America.
Whether you're an individual contributor afraid to post or a leader wanting to enable your team's voices, Jessica's journey from "timid" content creator...
2025-06-1746 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyCreating Content at Unleash America with Rachel Bourne & Lydia WuEver wondered what it really takes to create those polished conference
recaps you see flooding LinkedIn?
Rachel Bourne and Lydia Wu teamed up to create daily conference recaps at
Unleash America - and what they discovered about event content creation will change how you think about conference coverage. From managing exhaustion while filming to dealing with people walking through your shots, this episode reveals the strategic and chaotic reality behind those polished recaps flooding your LinkedIn feed.
In this episode we cover:
The dual-channel mindset required for successful event content creation
...
2025-06-1057 min
The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam PosnerMervyn Dinnen: Understanding Gen Z: The Future of Work: LIVE from Unleash 2025Summary:In this engaging podcast episode, Rhona Pierce hosts Mervyn Dinnen, an expert in HR and generational dynamics in the workplace. They explore the evolving relationships between different generations, particularly focusing on Gen Z and their integration into the workforce. Mervyn shares insights on the friction that often arises between younger and older generations, the changing expectations of work, and the importance of understanding each other's perspectives to foster a harmonious workplace. The conversation also touches on career advice, the impact of technology, and the future of work as generations continue to evolve.Takeaways
2025-06-0425 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyBuilding HR's Most Subscribed Newsletter: Authentic Content Strategy with Hebba YoussefWhat happens when your newsletter becomes the unofficial therapy session for HR professionals everywhere?
In this episode, Rhona sits down with Hebba Youssef, Chief People Officer at Workweek and the creator of I Hate It Here, one of the most read and reshared newsletters in the People space. Known for her honest tone and spicy memes, Hebba has built a brand that balances leadership credibility with creative chaos.
We unpack what it really looks like to speak truthfully in public while still leading a team, how she balances her executive role with her creator identity...
2025-06-0242 min
The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam PosnerJason Desentz: Toshiba's CHRO: The State of Human Capital: LIVE from Unleash 2025SummaryIn this episode of #thePOZcast, host Rhona Pierce engages with Jason Desentz, Chief Human Resources Officer at Toshiba Americas, discussing the evolving role of HR in organizations. They explore the importance of authentic vulnerability in leadership, the shift of HR towards being business advisors, and the critical role of data in influencing organizational decisions. Jason shares personal anecdotes and insights on career ownership, mentorship, and the significance of building trust within teams.Takeaways- HR takes business elements and puts a human spin on it.- Owning your own career...
2025-06-0219 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow to Get Hiring Managers to Create Video Content - with Meghan Cantrell
When candidates ghost your hiring process before the first interview, it’s easy to blame the job market. But what if the real problem is trust?In this episode of Workfluencer, we’re joined by Meghan Cantrell, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition at OxBlue, who shares how she tackled candidate ghosting head-on by turning hiring managers into video creators. With no production budget and no marketing team, Meghan used short, authentic hiring manager videos to boost skills assessment completions by 40%, speed up interviews, and land high-converting hires—including a million-dollar rookie.If you're in rec...
2025-05-2739 min
The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam PosnerCynthia Abbott Kerr: The Future of Pay Transparency: LIVE from UNLEASH 2025Summary: In this podcast episode, Rhona Pierce interviews Cynthia Abbot Kerr, founder and CEO of WellPay AI, discussing her journey in the compensation industry, the complexities of pay transparency, and the impact of AI on compensation strategies. Cynthia shares insights on the importance of transparency in pay, the challenges of decision fatigue in compensation, and her transition from HR executive to entrepreneur. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of compensation and the role of technology in shaping future strategies.Takeaways:TakeawaysHer early career experiences sparked Cynthia's passion for compensation.WellPay AI a...
2025-05-2721 min
Recruiting Future with Matt Alder - What's Next For Talent Acquisition, HR & Hiring?Take A Listen To The Alder HourFor the last five months, the excellent people at Purple Acorn have been broadcasting the Alder Hour live on LinkedIn on Monday afternoons. It's an hour-long show where I team up with my co-hosts Rhona Pierce from Perceptible Studios and Jocelyn King from Virgil HR to talk about TA and HR headlines we've spotted during the week, analyze real-life workplace dilemmas, debate what's trending and what's ending in recruiting and interview a different guest every week.
I am dropping the audio podcast version of this week's show in the Recruiting Future feed so you...
2025-05-2359 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyHow to Create Content That Gets Attention – with Mike Peditto
Mike Peditto didn’t plan to go full-time as a content creator—at least not yet. But after building a massive audience with his no-BS job search videos, the timing came sooner than expected.Now with over 100 million views and a growing community across TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram, Mike creates content that job seekers love—and some internet trolls love to hate. In this episode, he shares what it really takes to create content that grabs attention, builds trust, and gets results.We explore the leap from TA to full-time creator, the chaos behind...
2025-05-1952 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyThe Real Risk of Letting AI Shape Your Content, with Trent Cotton
If AI can help you move faster… can it also make you sound just like everyone else?In this episode—recorded live at Transform—Rhona sits down with Trent Cotton, HR executive, content creator, and certified AI nerd (his words, not ours), to talk about the real risks of letting AI take over your voice.They get into what authenticity really means in content creation, how to tell if someone’s phoning it in with automation, and why the messy middle—between efficiency and originality—is exactly where creators should be working.What We Talk Abou...
2025-05-1631 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyWhy HR Leaders Need to Create Content - with John Baldino
If HR wants to shape the future of work, it has to be part of the conversation.At Transform 2025, I sat down with John Baldino—HR exec, speaker, and co-host of But First, Coffee—to talk about why content isn’t just for marketers anymore. We got into what it really means to stay visible without being performative, and how creating content can help HR leaders build trust, attract talent, and show up as more than a job title.Whether you’re already posting or still thinking about it, this one’s full of honest per...
2025-05-1329 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyIntroducing Workfluencer: Redefining How We Talk About Work
Work isn’t just what you do anymore—it’s how you show up.In this solo launch episode, host Rhona Pierce introduces Workfluencer—a podcast about professionals using content to build careers, spark conversations, and challenge how we talk about work.This isn’t just another podcast. It’s a redefinition of visibility, influence, and impact in today’s workplace.What you’ll learn:
Why Workfluencer was created
How content is transforming the professional landscape
What to expect in upcoming episodes
📍 Learn more: https://workfluencerpodcast.com
...
2025-05-0307 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content StrategyTrailer - Workfluencer: A Podcast Redefining Work, Content & Influence
You’ve seen their posts. You’ve shared their videos. But what’s the real story behind their influence?This is Workfluencer, a podcast about professionals who use content to challenge norms, create opportunity, and build real momentum — without needing to go “all in” as influencers.In this trailer episode, host Rhona Barnett-Pierce introduces the show’s mission and what to expect: honest, behind-the-scenes conversations with creators, leaders, and side-hustlers using content to shape careers, spark conversations, and shift entire industries from the inside.What you’ll hear: ✅ How content is becoming...
2025-05-0301 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content Strategy#29: The Future of Hiring: Why Tech Alone Isn’t the Answer
Is your team ready for HR tech?Recruitment technology has never evolved faster—but without a clear strategy, even the best tools can slow you down.In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Skinner, CHRO at Teamtailor, live from Transform 2025. We dig into one of the biggest blind spots in talent acquisition today: adopting HR tech without first asking the right questions.From assessing team readiness to designing people-first systems, Lisa shares what it takes to make tech actually work—for your process, your candidates, and your hiring managers.Wha...
2025-04-1522 min
Transparent HR PodcastPivot Your Career Without a Pay Cut! 💰 | Career Chat with Rhona Barnett-PierceSend us a textMeet the “Queen of Pivots”! In this Career Chat, Rhona Pierce shares how she overcame years of job search rejection after moving to the U.S. by thinking outside the box. Her 90-second video cover letter changed everything—landing her interviews almost instantly!What You’ll Learn:✅ How to pivot careers without taking a pay cut✅ Why video cover letters can transform your job search✅ How to use personal branding & networking to land better jobs✅ The power of LinkedIn voice recordings in catching recruiters' attentionIf you’re strugg...
2025-03-1112 min
HR Collection PlaylistAre We Now Living In A Video First World?Ep 684: Are We Now Living In A Video First World?Using video is no longer optional in talent attraction. Candidates now expect to engage with short-form, authentic video content, and LinkedIn is now prioritizing vertical video to play catch up with TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Candidates are no longer just reading job descriptions—they're engaging with video storytelling that shapes their perception of potential employers. Does this mean we're officially in a video-first world, and if it does, how should recruitment marketing and employer branding adapt to stay ahead?
2025-03-0630 min
HR Interviews PlaylistAre We Now Living In A Video First World?Ep 684: Are We Now Living In A Video First World?Using video is no longer optional in talent attraction. Candidates now expect to engage with short-form, authentic video content, and LinkedIn is now prioritizing vertical video to play catch up with TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Candidates are no longer just reading job descriptions—they're engaging with video storytelling that shapes their perception of potential employers. Does this mean we're officially in a video-first world, and if it does, how should recruitment marketing and employer branding adapt to stay ahead?
2025-03-0630 min
Recruiting Future with Matt Alder - What's Next For Talent Acquisition, HR & Hiring?Are We Now Living In A Video First World?Ep 684: Are We Now Living In A Video First World?Using video is no longer optional in talent attraction. Candidates now expect to engage with short-form, authentic video content, and LinkedIn is now prioritizing vertical video to play catch up with TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Candidates are no longer just reading job descriptions—they're engaging with video storytelling that shapes their perception of potential employers. Does this mean we're officially in a video-first world, and if it does, how should recruitment marketing and employer branding adapt to stay ahead?
2025-03-0530 min
Transparent HR PodcastStand Out: Building Your Personal Brand in 2025 with Rhona Barnett-Pierce | Ep. 12Send us a textStanding out in today's job market is challenging, but building a strong personal brand is essential for success. This episode dives deep into the nuances of personal branding—why it matters and how to shape it effectively.- Discusses the importance of personal branding for job seekers in 2025- Explores the difference between personal brand and personal branding- Provides actionable tips for leveraging LinkedIn and social media platforms- Offers methods for showcasing expertise, even without extensive experience- Highlights community involvement as a key aspect of...
2025-03-0433 min
The Alder Hour with Matt AlderThe Alder Hour with Matt Alder Ep 8This week on the Alder Hour, we're going live to TAWeek — joined by our favorite forecaster Serge Bordreau, we're keeping our finger on the pulse of all things TA! Plus, Robin Schooling talks about potentially downright diabolical HR practices, and Rhona Pierce wonders what the buzz is around conference season. So clock out and tune in for the Alder Hour!
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2025-02-0357 minThe Alder Hour with Matt AlderAre Recent Grads Hireable? Plus DEI Retaliation Risks and Resume Truth-Telling Welcome back to The Alder Hour!It’s Monday, it’s The Alder Hour — and your favorite way to close out the working day is back. Host Matt Alder (Recruiting Future), alongside Rhona Pierce and guest co-host Robin Schooling, brings you another lively conversation from the Purple Acorn Network.
This week:
Are Recent Grads "Unhireable"?
Matt breaks down a troubling trend: why so many HR leaders are reportedly avoiding hiring new graduates — and what this says about lazy recruiting, broken hiring processes, and companies that refuse to train.
Spoiler: skipping out on young talent could create a major demographic time bom...
2025-01-2757 minThe Alder Hour with Matt AlderMeta Layoffs, Skills Mismatch, Frontline Burnout, and Retail Workers Wearing Body Cams?This week on The Alder Hour, host Matt Alder (Recruiting Future), co-host Rhona Pierce, and special guest co-host John Baldino bring you another thought-provoking conversation about the future of work, brought to you by the Purple Acorn Network.
In this episode:
Meta’s 5% Layoffs:
Matt kicks things off by breaking down Meta’s announcement that it plans to cut 5% of its workforce under the banner of “performance-based” layoffs. Is this truly about performance, or a cover for broader structural cuts tied to AI and changing business models? The team dives into the troubling impact on emplo...
2025-01-2050 minThe Alder Hour with Matt AlderSkills-Based Hiring, Pregnancy Privacy Fails, and Is Hustle Culture Finally Dead?We’re five episodes in — and The Alder Hour, hosted by Matt Alder (Recruiting Future), is just heating up! This week’s show, part of the Purple Acorn Network, brings lively conversation, practical insights, and a pint (or half-pint) in hand.
This week:
Skills-Based Hiring — More Than Dropping Degree Requirements: Matt dives into why true skills-based hiring requires more than ditching the degree filter — and how employers still have a long way to go.
Pregnancy and Workplace Confidentiality: Jocelyn King breaks down a real-life HR mishap where an employee’s pregnancy was disclosed without cons...
2025-01-131h 00The Alder Hour with Matt AlderDeepfakes, Career Changes, and Should Jobs Ask for Your Instagram? The Alder Hour is back for 2025!Happy New Year! Host Matt Alder (Recruiting Future) and co-host Rhona Pierce kick off 2025 with a new episode of The Alder Hour, part of the Purple Acorn Network — your favorite way to clock out and catch up on the future of work.
This week:
New Year, New Career?: Matt breaks down why switching careers is more about mindset — and why hiring managers urgently need to rethink "perfect fit" hiring.
Deepfake Hiring Risks: AI-generated identities are on the rise. What HR and TA teams need to know about cybersecurity and safeguarding hiring processes in the...
2025-01-0657 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content Strategy#28: Fake Job Applications: How to Spot & Prevent them in 2025
Are fake candidates on the rise in 2025?The rise of AI has made fake job applications more sophisticated than ever. In this episode, I’m joined by former FAANG recruiter, Stefanie Fackrell to discuss the rising challenge of candidate catfishing. Discover how AI tools, fake profiles, and interview fraud are impacting hiring teams. But instead of focusing on aggressive verification tactics that can harm diversity efforts, discover how to build genuine candidate relationships while protecting your hiring process. Learn why traditional screening methods are failing and get actionable strategies that work without compromising inc...
2025-01-0244 minThe Alder Hour with Matt AlderThe End of HR as We Know It? Plus: Career Prenups, Remote Work Realities, and Gen Z at WorkIt’s our final show of the year! Host Matt Alder (of Recruiting Future) wraps up 2024 on The Alder Hour — part of the Purple Acorn Network — with a Guinness Zero, big reflections, and even bigger predictions.
In this episode:
The Paradox of HR: Companies say talent is their #1 priority — so why do HR departments still fight for influence (and budget)? Matt and Rhona Pierce dig into the data and what's at stake in 2025.
Is AI Overhyped?: Spoiler: not when it comes to Talent Acquisition and HR. We discuss why the tech you need to trans...
2024-12-301h 00
The Purple Acorn HR Morning ShowThe Purple Acorn 2025 Predictions ShowIt's the end of 2024, and the Purple Acorn family has some juicy hot-takes about the year to come. Join us for a look into the future with industry leaders Serge Boudreau, Allyn Bailey, Rhona Pierce, Matt Alder, Sarah White and Danielle Farage.
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2024-12-241h 07The Alder Hour with Matt AlderHoliday Parties, Pay Transparency, and AI Hiring ChaosWe’re back with Episode 2 of The Alder Hour — your new favorite way to close out (or survive) the workday! Host Matt Alder (also of Recruiting Future) cracks open a Lucky Saint non-alcoholic beer and dives into another jam-packed show.
This week, we cover:
When Chatbots Replace CEOs: We continue last week's conversation about Klarna replacing jobs with AI — including the CEO sending an AI version of himself to an earnings call! What does this mean for talent acquisition and HR teams?
Pay Transparency Laws: Jocelyn King and Rhona Pierce break down how new la...
2024-12-1659 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content Strategy#27: How to Write Recruiting Emails Candidates Want to Read
Create Candidate Email Campaigns using Nurture by Teamtailor link.rhonapierce.com/teamtailorLearn how to build engaged talent pipelines and drive better hiring outcomes using email nurture campaigns. In this episode, I’m joined by TA Leader Brandon Jeffs. We discuss actionable strategies for recruiters and talent acquisition professionals to personalize their approach, streamline outreach, and create authentic connections with candidates.Email is more than just a communication tool—it’s a powerful way to nurture candidates at every stage of the hiring funnel. Learn how to map the candidate journey, craft emails that get replie...
2024-12-1652 minThe Alder Hour with Matt AlderIs HR Your Friend? And Are Office Influencers the Future?It’s our very first show — and your new favorite way to close out the working day. Host Matt Alder (you might know him from Recruiting Future) kicks off The Alder Hour, part of the Purple Acorn Network, with lively discussions, special guests, and a cold (alcohol-free) beer in hand.
This week, Jocelyn King tackles a tricky workplace dilemma: Is it ever okay for someone to go to HR on your behalf? Spoiler: it depends. Meanwhile, Rhona Pierce dives into the trend of companies hiring full-time “office influencers” — is this just a flash in the pan or a permanen...
2024-12-0957 min
Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content Strategy#26: How to Build a Powerful Employee Advocacy Program with Nicole (Stephens) Coffey
Want to build an employee advocacy program but don't know where to start? In this episode, employee advocacy expert Nicole Stephens reveals the frameworks and strategies that actually work, from highly regulated industries to Fortune 50 companies. Learn:
Why authentic employee stories outperform corporate content
How to help employees spot and share story-worthy moments
The right way to use content libraries (and when to move beyond them)
Measuring success without expensive tools
Getting leadership buy-in for employee advocacy
Balancing brand guidelines with authenticity
Nicole shares practical examples from intern to C-suite level, explaining how companies of any size c...
2024-11-1855 min