From Inspiration to Action: How Paul Kempff Elevates Employee Morale

Is Artificial Intelligence coming for your job, or is it the key to finally becoming a strategic business partner?In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, Francois sits down with Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief HR Scientist at the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR), to debunk the myths surrounding AI in the workplace.Dr. Dieter reveals why the narrative of "replacement" is wrong and why we are seeing a rise in "AI Regret"—where companies replace humans too quickly, only to realize the value of empathy and connection.We explore how HR professionals can move from fear to "AI Fluency", using technology to amplify their impact rather than just automate tasks. If you want to future-proof your career, master durable skills, and learn the 3 E's of implementing AI, this episode is your blueprint for thriving in the AI era.🚀 Ready to amplify your hiring process? At Wamly, we believe in using technology to highlight human potential, not hide it. Our video interview software automates the screening process so you can spend more time on what matters—connecting with top talent. 👉 Start hiring better people faster: https://linkly.link/2SZJC📄 Read the full article discussed in this episode: AI Readiness and Maturity: https://www.aihr.com/blog/ai-readiness-and-maturity/In this episode, we cover:00:00 – Introduction: Dr. Dieter Veldsman & The State of AI in HR01:39 – Reshaping vs. Replacing: Why the "End of HR" is a Myth 03:59 – What is "AI Regret"? (And why humans are making a comeback) 05:12 – Durable Skills: The critical abilities AI can't replicate 09:30 – The Mid-Career Crisis: Why CPOs are leaving the industry 12:56 – AI Amplification: Moving from transactional admin to strategic impact 16:24 – The 3 E's Framework: Education, Equip, and Expose 18:33 – Stop trying to be an Expert: The case for "AI Fluency." 26:34 – The Future Outlook: Can AI ever replace empathy? About Solving the People Puzzle: Hosted by Francois, Solving the People Puzzle is the premier podcast for thought leadership in recruitment, talent acquisition, and organizational psychology. We bring you insights from global experts to help you navigate the changing world of work.About Wamly: Wamly is a talent acquisition software provider that brings the world to you through one-way video interviews. We help organizations streamline their recruitment process, reduce time-to-hire, and identify the best candidates early in the funnel.We want to hear from you!

Is the era of the "Wolf of Wall Street" salesperson finally over? In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we explore why the most effective salespeople in 2025 aren’t the loudest extroverts—they are the "nerds," the process engineers, and the data analysts.Learn how to hire for tech sales with expert JP Malherbe. Discover the importance of grit, analytics, and process in building a successful tech sales team. This recruitment podcast is a must-listen for anyone in the tech sales industry looking to improve their hiring process and sales training.Host Francois de Wet connects with former Wamly colleague turned US-based founder and CRO @ BizDev Labs, JP Malherbe, to break down exactly how to hire for the modern tech sales landscape. From the massive scale differences between the South African and US markets to the specific skills required to build an outbound machine, this episode is a blueprint for founders and hiring managers.JP argues that charisma is no longer the primary skill. Instead, successful hiring today depends on finding individuals with "grit", an analytical mindset, and the ability to engineer complex lists and messaging systems.In this episode, we cover:The "Wolf" is Dead: Why the charismatic, cologne-wearing salesperson is being replaced by the "sales scientist".David vs. Goliath: Comparing the South African market ($400B GDP) to the US market ($28 Trillion GDP).The 3 Critical Skills: Why you need specialized skills in list building, cold calling, and copywriting rather than a generalist.Hiring for Grit: Why grit cannot be taught and how to spot it in a candidate’s backstory.Leadership Lessons: Fran shares why "listening to your gut and the data" is vital for founders.Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:30 – Why South Africa is tough for tech sales 06:00 – The 70x Scale: Comparing SA vs. US GDP 13:18 – The Evolution of the BDR: From Charisma to "Nerd" 17:46 – Why "Impressive" people aren't always the best hires 20:30 – Structuring a Modern Sales Team (Specialists vs. Generalists) 26:40 – Leadership: Making decisions with data and intuition 34:30 – The "Benevolent Dictator": Why 50/50 partnerships struggle 36:40 – The Top 3 Traits to Hire For: Grit, Analytics, and Passion About Wamly: Wamly is an all-in-one hiring system, helping you hire better people, faster. Join the thousands of companies optimizing their hiring process. We can't wait to hear from you👉 https://linkly.link/2R2kaWe want to hear from you!

What if your company's greatest talent attraction tool isn't your perks package or your job specs... but your stories?In a competitive market, how does a global giant like Coca-Cola cut through the noise to attract, onboard, and keep top talent? The answer lies in a strategy that moves far beyond the traditional job ad.In this episode, we sit down with Kego Ntshe, Country Employer Branding Lead at Coca-Cola Beverages, to unpack the official "playbook" for building a magnetic employer brand. Kego shares the powerful, practical, and replicable methods she uses to harness the power of authentic storytelling.This is your guide to moving from "posting jobs" to "building connections."In this playbook, you'll discover:📚 The "Storytelling" Thesis: Why authentic narratives are more powerful than any bullet-point list of benefits.⚖️ The High-Performance Balance: How Coca-Cola builds a culture of high performance without losing the human touch of empathy and respect.🔍 Finding Your Stories: Kego's method for uncovering powerful, genuine stories from all levels of the business (and turning them into recruiting assets).🚀 Beyond Attraction: How to weave storytelling into your onboarding and retention strategies to build long-term loyalty.If you're an HR leader ready to stop competing on salary alone and start winning the war for talent, don't miss this playbook.GUEST: Connect with Kego Ntshe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kegomoditswe-ntshe-a2117260/ABOUT WAMLY: Wamly is the all-in-one hiring system designed to help you attract, screen, and hire better candidates, faster. Learn more: https://linkly.link/2Ka2R#EmployerBranding #TalentAttraction #CocaCola #Storytelling #HRWe want to hear from you!

In a world promising an easier life, why do so many of us feel like it's harder than ever to find authentic success? In this powerful conversation, Francois welcomes back entrepreneur and dear friend Mark Sham for a brutally honest discussion about what it truly takes to thrive.Mark shares his deeply personal journey of reinvention, explaining why he had to let go of his old identity to find real growth. He reveals the essential "core skills" our education system never taught us and explains why learning to "sit in the fire" of uncomfortable emotions is the only way forward.This isn't just a conversation about personal development; it's a critical look at the South African business landscape. Mark explains why small businesses are the key to our country's future and how we can create happier, more resilient people to build a better society and a stronger bottom line. Tune in to discover Mark's playbook for reinvention and why embracing meaningful challenges is the secret to a fulfilling life.Show NotesIn this episode, Mark Sham unpacks his playbook for reinvention, resilience, and finding success in a complex world.Topics Covered:[02:08] - Letting Go of a Former Life: Mark discusses the five-year journey of reinventing himself after realising his old identity had become a "noose around his neck".[04:52] - The Guardian Angel of Small Business: Why Mark's new goal is to become the guardian angel for small businesses in South Africa.[05:55] - The Engine of the Economy: A look at the data showing that 60% of all employment in South Africa comes from small businesses.[09:22] - The Fear of Hiring: How the unintended consequences of our labour laws disincentivise small businesses from hiring new staff.[15:14] - The Modern Paradox: Mark explains why it's never been a better, or a more complex and difficult, time to be alive.[18:07] - Core Skills vs. Soft Skills: The conversation explores the crucial life skills we were never taught in school, like how to be happy or navigate hard times, which are often mislabeled as "soft skills" instead of "core skills".[25:16] - The Need for 'Hard': Why human beings ironically need difficult challenges in their lives to truly thrive and grow.[31:23] - Sitting in the Fire: Mark shares his personal strategy of sitting with uncomfortable emotions to truly process them, rather than glamorizing or avoiding them.[38:18] - The Texture of Life: How going through hard seasons adds a rich texture to life and helps you truly appreciate the good times when they return.[41:53] - The Workplace's Unique Opportunity: Why the workplace is the one space where we can make a massive investment in people that positively impacts both society and the company's bottom line.Memorable Quotes:"Don't listen to what people say, watch what they do." "You got taught math, English and science in school, but no one taught you how to be happy."We want to hear from you!

This episode of Solving the People Puzzle tackles the silent identity crisis facing so many in the HR community. We explore why many practitioners feel they are going backwards, struggling to be seen as the strategic advisors they aspire to be.The conversation confronts a difficult reality: many organizations do not view their HR department as a game-changer. HR is often unfairly burdened with being the sole "gatekeeper of values and ethics" , creating a high-tension environment where the demands feel unrealistic and unsustainable.In this episode, we delve deep into this issue with special guest Jo, Managing Director of Art of Talent and a passionate self-esteem coach. Together, they challenge the conventional wisdom that this is a skills or capability problem. Instead, Jo reveals how the path to becoming a valued strategic advisor is fundamentally rooted in self-worth, purpose, and self-esteem. This is a must-listen for any hiring professional ready to reclaim their voice, redefine their value, and make a real impact on their organization.Connect with our guest: Learn more about Jo: https://linkly.link/2G0ZSShow Notes & Timestamps00:00:46: Meet Jo, Managing Director of Art of Talent, and learn about her three passions: building TA capability, executive search, and her mission as a self-esteem coach.00:04:40: Unpacking the identity crisis in the HR community, including challenges with capability, confidence, and empowerment.00:06:11: The tough question: Why are so few HR departments seen as "game-changers" that help their organizations compete?.00:06:52: Is HR unfairly tasked as the "gatekeeper of values and ethics"? Jo argues this is an enormous and unfair burden.00:10:30: Do HR professionals truly know what they're signing up for when they enter the profession?.00:11:45: The professional dichotomy: How to navigate the identity of being a strategic business partner while being treated as a "straight service".00:14:44: The impact of being constantly under-resourced, without the necessary tools or capabilities to meet modern talent demands.00:20:34: The real solution to HR burnout: The power of self-regulation and rediscovering your professional purpose.00:21:37: Why self-esteem is critical for challenging a hiring manager and ensuring your voice is heard.00:24:28: A practical framework for self-worth: The building blocks of Celia Coburn's Self-Esteem Model are explained.00:30:11: What can you do right now? Jo provides five simple, practical things you can do to regulate your nervous system and start rebuilding your foundation.Resources Mentioned in this Episode[00:24:28] The Self-Esteem Model by Celia Coburn: The mantra is, "I am a valuable and worthwhile human being and I hold myself in high regard". The three core pillars are a healthy relationship with yourself, competence & confidence, and boundaries & assertiveness.About Wamly: Wamly helps you hire better people faster with our all-in-one hiring system. To learn more about creating the ultimate end-to-end hiring solution, visit us at https://linkly.link/2G0aEDon't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a five-star rating if you enjoyed this episode!  #TalentAcquisition #HumanResources #Recruiting #HRBP #HRCommunity #RecruitmentStrategy #Hiring #SolvingThePeoplePuzzleWe want to hear from you!

🚀 Is your hiring process a bottleneck or a growth engine?In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we sit down with Rikus, the CPO and CMO behind WeBuyCars. He shares the incredible inside story of how they transformed their talent acquisition from a manual, time-consuming process into a strategic competitive advantage. Learn the exact mindset shift that occurred when they stopped viewing HR tech as a cost and started seeing it as an enabler to grow the rest of our business".Tune into this HR podcast with Rikus Blomerus, CPO at WeBuyCars, as he shares how they hire 120+ people a month and manage human resources effectively.This is a masterclass for any HR leader, executive, or talent acquisition professional on how to build a hiring system that doesn't just fill roles, but actively drives business success.🎙️ About Our Guest Rikus, the CPO and CMO at WeBuyCars. He also looks after the marketing for the company, giving him a unique perspective on the intersection of people, brand, and business growth. WeBuyCars is the biggest car buying service in South Africa and is listed on the JSE. Build Your Own Growth Engine with WamlyWamly is the all-in-one hiring system designed to help you hire better people, faster. From video interviews to skills testing, psychometric testing, background checks, and analytics, we give you the tools to build your own scientific hiring formula.➡️ Learn More & Book a Demo: https://linkly.link/2FDsw🔗 Connect with Us#WeBuyCars #TalentAcquisition #HR #HiringStrategy #Growth #ScalingBusiness #HRTech #SolvingThePeoplePuzzleWe want to hear from you!

Ever sat in an interview and realised within 5 minutes that the candidate doesn't match their CV?. You're not alone. That single, time-wasting problem is what sparked the creation of Wamly back in 2018.In this special episode of Solving the People Puzzle, Wamly founder Francois de Wet takes you through the entire journey—from a simple one-way video interview tool to a revolutionary end-to-end hiring platform built to solve the biggest challenges in recruitment today.Learn why HR teams are drowning in platforms, how fragmented data is hurting your strategy, and why the candidate experience is your most important asset. This is the story of how we listened to the South African HR community to build the ultimate hiring solution.Timestamps:00:00 - The Mission: Helping the world hire better people faster.00:18 - The Problem: Why people don’t look like their CVs.01:26 - The Birth of Wamly & Our Big Break in 2020.03:36 - The Pivot: Moving from just 'speed' to improving 'quality' of hire.04:22 - 3 Reasons We Built an End-to-End Solution.06:49 - Inside the Platform: Attract, Screen, Interview, Assess & Check.09:08 - EXCITING UPDATE: Introducing the new Wamly Career Page feature.About Wamly: Wamly is the end-to-end hiring solution that helps you attract, screen, interview, assess, and check all your candidates in one place. Stop juggling systems and start making better, data-driven hiring decisions.Ready to revolutionise your hiring process? ▶ Request a demo: https://linkly.link/2EmdEConnect with us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wamlyWebsite: https://linkly.link/2EmdE#Hiring #Recruitment #HRTech #SouthAfrica #HR #HumanResources #Recruiting #WamlyWe want to hear from you!

In this solo masterclass from Solving the People Puzzle, Our founder and CEO, Francois de Wet, gives you the ultimate guide to the five essential talent acquisition KPIs. Drawing on success stories and insights from Wamly's clients , Francois goes beyond definitions to provide practical tools, techniques, and next steps you can implement in your business right away.In this episode, you will learn:Time to Hire: Why this is more than a number—it’s a direct reflection of your candidate experience and where key bottlenecks like diary management or screening are hiding in your process.Cost per Hire: How to unpack the true cost of a hire by analyzing subdomains like attraction costs, technology subscriptions, and the hourly cost of your interview panel.Quality of Hire: Arguably the most important metric. Learn how to connect performance data back to the original hiring source (e.g., LinkedIn vs. Referrals) to see which channels deliver true top performers.Candidate Experience: How to use the concept of "candidate listening" and technology to gather feedback that is a "gift," not criticism, to help you optimize every touchpoint of your hiring cycle.Offer Acceptance Rate: Why it's not always about the money. A low acceptance rate is a sign that you aren't clearly articulating your full EVP—from company culture and values to growth opportunities.About Wamly: You can't improve what you don't measure. Wamly's end-to-end hiring solution is the system you need to track these critical KPIs, automate your process, and supercharge your hiring. Ready to see how it works? Request a demo with our team today: https://linkly.link/2Br0sWe hope you enjoy the episode! Don't forget to like and follow Solving the People Puzzle for more expert insights.#TalentAcquisition #HiringKPIs #RecruitingMetrics #HRTech #CostPerHire #QualityOfHire #SouthAfrica #HR #HumanResources #RecruitmentStrategyWe want to hear from you!

From payroll to CPO at 32, Stiaan Pienaar of Ocean Basket shares his groundbreaking 'Good Recipe' and 'Catch' system. Learn how this human-centric HR approach is uplifting talent across the industry.Dive into a powerful and insightful conversation with Stiaan Pienaar, Chief People Officer at Ocean Basket, one of South Africa's most recognizable and beloved restaurant franchises. As one of the youngest CPOs in South Africa at just 32 years old, Stiaan's career trajectory is remarkable, having started at Ocean Basket as a payroll administrator about nine years ago. He now unveils a truly groundbreaking, human-first approach to talent acquisition and human resources management in the challenging hospitality sector.Stiaan candidly discusses the unique and often difficult challenges prevalent in the restaurant industry in South Africa, characterizing the traditional hiring landscape as "desperation meets desperation". This environment is often marked by long hours (employees can work from 5 AM to 1 AM) and minimum wages , making talent attraction and retention incredibly difficult. To directly counter these deep-seated issues, Stiaan has championed a revolutionary and people-centric pipeline for talent development and workforce planning.Discover the core pillars of Ocean Basket's innovative HR strategy:The "Good Recipe": Cultivating Internal Talent Ocean Basket's innovative framework defines precisely what "good" looks like for every single role within the organization. This unique employee development approach empowers individuals with a clear roadmap for their career progression and fosters significant internal growth. Every human in the business understands their own "recipe" and knows exactly what skills and knowledge they need to be "good". The "Catch" System: A Visionary Talent Acquisition Model Stiaan unveils "The Catch" , a multi-stage talent acquisition system often described using a powerful "house analogy". This process moves far beyond traditional CV drop-offs to efficiently identify and nurture suitable job candidates.HR's True Role: "Live in Your Business" Stiaan delivers a strong, unconventional message for all HR professionals and human capital leaders: "You have to live inside of your business". This means embracing the inherent chaos, being curious, asking tough questions, and not shying away from difficult conversations or conflict. He emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in operations to deeply understand the business from top to bottom. This episode offers essential insights for HR leaders, business strategists, and decision-makers looking to innovate their talent strategies, foster employee development, and make a real difference in the employment landscape of South Africa, contributing significantly to bringing down the country's unemployment percentage.Inspired by Stiaan's insights? It's time to solve your people puzzle. 💡 Explore Wamly's innovative hiring solutions: https://linkly.link/2BK2gConnect with Stiaan Pienaar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stiaan-pienaar-22b05192/We want to hear from you!

Join us on Solving the People Puzzle for a captivating conversation with Vuyo, a passionate expert in financial services, HR, and talent acquisition. In this episode, Vuyo shares his unique perspective on the critical role of candidate experience in today's competitive talent landscape.Vuyo dives deep into how traditional HR information systems, often built with finance in mind, frequently fall short in delivering a truly positive candidate journey. He challenges the status quo, emphasizing that candidates should be treated as customers – a powerful shift in mindset that can revolutionize your hiring success.Discover why speed and consistent communication are paramount for engaging both active and passive job seekers. Vuyo champions the use of innovative, experience-driven HR technology to provide crucial feedback loops and ongoing engagement, even suggesting leveraging widely used tools like WhatsApp for communication.This episode is a must-watch for HR leaders and hiring professionals looking to:Understand the evolution of HR into a strategic business partner.Learn why current HR systems might be lacking flexibility and customization for candidate-centric needs.Gain insights into crafting a talent acquisition strategy that truly solves for "X" – putting the candidate at the center.Redefine their Employer Value Proposition (EVP) by honoring the promise made to potential and current employees.Vuyo's "Nostradamus moments" offer fascinating predictions on the future of HR tech, advocating for bespoke solutions from niche providers over one-size-fits-all systems. He stresses that technology should be a vehicle to communicate your brand's DNA, not the promise itself.Don't let the "war for talent" leave your organization behind. Learn how to attract and retain the best by creating an intentional, seamless, and engaging candidate experience.Key Takeaways:Treat candidates as customers to improve hiring outcomes.Traditional HR tech often lacks flexibility for true candidate experience; look for bespoke solutions.Speed, feedback, and engagement throughout the hiring process are crucial.A clear, intentional talent acquisition strategy is essential before implementing tech.EVP is your promise; technology is the vehicle for its communication.Connect with Wamly:Website: https://2ly.link/29JTsLearn more about solving your hiring challenges: https://2ly.link/29JU7#CandidateExperience #HRTech #TalentAcquisition #HiringStrategy #EVP #FutureOfHR #DigitalHiring #Wamly #SouthAfricaHR #PeoplePuzzleWe want to hear from you!