Talent & Growth presented by The Animo Group

In our latest episode, we sat down with Carlotta Zorzi, a seasoned professional focused on creating diverse and inclusive workplaces. Our illuminating conversation covers the A to Z of diversity and inclusion, from crafting clear career paths to fostering a culture of allyship within organisations. Carlotta delves deep into the nuanced differences between mentoring and sponsorship, shares valuable insights on the role of senior leadership in promoting diversity, and reveals key metrics for tracking the success of your D&I initiatives. Whether you're a leader eager to make meaningful changes or simply looking to better understand the complexities of today's diverse work environments, this interview is a masterclass in actionable insights. Tune in to be inspired and informed.

In our latest episode of our podcast, we sit down with George Morriss, an expert in talent acquisition and for early-stage businesses. With a wealth of experience in setting up talent functions from the ground up, George offers invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of staffing a company in its infancy. Our in-depth conversation covers everything from the essential characteristics to look for when hiring, to strategies for building a strong and inclusive company culture from day one. George also delves into the technical aspects, discussing the role of technology and automation in modern hiring practices. Whether you're a founder, HR professional, or someone interested in the startup ecosystem, you won't want to miss George's expert advice on setting up effective hiring processes, ensuring strong onboarding, and scaling talent operations as your company grows. Tune in to gain actionable strategies that can significantly contribute to your business's success.

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Nadim Sadek, a serial entrepreneur who founded 13 companies. His unique perspective, heavily influenced by psychology and market research, has shaped businesses across various sectors. We delve into his pioneering methods for analysing brands and activating them and how this translates into the world of AI for marketing.Nadim also discusses his distinctive company culture, emphasising good manners and "Ps & Qs," and how this has become an integral part of his workplace. From a unique evaluation scale for ideas to a "High-performance, low friction" interview matrix, Nadim shares actionable insights that help align recruitment with business objectives. Tune in to explore the importance of objectivity within a team, and why Nadim refers to his employees as "teammates" rather than "family." With a focus on frameworks for success that have evolved over his entrepreneurial journey, this episode offers a wealth of advice for both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs. Learn about Nadim's challenges in infusing culture and values into his ventures and the strategies he employed to overcome these obstacles. This episode goes beyond business, diving deep into the psychology and philosophies that drive true entrepreneurial success.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jennifer Gardner, Vice President of People at CharterUP, the 2nd fastest-growing private company in the U.S. which astonishingly saw 100,000% revenue growth in just three years. Jennifer dives into her journey from her early days in HR to becoming the powerhouse behind CharterUP's rapid scaling. What's the secret to keeping up with explosive growth? Jennifer shares her talent acquisition strategies designed to meet the challenges of rapid scale, as well as the performance management systems that keep the team performing at its peak. But it's not all about speed; Jennifer reveals how CharterUP has been able to maintain a healthy and engaging workplace culture even amidst the fast-paced growth. From leveraging cutting-edge technology in their talent acquisition campaigns to keeping their hiring process rigorous, Jennifer has a holistic approach to people management. Ever wondered how to prioritise employee development when everything is moving at breakneck speed? Jennifer offers invaluable insights into balancing professional growth opportunities with the demands of a scaling business. Whether you're a people leader, an HR professional, or just curious about what it takes to grow a company at lightning speed while keeping the team engaged, this episode is packed with actionable advice and keen observations. Don't miss it!

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Mark Harbottle, the Head of Talent at Cronofy, to discuss Cronofy's comprehensive Candidate Expectations Report for 2023. Key Takeaways: Learn about Mark's journey and his role at Cronofy. Discover the factors contributing to rising candidate expectations around interview arrangement times. Understand the increasing priority placed on responsiveness during the hiring process, with a focus on trends in the UK and the US. Dive into why lack of communication is a major pain point in recruitment, and how this issue can be effectively addressed. Explore the growing value of technology in streamlining the candidate experience, including real-world examples. Uncover how companies can balance tech efficiency with a human touch in the recruitment process. Gain actionable recommendations for recruiters based on the latest trends and how these insights are shaping Cronofy's own strategy and product offerings. Whether you’re a recruiter, an HR professional, or simply interested in the future of talent acquisition, this episode is packed with valuable information you won't want to miss. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve in the recruitment world! Check the full report here - https://www.cronofy.com/reports/candidate-expectations-report-2023

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Ant Thompson, an entrepreneur, veteran advocate, and expert in employee engagement, to delve into how he's bridging the gap between military and corporate worlds. We explore his transformative journey from serving in the military to becoming a thought leader in the corporate space. Ant passionately discusses his work with veterans, offering key insights into translating military skills into business acumen. He also shares the invaluable lessons he's learned about the power of networking and how it has informed his current ventures. We dig into the practicality of using AI and engagement surveys to deliver actionable data for leaders. As a seasoned fundraiser, Ant provides nuggets of wisdom for entrepreneurs looking to raise capital for their projects. Listen in as Ant elucidates the balance between hard and soft skills, questioning why society often overemphasizes one at the expense of the other. Wrapping up, he reveals upcoming initiatives he's excited about and leaves us with actionable advice for HR professionals aiming to elevate employee engagement. Don't miss this enriching conversation that merges experience, technology, and a deep understanding of human capabilities.

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Linnea Bywall, a leader at Alva Labs, to discuss the groundbreaking ways her company is combining psychology and artificial intelligence to revolutionize the hiring process. Learn why Linnea believes in dropping traditional methods like CVs and cover letters in favor of early-stage assessments. Uncover how Alva Labs combats unconscious bias, maintains the human touch in a tech-driven process, and what the future holds for AI in recruitment. Whether you're an employer, job seeker, or just fascinated by the intersection of technology and human psychology, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now for an eye-opening conversation!

In this compelling episode, we dive deep with Nathan Trousdell, Co-founder of Fraudio, to explore his fascinating transition from investment banking to leading a trailblazing company.We uncover the attributes that make Fraudio's remote work culture tick, discuss initiatives that effectively engage a geographically scattered workforce, and delve into the strategies for fostering innovation and creativity across the board.Nathan shares his hands-on experience with remote team training and offers practical advice for budding founders and leaders in the remote work arena.Nathan is a thoughtful, reflective and very smart human being, who happens also to be a great guy so I am sure you will enjoy this episode. 

In this riveting episode, we dive deep into the world of location technology with Celso Zuccollo, COO at Waymap. From its humble beginnings as an accessibility-focused startup to its evolution into a game-changing location tech business, Waymap is a case study in balancing profit and purpose. Celso unpacks the complexities of working in a deep tech environment, sharing how Waymap approaches problem-solving in this intricate field. He also reveals the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being a mission-driven company. Ever wondered how to keep a high retention rate among employees? Celso shares some golden nuggets on team engagement and motivation. He also touches on the operational and cultural impact of being a fully remote business, offering insights into managing cross-functional task forces for better alignment toward common goals. As if that weren’t enough, we delve into the nuances of decision-making within a rapidly growing company. How do you prioritize tasks and initiatives effectively? Celso shares his approach and even gives us a glimpse into the future plans for Waymap. Whether you're in tech, aspire to build a mission-driven business, or just love a good entrepreneurial journey, this episode is for you. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that blends technology, mission, and growth.

In this insightful episode, we are joined by Minal Joshi-Jaeckli, founder of Open Elevator, who shares her passion and unique approach towards employee engagement. Minal's obsession with enhancing engagement within organizations has led her to use data-driven insights to create and support effective retention programs. Throughout our conversation, we delve into Minal's background and discover the ""why"" behind her mission. She illuminates how critical data points are harnessed to measure and improve engagement, all while debunking common misconceptions about the process. With vivid examples, Minal outlines how her method has led to significant improvements within companies, fostering a culture that promotes diversity and inclusion. Her continuous process of cultural improvement, rather than mere one-time interventions, stands out as a unique approach that truly resonates with leaders and employees alike. By focusing on the essence of allowing people to be themselves and giving various voices and identities room to thrive, Minal offers a fresh perspective on the value of HR and the role it plays in modern organizations. If you are interested in understanding your organisation at a deeper level and seeking ways to make meaningful and continuous improvements in engagement, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Don't miss it!