Talent Intelligence Collective Podcast

Welcome to Episode 38 of the Talent Intelligence Collective podcast! In this special return episode, Alan Walker, Alison Ettridge, and Toby Culshaw welcome back Gerrit Schimmelpenninck for his second appearance on the show, exploring his remarkable transformation from corporate TI leader to entrepreneurial consultant.The episode opens with Toby discussing the Talent Intelligence Collective's exciting "One Prompt Challenge" in partnership with InDrive, where participants must create a complete location analysis using just a single AI prompt—no follow-ups allowed. The conversation delves into the fascinating challenges of AI prompting, including the revelation that AI systems are designed to please users rather than provide balanced perspectives unless specifically prompted for opposing views.The news segment explores the escalating battle for AI talent, with Meta allegedly offering $100 million signing bonuses to poach OpenAI engineers, and OpenAI's intriguing decision to appoint a distinguished AI researcher as their new head of recruiting. The discussion also touches on global talent mobility shifts, as the US restricts funding and visas while other nations launch aggressive programs to attract displaced scientists and researchers.Gerrit shares his extraordinary journey since we last spoke in Episode 11—relocating from Amsterdam to Los Angeles, building talent intelligence capabilities at Activision Blizzard (Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Candy Crush), and ultimately launching his own consultancy, Talent Motions, after Microsoft's acquisition. His insights into the gaming industry's unique talent challenges and the importance of hiring developers who are passionate gamers themselves provide fascinating industry-specific perspectives.The conversation explores Gerrit's pivot to competitive intelligence consulting, moving beyond traditional recruitment-focused TI to solving strategic business problems. He shares compelling case studies, including mapping competitor organisations for major tech suppliers and analysing secretive quantitative trading teams in finance—demonstrating how talent intelligence can drive critical business decisions far beyond hiring.Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and most importantly, stay intelligent!As ever - big thanks to our sponsors: ⁠https://lightcast.io⁠

Welcome to Episode 37 of the Talent Intelligence Collective podcast! In this data-driven episode, Alan Walker and Toby Culshaw from Lightcast (with Alison taking a well-earned break) delve into the world of talent analytics with Steve Kerwin, who leads the data and analytics organisation for Amazon's Stores Talent Acquisition team.The news roundup kicks off with a critical examination of Trump's manufacturing revival plans against the sobering reality of skills shortages across the US, with Deloitte projecting 1.9 million unfilled manufacturing jobs by 2033. The conversation shifts to Shopify's CEO's controversial policy of refusing to approve new headcount unless teams can demonstrate why AI can't perform the work, sparking a thoughtful discussion about the practical limitations of AI implementation. The segment concludes with a cautionary tale of an AI shopping app founder charged with defrauding investors after allegedly using human contractors in the Philippines instead of the advertised AI technology.Steve shares his eight-year journey building Amazon's talent acquisition analytics capabilities from the ground up, offering candid insights into scaling data solutions to thousands of users across one of the world's largest employers. He emphasises the critical importance of candidate experience data and how qualitative feedback, when properly captured and analysed, can transform hiring success at scale.The discussion explores the unique challenges of leading a diverse team of BI engineers, software developers, and data engineers, with Steve advocating for a servant leadership approach that empowers team members to grow their skills and tackle increasingly complex problems. He provides a refreshingly honest assessment of the persistent disconnect between talent acquisition, HR, and finance when it comes to operational forecasting and demand planning, highlighting the need for better integration across these traditionally siloed functions.For organisations just beginning to build their analytics capabilities, Steve offers practical advice, emphasising the importance of establishing solid foundational data structures before attempting more sophisticated analyses. He compares building analytics capabilities to constructing a house: "I can't build you bay windows and roofs if I don't have the basement laid."Until next time, stay curious, stay analytical, and most importantly, stay intelligent!As ever - big thanks to our sponsors: https://lightcast.io

Welcome to Episode 36 of the Talent Intelligence Collective podcast! In this special "insider" episode, Alan Walker and Alison Ettridge turn the spotlight on their co-host Toby Culshaw, who has recently made the leap from Amazon to Lightcast and shares the story behind this exciting career move.The episode begins with a thought-provoking discussion about data discrepancies across LinkedIn platforms, exploring the challenges of balancing directional accuracy with precise data in talent intelligence. The conversation delves into how perception, gut feeling, and objective data all play crucial roles in strategic decision-making, with Toby sharing revealing examples from his career where leadership perceptions didn't match market realities.McKinsey's recent paper on strategic workforce planning in the age of AI sparks an examination of how organisations achieving excellence in talent management generate substantially more revenue per employee. The team discusses the critical relationship between operational planning and long-term strategy, particularly as AI continues to reshape workforce dynamics at an unprecedented pace.The heart of the episode features Toby recounting his fascinating career journey from financial recruitment to pioneering talent intelligence. He shares candid insights about his early days using "the big red book" of chartered accountants, his time in Australia staffing entire call centres, and his pivotal moments at Thales where he first discovered how data could influence strategic business decisions rather than just support tactical recruitment.Toby offers a compelling vision for the future of talent acquisition, predicting a significant shift toward hiring manager self-service for routine roles while reserving specialised recruitment expertise for business-critical positions. He explains his decision to move to Lightcast as driven by the opportunity to influence the talent intelligence field more broadly and help more organisations build effective TI functions.The episode concludes with reassurance for listeners that while Toby's career is changing, the podcast remains committed to its independent voice and community-focused mission—with exciting possibilities ahead for expanding its reach and impact.Until next time, stay intelligent!This podcast is proudly sponsored by Lightcast

Welcome to Episode 35 of the Talent Intelligence Collective podcast! Alan Walker, Alison Ettridge, and Toby Culshaw sit down with Chris Woodward, whose fascinating journey from military leadership to strategic workforce planning offers a masterclass in talent strategy and organisational effectiveness.This month's intelligence roundup features Toby exploring whether AI agents can truly become trusted advisors in talent intelligence, sparking a thought-provoking discussion about the balance between automation and human judgement. The conversation shifts to the UK's ambitious AI skills strategy, contrasting it with the Gulf region's more pragmatic approach to talent development, highlighting the critical importance of long-term thinking versus short-term political cycles.Chris shares his remarkable career trajectory from the British Army, where he served four tours in Afghanistan, to his role as Global Head of Strategic Workforce Planning at Babcock. He offers valuable insights into how military concepts like "battle grouping" – bringing together diverse capabilities towards clear outcomes – can transform talent strategy in the corporate world. His experience reimagining talent pathways in the military and later applying competency science at Korn Ferry reveals the power of objective, future-focused talent management.The discussion delves into the challenges of demand-side workforce planning, with Chris highlighting how organisations often struggle with long-term capability building when faced with immediate business pressures. His work on criticality assessments for submarine servicing exposed stark talent shortages, necessitating innovative approaches to capability development with multi-year horizons.As Chris embarks on his next chapter establishing an advisory practice focused on organisational effectiveness, he shares three essential tips for strategic workforce planning professionals: get strategic clarity, build relationships across the business, and truly understand how the business creates value. His perspective on HR functions becoming truly strategic partners rather than cost centres offers a compelling vision for the future of talent management.Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and most importantly, stay intelligent!

Welcome to Episode 34 of the Talent Intelligence Collective podcast! Join hosts Alan Walker, Alison Ettridge, and Toby Culshaw as they welcome Cole Napper, VP of Research and Innovation at Lightcast and host of the Directionally Correct podcast, who shares his fascinating insights on integrating people analytics, talent intelligence, and workforce planning. The market intelligence roundup kicks off with Toby exploring an intriguing Forbes article about talent supply chains, sparking a discussion about treating workforce management with the same strategic rigour as other business assets. The conversation then shifts to the global shortage of AI talent, with insights into how different nations are approaching this challenge, including China's talent shortages and the Middle East's strategic investments in skills development. Cole shares his unique perspective from working across multiple industries and roles, emphasising his "maniacal focus on adding business value." Drawing from his experience leading a 50-person team at FedEx that spanned people analytics, workforce planning, and talent intelligence, he discusses how combining these disciplines can deliver hundreds of millions in tangible ROI. The discussion delves into the evolution of human capital management, with Cole offering a fresh perspective on why finance hasn't taken over HR – because humans aren't interchangeable units. He explores how behavioural science plays a crucial role in understanding workforce motivation and potential, particularly in an era where employee loyalty and engagement are increasingly challenging. The episode concludes with Cole's three interconnected tips for organisations looking to integrate their people analytics, talent intelligence, and workforce planning functions: seek each other out, share knowledge, and pool data resources. He emphasises that these functions are significantly more powerful when working together, capable of bringing previously unseen value to organisations. Until next time, stay curious, stay analytical, and most importantly, stay intelligent! >> Show Lightcast, our sponsors, some love <<

🎉 Wrapping Up 2024 with the Talent Intelligence Collective! 🎙️ Welcome to our special year-end wrap-up episode! Join hosts Alan Walker, Alison Ettridge, and Toby Culshaw as they reflect on the year that was—packed with milestones, incredible guests, and unforgettable moments in the world of Talent Intelligence. From standout episodes featuring professionals like Megan at Volvo, Martin at Novartis, and Lou’s practical tips on building TI functions, to industry-defining events like the Amsterdam Talent Intelligence Conference and the debut of a Talent Intelligence stage at RecFest—2024 has been a whirlwind! Our hosts also share personal highlights, including: Alison's transformative year, marked by resilience after a personal challenge and the exciting acquisition of Stratigens by Lightcast. Toby's insights into the thriving TI community and the importance of collaboration amidst challenging times. Alan’s journey with Udder, growing the business globally and hosting the Talent Intelligence Conference. Together, they unpack key themes from the year: the evolution of internal and external data integration, the rise of strategic workforce planning on national scales, and the ongoing adoption of AI in HR and beyond. With humor, heartfelt moments, and plenty of industry wisdom, this episode is a celebration of the Talent Intelligence community’s growth and resilience. As the year ends, the hosts look ahead with big predictions for 2025—consolidation in the TI vendor space, growing strategic workforce planning at a national level, and more meaningful AI adoption in business. Tune in for laughs, reflections, and a glimpse of what’s to come in 2025. Stay curious, stay brilliant, and most importantly, stay intelligent!

Welcome to Episode 33 of the Talent Intelligence Collective podcast! Join hosts Alan Walker, Alison Ettridge, and Toby Culshaw as they welcome Chris Rowe, Head of Talent Acquisition at DHU Healthcare, who shares his fascinating journey from military service to championing talent acquisition in healthcare. In this month's market intelligence roundup, Toby delves into Saudi Arabia's strategic investment in AI infrastructure, with the nation setting its sights on becoming a global hub for data centres and AI development. This sparks a fascinating discussion about the future of talent mobility in the region and the environmental considerations of AI advancement, including surprising insights about the energy demands of AI systems. The discussion then turns to UK disability employment statistics, revealing both progress and persistent challenges, with the disability employment rate at 53% compared to 81.6% for non-disabled people. The hosts explore the complexities of workplace accessibility and the broader implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The spotlight then turns to Chris's compelling professional journey, as he recounts his path from military service to healthcare recruitment, revealing how his passion for making a difference shapes his approach to talent acquisition. He discusses DHU Healthcare's role as a social enterprise providing frontline NHS services and explains how his team's approach to talent acquisition directly impacts healthcare delivery. Chris offers valuable insights into strategic workforce planning, particularly in healthcare settings. He shares how his organisation has achieved significant cost savings through predictive talent management and discusses their partnership with Foresight to better understand and anticipate workforce needs. The conversation explores the challenges of healthcare recruitment, agency proliferation, and the importance of sustainable talent sharing within the sector. The episode concludes with Chris's perspective on mentoring first and second-generation migrants, encouraging listeners to use their privilege to create opportunities for others. And yes, there's even a brief discussion about what makes the perfect cup of tea! Until next time, stay curious, stay brilliant, and most importantly, stay intelligent!

Welcome to Episode 32 of the Talent Intelligence Collective podcast! Join hosts Alan Walker, Alison Ettridge, and Toby Culshaw as they welcome Lou Griffiths, Senior Manager of Talent Intelligence at EY UK, who shares her remarkable journey in building and scaling talent intelligence capabilities. Toby kicks off with an engaging news segment, covering the cooling UK labour market, the increasing trend of older workers in the workforce, and Japan's concerns about AI monopolies - particularly Nvidia's 80% semiconductor market share. The discussion also touches on Google's innovative "reverse aquahire" strategy, sparking an interesting debate about the future of tech talent acquisition. In the main interview, Lou shares her fascinating transition from scientific recruitment to establishing EY UK's Talent Intelligence function. She discusses her innovative "Talent Screen" tool, which has captured over 5,000 recruiter conversations and 200,000 data points, providing valuable insights into candidate sentiment and market trends. Lou delves into how her small but mighty team delivered 35 strategic talent intelligence projects in the past year, working on everything from location strategy to competitive intelligence. She emphasises the importance of transforming recruiters into "intelligence-led" professionals and shares practical approaches to embedding data-driven decision-making in talent acquisition. The conversation explores EY's shift from role-based to skills-based talent strategies and the challenges of centralising talent intelligence in a global organisation. Lou's passion for proactive, strategic talent intelligence shines through as she discusses the future of the function and the importance of delivering what stakeholders need, not just what they want. Throughout the episode, listeners will gain valuable insights into building and scaling talent intelligence functions, making data actionable for recruiters, and driving strategic value in a professional services environment. Until next time, stay intelligent, and don't forget to connect with Lou on LinkedIn to learn more about her innovative work in talent intelligence!

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of the Talent Intelligence Collective podcast! In episode 31, your hosts Alan Walker, Alison Ettridge, and Toby Culshaw are joined by the insightful Patrick Coolen, a seasoned HR analytics expert and Partner at Kennedy Fitch. Toby starts the show with a thought-provoking news segment, discussing topics such as the UK's reliance on foreign workers, the challenges of upskilling the workforce, and the World Economic Forum's take on combating STEM talent shortages. The conversation sparks a lively debate on the societal and political factors influencing talent strategies and the importance of evidence-based decision-making. In the interview, Patrick shares his fascinating journey in HR analytics, spanning over two decades at ABN AMRO. He delves into the evolution of people analytics, the challenges organizations face in adopting and institutionalizing advanced analytics, and the factors that drive success in this field. Patrick emphasizes the importance of aligning people analytics initiatives with strategic business goals and integrating various evidence-based HR services to effectively answer critical workforce questions. He highlights the need to balance data science with behavioral science expertise and the significance of proper data management. The discussion also touches on the future of people analytics, with Patrick sharing his insights on the potential of machine learning and AI in democratizing intelligence for end-users. He stresses the importance of governance and the trend towards enterprise-wide analytics practices that share data and skills across departments. Throughout the conversation, Patrick's passion for evidence-based HR shines through, leaving listeners with valuable advice on starting and scaling people analytics functions. His unique perspective, shaped by his extensive research and practical experience, offers a fresh understanding of how talent intelligence can drive strategic workforce decisions. Until next time, stay intelligent, and don't forget to connect with Patrick on LinkedIn to learn more about his "10 Golden Rules of People Analytics"! ** Don't forget to say hi to our wonderful sponsors → ⁠⁠⁠Stratigens⁠⁠⁠! **

Welcome back to the Talent Intelligence Collective podcast for another insightful episode! In episode 30, your hosts Alan Walker, Alison Ettridge, and Toby Culshaw are joined by the "workforce geek" himself, Maarten Hansson of Novartis. Toby kicks off the show with a thought-provoking news segment, covering topics like the war for AI talent, the UK's controversial immigration salary threshold hike, and Latin America's tech talent boom. The discussion sparks debate around the challenges of attracting and retaining top AI talent, the potential impact of immigration policies on various industries, and the factors driving the growth of tech hubs in Latin America. In the interview with Maarten, we dive deep into his fascinating career journey, spanning roles in the Dutch military, IT engineering, and his transformative experience living and working in India. Maarten shares how his time in India fuelled his passion for leveraging global talent and the importance of consciously choosing how to interact with and manage distributed teams. Maarten introduces us to the concept of "total workforce" and the proprietary workforce drivers he uses to help organisations make informed decisions about their talent strategies. He emphasises the importance of visibility into all aspects of the workforce, including employees, contingent workers, and outsourced or automated work, to effectively manage costs, risks, and access to talent. Throughout the conversation, Maarten stresses the value of combining internal workforce data with external labour market insights to provide actionable advice to the business. He shares examples of how his work has triggered procurement teams to change their category strategies, HR to rethink workforce policies, and finance to optimise total workforce costs. Maarten's unique perspective, shaped by his diverse background in procurement, HR, and engineering, leaves us with a fresh understanding of how talent intelligence can drive transformative workforce decisions. His passion for the topic is infectious, leaving us eager to explore more in future episodes! Until next time, stay intelligent, and don't forget to share the podcast with your network! ** Don't forget to say hi to our wonderful sponsors → ⁠⁠Stratigens⁠⁠! **