Episode 252: DEI Does Not Mean Lowering The Bar with Reece Batchelor, Talent Acquisition Lead at Photoroom

AI right? We love it. But how do we actually implement it effectively, efficiently and compliantly into our talent team and business? Sam Dhesi, CEO of Popp, fills us in.

The perception of DEI has changed dramatically since this show started. My perspective has changed my sentiments are pretty similar. Reece and I caught up to talk about what DEI means in 2025 and the opportunity it presents to businesses who are authentic about it.

The market is better, but it is still tough, and excellent people are still looking for work. That's why in this episode, Tony Payne and I give advice on what you can do to get an edge in your job search for your next Talent Acquisition job. Share this with somebody who needs a little help.

Are you inundated with applications for your job adverts? Are there too many to go through? How about trying ApplyPro? ApplyPro will read your CVs and provide a shortlist of relevant applications. Give it a try for FREE at ⁠⁠⁠applypro.co.uk/contact/⁠⁠⁠ and put talentandgrowth in the Message. ------------------------------------------------------------------- It's here. Episode 250. We are joined by the legend Hung Lee. Takeaways The emotional state of talent acquisition professionals is influenced by their sense of agency. Technology presents both opportunities and challenges in recruitment efficiency. AI is advancing rapidly, outpacing current responses to its impact on jobs. Political changes can have significant effects on the talent acquisition landscape. The number of recruiters may decrease as AI takes over traditional tasks. In-person connections remain valuable in a world increasingly dominated by AI. Candidates will continue to seek flexibility in their work arrangements. Companies that offer a balance of remote and in-office work will attract talent. Building a strong network is crucial for recruiters in the AI era. Personal branding will become increasingly important as AI-generated content saturates communication.

Today we welcome Fiona Allen, Head of People & Talent at Ethixbase360. Takeaways Bad onboarding creates panic and confusion for new hires. Effective onboarding improves retention and employee satisfaction. Clear communication is essential throughout the onboarding process. Personal touches in onboarding can enhance team connections. Managers play a crucial role in the onboarding experience. Using tools like Bamboo HR can streamline onboarding tasks. First impressions matter in the candidate experience. Onboarding should be tailored to different cultural contexts. Simplicity in onboarding processes is key to success. Regularly review and update onboarding practices.

Are you inundated with applications for your job adverts? Are there too many to go through? How about trying ApplyPro? ApplyPro will read your CVs and provide a shortlist of relevant applications. Give it a try for FREE at ⁠⁠⁠applypro.co.uk/contact/⁠⁠⁠ and put talentandgrowth in the Message. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Today we are joined by Jo Hoggarth, Head of People & Talent at Cloud Gateway. Takeaways Transparency in recruitment means being open and honest with candidates. Setting realistic expectations helps candidates understand the role better. Highlighting challenges can attract candidates who are excited about them. Authenticity in communication is crucial for effective recruitment. Job descriptions should include both responsibilities and potential challenges. Engaging hiring managers through storytelling can improve transparency. Structured onboarding reinforces the information shared during recruitment. Regular check-ins during onboarding help new hires settle in. Overselling roles can lead to high turnover rates. Feedback from candidates is essential for continuous improvement.

Are you inundated with applications for your job adverts? Are there too many to go through? How about trying ApplyPro? ApplyPro will read your CVs and provide a shortlist of relevant applications. Give it a try for FREE at ⁠⁠applypro.co.uk/contact/⁠⁠ and put talentandgrowth in the Message. --------------------------------------------------------------- Today we welcome Yakub Zolynski, VP People at XYZ Reality. Takeaways You need to have a hook in your pitch. Assessing cultural fit requires real examples from candidates. Headhunting is crucial for maintaining recruitment quality. Creating a unique candidate experience can lead to higher acceptance rates. Transparency in communication is key during tough times. Closing candidates requires ongoing communication and understanding. Indecision in hiring can lead to missed opportunities. AI is transforming the recruitment landscape. The talent pool is expanding with remote work options. Being open-minded about talent sources can give a competitive edge.

Are you inundated with applications for your job adverts? Are there too many to go through? How about trying ApplyPro? ApplyPro will read your CVs and provide a shortlist of relevant applications. Give it a try for FREE at ⁠applypro.co.uk/contact/⁠ and put talentandgrowth in the Message. --------------------------------------------------------------- Today we welcome Alana Fallis, Head of People at Quantum Metric. Takeaways The primary objective of the company is to ensure happy employees. A diverse and inclusive culture is essential for employee satisfaction. Alumni programs can strengthen relationships with former employees. Engagement in rewards programs can reach high levels of participation. Personalized recognition can enhance employee morale. Feedback from exiting employees is crucial for cultural improvement. Celebrating employee departures can foster positive alumni relations. Listening to employees helps in understanding and enhancing company culture. Engagement surveys remain a valuable tool for HR. Building strong relationships is key to employee retention.

Are you inundated with applications for your job adverts? Are there too many to go through? How about trying ApplyPro? ApplyPro will read your CVs and provide a shortlist of relevant applications. Give it a try for FREE at applypro.co.uk/contact/ and put talentandgrowth in the Message. --------------------------------------------------------------- Today we are joined by Dan Staines, Talent Manager at Patchwork, who shares hints and tips from being a one person talent team and what makes him so effective. Takeaways A typical day involves regular contact with senior stakeholders. Balancing flexibility with non-negotiables is crucial. AI tools like MetaView NoteTaker save time and improve accuracy. Clear communication enhances candidate experience. Diversity in recruitment requires intentional strategies. Consistency in hiring processes ensures fairness. Building relationships with team members is essential. Seeking support is important for solo talent teams. Understanding team dynamics aids in effective recruitment. Continuous learning and refinement are key to success.

Today we are joined by Bill Grieco, CTO at Innventure. Takeaways Creating trust among team members is crucial for success. Consistency and transparency build trust within teams. Middle management faces unique challenges in team dynamics. Respect and understanding are key in leadership transitions. Innovation methodologies are similar across different industries. Empowering teams involves setting clear goals and context. Understanding individual team members’ needs enhances collaboration. The legacy of a leader is the impact on their team. Hiring smart thinkers who embrace challenges is essential. Failure is a valuable learning opportunity in innovation.