Episodes

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/drm970PFJ_o Live from RecFest 2026 in Nashville, Adam Posner sits down with Chris Krull, Director of Talent Acquisition at Five Guys. Chris shares his 17-year journey with Five Guys, detailing how an operational background allowed him to transition into talent acquisition with immediate credibility and shift his recruiting team from order-takers to strategic business partners. The discussion covers essential talent practices, including internal promotion strategies, training non-ops recruiters in actual store environments, prioritizing candidate experience to protect brand reputation, and leveraging AI for interview transcription rather than replacing human interaction. Chris Krull, Director of Talent & Organizational Development, helps Five Guys build high-performing teams, develop leaders, and create talent strategies that drive business results. With extensive experience in talent acquisition, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and …

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/nDS1u0ueWEM Recorded LIVE at RecFest USA 2026 in Nashville, Meghan Rhatigan, Vice President of Talent Acquisition Experience at Marriott, shares how the hospitality giant transformed its global hiring operations post-pandemic. Facing high hiring demand and slow hiring, Marriott re-engineered its recruitment processes by introducing automated scheduling, streamlining application and assessment steps, and leveraging organic brand appeal instead of costly job boards. Meghan discusses balancing automation with human connection, strategies to prevent candidate fraud, the role of AI in interview preparation, and the evolving future of talent acquisition professionals. Meghan is a Human Resources Executive with over 20 years of experience and thought leadership in talent acquisition, high-volume recruiting, RPO vendor management, HR transformation, change management, business process management, project management, and HRO vendor relationship management for…

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/4e5FGxBXbDU Recorded live at RecFest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, host Adam Posner speaks with Tracie Campbell, Talent Acquisition Leader at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Tracie shares insights into her journey across diverse recruitment industries and discusses how St. Jude manages talent acquisition for nearly 8,000 employees. The conversation focuses on candidate care strategies, balancing human-centered recruitment with emerging AI technologies, and practical resume advice for job seekers. Tracie Campbell is Director of Talent Acquisition with over 20 years of experience leading strategic recruitment initiatives. For the past three years at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she has led talent acquisition efforts focused on building high-performing teams that support groundbreaking research and compassionate patient care. Tracie brings a strategic yet people-centered approach to workforce planning, compliance, and operations. As…

Damon Centola, UPenn professor and author of Good Think, explains why smart people can make poor decisions together—and how better network structures can unlock collective intelligence. He challenges the traditional fear of groupthink, arguing that the problem isn't collaboration itself, but unequal influence, hierarchy, and limited information flow. The conversation covers organizational design, Building 20 at MIT, AI’s risk of homogenizing thought, and how leaders can build teams where better ideas rise. Damon is the Elihu Katz Professor of Communication, Sociology, and Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, the founding director of its Network Dynamics Group, and a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow. He is one of the world’s leading experts on social networks, behavior change, and collective intelligence. His latest book, Goodthink: The New Science of Collective Intelligence, challenges what we think we know about groupthink and reveals how the structure of our networks can mak…

Full video: https://youtu.be/yTRxZPFXXoo What if your job doesn't need to be your passion? Jessica Zwaan, VP of People and Strategy Ops at Leapsome and author of Built for People and Purpose and Work, joins Adam Posner to challenge some of the biggest assumptions we've been taught about careers, workplace culture, purpose, and success. Jessica argues that there is nothing wrong with seeing your job as a job. Work can provide money, flexibility, opportunities, relationships, or the freedom to pursue what actually gives your life meaning. You don't need to wake up every morning believing your company's mission is your life's calling to be great at what you do. Adam and Jessica also dig into why traditional corporate culture feels increasingly outdated, why the conventional 9-to-5 employment model is changing, how HR can operate more like a product organization, and what AI could mean for jobs and early-career workers. Jessica also shares her own unconventional journey fr…

My guest on episode #540 of #thePOZcast, Stacie Schifflet, shares her inspiring journey of reinvention, resilience, and self-discovery. In this episode, she discusses how understanding our emotional patterns, taking intentional action, and embracing change can lead to a joyful, fulfilling life. Success doesn't automatically prepare you for reinvention. Our guest today knows that better than most. Stacie Shifflett has built companies, led major technology initiatives, acquired a $50 million business, and reinvented herself time and time again. But after her 28-year marriage ended, she discovered the hardest transformation wasn't external—it was internal. Instead of asking, "What's next?" she asked, "Who do I need to become?" That question became the foundation for Modern Consciousness®, her practical approach to understanding the hidden patterns that shape our decisions, relationships, and happiness. It's also the heart of her bestselling book, Treasure Map to Joy™. Today we're…

Beth Mazza and Victoria Sivrais built and sold two successful consulting firms with a combined enterprise value approaching $50 million. They did it without venture capital, while raising nine children between them. In this episode of #thePOZcast, Beth and Victoria challenge the idea that founders must choose between building a meaningful business and being present for their families. They share the unconventional path that helped them grow, delegate, manage cash flow, compete for major clients, and eventually exit their companies on their own terms. We dig into their “third way” of entrepreneurship, which exists outside the traditional choice between staying in corporate America and chasing hypergrowth at any cost. They also explain their Mompreneur Mayhem Matrix, a framework for evaluating business opportunities based on both financial return and the disruption they create in your life. Beth and Victoria get honest about doing invoices at midnight, nearly running out of cash…

In this episode of #thePOZcast, Randy Lyman shares his transformative journey from a logic-driven engineer to an emotionally aware leader. Discover how emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and self-awareness drive authentic leadership and personal fulfillment. Our guest on episode #539 has lived two very different lives. The first was built on logic. As a physicist, engineer, and founder, Randy Lyman believed success came from discipline, performance, and keeping emotion out of the equation. Then, at 28 years old, a deeply personal turning point forced him to confront something he'd spent his entire life avoiding: his own emotions. That journey didn't just change him—it transformed the way he leads, builds companies, and understands human behavior. In fact, as Randy began doing the inner work, his businesses grew to more than 30-fold. Today, he helps founders, executives, and high performers uncover the emotional patterns silently driving their leadership, relationships, com…

Ron Johnson, the visionary behind Apple's retail success and creator of the Apple Store, shares insights on design, leadership, and the future of retail in an AI-driven world. Discover how human connection and timeless design principles continue to shape consumer experiences. If you've ever walked into an Apple Store, you've experienced today's guest's work firsthand. Ron Johnson didn't just build a retail chain—he reinvented how the world experiences technology. As the creator of the Apple Store, the mind behind the Genius Bar, and one of Steve Jobs' closest collaborators, Ron helped turn Apple into the most admired retail brand on the planet. His new book, Shop Different, shares the untold lessons behind that journey—from leadership and innovation to creating cultures rooted in purpose, kindness, and unforgettable customer experiences. Learn More: Shop Different by Ron Johnson - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Shop+Different+Ron+Johnson https://ronjohnsonshopsdifferent.com …

In this episode of #thePOZcast, Jacob Chase, CEO of The Infant, shares insights on measuring human performance, the limitations of traditional evaluation methods, and how decentralized, data-driven systems can revolutionize talent management. Discover how market principles can be applied to internal organizational assessments and the future role of AI in performance measurement. Jacob believes one of the biggest problems in business isn't financial. It's that we've never truly figured out how to measure people. Jacob Chase is the Founder and CEO of The INFIN. Before launching the company, he spent time on Wall Street, built and exited a multi-million-dollar real estate business, and came away with one big realization: organizations measure every dollar with precision, but often rely on gut instinct when evaluating the people driving the business. Now he's building technology designed to change that. Today we're talking about performance, meritocracy, culture, incentives, and what …

What happens when enterprise leadership, military discipline, startup investing, and AI collide? In this episode of #thePOZcast, Adam sits down with Josh Robinson and Mike Nathan, co-hosts of Burn Rate and Bullshit, for a candid conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, investing, and the rapidly changing future of work. Josh and Mike challenge the idea that every high performer should become a manager, explain why authenticity and conviction matter more than polished answers, and reveal what they look for when betting on founders and building teams. They also unpack the rise of the “Army of One,” where AI allows individuals and small, highly empowered teams to operate with the scale and efficiency of much larger organizations. The conversation explores why blindly replacing employees with AI is a mistake, how companies can use technology to elevate their people, and why the next generation of professionals must combine deep human expertise with real AI fluency. Josh and Mi…

In this episode of #thePOZcast, industry leaders Brian Solis and Dave Wright discuss how AI is transforming leadership, organizational structures, and the future of work. They challenge traditional mindsets and explore practical strategies for becoming AI-forward organizations. This episode is one of those conversations that sits right at the intersection of technology, leadership, and what comes next. I'm joined by two leaders who have spent their careers helping organizations navigate massive waves of disruption before they become mainstream. First, Brian Solis. Brian is a world-renowned digital anthropologist, futurist, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and currently Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow. For more than two decades, he's been one of the leading voices helping businesses understand how emerging technologies reshape human behavior, customer expectations, and the future of work. Joining him is Dave Wright, entrepreneur, investor, technology executive, and …

First Aired 1/28/22 Dave Scatchard is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey centre. He played in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues. In 2011, Dave suffered a career-ending injury that would lead him through a period of physical, mental, and spiritual turmoil that would change the course of his life. After doctors at the Mayo Clinic released him when they determined the lasting effects of Dave’s injuries were irreversible, he turned to a variety of holistic medicines, coaches and other resources looking for a solution. The result of his journey would not only lead Dave through a full recovery and spiritual awakening; it would also drive him to create All Start Coaching, where he helps athletes and other professionals face and overcome challenges similar to those that he went through firsthand. Part Two: In the final part of my sit down conversation with Dave, we talk about the hea…

First Aired 1/27/22 Dave Scatchard is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey center. He played in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues. In 2011, Dave suffered a career-ending injury that would lead him through a period of physical, mental, and spiritual turmoil that would change the course of his life. After doctors at the Mayo Clinic released him when they determined the lasting effects of Dave’s injuries were irreversible, he turned to a variety of holistic medicines, coaches and other resources looking for a solution. The result of his journey would not only lead Dave through a full recovery and spiritual awakening; it would also drive him to create All Start Coaching, where he helps athletes and other professionals face and overcome challenges similar to those that he went through firsthand. Part One: On this special two-part episode of The POZcast, I sit down with Dave as he takes us t…

My guest on episode #533 of #thePOZcast is Jackie Summers, entrepreneur, storyteller, and one of the most influential voices in the spirits industry. He's the founder of Jack From Brooklyn and the creator of the award-winning Sorel Liqueur, making history as the first Black person in the United States to receive a license to produce liquor after Prohibition. Jackie's impact extends far beyond the bottle. He's a James Beard Award finalist, a Food & Wine Drink Innovator of the Year, a four-time member of Drinks International's list of the 100 Most Influential Figures in the global bar industry, and a respected judge for some of the world's most prestigious food and spirits competitions. As a writer, speaker, and advocate, Jackie uses his platform to elevate overlooked voices and tell the stories of marginalized communities in their own words. Today, we're talking entrepreneurship, resilience, culture, representation, and what it really takes to build something meaningful from th…

First Aired: 5/14/21 Lindsey Pollak is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading career and workplace experts. She specializes in early career success, which stems back to her time back in college, where she worked as an RA who fell in love with helping provide guidance and brainstorm solutions with her peers. Lindsay is great at unpacking the people problems that come with the career journey, and her recently published book "Recalculating: Navigate Your Career Through the Changing World of Work" takes on the many problems that have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This Episode’s Heavy-Hitters: - Lindsay and I each have the same Peanut M&M obsession that friends & family judge us for - Each of her books is a direct reflection of the book that she wishes had been available to her five years earlier - Millennials in the workforce are more focused on increasing the size of the pie as opposed to beating the competition; and this shift might be ca…

First Aired: 11/06/25 My guest on episode 474 of #thePOZcast is Jay Williams, the Founder—and as he proudly calls himself, the “Big Bird”—behind Free Bird Southern Spring Water. After a 25-year run in real estate, where he developed over a billion dollars’ worth of housing projects, Jay traded boardrooms for bottling lines. With zero industry connections but a whole lot of hustle, he built Free Bird from the ground up to deliver one simple promise: real water, for real people. Sourced from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Free Bird is more than just a beverage—it’s a salute to the backbone of America. No buzzwords, no gimmicks, just damn good water that resonates with those who work hard and live harder. Jay’s story is about reinvention, authenticity, and proving that sometimes the boldest move is starting over. Learn more & connect: https://drinkfreebird.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drinkfreebird/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-williams-a47939159/

What if the most overlooked jobs had the most interesting stories? In E532 of #thePOZcast, Adam sits down with content creator, filmmaker, and Staj co-founder Gabriel DeSanti to explore his unconventional path from trade school and physical labor to becoming one of the internet's fastest-growing career storytellers. Gabriel shares how a single comment from his mother fueled his relentless work ethic, why years of experimenting behind the camera mattered more than overnight success, and how documenting real people doing real work became the foundation of his platform reaching millions. The conversation dives into creativity, resilience, storytelling, social media psychology, and why every career deserves to be seen. Gabriel DeSanti — award-winning content creator, storyteller, and Co-Founder of Staj. But honestly, what makes Gabriel stand out is that he’s built a platform to celebrate the jobs and people that most of the world overlooks. He’s known as the creator of the world’s…

First Aired 6/21/24 In this conversation, Torin Ellis, a human capital strategist focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), shares his personal journey and insights. He discusses his upbringing, experiences with racism, and the importance of creating a workplace culture that is promising and not punitive. Torin defines DEIB as follows: diversity is all that a person is and is not, inclusion is being in the same space and providing necessary resources, equity is providing accommodations for individuals to excel, and belonging is making individuals feel welcomed and wanted. He emphasizes the need for DEIB to be integrated into all aspects of an organization, not just recruitment. Torin Ellis discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion in organizations. He emphasizes the need for intentionality in the hiring process and the importance of building new relationships and sourcing efforts to ensure representation. Torin also shares his personal experience…

First Aired 6/14/24 Tom Conrad’s childhood heroes didn’t wear capes — they signed their names inside the first Macintosh. Inspired by those pioneering the future of tech, teenage Tom set his eyes on a career at Apple — and not only did he achieve that dream, but he also helped build key features that remain in iOS today. He went on to play a pivotal role in taking Pandora public, excelled as the VP of Product at Snapchat, and continues to serve on the board of Sonos. Not one to shy away from challenges, he navigated notorious flops, including Pets.com and Quibi. Now, as CEO of Zero — a digital intermittent fasting coach that improves metabolic health — he’s applying his 30+ years of leadership and product experience to drive innovation and user engagement. With 13.9M users and $12.5M raised, Zero is just scratching the surface of the wellness revolution to come. He discusses his time at Pandora and the importance of working with people you respect and admire. Conrad emphasizes the val…

This week's guest is Leah Solivan — entrepreneur, investor, and one of the pioneers of the modern gig economy. Leah founded TaskRabbit in 2008, scaling it into a global marketplace operating in more than 40 cities before its acquisition by IKEA in 2017. Since then, she’s become a leading voice in venture capital as Managing Director of Precedent.vc and General Partner at Fuel Capital, backing more than 150 companies across consumer tech, marketplaces, retail, and AI. A former IBM software engineer and passionate advocate for diversity in tech and entrepreneurship, Leah brings a rare perspective from both sides of the founder-investor journey. Leah shares her journey from founding TaskRabbit to investing in innovative startups. Discover insights on building marketplaces, managing growth, and redefining the future of work. Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahsolivan/ Check out her podcast https://www.breakingprecedent.com/

This week's guest is Tracey Parsons. She is a longtime innovator at the intersection of talent, marketing, and technology. She is the co-founder of Flockity, a company redefining how influencer marketing and recruitment marketing come together to help brands attract talent in more authentic and engaging ways. Throughout her career, Tracey has consistently been ahead of the curve — embracing change, challenging conventional thinking, and helping organizations navigate the evolving world of work. Known as both a strategist and a change agent, she has spent years driving innovation across the talent ecosystem and exploring how storytelling, community, and digital influence shape the future of recruiting and employer brand. Today, we’re diving into her journey, the evolution of recruitment marketing, and where she sees the talent revolution headed next. In this insightful interview, Tracey Parsons shares her journey from immigrant coal miner roots to a leader in talent, marketing,…

First Aired 5/10/24 Anton Nootenboom, also known as the Barefoot Dutchman, shares his journey from the Dutch army to walking barefoot across the United States to raise awareness for mental health. He discusses his military background and 3 tours of Afganistan in the Dutch Army, the challenges of mental health in the military, and the importance of seeking help. Anton also talks about his decision to walk barefoot and break world records, including reaching Everest Base Camp barefoot. He emphasizes the need for mental health awareness and the support of organizations like Movember. The conversation highlights the power of perseverance and finding purpose in helping others. For mental health resources, visit Movember.com If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24/7 free and confidential help. To learn more about Anton’s barefoot journey across the U.S. and donate to the cause, visit BraveMenTalk.com Thanks for li…

In this insightful interview, Torrance Hampton shares his journey from a unique upbringing in the DMV with a Secret Service agent father to becoming a thought leader in workforce development, AI, and career fulfillment. Discover how self-awareness, passion, and innovative use of AI can transform careers and organizations. Torrence Hampton has spent his career helping people find the intersection between what they’re great at, what they love, and where the future of work is headed. He’s the Founder and CEO of Genius Factor Academy — a leading workforce consulting and agentic AI platform helping companies unlock employee potential, improve retention, and rethink career alignment from the inside out. Before building Genius Factor Academy, Torrance was an Executive Producer and Director creating content and storytelling for powerhouse brands like Disney, the NFL, Lego, and Nickelodeon. But eventually, he made a pivot of his own — turning his focus toward purpose, passion, and career f…