Episodes

FIRST AIRED Oct. 6, 2023 My guest on E293 of #thePOZcast is Kat Cole! Kat is the President and Chief Operating Officer at Athletic Greens. Before joining Athletic Greens in 2021, Kat ran an assortment of brands we all know like Cinnabon, Auntie Anne's, Moe's, Schlotzsky's, McAllister's, and Carvel. Kat got her start waitressing at Hooters, and we’re gonna get into her super inspiring story of rising through the ranks to eventually become the Vice President of Hooters America. She is known for creating insane amounts of growth wherever she goes, and I’m excited to dig into how that’s translated over to her newest chapter at AG. This is jam packed episode with so much insight and wisdom that I can not wait for you all to listen to! Enjoy! To learn more about AG, please check out: https://drinkag1.com/ #thePOZcast is brought to you by our friends at Interseller – the prospecting + outreach platform of recruiters and sellers. Check out a free demo today! https://bit.ly/2Fbm/BZ Thanks for …

My guest on episode 462 of #thePOZcast is Gabriella Rosen Kellerman—a physician, psychiatrist, and a true pioneer at the crossroads of science, tech, and human potential. She’s the Chief Innovation Officer at BetterUp, where she leads BetterUp Labs, using psychology, neuroscience, and AI to help people thrive. Gabriella’s worked with the World Health Organization on global mental health, founded the health tech startup LifeLink, and held leadership roles at Castlight Health. She’s also an advisor to several behavior change startups. She’s the co-author of Tomorrowmind, and her work has appeared in The Atlantic, HBR, Scientific American Mind, and more. A Harvard grad and MD from Mount Sinai, she’s been recognized everywhere from Forbes to CNBC. Let’s dive into the future of flourishing with Dr. Gabriella Rosen Kellerman. Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grkellerman/ Learn more about BetterUp: https://www.betterup.com/

My guest on episode #461 of #thePOZcast is Julie Sexton. Julie serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for Land O’Lakes, Inc., where she leads the enterprise talent strategy. Known for providing innovative and agile human capital expertise, Julie and her team work with business partners to identify and implement creative solutions that achieve organizational goals and develop the next generation of leadership. Julie has more than 30 years of human resources experience, primarily at Land O’Lakes. After early career stints at Mercy Hospital and Cargill, she joined Land O’Lakes in an Industrial Relations role. She followed that position with valuable HR experiences across the enterprise, including HR Business Partner roles with the business units, Dairy Foods and WinField United, and, most recently, leading Talent Management and the HR Centers of Excellence. Connect with Julie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-sexton/

My guest on episode #460 of #thePOZcast is Josh Newman, the Global Head of People and Strategy Experience at WPP. Josh doesn’t just predict the future of work—he’s actively building it. As a future-of-work strategist, creative storyteller, and organizational change provocateur at WPP—the world’s largest marketing and advertising company—Josh leads bold experiments in workforce design, AI adoption, and unlocking human potential at scale. With a background that blends strategy, storytelling, and systems thinking, Josh has helped Fortune 100 giants like Walmart, American Express, and PepsiCo rethink how they attract, engage, and grow talent. He helped launch Walmart’s employee value proposition, built proprietary workforce intelligence tools that rival top consulting firms, and transformed HR from a support function into a commercial growth lever. Known for turning complex change into narratives that inspire action, Josh brings the brain of a strategist, a copywriter's pen, and a fou…

My guest on episode 459 of #thePOZcast is Joelle Emerson, co-founder and CEO of Paradigm. She partners with leaders of some of the world’s most innovative companies to consult and advise on workplace culture strategies. She has written extensively about diversity, inclusion, and unconscious bias, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, The Harvard Business Review, Fortune, and on the cover of The Atlantic. Before founding Paradigm, Joelle was a civil rights lawyer. Joelle’s legal background highlighted the consequences that can result from companies failing to consider diversity and inclusion early, and inspired her to found Paradigm. Joelle is a graduate of Stanford Law School. Joelle discusses her personal experiences that shaped her career, the importance of structured hiring processes, and the challenges of implementing effective DEI initiatives in organizations. The conversation highlights the need for proactive solutions in hiring …

My guest on E458 of #thePOZcast is Jon Cooper, a serial entrepreneur and innovator in employee benefits, insurtech, and healthtech. He is the Founder and CEO of Overalls, a company dedicated to aligning employee productivity with well-being through its LifeConcierge™ platform, which supports employees through life’s everyday challenges. Previously, Jon founded Life.io, a pioneer in transforming insurance client engagement, which was acquired by Zinnia in 2021. Learn More: https://getoveralls.com/ Connect w/ Jon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanacooper/

This week's guest on #thePOZcast is Ben Lee — a seasoned entrepreneur, designer, and now, a wellness architect for the high-performing soul. Ben built his reputation scaling tech startups and leading one of LA’s fastest-growing digital agencies, rooted in innovation and hustle. But after personally confronting the burnout that often hides behind success, he made a radical shift. He stepped away from the grind to found [re:center], a creative lodge in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, designed for what he calls the reset generation — high-achievers ready to trade burnout for balance, and chaos for curation. At re:center, Ben brings to life a new vision of success — one that prioritizes health over hustle, integration over extremes, and intentional design over distraction. His mission is clear: to create a restorative environment where ambitious people can reconnect with purpose, community, and themselves. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or a curious seeker, this conversation wi…

BEST OF: Will Guidara: The Pursuit of Unreasonable Hospitality First Aired 6/07/24 Will Guidara is the founder of Thank You, a hospitality company that develops world-class destinations and helps leaders across industries transform their approach to customer service. He is also the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park. Under his leadership, the restaurant received numerous accolades, including four stars from the New York Times and three Michelin stars. In 2017, it was named number one on the list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants. In this conversation, Adam and Will discuss the concept of unreasonable hospitality and the importance of managing expectations. They also discuss Will's background in the hospitality industry, his experience working with renowned chef Daniel Boulud, and his time at Eleven Madison Park. Will shares insights on hiring the right people, creating a culture of caring, and making it cool to care. They also discuss the importance of team building and t…

My guest on #thePOZCAST is Abi Adamson, a bold voice reshaping the way we think about workplace culture. She is the Founder of The Culture Partnership, a consultancy at the forefront of inclusion, belonging, and organizational transformation. Recognized by The New York Times as one of the “Stars of LinkedIn,” Abi has become a trusted advisor to global brands like Spotify, Sony Music, and British Airways—helping them build cultures where people don’t just fit in, but truly belong. With a sharp focus on psychological safety and inclusive leadership, Abi equips leaders with the tools to navigate the tough conversations that matter most. She regularly contributes to top publications like The Metro, People Management, and HR Zone, known for turning big ideas into actionable strategies. Whether she’s guiding executives or sparking change through storytelling, Abi brings heart, honesty, and impact to every room she enters. Learn More: https://www.theculturepartnership.com/ Connect wi…

In honor of Dogma's 25th anniversary, check out my convo with the great Kevin Smith! First aired 8/12/22 Kevin Smith is an American filmmaker, actor, comedian, comic book writer, author, YouTuber, and podcaster. His first big break was in the film industry, after winning the Filmmaker's Trophy at Sundance Film Festival in 1994, for low-budget comedy buddy film Clerks. He also notably wrote, directed, co-produced, and acted in as the character Silent Bob of stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob, in Clerks, as well as multiple follow up movies such as Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), Clerks II (2006), and Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (2019). As a podcaster, Smith co-hosts several shows on his SModcast Podcast Network, including SModcast, Fatman Beyond, and the live show Hollywood Babble-On. He is known for participating in long, humorous Q&A sessions that are often filmed for DVD release, beginning with An Evening with Kevin Smith. Check out…

My guest on #thePOZCAST is Randy Shacka! He is a true embodiment of growing through the ranks. From humble beginnings as a marketing intern while studying engineering at Michigan State, Randy Shacka has built a remarkable two-decade career with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. He’s held nearly every position within the organization—from mover to manager to executive—and in 2012, made history as the first non-family member to lead the company as President. Under his leadership, the brand expanded its footprint, embraced innovation, launched its sister brand TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK®, and successfully navigated its acquisition by ServiceMaster® Brands. As President, Randy brings a unique blend of hands-on operational insight, franchise empathy, and a forward-thinking mindset. He’s known for driving continuous improvement, championing new technologies, and building a people-first culture that fuels growth from the inside out. Whether he’s mentoring leaders, representing the brand on the national…

My guest on E441 of #thePOZcast is Angus Collins—the most successful ocean rower on the planet and a man whose life story reads like a movie script. Born on the island of Guam and raised between cultures, Angus has crossed some of the world’s most dangerous oceans, shattered world records, and turned physical endurance into both art and therapy. He’s rowed the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans, raced rickshaws across India, and trekked through jungles where he once dined on banana spiders. But behind the accolades is a man who faced his darkest battle not at sea, but alone, on a boat, on the verge of ending his life. Now, Angus is preparing for his most personal and grueling mission yet: to become the first person to row solo and unsupported around mainland Great Britain—2,000 miles of punishing waters—all to raise £250,000 for James’ Place, a charity that helps men in suicidal crisis. Angus isn’t just rowing for a record—he’s rowing for redemption, purpose, and to shine a spot…

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! Madeline Laurano is the founder and principal analyst of Aptitude Research. For over 18 years, Madeline’s primary focus has been on the HCM market, specializing in talent acquisition and employee experience. Her work helps companies both validate and re-evaluate their strategies and understand the role technology can play in driving business outcomes. Before founding Aptitude Research, Madeline held research roles at Bersin by Deloitte, ERE Media, Aberdeen and Brandon Hall Group. She is the co-author of Best Practices in Leading a Global Workforce and is often quoted in leading business publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, Yahoo News, The New York Times and The Financial Times. She is a frequent presenter at industry conferences including the HR Technology Conference and Exposition, SHRM, IHRIM, HCI’s Strategic Talent Acquisition conference, Unleash, GD…

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! Matt Alder is a globally recognized talent acquisition strategist with over 20 years of experience helping enterprise TA leaders future-proof their functions and drive strategic impact. As the host of *The Recruiting Future Podcast*—one of the world’s leading shows on TA with over 600 episodes and two million downloads—Matt brings together the most innovative minds shaping the future of hiring. He’s also the co-author of *Exceptional Talent* and *Digital Talent*, and a respected speaker who’s delivered keynotes in 17 countries. Through his work as a writer, consultant, and advisor, Matt empowers both established leaders and rising professionals with forward-thinking strategies, insights, and tools to navigate a rapidly evolving hiring landscape. From guiding tech procurement to advising HR tech startups on market positioning and growth, Matt’s expertise lies in translating emer…

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! George Rogers is the Chief Culture Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory. He is an author, coach, and globally renowned keynote speaker acclaimed for delivering compelling insights on cultivating purpose-driven, profitable businesses. As a leader developing inclusive and motivating workplace environments, he consistently provides transformative perspectives and guidance to organizations worldwide. Over the past two decades, he has dedicated himself to inspiring leaders and transforming workplace cultures. In his book Champion Your Purpose, we learn that finding purpose in life looks different for everyone, and very few will find the exact common purpose that aligns exactly. He provides a step-by-step approach to help readers identify their purpose and align it with their personal and professional goals. His research focuses on leadership and its impact on performance, engag…

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! Blair Bennett is the Senior Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at PepsiCo. She is responsible for the Global TA Centers of Expertise and overall success of campus, frontline, professional, and executive hiring strategies and global employer brand. She joined PepsiCo in 2019 and enjoys working with such a passionate TA team, dedicated to creating a candidate experience that embodies PepsiCo’s mission to Create More Smiles. Prior to PepsiCo, Blair’s background was in political consulting and then Talent Acquisition at both Korn Ferry International and Walmart. Outside of work, Blair enjoys playing golf and traveling with her husband and spending time with family and her two Wheaten Terriers. Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blairabennett/ #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform e…

My guest on #thePOZCAST is Nick Lavery, a true American Hero. He is an active-duty Green Beret and a true embodiment of grit, resilience, and service. After surviving a devastating insider attack in Afghanistan in 2013 that resulted in the loss of his leg, Nick made the extraordinary decision to return to operational status, becoming the first Special Forces operator to re-deploy to combat as an above-the-knee amputee. Refusing medical retirement, he underwent intense rehabilitation and rigorous assessments before rejoining his unit in 2015. He went on to make military history, not only through his return to combat but also by completing elite training programs, including the Special Forces Warrant Officer course and the Combat Diver Qualification course—feats never before achieved by an amputee. Beyond the battlefield, Nick has continued his mission of service and leadership. He is the founder and CEO of Precision Components LLC, a company dedicated to enhancing the performan…

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! Mervyn Dinnen is an analyst, researcher, writer and speaker on HR, Technology and Talent trends. He hosts the HR Means Business podcast, co-author of the books Digital Talent and Exceptional Talent, and is recognized as a Top 100 HR Technology influencer. He works with HR and Talent technology businesses to research and write about the evolving trends shaping the Talent lifecycle. He co-hosts the Purple Acorn podcast, From X to Z, with Danielle Farage. Listen UP: Purple Acorn — From X to Z https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-jWWL51PimWEe2KE039B6Q Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervyndinnen/ #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline…

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! Jackye Clayton is the founder of People Puzzles™, where HR tech meets real-world trust. With over 15 years leading Talent Acquisition and People Ops, she’s been both the tech buyer and the product evangelist. Today, founders and product teams partner with her to bridge the gap between what tech can do and what HR teams actually believe in. Together, they pinpoint exactly why a message isn’t landing, transforming a product positioning into something your buyers don’t just click—they champion. Her approach converts skeptics into believers through proven frameworks, including practical AI validation and Bias-to-Buy™, her human-first messaging strategy. No jargon, no fluff—just actionable strategies that speak fluent HR and deliver real results. Beyond People Puzzles™, she facilitates powerful peer-to-peer coaching experiences through The Reset Room, helping professionals navigate care…

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! Jason Desentz, Chief Human Resources Officer at Toshiba Americas, is a thought Leader and seasoned global human resources executive with over 25 years of leadership across diverse industries, including automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and consulting. International experience spans the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia, and has driven consistent HR strategies that elevate organizational performance and align with strategic business objectives. As Chief Human Resources Officer at Toshiba Americas, he led the human capital strategy across Toshiba’s regional operations. He plays a key role in supporting the company’s mission of advancing modern life through innovation in energy, social infrastructure, electronics, and digital solutions. Previously, Jason served as CHRO at Horizon Global (NYSE: HZN), directing HR initiatives for 67 facilities in 21 count…

My guest on episode 439 of #thePOZcast is a powerhouse at the intersection of talent, culture, and business strategy — T. Tara Turk-Haynes. As the Founder of Equity Activations and a seasoned executive, she’s made it her mission to help companies embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into the DNA of their daily operations. A first-gen college grad turned corporate changemaker, Tara has built a career designing high-impact, measurable strategies that boost retention, unlock innovation, and create workplaces where people actually want to stay. From leading transformative DEIB programs at Leaf Group to shaping enterprise-wide strategy at Graham Holdings, her impact spans industries and boardrooms. Tara's a trusted voice in the DEI space, featured in Redefining HR, tapped by Harvard Business Review, and regularly speaking on the future of equitable work. If you want to understand what real, actionable workplace equity looks like, this is the episode. Connect: https://w…

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! Simon A. Taylor is the Senior Director of Talent and Organizational Effectiveness at Gap Inc. and author of the best-selling book, Build Smart: A Blueprint for Building a High-Performing Organization. He has advised diplomats and senior executives at world-renowned organizations, including The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., and Amgen. He led HR for the tech startup Graphiq, where he helped guide the organization prior to its acquisition by Amazon. As a nine-time national champion rower, Simon draws upon principles of elite competition to shape his approach to building high-performing organizations. His insights have been featured in Forbes, CNBC, Business Insider, and Fast Company. Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Smart-Blueprint-High-Performing-Organization/dp/B0DK5RVQ43/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0 Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonataylor1/ #thePOZcast is…

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! John currently serves as the CEO of HireRoad, driving strategic initiatives and fostering growth with his extensive executive leadership experience. Prior to HireRoad, he held notable positions including Chief Corporate Development Officer at Salsify and CEO of JRNI, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s scheduling platform, which integrates customer engagement and omnichannel conversion strategies driven by deep analytics. Before his ventures in technology and e-commerce, John made impactful strides in the advertising industry. As the CEO of AdSmart from August 1998 to August 2001, he pioneered the advertising network marketplace, achieving remarkable growth and ultimately facilitating the company’s acquisition by Engage for $437M. John’s visionary leadership and proven track record of leading SaaS companies across a multitude of industries position him to …

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! Cynthia Abbott Kerr is the founder and CEO of WellPay.ai, an innovative AI-driven platform transforming compensation strategy for modern organizations. With more than 20 years of experience in HR, people analytics, and executive leadership, Cynthia is a trusted voice in the future of work. Her career spans Fortune 500 enterprises and high-growth startups, where she’s led transformative people-first initiatives that drive business results. Cynthia launched WellPay.ai to solve one of HR’s most painful and misunderstood problems: compensation. Her platform uses real-time data and AI to uncover pay gaps, streamline offers, and empower leaders with strategic insights that go far beyond spreadsheets. Under her leadership, WellPay.ai has become a go-to partner for forward-thinking HR teams seeking clarity and control in today’s talent economy. Learn more: WellPay.ai. Connect wit…