Episodes

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…

Victoria Williams: The Rise of Wake and Vape: A Cannabis Success Story My guest on #thePOZCAST is Victoria Williams, a trailblazer in the cannabis industry and a pioneer for women of color. As the first African American woman to carry a product in an Illinois dispensary, Victoria has broken barriers at every turn. From launching the Kaviar brand and leading the first predominantly Black-owned craft grow, to opening dispensaries and championing Responsible Vendor Training, her journey embodies resilience and dedication to quality. With a commitment to advancing the industry responsibly, Victoria is shaping the future of cannabis in Illinois and beyond. We will dig into Wake n Vape and so much more. Connect with Victoria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-williams-912636229/ Learn more: https://www.wakenvape.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wakenvapevlp?igsh=ZTA1YnpnNGF5anlr&utm_source=qr #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise …

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! Gena Smith is the Chief Human Resource Officer for LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton in North America. A highly experienced human resources executive, Gena ensures that LVMH is best in class at selecting, developing, and retaining senior executives and creative talent. During her tenure with LVMH, she has helped to further develop talent at all levels of the organization, including through attracting accomplished senior-level executives, instituting learning and development programs to prepare executives to meet business needs, and promoting mobility for high-performing executives across the LVMH brands. She led the first-ever Diversity & Inclusion initiative for LVMH, launching it across North America in 2012. Prior to joining LVMH in September 2011, Gena was Global Managing Director at Karen Harvey Consulting, where she led the luxury & retail executive recruitment practice wor…

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! Matt Lavery currently serves as the UPS Director of Global Sourcing, Recruiting, & Onboarding. In this role, Matt develops and executes the company’s strategic plans for talent acquisition and the systems that support them. Candidate experience is the primary driver behind every decision, with a focus on consistently meeting and exceeding expectations. With over 28 years at UPS, Matt has led transformative initiatives across sourcing automation, internal mobility, and the ethical use of AI in hiring. He is a frequent speaker on workforce strategy, hiring tech, and operational efficiency. Over the course of his career, he has overseen the recruitment of more than 200,000 individuals annually, supporting UPS’s global workforce at scale. Matt began as a seasonal package handler in 1991 and became an employment specialist in 1997. He has since served in various leadership roles acr…

We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce! Ben Eubanks is a speaker, author, and researcher living in Huntsville, AL. Ben is the Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory and the author of Artificial Intelligence for HR: Use AI to Build a Successful Workforce. Ben is an expert speaker on the future of work as it relates to talent, technology, and innovation. His speaking has reached over a hundred thousand business leade...

My guest on episode 422 of #thePOZCAST is Steve White. He is the Head of Talent Acquisition at Sam's Clubs and previously, Vice President of Talent Acquisition at BECU, focusing on transformative leadership, fostering a culture of excellence, and building strong partnerships. With a career dedicated to transforming talent acquisition teams, Steve is passionate about leading with intention and ensuring teams are built to thrive now and in the future. His approach emphasizes the 3Rs: building relationships, delivering transformational results, and improving readiness to enhance the business. Steve brings valuable experience from his previous roles, notably at Lockheed Martin and FedEx, where he honed his leadership skills and commitment to excellence in talent acquisition. He also serves on various boards, contributing his expertise in leadership, culture, and people-first strategies to drive organizational success. Steve is dedicated to aligning talent acquisition with a clear vision a…

My guest on #thePOZCAST is Shawn Nelson, the author of Let Me Save You 25 Years: Mistakes, Miracles, and Lessons from the Lovesac Story. He is the founder and CEO of the Lovesac Company, which designs, manufactures, and sells modular couches and bean bag chairs. I am excited to discuss his book and entrepreneurial journey. “Don’t waste 25 years learning the hard way—get Shawn D. Nelson’s playbook for success. Order your copy of Let Me Save You 25 Years today: https://www.amazon.com/Let-Me-Save-You-Years/dp/B0CHNZ6VY5?tag=googhydr-20&source=dsa&hvcampaign=books&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4-y8BhC3ARIsAHmj Personal Website: https://shawndnelson.com/ Company Website: https://www.lovesac.com/ Connect with Shawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndnelson/ Summary: In this episode of #thePOZcast, Adam Posner interviews Shawn Nelson, founder and CEO of Lovesac, who shares his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned over 26 years. From the inception of Lovesack to navigatin…

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/cvg-ckBLK70 E400: Life, Laughs, and LEGOS: Oliver Posner's Take on Success In this very special episode of #thePOZcast, I’m joined by my 6½-year-old son, Oliver. What happens when a seasoned podcaster hands the mic to a first-grader? You get curiosity, honesty, belly laughs, and a refreshing reminder of what really matters. Together, we talk about school, Legos, Jujitsu, what makes a good friend, and what Oliver thinks grown-ups sometimes get wrong. It’s an unscripted, unfiltered conversation full of heart—and proof that wisdom can come from the most unexpected places. This one’s for parents, dreamers, and anyone who wants to see the world through a more playful lens.Thanks for hanging with Dad & Ollie! Summary In this engaging conversation, a father and son explore their shared love for Legos, discuss interests in baseball and school, delve into favorite books, and reflect on friendships and family dynamics. The son shares his aspirations for the future,…

My guest on E418 of #thePOZCAST is Darren Marble, a true innovator in the world of capital raising and fintech. He is the CEO of Issuance, a leading SaaS-based investment platform that has helped companies raise over $300 million in securities investments. With a streamlined, mobile-first experience, Issuance is revolutionizing online capital raising. But Darren’s impact doesn’t stop there. He’s also the Executive Producer of Going Public®. This groundbreaking original series puts the power of investing into the hands of viewers, allowing them to ‘Click-to-Invest’ in real-time. Season 3 is set to stream exclusively on 𝕏 in Spring 2025. A seasoned entrepreneur himself, Darren has raised $10 million for his own ventures. His insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, and the Los Angeles Business Journal. We’re diving into the future of online investing, what it really takes to raise capital, and how Darren is helping reshape the way companies …

LIVE from Transform 2025! Video: We are proud to share Adam Posner's panel, Future-Proofing Talent Acquisition: Elevating the Candidate Experience Featuring: Ariana Moon, VP, Talent Planning & Acquisition, Greenhouse Software Cori Faro, VP, Talent Acquisition, Okta Panel Description: In today’s competitive talent market, a strong candidate experience is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a business imperative. Every interaction, from the first touchpoint on your career site to onboarding and beyond, shapes how candidates perceive your company and influence their decision to join. This panel brings together TA leaders to explore how organizations can design an engaging, transparent, and inclusive candidate experience. Attendees will gain insights into strategies for personalizing the hiring process, reducing friction, and ensuring that every candidate—whether hired or not—walks away with a positive impression of the company. Key Takeaways: Best practices for delivering a seamless, …

LIVE from Transform 2025! Kyle Forrest is the Future of HR Leader at Deloitte Consulting, responsible for identifying emerging trends and developing research-backed insights that shape the evolving HR landscape. He advises organizations on the human-related aspects of major business events, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and business transformations. In addition to his client work, Kyle leads Deloitte’s Next Generation CHRO Academy, helping aspiring HR leaders build critical skills and peer networks. He holds an M.B.A. from UCLA Anderson School of Management and a dual B.A. from Rice University. We dig into: - The current state of TA & HR Tech from his POV - How can companies adopt skills-based hiring and workforce development to close the experience-gap and build a stronger talent pipeline - Why redefining the manager’s role is key to employee development and business growth - How companies can rethink tech investments to enhance the employee experience in the A…

LIVE from Transform 2025! John Baldino is the President @ Humareso | Human Resources Strategy, Talent Management, HR Tech and more! He is on a mission is to equip people and empower organizations. We build it all through comprehensive consulting and HR solutions. Our team's dedication to organizational design, talent management, and employee engagement has solidified our reputation as industry leaders. Recognized with multiple prestigious HR awards, his approach intertwines strategic business growth with a passion for performance management and leadership development. The collective triumphs are a reflection of our team's relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in human resources. We dig into the current state of TA & HR tech and so much more! Learn more about Humareso: https://humareso.com/ Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbaldinohr/ Live from Transform 2025, we’re bringing you an exclusive podcast series packed with insights from some of the brightes…

The Future of Work: Insights from Dr. Angela Jackson My guest on episode 419 of #thePOZCAST is Dr. Angela Jackson. She is a powerhouse in the future of work. As the founder of Future Forward Strategies, she helps leaders reshape organizations and build the human capital needed to stay competitive. A lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education, she also led the Future of Work Grand Challenge, an initiative to reskill 25,000 displaced workers into living-wage jobs. Dr. Jackson’s insights on workforce innovation have been featured on CNN, Harvard Business Review, and major conferences like TEDx and Techonomy. Get ready for a deep dive into the future of work!" Check out her book, THE WIN-WIN WORKPLACE: How Thriving Employees Drive Bottom-Line Results [Berrett-Koehler: https://www.amazon.com/Win-Win-Workplace-Thriving-Employees-Bottom-Line/dp/B0D6V6B4TN Connect with Angela: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-angela-jackson/ Summary: In this episode of the POZcast, Adam Posner int…

LIVE from Transform 2025! Adria Ferrier is the founder of Elayne, an AI copilot for financial and estate management. Elayne's mission is to modernize estate planning and affairs settlements, making it more accessible, efficient, and integrated into daily life. She launched Elayne after experiencing firsthand the disjointed, frustrating challenges families face after loss, along with its impact on careers. After her mom passed away, she spent months navigating banks, insurance companies, lawyers, taxes, and doing countless administrative tasks—like canceling her mom’s subscriptions and deactivating her social media—each with its own complex, manual process. The burden, on top of the impact of losing her mother, took a toll on her performance at work. Ultimately, she resigned, a decision made by nearly 50% of employees within a year of a major loss. Adria started her career in corporate M&A before transitioning to private equity at Blackstone in NYC. She later earned her MBA from Whar…

LIVE from Transform 2025 in Las Vegas! Steve Hunt is focused on helping companies design and deploy technology-enabled processes to improve workforce adaptability, experience, and productivity. I believe that meaningful and fulfilling work is critical to human happiness. Creating high-quality work environments positively influences the lives of employees, their families, their managers, their customers, and their broader society. Better work environments create better world environments. In the 20+ years I've been doing this sort of work, I've had the fortune to play a role in the implementation of systems that have improved productivity and engagement of millions of employees working for hundreds of companies ranging from small start up organizations to the largest employers in the world. My experiences have also led to authoring hundreds of articles and presentations on topics related to strategic HR and workforce productivity as well as two books on HR process design and implemen…

LIVE from Transform 2025! AJ Thomas is Founder and CEO of The Troublemaker Lab, an experience lab for legendary founders and their teams, and Founder and General Partner at Good Trouble Ventures, a VC fund investing in the Future of Entertainment & Creativity and its Digital Transformation. With a non-traditional background spanning startups, venture growth, and Fortune 100 companies, AJ has been a driving force at Google X serving in former roles leading Global Talent Experience and People Products. Now at Troublemaker Lab, she's coaching extraordinary leaders making a lasting impact. As a respected executive, advisor, speaker, and executive coach, AJ challenges leaders to create meaningful change and is often sought after to speak and facilitate future-focused conversations about talent, teams, and the impact of AI in organizational cultures. We dig into: - The Intersection of Technology & Humanity - Investing in the Future of Entertainment & Creativity - Working on the Future WI…