Recruiting is No Joke

• Episode 112: Why HR Might Be the Secret Growth Engine in Your Company with Robert Buckley

  Did you know some companies are hiring architects not for buildings, but for people? That’s exactly what Robert Buckley does as Chief People Architect at Envada. His job isn’t about HR buzzwords, it’s about designing workplaces where culture drives growth and people come first. In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, host Joel Lalgee sits down with Robert to unpack why the future of work depends on leaders who do more than manage, they inspire, support, and develop talent at every level. Robert explains his core belief that “people create all value” and why companies can’t afford to treat culture as an afterthought. The conversation goes deep on AI too, but not in a hype-filled way. Robert shows how smart tech should actually remove friction, not add noise like how Envada slashed a seven-day job posting process down to just three minutes. From cutting his teeth at GE to shaping culture inside a high-growth tech bio startup, Robert shares candid lessons and practical advice for anyone who wants to thrive in today’s fast-changing workplace. In this episode: (00:03) Introduction (01:14) Meet Robert Buckley and the mission of Enveda (03:04) Why “Chief People Architect” is more than a title (04:40) From soccer fields to HR: Robert’s career journey (07:42) Lessons from 17 years inside GE’s HR development program (09:34) People as the ultimate creators of value (12:47) People leaders vs managers (14:32) How to build leadership development with vision (18:20) A bigger view of career growth and learning (21:12) Engagement beyond pay and promotions (23:26) Finding fulfillment outside of work (25:05) Embracing discomfort and continuous learning (29:01) AI, conjoint analysis, and lowering activation energy (34:54) Practical AI in HR vs shiny object distractions (38:44) When the answer isn’t technology (39:18) Where to connect with Robert About  Robert Buckley Robert Buckley is the Chief People Officer atEnveda, a tech-bio startup using AI and machine learning to transform drug discovery. Known for his unique brand as a Chief People Architect, Robert has built a career on the belief that people create all value. With nearly two decades at GE and experience leading HR strategy across industries, he has become a champion of leadership development, culture building, and smart use of technology to remove barriers and help teams thrive. About Joel Lalgee  Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships. Robert Buckley LinkedIn  Enveda Recruiting is No Joke Social Media LinkedIn Website Instagram TikTok   X (formerly Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Episode 111: Technology + Humanity in Hiring: AI, Candidate Experience & Real Talk with Ben Eubanks

  Hiring has been called “broken” for decades, but is it actually? And if so, what does “fixed” even look like? In this episode of Recruiting Is No Joke, Joel sits down with Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, author, and HR tech analyst, to explore what’s working, what’s failing, and how talent leaders can prepare for a future shaped by AI, automation, and shifting workforce expectations. Ben shares his journey from HR practitioner to researcher, explains why rejection and discomfort are essential for growth, and challenges recruiters to rethink how they measure success in a world where technology is everywhere but humanity is irreplaceable. During the conversation, Joel and Ben dive into AI hype vs. reality, candidate experience, automation’s hidden costs, and why empathy, creativity, and critical thinking may be the most valuable skills of all in the future of work. Whether you’re a recruiter, TA leader, or HR pro wondering how to stay relevant in the age of AI, this conversation will leave you with fresh insights and practical takeaways. In this episode: [00:03] Podcast introduction [01:05] Introduction to Ben Eubanks  [02:47] What does an analyst/researcher do? [05:42] Is hiring really broken? [09:30] Improving candidate experience [10:36] Ben’s journey into HR & recruiting [12:06] Transition to writing & speaking [14:44] The human side of HR & tech [16:17] Future of HR: Human skills vs. automation [18:38] AI, echo chambers, and human connection [20:17] Rejection, resilience, and growth [23:34] AI’s impact on social interaction [24:15] AI and grief: The limits of technology [27:02] Adapting to AI: Mindsets and mistakes [27:45] Candidates’ views on AI in hiring [29:33] Automation: Value creation vs. efficiency [33:26] Strategic HR: Building relationships [35:02] Business value and changing mindsets [36:28] Career growth: Getting out of your comfort zone [39:37] Closing & where to find Ben About Ben Eubanks Ben Eubanks is Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, where he leads studies on HR, recruiting, and the future of work. A former HR leader and recruiter, he’s the author of Artificial Intelligence for HR and Talent Scarcity, and a globally recognized speaker on workplace technology and strategy. Ben blends data-driven insights with a human-first perspective, helping organizations navigate the intersection of people and technology. About Joel Lalgee  Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships. Ben Eubanks LinkedIn  https://lhra.io/ Recruiting is No Joke Social Media LinkedIn Website Instagram TikTok   X (formerly Twitter This episode is brought to you by Talent Llama ,  your smart, fair, and efficient AI-powered screening partner. With Talent Llama, you can expertly screen every applicant for the skills that truly matter. Its conversational AI interview agents craft tailored two-way voice interviews, evaluate responses, provide detailed scorecards, and suggest next steps so you save time and focus only on the best fits. And with integrations into ATS platforms like Jobvite, Lever, Greenhouse, and more, it slots seamlessly into your workflow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Episode 110: How AI is Transforming Recruitment and Hiring with Tom Lott of BAL Law Firm

  How is AI shaping recruitment today? In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, Joel Lalgee explores the intersection of technology and talent acquisition with Tom Lott, head of Talent Acquisition at Barry, Appleman & Leiden (BAL), a global immigration law firm. With 25+ years in the industry, Tom has witnessed recruitment evolve from fax machines to AI-driven processes. He discusses how AI at BAL reduces time-to-fill, addresses challenges hiring managers face, and combats biases in hiring decisions. Tom also emphasizes the human side of recruiting, highlighting the importance of coaching hiring managers on interview techniques and overcoming bias. He explains why skills-based hiring is becoming crucial, particularly in law, where experience and education have historically been overemphasized. Tom shares how AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing recruiters to focus on what they do best—connecting with candidates and hiring managers. With deep expertise in both agency and in-house recruiting, Tom offers valuable insights for anyone in talent acquisition. From leveraging technology to maintaining the human touch, this episode will change the way you approach hiring. Don’t miss his views on AI’s future role in recruitment. In this episode: (00:33) Tom’s career transition from financial services to the legal industry (00:43) Reflecting on Tom’s 25 years in talent acquisition (01:19) The early days of recruiting: DOS computers and fax machines (02:17) Transition from agency recruiting to in-house with JPMorgan Chase (03:12) Coaching hiring managers in an in-house role (04:47) The differences between agency and in-house recruiting (06:07) The overlooked role of hiring managers in the process (06:52) Coaching managers on interview processes and avoiding bias (09:02) Overcoming the “like me” bias in hiring decisions (10:36) Transitioning to skills-based hiring over experience-based hiring (12:07) Shifting focus from law school pedigree to evaluating writing skills (14:05) The role of AI in recruitment and its limitations (15:37) Addressing candidate ghosting and improving communication (17:10) The future of AI in recruitment and why it won’t replace recruiters (18:00) Embracing new technology while maintaining human connections (20:03) Closing remarks on embracing AI and staying relevant in recruitment (21:14) How to connect with Tom and upcoming speaking engagements About Tom Lott He leads talent acquisition at Barry, Appleman and Leiden (BAL), a global corporate immigration law firm. With 25 years of experience in recruiting across industries such as financial services and law, Tom has a wealth of knowledge in both agency and in-house roles. He brings a deep understanding of how technology, particularly AI, is reshaping recruitment, and how human connection and coaching are integral to successful hiring. Resource Links: Tom Lott LinkedIn BAL Law Firm This episode is brought to you by Talent Llama, the AI-powered platform for high-volume hiring. Talent Llama helps teams screen faster and fairer with skills-based, low-pressure voice interviews. No more resume chaos or awkward scheduling—just real conversations. Move faster and make candidates feel seen. About Joel Lalgee  Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships. Recruiting is No Joke Social Media ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠   ⁠X (formerly Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Episode 109: From Headhunting to Transformation: AI, Talent Strategy, and the Future with Jess Von Bank

  Do you know if the jobs your company is hiring for today will even exist in three years? Or if your recruiters are spending too much time filling seats instead of creating strategic talent pipelines? In this eye-opening conversation, Jess VonBank, part of the HR Digital Transformation practice at Mercer, shares unfiltered truths about the inefficiencies plaguing recruiting and the bold steps needed to fix them. You’ll hear how Jess went from door-to-door insurance sales to niche executive headhunting, to leading high-volume hiring for 28,000 people in a year — and why she believes most TA leaders should be fired for wasting resources. Jess explains why AI isn’t just changing recruiting; it’s redefining what jobs will even exist, what skills will matter, and how companies must design hiring systems with precision, personalization, and long-term impact in mind. We also dive into urgent industry challenges, from healthcare staffing shortages to manufacturing’s generational shift. Jess offers actionable strategies for reframing the talent conversation with business leaders, using tech to solve real everyday problems, and overcoming what she calls “failure fatigue” in transformation projects. If you’re a recruiter, TA leader, or job seeker wanting a raw look at the future of work — this episode delivers. In this episode: 00:19 – Introducing Jess VonBank 02:36 – From Insurance Sales to Executive Headhunting05:00 – The Art and Science of Recruiting Before Social Media 09:34 – Why Most TA Leaders Should Be Fired13:19 – Moving From Reactive to Proactive Talent Strategy15:50 – Preparing Talent for AI Disruption 20:25 – Who Owns the Future of Workforce Planning24:58 – AI’s Mimicry Problem and Responsible Use30:08 – How AI Will Reshape the Corporate Pyramid35:48 – Rebranding Healthcare and Frontline Work39:42 – Failure Fatigue vs. Change Fatigue42:13 – Transformation Starts with Obsessing Over Problems45:14 – Where to Connect with Jess About Jess Von Bank Jess VonBank is part of the HR Digital Transformation practice at Mercer, where she helps organizations reimagine their talent strategies and workforce design in the age of AI. With a career spanning executive headhunting, high-volume corporate recruiting, and technology advisory, Jess has led initiatives hiring tens of thousands while maintaining quality at scale. She is a frequent speaker at major HR and tech conferences and also runs Diverse Daisies, a nonprofit empowering girls through mentorship and growth experiences. About Joel Lalgee  Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships. Jess Von Bank Jess VonBank LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessvonbank Mercer: https://www.mercer.com Diverse Daisies Nonprofit: https://www.diversedaisies.org Recruiting is No Joke Social Media LinkedIn Website Instagram TikTok   X (formerly Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Episode 108: From CVs to Gamified Assessments: The Future of Retail Hiring with Giorgio Benassi

  What does it really take to recruit and keep great talent in the fast-moving world of retail? In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, host Joel Lalgee sits down with Giorgio Benassi, Global TA Director at Sephora, to dig into the unique challenges of high-volume hiring. We’re talking more than 30,000 hires a year at Sephora, plus Giorgio’s past experience at H&M, so he knows a thing or two about balancing speed with a top-notch candidate experience. Giorgio shares how Sephora is using AI and even gamified assessments (instead of the traditional CV screen) to spot personality traits that align with the brand’s values. He’s big on transparency too, making sure candidates know both the perks and the pressures of retail roles right from the start, a key move to cut down on turnover. The conversation also dives into how the recruiter’s role is changing, moving away from being just gatekeepers and leaning more into building real relationships. Giorgio points out that authenticity matters more than ever in candidate interactions. And for those looking to break into recruiting, he’s clear: professionalism and constant learning are non-negotiables. Don’t just rely on AI tools, master your craft. If you want a no-BS take on talent strategy, retention, and the future of retail recruitment, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode: (00:00) Introduction (00:56) Giorgio’s background  and what he does (01:18) Sponsor message (02:29) Sephora’s scale: hiring 30,000 people a year (03:28) Giorgio’s career path: from H&M to Sephora (04:34) Why retail recruiting is underestimated (06:36) The retention challenge: cutting first-year turnover (08:59) Replacing CVs with gamified assessments (11:58) How Sephora attracts candidates across regions (15:41) Screening for “service-mindedness” (18:07) Balancing transitional vs. career hires (20:22) The recruiter’s new role: from gatekeeper to relationship builder (23:31) Advice for early-career recruiters on building authentic relationships (28:53) How to build credibility with hiring managers (30:47) Why recruiters can’t just rely on AI tools (32:41) Where to connect with Giorgio + upcoming events This episode is brought to you by HeyMilo AI, the conversational AI built for high-volume hiring. HeyMilo helps recruiters save hours by automating initial screens while delivering smooth, two-way interviews at scale. Book a demo at⁠ HeyMilo.ai⁠ and see why top teams trust it to elevate their brand. About Giorgio Benassi Giorgio is the Global Talent Acquisition Director at Sephora, overseeing hiring strategies across regions. With prior experience as Head of Talent CoE at H&M, he brings deep expertise in high-volume recruitment, talent assessment, and global TA strategy. Resource Links LinkedIn SEPHORA Unleash Paris (October)⁠ Recruiting is No Joke Social Media LinkedIn Website Instagram TikTok   X (formerly Twitter About Joel Lalgee  Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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