Vanesa Cotlar shares insights on remote work, building relationships with CEOs, and leveraging AI for business innovation. Discover practical strategies for career growth, team building, and staying ahead in AI technology. 00:00 – Introduction to Vanesa Cotlar 04:36 – Remote Work vs. In-Person Collaboration 08:59 – Work Style, Meetings & Productivity Habits 11:09 – Performance Reviews, Team Building & RTO Takes 12:18 – The CEO ↔ People Leader Relationship 17:34 – Career Growth & Beco...
Jun 01, 2026•36 min•Ep. 52
What if the key to better hiring, onboarding, and managing people is just making the complex simple? Erin Goodey shares real-world strategies to strip away unnecessary friction, leverage automation, and build resilient, scalable teams especially in a global context. 01:25 - Intro & icebreakers 04:45 - Email sign-off culture across countries 07:48 - Rapid fire: culture, RTO mandates & the future of work 09:28 - From criminology to HR: Erin's career journey 13:15 - Joining Oyster and build...
May 11, 2026•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 50
In this episode, we explore how role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons can transform team building, leadership, and organizational culture through immersive, hands-on learning. By using play as a tool, teams can build trust, improve communication, and uncover hidden dynamics that traditional methods often miss. The conversation highlights how experiential learning creates deeper connections, encourages authentic collaboration, and helps individuals develop skills in a low-pressure enviro...
Apr 19, 2026•53 min•Ep. 49
In this episode, Sarah Ennor shares her journey with ADHD, debunks common myths, and offers practical advice for workplaces to support neurodiverse employees. Discover how understanding and accommodating different brain types can boost organizational performance and inclusivity. 00:00 – Introduction & Sarah Ennor overview 02:00 – What ADHD really means at work 06:20 – “People over policy” hot take 10:30 – Why employees don’t disclose ADHD 14:00 – Better approach: ask for outcomes, not labels...
Apr 13, 2026•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 48
In this episode, Jason Silver, a former Airbnb country manager turned author, shares eye-opening insights on rethinking productivity, leadership, and purpose. He reveals how scaling at breakneck speed taught him that focusing on culture and values especially the ones you pay a price for, can make or break your success. And he challenges the widely held myth that job satisfaction is about finding your passion it's about practicing it, day by day, task by task. 00:00 – Introduction & Jason Sil...
Apr 06, 2026•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 47
In this insightful interview, Mark Goad, GM of Allen Canada, shares his journey through the tech and health sectors, discusses the future of healthcare and benefits in Canada, and explores the transformative role of AI in medicine and insurance. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:51 Music Preferences and Personal Interests 03:54 Early Career and First Job as Skate Instructor 05:02 Career Journey: From Strategy Consulting to Venture Capital 06:31 Experience in Silicon Valley and Tech Ec...
Mar 30, 2026•52 min•Ep. 46
In this episode, HR leader Karam Tawfiq shares insights on the evolving landscape of human resources, the impact of AI on work, and the importance of authenticity and mentorship in career growth. Discover how to adapt, stay curious, and build genuine human connections in a rapidly changing world. 01:33 – Introduction and episode overview 02:01 – The production process and expectations for content sharing 02:37 – Reconnecting with Karam Tawfiq and his career journey 03:16 – Personal anecdotes and...
Mar 23, 2026•56 min•Ep. 45
In this engaging conversation, L. David Kingsley, Chief People Officer at Illumio, shares insights from his diverse career journey, including his early days in management consulting, his transition to HR, and the lessons learned from military service. He emphasizes the importance of understanding organizational change, the significance of personal 'why', and how to navigate the evolving landscape of HR, especially with the advent of AI. Kingsley also discusses the need for optimism in challengin...
Mar 02, 2026•48 min•Ep. 44
In this episode, Josh Domingues shares the journey from hockey and finance to building Flashfood and launching MedWallet, offering an honest look at startup leadership, hiring, and building culture while scaling fast. The conversation explores how intuition, transparency, and human connection shape both product decisions and team dynamics, especially during moments of crisis and rapid growth. Josh also challenges traditional workplace practices like job descriptions and performance reviews while...
Feb 18, 2026•52 min•Ep. 43
In this podcast episode, Martin Hauck interviews Lorena Scott, a seasoned Chief People Officer, about her unconventional career journey, the influence of her father's resilience, and her insights on leadership and people operations. Lorena shares her experiences from investment banking to private equity, and ultimately to her current role at Relay, where she emphasizes the importance of culture, curiosity, and the impact of AI in the workplace. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys...
Feb 09, 2026•1 hr•Ep. 42
Summary In this engaging conversation, Topaz Adidas, an Emmy award-winning experience design architect, shares his journey of exploring human connection in the digital age. He discusses the evolution of emotional experiences due to technology, the importance of authentic conversations, and how to create safe spaces for vulnerability. Topaz emphasizes the significance of asking the right questions and the impact of AI on human interaction. He reflects on balancing artistry with business and the f...
Feb 02, 2026•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 41
In this episode of From a People Perspective, Martin Hauck sits down with Michael Solomon, Founder and Talent Agent at 10x Management, for a candid conversation about what’s actually happening inside modern hiring. Michael brings a talent-first lens to recruitment, challenging common assumptions about the role of recruiters, the responsibility of hiring managers, and why HR often gets blamed for problems it doesn’t control. Together, they unpack why reliability and judgment matter more than raw ...
Jan 16, 2026•56 min•Ep. 40
In this conversation, Joel Lalgee, known as the 'Realest Recruiter', shares his journey into recruitment, the impact of social media on the industry, and the importance of human connection in a tech-driven world. He discusses the challenges faced by recruiters and candidates in the current job market, the role of AI in recruitment, and the need for emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills. Joel emphasizes that while technology is evolving, the human element remains crucial in recr...
Jan 05, 2026•54 min•Ep. 39
In this episode, Martin Hauck interviews Rebecca Price from Primary Ventures, exploring her unique career journey from sports psychology to organizational psychology and her transition into the startup ecosystem. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the challenges of remote work, and the rapid pace of technological change in the workplace. Rebecca emphasizes the need for young professionals to build their networks and be proactive in seeking opportunities, while also highlighting the impor...
Dec 01, 2025•52 min•Ep. 38
In this episode of 'From A People Perspective', Martin Hauck interviews Melissa Marcelissen, Chief Operating People Officer at Certn. They discuss the importance of curiosity in HR, navigating professional traps, and the evolution of HR roles in the context of operations and people management. Melissa shares her journey to leadership, the significance of inclusive leadership, and the challenges of balancing operational responsibilities with people management. They also explore the impact of AI o...
Nov 10, 2025•56 min•Ep. 37
In this engaging conversation, Martin Hauck interviews Linda Raynier, a career strategist and author, who shares her transformative journey from accounting to career coaching. Linda discusses the challenges she faced, including her husband's health crisis, and how these experiences shaped her mission to empower 'quiet achievers'—introverted individuals who often feel overlooked in the corporate world. She emphasizes the importance of intuition, emotional release, and self-reflection in navigatin...
Oct 20, 2025•58 min•Ep. 36
In this conversation, Martin Hauck interviews Brandon Sammut, the Chief People Officer at Zapier. They discuss Brandon's journey from education to tech, the challenges he faced in building a strong people team at Zapier, and the importance of workplace culture. Brandon shares insights on how automation and AI are transforming organizations and emphasizes that these changes are as much about people and culture as they are about technology. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Brandon Simon and Zapier...
Sep 22, 2025•52 min•Ep. 35
In this engaging conversation, Martin and Shelly delve into the intricacies of sourcing and recruiting, exploring the importance of human connection, the impact of technology, and the lessons learned throughout their careers. Shelly shares her insights on the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, the significance of understanding candidates' needs, and the future of recruiting in an AI-driven world. With anecdotes and success stories, they highlight the value of building trust and the art of...
Sep 04, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, Jim Miller, VP of People and Talent at Ashby, shares his extensive experience in recruitment, discussing the evolution of recruitment technology, the importance of quality of hire, and the impact of AI on the industry. He emphasizes continuous improvement and the balance between quality and volume in hiring, while also providing insights into Ashby's innovative approach to talent acquisition. Jim offers valuable advice for professionals looking to future-proof their careers in a...
Jul 28, 2025•42 min•Ep. 33
In this conversation, Olive Turon, Head of People and Culture at TestGorilla, shares her journey through various roles leading to her current position. She discusses the importance of skills-based hiring and how TestGorilla aims to democratize opportunities in the hiring process. Olive highlights the challenges of traditional hiring practices, the consequences of poor hiring decisions, and the need for a shift towards more effective recruitment strategies. The discussion emphasizes the significa...
Jun 17, 2025•48 min•Ep. 32
In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', Martin Hauck speaks with Lisa Stam, founder of Spring Law, about the evolution of virtual law firms, the importance of communication in HR, and the impact of technology and AI on employment law. They discuss the challenges HR professionals face in navigating employee and employer relationships, the significance of understanding generational differences in the workplace, and best practices for effective HR management. Lisa emphasizes the need for co...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 31
In this unusual podcast episode, Martin and an AI named Maya explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and human resources. They discuss the innovative technology behind Sesame, the potential of AI in recruitment, and the importance of addressing unconscious bias. The conversation also delves into the ethical responsibilities of AI developers and concludes with a reflection on the human element in hiring processes.
Apr 07, 2025•55 min•Ep. 30
In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', host Martin Hauck engages with Hilary Wagner, Chief People and Talent Officer at Tribe Wellness, discussing various aspects of recruitment, the impact of AI, and the importance of transparency in hiring practices. They explore the challenges faced by recruiters, the myths surrounding AI in recruitment, and the significance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving landscape of HR. Hilary shares her experiences in writing, publishing, and her invo...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 29
In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', Martin Hauck interviews Michael Martocci, CEO of Swag Up, discussing the importance of branding in the swag industry, the impact of swag on employee experience, and innovative uses of swag in recruitment. Michael shares lessons learned from previous ventures, the significance of company culture, and how AI is shaping the future of business operations. The conversation emphasizes the need for companies to be deliberate in crafting employee experienc...
Feb 12, 2025•48 min•Ep. 28
In this episode Martin Hauck and Amy McLellan discuss the challenges of job seeking in the current market, particularly in light of recent layoffs. They explore the importance of community support, effective job search strategies, and the mindset shifts necessary during career transitions. The conversation emphasizes the value of networking, building supportive communities for job seekers, and the unique journeys individuals face in their job searches. They also touch on the metrics for engageme...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 27
In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', Martin Hauck and Michaud Garneau explore the themes of personal growth, performance, and the art of clowning. They discuss the journey from aspiring circus performers to realizing the importance of hard work and vulnerability in skill development. The conversation delves into the balance of praise and effort, the role of the clown in reflecting audience emotions, and the significance of community support in professional growth. In this conversation...
Nov 17, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 26
In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', host Martin Hauck speaks with Nancy Konopinsky, an on-demand COO and founder of Naked Consulting. They discuss Nancy's journey from studying psychology to a successful career in marketing and operations, her transition to consulting, and her focus on empowering women entrepreneurs. The conversation also touches on the importance of mindset, leadership challenges, and the role of AI in business.
Nov 03, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 25
In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', host Martin Hauck engages with Sejal Patel Daswani, a seasoned HR leader, discussing her unique career journey, the importance of management consulting in HR, and the evolving landscape of HR technology. They explore the challenges of scaling companies, the role of mentorship, and the impact of AI on HR practices. Sejal shares insights on building a strong culture in large organizations and the mission of Deputy in supporting frontline workers. The...
Oct 23, 2024•48 min•Ep. 24
In this episode of From a People Perspective, host Marty engages with Ali and Brandon from Progress Place, a community center dedicated to supporting individuals with mental illness. They discuss the Clubhouse model, which emphasizes community, belonging, and co-designing programs with members. The conversation highlights the importance of transitional employment programs in providing opportunities for individuals to reintegrate into the workforce while addressing stigma and promoting mental hea...
Oct 10, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 23
In this conversation, Angela Payne and Charles Fortier discuss their journey in founding LeedHR , focusing on the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. They share personal stories, insights on navigating emotional intelligence assessments, and the transformative experiences they've had with clients. The discussion also touches on the cultural readiness for emotional intelligence work, the role of AI in leadership, and the significance of curiosity and flexibility in personal and pr...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 22
