Best ThinkinCircles Podcasts (2025)

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Why Olympic Bronze Means More Than Gold with Chris Skelley MBE 39:55

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11d ago39:55

39:55

In this episode, James sits down with Paralympic judo champion Chris Skelley MBE. From battling childhood bullying and being misdiagnosed by doctors, to finding strength through sport, Chris shares his powerful journey of resilience, mental health struggles, and ultimate triumph on the world stage. We dive into the highs of winning gold in Tokyo, t…

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From Chatbots to Candidate Experience with Martyn Redstone 26:53

25d ago26:53

26:53

This week James is joined by Martyn Redstone, or as many in the industry know him, Mr. AI. Martyn’s been in recruitment for nearly two decades, with over a dozen years immersed in rec tech, and long before AI became the buzzword it is today, he was already helping recruiters craft smart, responsible automation strategies. From building some of the …

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Live from RecFest 2025 with Stephen O'Donnell 5:43

1M ago5:43

5:43

Recorded live from RecFest 2025 The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MarketingRules #TheVoiceOfRecruitmentMarketing ⁠To connect with Stephen:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenodonn/ Learn more about James and ThinkinCircles: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Live from RecFest 2025 with Stephen McGrath 11:36

1M ago11:36

11:36

Recorded live from RecFest 2025 The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MarketingRules #TheVoiceOfRecruitmentMarketing ⁠To connect with Stephen:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stmcgrath/ Learn more about James and ThinkinCircles: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Live from Recfest 2025 with Sean Allen 11:54

1M ago11:54

11:54

Recorded live from RecFest 2025 The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MarketingRules #TheVoiceOfRecruitmentMarketing ⁠To connect with Sean:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean1allen/ Learn more about James and ThinkinCircles: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Live from RecFest 2025 with Matt Alder 12:40

1M ago12:40

12:40

Recorded live from RecFest 2025 The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MarketingRules #TheVoiceOfRecruitmentMarketing ⁠To connect with Matt:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattalder/ Learn more about James and ThinkinCircles: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Live from RecFest 2025 with Mark Chaffey 11:34

1M ago11:34

11:34

Recorded live from RecFest 2025 The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MarketingRules #TheVoiceOfRecruitmentMarketing ⁠To connect with Mark:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mchaffey/ Learn more about James and ThinkinCircles: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Live from RecFest 2025 with Jim Berrisford 22:03

1M ago22:03

22:03

Recorded live from RecFest 2025 The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MarketingRules #TheVoiceOfRecruitmentMarketing ⁠To connect with Jim:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/talentattractiontech-hrtech-tech2rec/ Learn more about James and ThinkinCircles: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Live from RecFest 2025 with Bill Boorman 8:11

1M ago8:11

8:11

Recorded live from RecFest 2025 The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MarketingRules #TheVoiceOfRecruitmentMarketing ⁠To connect with Bill:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/billboorman/ Learn more about James and ThinkinCircles: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Why Podcasting Should be Talent Team's Secret Weapon with Nitin Sharma 32:51

1M ago32:51

32:51

This week, James is joined by Nitin Sharma, recruitment entrepreneur, podcast host and the mind behind RecTools. They dive into how podcasting is shaking up the world of talent acquisition. Nitin shares how what started as a simple content idea grew into a full-blown platform with over 70,000 subscribers. From building credibility and boosting empl…

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What Moves Us - Interview with Tara Walsh: Navigating Innovation Inside Network Rail 38:00

2M ago38:00

38:00

In this episode, we speak with Tara Walsh, Project Manager for the Innovation Acceleration Forum within Network Rail’s Capital Delivery team. Tara shares how the Forum helps streamline the path from promising idea to practical adoption: supporting innovators with open conversations, clear feedback, and guidance through trials, product acceptance, a…

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What Moves Us – Innovation Beyond the Lightbulb Moment 42:31

2M ago42:31

42:31

In this episode, Johannah and Liam speak with Philip Pozzo di Borgo-Oliver, Managing Partner at Eureka!Europe, a consultancy that helps organisations build the internal capability to innovate—whether they're early-stage start-ups or established corporates. We explore the journey from idea to implementation: how to embed innovation culture across a …

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The Evolution of Recruitment Tech with Rob Green 24:36

2M ago24:36

24:36

In this episode, James is joined once again by Rob Green, Founder and CEO of Rectec Making him one of the rare few returning guests. We dig into the evolution of the recruitment Tech industry the global impact of AI and how companies can make smarter tech choices faster. Whether you're in talent acquisition, HR, or recruitment, this is one conversa…

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Train to be the best with Kate O’Neill 25:48

3M ago25:48

25:48

In this episode, James is joined by the always inspiring Kate O’Neill – recruitment coach, trainer, and now founder of a brand-new rec-to-rec agency focused on rookie talent. Kate shares her journey from falling into recruitment to shaping its future, and offers sharp insights into why the industry is more attractive – and more complex – than ever.…

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What Moves Us: Why Absence Isn’t Always Sickness 35:20

3M ago35:20

35:20

In this episode, we speak with Antonio Ribeiro, CEO and Founder of Yurtle, a care-tech startup born from his personal journey as a caregiver. Antonio shares the story behind Yurtle’s creation: a platform designed to support employees when their usual care arrangements with a registered provider, such as a nursery or domiciliary care agency, unexpec…

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Don’t mention the lads mags with Gail Porter 27:08

3M ago27:08

27:08

In this episode, James speaks with Gail Porter, TV presenter, model, author and campaigner about her rise in the '90s media scene, her battles with alopecia and mental health and how she’s now using her story to advocate for others. The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #Market…

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Don't mention AI with Matt Alder 27:47

4M ago27:47

27:47

In this episode, we welcome back Matt Alder, a frequent guest and expert in the field of talent acquisition, workplace future and fellow podcaster, for his fifth appearance on the Marketing Rules podcast. Matt and James dive into a discussion on the latest trends in the TA space, with a focus on those beyond the buzzword of AI. The Marketing Rules …

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Has Talent Acquisition become weaker as a function with Katrina Collier 27:02

4M ago27:02

27:02

Talent Acquisition teams have faced many challenges over the last few years, from the lack of strategic support, funding and understanding from leadership. Joining me this week is Katrina Collier, author and trainer, who is dedicated to making recruitment better and delivering an excellent job seeker experience. Katrina discusses how leadership oft…

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A tech founder's journey into using AI with Mark Chaffey 28:50

5M ago28:50

28:50

A lot of tech businesses in talent acquisition and recruitment are now prefaced with the term AI. So as a founder of one of these businesses, when should start this AI journey? Joining me this week is Mark Chaffey, CEO at Hackajob. Mark discusses how and when he decided to make AI core to his product, how it would affect his customer bases and if i…

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What Moves Us: Mind the Gap – Where Rail Needs to Innovate 28:03

5M ago28:03

28:03

What Moves Us – Episode 5: Mind the Gap – Where Rail Needs to Innovate In this episode, we explore the innovation gap in rail and ask: will technology meet changing passenger expectations? As behaviours shift, so do the demands on service delivery - but who has the oversight, authority, and appetite to invest in transformative tech? With the rail i…

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What Moves Us: Is Now the Moment for Start-ups to Supply into Rail? 32:01

5M ago32:01

32:01

In this fourth instalment of our How to be a Start-Up in Rail series, we dive into the critical material that start-ups need to navigate the rail sector: the challenges, the opportunities, and why there’s never been a more exciting time to get involved. We ask the big question: Is now the moment for start-ups to supply into rail? With a growing rec…

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The real reason you need a referral program with Sam Davies 25:55

6M ago25:55

25:55

Employee Referral programs don't work, so why should we bother them? Joining me this week to discuss this is Sam Davies, CEO at Rea Links Sam talks to James about setting up Real Links as a non-techie, why technology can overcome the perceived issues with employee referral programmes and how employee advocacy can support referral programs. The Mark…

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What Moves Us: Skills Beyond Scale 29:29

6M ago29:29

29:29

In this episode, Deb, Johannah, and Liam discuss the Rail Innovation Group's latest research report, Skills Beyond Scale, which explores the skills landscape within our vibrant community of startups and small digital companies. They highlight the crucial role our members play in driving innovation and shaping the future of rail through cutting-edge…

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What Moves Us: Shaping the Future of Great British Railways 30:49

6M ago30:49

30:49

In this episode - the second part of our discussion on the Great British Railways (GBR) foundation consultation, A Railway Fit for Britain's Future) - Liam and Johannah explore their response, breaking down key implications for start ups and innovators in the rail sector. We delve into how innovation and commercial incentives could be prioritised a…

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How to foster innovation with Chantal-Lawren Welch 21:26

6M ago21:26

21:26

Fostering the current and next generation of innovators is a goal for most industries. Its even more critical in the advanced engineering industry where the pressure to innovate is ever-present. Joining me this week is Chantal-Lawren Welch, Marketing Manager at Silverstone Park.Chantal discusses the role of Silverstone Park in the advanced engineer…

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What Moves Us - How to be a Start Up in Rail - Intro 31:50

6M ago31:50

31:50

With the launch of the consultation on the foundation of Great British Railways (A Railway Fit for Britain's Future), we kick off a special series exploring a key question: how to be a start up in rail? Or perhaps more importantly - would you even want to be one? In this episode, Johannah and Liam break down the themes of the consultation document,…

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Recruiters get marketing confused with fluff with Alexandra Chirica 23:54

7M ago23:54

23:54

Recruitment has had a chequered history with marketing and only in the last few years has it become strategically adopted and started to be seen as a necessity. Joining me this week is Alexandra Chirica, founder of Recfindr. Alexandra discusses her start-up journey and thoughts on what recruiters are doing wrong with their marketing. The Marketing …

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What Moves Us - Employer Branding with ThinkinCircles 27:40

8M ago27:40

27:40

In this episode, Deb Carson and Liam Henderson speak with James Whitelock, Managing Director of ThinkinCircles, about the power of employer branding and how companies can better attract and retain the right talent. As we prepare for our upcoming Skills Beyond Scale report, this conversation is perfectly timed. We explore the perception of rail - do…

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How to unbias the interview process with Michael Blakley 29:05

8M ago29:05

29:05

Interview bias takes many forms, from affinity bias to accent bias and with most biases we can be totally unaware that we are making them and the results will affect the candidate, the interviewer and the employer. Talking to James this week is Michael Blakley, founder of Equitas. Michael discusses how to be conscious of biases during the interview…

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What Moves Us - In Conversation with Legal Pythia 31:58

8M ago31:58

31:58

In our first episode of 2025, hosts Liam and Johannah kick off the year with an exciting conversation about innovation, challenges, and growth. Joining them are Jeremy Bormann, CEO, and Raymon Ceasar, Head of R&D at Legal Pythia, a cutting-edge startup leveraging AI to detect fraud in documents and datasets. This insightful discussion dives into: T…

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Recruitment marketing versus employer branding with Sam Berthoud 27:13

8M ago27:13

27:13

For most businesses on a budget, deciding on the best place to spend that budget for talent attraction can mean difficult choices. So which is more effective for talent attraction, recruitment marketing or employer branding? Joining me this week is Sam Bertoud VP of Talent Solutions at hackajob. Sam discusses the importance of recruitment marketing…

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A storytelling mindset with Neil Mullarkey 34:26

9M ago34:26

34:26

The traditional view of a leader is serious, stoic and humourless, but are humour, laughter and storytelling the new leadership traits?Joining me this week is Neil Mullarkey, Comedian, author and business coach Neil discusses how to be a better leader through storytelling, laughter, fun and mindset? The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChil…

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Building a Talent Acquisition Community and Movember with Edan Haddock 25:39

9M ago25:39

25:39

We talked many times on the podcast about how communities have become more and more important for brand building, but what if that's not the aim and it is simply to create a community of like-minded professionals? Joining me this week is Edan Haddock, Head of Talent at Movember. Edan talks me through how he started 'Rubberband', his Facebook commun…

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What Moves Us - Predictive Maintenance with Predge 24:06

9M ago24:06

24:06

In this episode, Jesper Westerberg, Chief Product Officer at Predge, shares insights into the role of predictive maintenance in the rail industry. We discuss how data-driven solutions are transforming maintenance strategies, reducing costs, and improving reliability. Jesper highlights real-world applications, including innovative algorithms for pre…

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How recruiter enablement and recruitment marketing can work together with Sean Galligan 24:19

10M ago24:19

24:19

Recruiter enablement is a fairly new concept and definitions are ranging, but broadly it's to deliver resources and assets at the point of need for a recruiter. So how does recruitment marketing fit into this process? Talking to James this week is Sean Galligan, founder of TA Guru. Sean discusses the alignment of enablement and marketing and how it…

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Understanding your strengths with Zoe Clayton-White 24:02

10M ago24:02

24:02

Doing any kind of assessment or test can be daunting, but identifying your professional strengths and weaknesses can be even worse. Taking James through his strengths and weaknesses is Zoe Clayton-White development coach and senior talent developer at Very Group. Zoe takes James through his own Clifton Strengths evaluator to help him discover his o…

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Live from Job Boards Connect London 2024 44:54

11M ago44:54

44:54

In this special episode, James speaks with presenters and attendees from this year's Job Boards Connect London. The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MarketingRules #TheVoiceOfRecruitmentMarketing To learn more about Job Boards Connect visit: https://jobboardsconnect.com/ Learn more about James and T…

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What does an Ops Director do with Si Bor 23:59

11M ago23:59

23:59

As marketers in an SME or larger business, we will probably have dealings with the head of operations, but what exactly do they do? Joining me this week is Si Bor, Founder at Embedded Ops.Si talks me through his years of experience as an Ops Director with several big name recruitment agencies. He details the duties and responsibilities of Operation…

1
What Moves Us at InnoTrans 2024 21:03

11M ago21:03

21:03

Deb, Johannah & Liam reflect on their experience at InnoTrans 2024, where the world of rail meet in Berlin for networking, demonstrations, conversations and more. We were pleased to see many members of the Rail Innovation Group present to promote how small companies can supply great solutions to support the industry's future.…

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AI and the Future of WordPress with Peter Guirguis 25:49

12M ago25:49

25:49

AI has touch points with lots of our marketing activity but how could it support the way we build, design and interact with websites? Talking to me this week is Peter Guirguis, CEO at SwiftPress Support. Peter discusses how he sees AI shaping the future of WordPress websites and how AI can influence web and landing page design. The Marketing Rules …

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Talent Acquisition and AI with Bill Boorman 36:35

1y ago36:35

36:35

What will the effect of AI be on talent acquisition and talent acquisition teams and is it the next shift in recruitment? Joining me this week is the ubiquitous Bill Boorman, founder of the Tru conferences and advisor to many rec tech companies. Bill talks me through his career in recruitment, his views on the TA space and the effect of emerging te…

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Live from RecFest UK 2024 - Part 2 53:30

1y ago53:30

53:30

This is Part 2 of my episodes recorded live from Recfest UK 2024. I had the chance to speak with some great guests from the world of talent acquisition and Talent Tech. I hope you enjoy...again The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MarketingRules #TheVoiceOfRecruitmentMarketing Learn more about James…

1
Live from RecFest UK 2024 - Part 1 43:44

1y ago43:44

43:44

This is Part 1 of 2 episodes recorded live from Recfest UK 2024. I had the chance to speak with some great guests from the world of talent acquisition and Talent Tech. I hope you enjoy. The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MarketingRules #TheVoiceOfRecruitmentMarketing Learn more about James and Think…

1
What Moves Us: Atmo Technology 34:43

1y ago34:43

34:43

In this episode Johannah & Liam are joined by Guy Barkley, CEO and Founder of Atmo Technology - our newest member! To celebrate this new partnership, Guy joined the pod to discuss Atmo’s environmental capabilities and the impact they aim to achieve in the rail industry. This podcast delves into the innovative solutions Atmo offers and their contrib…

1
What Moves Us - Small Voices Expanding Horizons 35:26

1y ago35:26

35:26

In this episode, Johannah, Deb and Liam discuss the first steps taken by the new UK Government to improve and integrate the transport system. With reference to the bills proposed in July 2024's King's Speech. We cover our hopes and anxieties of the new, more comprehensive public transport investment and operational model. We also discuss our most r…

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Live from IHR Employer Branding Conference 2024 12:11

1y ago12:11

12:11

This is a special episode, recorded live from The IHR Employer Branding Conference 2024, recorded on 3rd July 2024 in London. The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠ #MarketingRules #TheVoiceOfRecruitmentMarketing Learn more about James and ThinkinCircles: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thinkincircles.c…

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The State of the Talent Acquisition market with Sean Allen 23:57

1y ago23:57

23:57

Like recruitment, Talent Acquisition has had a difficult 2024 with many redundancies and teams being reduced in size. Joining James this week is Sean Allen, co-founder of The Talent Community. Sean discusses the state of the Talent Acquisition space at the moment and how the recent economic and market changes have affected the TA community. Sean al…

1
Skills based assessments with Stephane Rivard 23:17

1y ago23:17

23:17

Assessments vs skills-based assessments vs interviews What is the difference and is one any better than the other? Discussing this with me is Stephane Rivard, CEO at HiringBranch Stephane takes me through the differences between all 3, when is one more appropriate than the other, their advantages and disadvantages and the future of skills-based ass…

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What Moves Us - Our Five Year Anniversary! 34:33

1+ y ago34:33

34:33

It's been five years since Johannah and Liam began the podcast. In this episode, they reflect back on some of the milestones from the period, including diverging transport policy in the nations of Britain; the developing - and redeveloping - policy environment; and the impact of all this change on small companies.All alongside our aspirations for t…

1
Managing remote marketing teams with Laura Brown 26:23

1+ y ago26:23

26:23

Running remote marketing teams is a challenge at the best of times, but doing that across different time zones is even trickier. Joining me this week is Laura Brown, Marketing Director at Engtal. Laura discusses managing remote teams, building community brands and driving revenue from marketing in 2024. The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by R…