In this episode Rudi Bauer talks with business psychologist and somatic coach Kate Silber about the power of softness at work. They explore whether softness is a weakness or an essential leadership asset, how self-respect and emotional awareness build true authority, and why integrating empathy, vulnerability, and body awareness can transform individuals and organizations alike. 

Kate also shares simple somatic practices for staying grounded and discusses how self-trust and self-respect shape better leaders, healthier teams, and more human workplaces, even in an age of AI and high performance.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, host Rudi Bauer talks with Christine Regitz, Head of SAP Women in Tech and President of the German Informatics Society, about advancing women in technology. They discuss why progress has been slow, how early education and mentoring can inspire girls toward STEM, and what leaders can do to build confidence and inclusion in tech teams.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer talks with Daniel Mühlbauer, Speaker and Impactor at HR.Daten.Liebe, and also known as Data Dan, about why HR needs a ChatGPT license and how to lead AI adoption with confidence. They explore the balance between innovation and regulation, and why curiosity is key in uncertain times. From overcoming fear of technology to identifying real industry problems, this episode delivers practical steps and inspiration for HR professionals ready to embrace AI.

The ChatGPT license is currently only available in German: https://www.hr-datenliebe.de/chatgpt-fuehrerschein-f%C3%BCr-hr

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Lina Pfeiffer, Founder of the Climate Stories Initiative, to explore how developers and companies can become sustainability champions. From visualizing climate change on Google Maps to mobilizing political will and deploying AI agents, the conversation uncovers the growing impact of technology in solving global challenges. They also dive into generational perspectives, mental health, and how sustainability is reshaping talent attraction and corporate responsibility. 

If you want to find out more about the Climate Stories Initiative following this link: https://climatemap.info/

And if you want to connect with Lina online, she shared with us her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lina-sophie-pfeiffer-477774233/ 

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Ferdinand Ruggenthaler, Head of Human Resources Administration at A. Loecker Konfekt, to unpack the evolving landscape of employee retention. They dive into the core strategies companies can use to keep top talent, the critical role of honesty and belonging in fostering loyalty, and how leadership influences long-term engagement. Ferdinand also reveals subtle early indicators that someone may be about to leave, the financial impact of attrition, and why HR might be better off without the “R.”

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Cole Groom, Co-Founder of Balance Breathing, about the growing focus on mental health at work. They explore overlooked causes of burnout, early warning signs, and why some employees stay energized while others don’t. Cole also shares how breathwork is helping teams manage stress and what attendees can expect from his session at the HR Leaders Summit.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer speaks with Wolfgang Kerner, Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding Expert, about how the hiring journey mirrors a theatrical performance. From his background in theater to his expertise in recruitment, Wolfgang shares how storytelling, staging, and human emotion play a pivotal role in crafting a compelling candidate experience.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer speaks with Mahmoud Aly, TA Business Partner at Semrush, about how recruiters can stay human-centric in an increasingly AI-driven world. From skill-based hiring and shifting power dynamics to the rise of personalization and community-building, they explore how AI is shaping talent acquisition and how it can support, not replace, genuine human connection.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Daniel Cranney, Developer Advocate at WeAreDevelopers, about how Developer Relations bridges the gap between code and culture. They explore how DevRel supports employer branding, builds authentic communities, and helps companies connect with tech talent meaningfully. 

From starting in DevRel to navigating team challenges, Daniel shares insights on turning developer engagement into a strategic HR asset. 

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with David Simmonds, Chairman at HCM Metrics, to explore the power, and necessity, of data-driven decision-making in modern HR. From redefining how companies identify and solve workforce challenges to breaking down organizational silos, they dive into how metrics are shifting HR from reactive to strategic. 

Learn why combining hard data with human needs is essential for retention, future planning, and building resilient, people-first organizations.

You can download the research paper David mentioned on Human Capital Disclosures here: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4138543

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Gina Schinkel, Founder and CEO of Driftawave, about redesigning work around human needs. From the shift in HR priorities to the hidden strengths of small companies, they explore how flexible, people-first workplaces are shaping the future.

Discover why remote work, individual expectations, and human-centric compensation are key to building a competitive edge.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Ute Neher, Principal Talent Intelligence at Indeed, about why it's time to move beyond resumes and start hiring for potential. From bridging the gap between what companies say and what they actually do, to combining human insight with AI in screening, Ute breaks down what it really means to hire for skills. Learn how to write future-proof job descriptions, find your star candidates, and create systems that help people grow, not just fill roles.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer speaks with Ludmila Tomperi, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner HQ at Wolt, about how resilience shapes our ability to adapt, lead, and thrive in fast-changing work environments. They explore what resilience truly means in today’s business world — from individual mindset to organizational culture — and why psychological safety, curiosity, and emotional intelligence are essential to building stronger, more adaptable teams. The conversation touches on how AI is transforming human adaptability, why comfort can limit growth, and how teaching resilience early can empower the next generation of professionals.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Vanessa Raath, Global Talent Sourcing Trainer and Freelance Sourcer at The Talent Hunter, about what’s next for talent acquisition. 

From building communities over databases to redefining DEI metrics, Vanessa shares sharp insights and practical advice for HR teams navigating the future.

Here is the list of AI tools, Vanessa tested: https://start.me/p/l6bkk7/vanessa-raath-s-tried-tested-ai-tools

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Emily Firth, Co-Founder of TheTruthWorks, to explore the rising trend of high-agency cultures and what they mean for the future of work.

From shifting mindsets to redefining leadership, Emily breaks down the key elements of high-agency environments and shares practical insights on how HR can foster more autonomy, accountability, and innovation in the workplace. They discuss why bravery matters, how to build behavior frameworks, and what companies can do to attract talent that thrives in high-agency settings.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer, sits down with Daisy Ilaria, Founder and Podcast Host of Realistic Happiness, to explore the often-overlooked role of employee happiness in driving growth, leadership effectiveness, and company culture. From the impact of autonomy and trust to the power of the IKEA effect in boosting engagement, they uncover the key elements that make workplaces thrive.

Read more about the IKEA effect: https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication%20Files/11-091.pdf

What sets great leaders apart, and why is continuous growth essential for leadership success? In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Adriaan Kolff, Co-Founder and CEO of Matchr, to explore the key lessons learned through entrepreneurship, why action beats everything, and how leaders can cultivate resilience in the face of failure.

The conversation also covers the differences in failure culture between the U.S. and Europe, the shifting motivations of today’s leaders, and practical leadership advice for young entrepreneurs. 

How can companies create a strong employer brand, and what role does employee advocacy play? 

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Alex Her, Global Employer Brand Storyteller and Co-Founder of EB Space, about what makes employer branding authentic, how to align it with employee experience, and the best ways to turn employees into brand ambassadors. 

Is the recruitment process fundamentally flawed? And how can AI shape the future of hiring? 

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Jan Tegze, Director of Talent Acquisition, to explore the evolving landscape of recruiting in 2025. They discuss the missing elements in traditional hiring, the role of AI in streamlining processes, and whether technology can truly replace human recruiters. Jan also shares insights on building meaningful candidate relationships in an AI-driven world, selecting the right tools, and practical tips for integrating AI into your hiring strategy. Plus, a sneak peek into his upcoming book!

How do you build an authentic personal brand? And why does it matter for both individuals and companies?

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer and Anna Bertoldini, Branding Marketing at NielsenIQ, explore the connection between personal and employer branding, the impact of company culture, and how employees can use social media and advocacy programs to enhance their professional presence. 

They also discuss choosing the right channels, learning from role models, gathering feedback, and share a real-life example of personal branding in action.

Balazs Paroczay, Founder and CEO of The Source Code Agency, exposes the real issue with recruitment tech: Are you following trends blindly or solving real hiring challenges? In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi and Balazs dive into the gaps in sourcing and recruiting tech, why businesses adopt solutions without truly understanding their needs, and how to choose, implement, and maintain the right tech stack for long-term success.

Jessie Schofer, Founder of Stakkd, is challenging the status quo: HR is dead, and HR tech shouldn’t be complicated. In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer and Jessie, discuss the role of HR and how technology can simplify and enhance people operations. They explore the critical shift from a purchasing to a marketing mindset, the importance of building a strong foundation for people strategies, and how AI is transforming HR by automating repetitive tasks.

Together, they tackle key questions like: Is it an HR problem or a company problem? How can organizations identify gaps in their operating models and turn them into opportunities? And what does it take to find the right HR tech to truly improve the candidate experience?

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer is joined by Tatjana Obenaus, Senior Employer Branding Consultant (Ex-Booking.com, Ex-Miro, Ex-Nike), to discuss how authentic storytelling shapes employer branding. From crafting tailored narratives for diverse audiences to exploring AI's role in storytelling, they tackle the challenges of creating messages that resonate without becoming generic. The discussion also highlights the importance of transparency during crises and the impact of internal storytelling on talent retention and engagement.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer speaks with Ivana Spiridonovic, B2B Marketing Manager at WeAreDevelopers, about the behind-the-scenes of the WeAreDevelopers World Congress, the world’s leading event for developers, AI innovators, and tech leaders, and how the new HR track, the HR Leaders Summit, extends this vision. They explore how the summit bridges the gap between HR and developers, the surge of feedback and engagement on social media, why mental health and interactive formats resonated so strongly, and how global expansion, AI-powered learning, and community will remain at the core of future events.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Robindro Ullah, Managing Director of the Trendence Institut, to explore the key HR trends of 2024. This year’s HR buzzword? Emotional disconnection.

As teams become increasingly detached from their workplaces, many struggle to see how their roles contribute to the company’s purpose, craving a clearer sense of their part in the story. The discussion also touches on the rise of AI in HR and why quick talent attraction is more critical than ever.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on navigating a year of workplace challenges and innovation.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer dives into the dynamic concept of 'Team Red vs. Team Blue' with Hung Lee, Curator at Recruiting Brainfood, unpacking how creating an internal nemesis can ignite innovation. 

They explore the incumbent’s dilemma, the power of AI, and the importance of diversity in fostering creativity. With insights into real-world applications like Disney’s methodology and practical strategies for implementing competitive models, this conversation offers actionable takeaways for addressing innovation’s toughest challenges. Learn how to disrupt from within, solve for human needs, and balance aggressive creativity with strategic management.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Marie Chaprioniere, Senior Manager Talent Acquisition at Protolabs, to talk about mental health, burnout, and the role of leadership. Drawing from her own experiences, Marie offers a candid perspective on how workplaces can support well-being through open conversations, practical frameworks, and simple actions like regular check-ins and meeting-free days.

Join the conversation for thoughtful insights on balancing productivity with compassion and creating a work environment where mental health is a priority.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer and Kobi Ampoma, Head of Talent Acquisition NL at Heineken, discuss the impact of inclusive leadership in today’s workplace. They cover how companies can create a sense of belonging, why recognizing personal biases matters, and how feedback culture strengthens teams. The conversation also highlights the importance of experimenting and raising awareness for inclusivity. Tune in for practical insights on fostering a culture where people thrive.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Fanny Jimenez to explore the concept of flexible leadership. They discuss what it means to be a flexible leader, the key differences between leaders and managers, and the qualities needed to lead flexibly. Can anyone become a flexible leader? And how do teams thrive in an environment with flexible leadership? Tune in for an insightful conversation about adaptability and leadership in the modern workplace.

In the first episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with John Salt, Adnan Pavlovic, and Ivana Spiridonovic to discuss the findings of the WeAreDevelopers Developer Survey 2024. They explore why the survey was conducted, how developers—despite being highly sought after—are often misunderstood, and what key trends emerged compared to previous years. The episode dives into the differing perspectives between developers and C-level managers or recruiters, and what companies can learn to better engage with tech talent.

Get the full results of the #Wanted and #Misunderstood Developer Survey 2024: https://www.wearedevelopers.com/business/developer-survey-24

In this episode, Rudi Bauer speaks with Mihaela Nedelcu, Employer Branding and Culture Programs Manager, about the power of employee advocacy in building authentic employer brands. They discuss fostering trust, enabling employees to share real stories, and aligning internal culture with external branding. Mihaela shares lessons from Coca-Cola HBC, the role of feedback and capability building, and why courage and creativity are key to future employer branding.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer speaks with Christian Wastlhuber, Fractional TA Leader & Co-Founder at The UnleashPeople, about how HR and tech are merging. They discuss building strong recruiting foundations, stepping into automation, and the recruiter’s changing role in times of rapid transformation. Christian unpacks the shifting skillsets companies need, the biggest bottleneck in people development, and the “trinity alliance” that drives organizational success.

Reference Kevin Wheeler’s article “The Last Recruiter, a History of Change”: https://fotnews.futureoftalent.org/p/the-diary-of-a-recruiter-2035 

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer, Cathrin Christ, Director at Deloitte, and Birte Reitmann, Manager Organization and Work Transformation at Deloitte, unpack Deloitte’s latest Human Capital Trends Report and explore the emerging concept of stagility, the balance between stability and agility that leaders need to navigate today’s fast-changing world of work.

They discuss what stagility requires, how leaders can foster the right environment, the difference between leaders and managers, why a strong failure culture matters, and whether curiosity in business is fading or transforming. The conversation also offers practical insights into how organizations can move toward stagility and thrive in uncertainty.

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What trends will shape Human Capital in 2026 and beyond? Share your thoughts in Deloitte's short survey and join a global conversation about the evolving world of work. Your input will directly influence Deloitte's next Global Human Capital Trends Report. Don't miss your chance to make an impact! Follow this link: https://surveyna.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6txNeLcwna4Gkbs

Get access to the current Human Capital Trends Report 2025: https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/services/consulting/articles/human-capital-and-hr-trends-thought-leadership.html

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Meghan Hennessy, Global People Director and former leader at Uber, Meta, and Apple, about rethinking leadership in 2025. They explore how leaders can strengthen their leadership “muscle,” navigate fear of change, and foster a culture that embraces learning from failure. The discussion also touches on AI adoption, ethical considerations, and the balance between technology, data, and human-centric leadership, highlighting the key skills leaders need to empower teams and shape the future of work.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Nora Dietrich, mental health expert, Founder and Co-CEO of Between People, psychotherapist, and author of “Mental Health at Work”. Together, they explore how trust, awareness, and leadership shape mental health at work, and why building a sustainable culture is key to the future of work.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Margareta Sailer, Founder and CEO of Mondaysquares, about scaling talent from within and why upskilling is essential for growth. Drawing on her experience as Senior Recruitment Manager EMEA at Tesla and Global Recruitment Director at Lilium Aviation, Margareta shares how to build adaptable organizations, foster curiosity, and create safe spaces for learning. 

They discuss leading AI adoption from the top, keeping careers future-proof in a shifting job market, and the impact of generational differences. The conversation also dives into emerging trends shaping the future of work, from gamification and micro-learning to personalization and service integration.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer speaks with Jürgen Hartwig, CHRO and Member of the Board at Daimler Truck, about why the future of HR depends on embracing And instead of Or. They explore how HR must shift its mindset, move beyond transactional work and take a more strategic role in shaping people and culture.

Jürgen shares insights on global differences, generational expectations and how AI can both create space for meaningful human interactions and increase the demands on HR. Together they discuss why HR needs a seat at the C suite table and how business people and technology must work in alignment to build the workplace of the future.

A forward looking conversation that highlights what HR needs to evolve, stay relevant and drive real transformation.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Margareta Sailer, Founder and CEO of mondaysquares, about why learning and specifically unlearning are critical skills in times of constant change. Drawing on her experience as Senior Recruitment Manager EMEA at Tesla and Global Recruitment Director at Lilium Aviation, Meggy shares insights on adaptability, resilience, and leadership.

They discuss why letting go of outdated mindsets is often harder than learning new skills, how leaders can reduce fear of failure, and what it takes to collaborate effectively with AI. Meggy returns to the podcast for the second time, offering a practical and reflective perspective on thriving in uncertainty.

Here is the link to the basketball documentary mentioned during the episode: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80203144

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Kent Frederiksen, Vice President Rewards at the LEGO Group, about how modern reward systems go far beyond salary. They explore why flexibility and individualization are becoming essential, how companies with lower brand recognition can still build compelling reward strategies, and how transparency and EU regulations are reshaping the landscape.

Kent shares insights into shifting employee expectations, what people truly value, and the innovative reward trends shaping the future of work. A concise look at how meaningful, sustainable reward systems can transform the employee experience.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Katharina Baehr, Head of People & Culture Recruiting & Employer Branding at Contabo Group, about the shift from traditional HR to People & Culture and why the industry needs a new mindset. They discuss modern leadership trends, the role of individualization in people strategies, how AI can create real people moments, and why HR needs a place at the C-suite table to drive real transformation.

In case you want to connect with Katharina, here are her social handles:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharina-baehr/
Instagram: katharinabaehr.px

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Andreas Mayer, Director Employee Experience & Operational Excellence at ING Deutschland, about how everyday interactions shape meaningful employee experiences. 

They discuss what employee experience really means, how thoughtful process design and automation can support people better, and why leadership alignment is essential.

Andreas also shares insights into generational differences, the growing role of AI in HR, and how organizations can strike the right balance between standardization and personalization, without falling into “Disneyfication.”

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Ash Jones, Personal Brand Advisor and Founder of Great Influence, about building authentic and effective personal brands. They explore where to start, how to find the right focus and niche, and how to balance personal and business content without losing authenticity.

Ash shares insights from over 10 years of advising entrepreneurs and leaders, including his work with Steven Bartlett, and explains how leadership-led personal branding can strengthen culture, connection, and retention.

In this year end special of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer is joined by Hung Lee, Curator of Recruiting Brainfood, for a reflective look at 2025 and what it revealed about the future of HR, recruiting and work.

Together they discuss the biggest surprises and disappointments of the year, the reality behind the AI hype and the trends shaping conferences, hiring and candidate experience. Hung shares sharp observations on why tools and ideas are not the problem but implementation often is, and what leading companies are doing differently to move the industry forward.

The conversation also explores changing roles in HR and tech, shifting skill requirements, resilience, experimentation and what HR leaders should focus on heading into the new year.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Nadine Schomacker, Founder of People Champ, about what neuroinclusion really means in the workplace.

They discuss why neurodiversity is gaining importance, where organizations should start, and how leaders can create psychologically safe environments. The conversation covers practical, easy-to-implement changes, building trust, measuring ROI, and what a truly neuroinclusive workplace could look like in the future.

You can get in touch with Nadine through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-schomacker/

If you're curious to read more about the neuroinclusive bags: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nadine-schomacker_neuroinclusion-bags-activity-7398630560115355648-GZPP/

Nadine also has a specialized newsletter on the topic of neurodiversity where can deep diver further into the topic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-schomacker/recent-activity/newsletter/

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Péter Töpler, Global Head of Intelligence Advisory at Randstad Enterprise, about how talent intelligence and workforce planning support better business decisions.

They discuss aligning business and talent strategy, moving beyond dashboards and outdated HR KPIs, and how to pitch talent intelligence to CEOs. The conversation also covers the real role of AI, common automation pitfalls, building intelligence teams, and how talent intelligence helps organizations prepare for future skills.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Relinde Boerman, Lead Recruiter at Polarsteps, about values-based hiring and why aligning people, culture, and skills is essential for building strong, future-proof teams.

They explore what values-based hiring really means in practice, how organizations can define and operationalize their values, and where values fit alongside skills in hiring decisions. Relinde shares practical insights on evaluating values fit, aligning hiring managers and stakeholders, and making better recruitment decisions beyond gut feeling.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer sits with Barbara Greutter, Executive Advisor and Interim CHRO, to discuss how the HR function evolves in fast-growing startups and scale-ups, and why HR must move beyond administration to become a true business partner.

They discuss common HR pitfalls during rapid growth, building culture without losing agility, adapting quickly in new organizations, and the growing importance of data, tech understanding, and modern leadership skills. The conversation also covers hiring for skills and behavior, what HR needs to unlearn, and how to build an HR function from scratch in the first 100 days.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Claudia Tattanelli, Founder and CEO of C-YourCulture, about how employer branding has evolved and why retention should be at the heart of any employer branding strategy.

They discuss what employer branding really means today, why keeping people engaged and aligned matters more than pure talent attraction, and how organizations can move from gut feeling to data driven decisions. Claudia also shares insights on using employees as authentic ambassadors, measuring and understanding culture, creating safe spaces for honest feedback, and aligning employer branding with the real employee experience.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Bianca Errigo, Founder of HumanOS, about what it truly takes to build sustainable high performance in today’s organizations. They explore why sustainable performance is grounded in science rather than perks or compensation, how wellbeing directly impacts business outcomes, and why performance cannot be separated from culture, trust, and human experience at work.

Bianca shares insights on leadership responsibility, co-creating the right structures, building trust through experience, and understanding the evolving expectations of Gen Z in the workplace. This episode offers a concise look at why organizations must intentionally design for sustainable high performance or risk paying the price.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer speaks with Alexandra Eichberger, Head of Group People Development & Culture at Erste Group, about what real transformation looks like behind the buzzwords. 

They discuss why terms like “New Work” are often overused, how to balance deeply rooted values with ongoing change, and how leaders can navigate fear in times of transformation. Alexandra also touches on the difference between a failure culture and a true learning culture, the key ingredients of a change-ready organization, and the role AI may play as a future “teammate” in this journey.