Explore every episode of the podcast TALENT UNPLUGGED: ACROSS THE POND

Most candidates think reference checks are dead, but the truth is, they're still happening, just not in the way you'd expect. The bigger shift? Back channels, the off the record calls hiring teams make without you ever knowing.

In this episode of Talent Unplugged Across the Pond, Marcus Pask and Megan Conlon pull back the curtain on what really goes on behind the scenes once you're deep in an interview process, and what every job seeker and hiring leader needs to know about it.

From cross cultural feedback styles to summer holiday job search strategy, this episode covers the messy, human side of hiring that nobody talks about openly.

You'll discover:

• Why US teams thrive on public praise while UK and European teams might cringe at it, and what that means for how feedback should actually be delivered
• The leadership lesson Megan still thinks about years later, and why constructive feedback in a group setting almost always backfires
• Why you should never cancel a holiday for a new job offer, and how to handle time off conversations during an active interview process
• The difference between a reference check and a back channel, and why one of them is riddled with bias
• The guardrails every hiring leader should have in place before letting back channels influence a decision
• Why references should be a data point, not a decision maker, and how to spot when they're being misused
• The legal differences between Europe and the US that change the reference check game entirely

This episode is essential listening for job seekers who want to understand what's really happening behind closed doors, hiring leaders looking to sharpen their process, and TA professionals navigating the murky ethics of modern recruitment.

Don't let outdated assumptions about hiring catch you off guard. The process has evolved, and the people running it are using tools and tactics that most candidates never see.

Join us as we bust the myth: reference checks aren't dead, they've just gone underground. Learn how to navigate them, when to push back, and what every hiring team should be doing to keep the process fair.

Perfect for anyone in HR, recruitment, job searching, or talent leadership, hit play and find out what's really happening when the interviews end and the offer hasn't landed yet.

Most recruiters think AI will take their jobs, but the truth is, automation is transforming how top talent gets hired, not replacing recruiters themselves.

In this eye-opening episode of Talent Unplugged Across the Pond, Megan Conlon and Marcus Pask reveal why human intuition and relationship-building remain irreplaceable—even as AI tools become integral to hiring processes.

From AI-driven interviews to skills-based hiring debates, learn how today's best companies are leaning into AI to streamline workflows while emphasizing the human touch that candidates still crave.

You'll discover:

• Why AI is more of an assistant than a replacer in talent acquisition, supporting recruiters with research, scheduling, and initial screenings.
• The limitations of skills-based hiring for senior roles and why pedigree still matters in high-level recruitment.
• How take-home assignments and mock intake sessions are revolutionizing candidate assessment, making interviews more effective and less biased.
• The role of AI in candidate experience, highlighting that genuine human interaction remains crucial for engagement.
• The real risks of over-reliance on AI, including fraudulent applications, and why balance is key.
• How industry leaders are experimenting with AI’s potential, and why those who hesitate risk falling behind.
  

  This episode is essential listening for talent professionals eager to stay ahead of the curve, HR leaders curious about AI’s true impact, and candidates who want to understand how technology shapes their job search.

  Don’t let fear of automation hold you back, embrace the tools that will elevate your hiring game without losing the human element that makes recruitment special.
  

  Join us as we bust the myth: AI won't replace recruiters. Instead, it’s empowering them to do what they do best, building meaningful connections and making smarter, faster hires.

  
  Perfect for anyone in HR, recruitment, or hiring tech, hit play and discover why the future is human, enhanced by AI, not replaced by it.

Welcome back to Talent Unplugged Across the Pond, where we strip away the corporate buzzwords to uncover the honest (and sometimes messy) truth about hiring.

In this episode, hosts Marcus Pask and Megan Conlon dive deep into the evolving landscape of recruitment, candidate experience, and industry myths.

• The Nuance of a Recruiter Screen: Why every initial conversation is a unique beast, ranging from informal "get to know you" chats to rigorous, formulaic deep dives.
• The Art of Team Round Interviews: Exploring the shift toward multi-person, cross-functional evaluations and how candidates can navigate these high-stakes sessions.
• Rapid Scale & Strategy: Marcus shares insights on growing a Talent Acquisition team from 13 to over 75 people and the logistical challenges of opening data centers worldwide.
• The Candidate Journey: A look at the intense commitment required from candidates today and the ethical implications of "ghosting" from both sides of the table.
• Myth Busting — "Do Recruiters Only Care About Commission?": Megan and Marcus break down the differences between agency models and in-house recruitment, discussing the tension between quality of hire and speed to fill.

Whether you're a hiring manager, a talent professional, or a job seeker, this unfiltered conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build teams in today’s fast-paced market.

In this episode of Talent Unplugged: Across the Pond, co-hosts Marcus Pask and Megan Conlon are joined by Chris Redmond, founder of RedOwl Talent.

With a background spanning high-growth agencies and tech giants like Facebook and Dott, Chris shares his unfiltered perspective on the human element of HR and what it truly takes to build winning teams in today's competitive landscape.

Dive into the conversation as we discuss:

• The Startup Rollercoaster: Chris reflects on his journey from a two-person agency above a Hawaiian restaurant to scaling teams across Europe, and the importance of navigating the chaos of rapid growth.
• The Strategic Shift: Why the Talent Acquisition (TA) function is evolving from operational to fractional and strategic, and how "embedded" recruiting is becoming a game-changer for modern businesses.
• Myth Busting: AI in Interview Prep: Is using AI for live interview help a smart shortcut? Chris and the hosts break down why authentic, human conversation will always beat a rehearsed, AI-generated script.
• Human Connections in an AI World: For job seekers, the cold application is dead. Chris explains why networking, LinkedIn engagement, and "proper stalking" are essential skills for landing your next big move.
• The Power of Narrative: How senior recruiters and job seekers can use data and storytelling to win over the C-suite and build lasting professional trust.

Join Marcus, Megan, and Chris as they peel back the curtain on the recruiting industry and provide actionable insights for founders, HR professionals, and anyone looking to make their next career move.

Whether you're scaling a startup or searching for your next role, this episode offers the grounded, witty advice you need to navigate the often messy truth about hiring.

Subscribe to Talent Unplugged on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcast.

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and discussions!

In this episode, co-hosts Marcus Pask and Megan Conlon are joined by powerhouse guest Devi Virdi, Interim CEO of CSSC.

With 25 years of experience across the FTSE 100 and Fortune 250, Devi shares her unique journey navigating high-level roles in HR, Sales, and Marketing across the energy, real estate, and hospitality sectors.

It’s an unfiltered conversation on how to bridge the gap between commercial discipline and human-centered leadership.

Dive into the conversation as we discuss:

• The Double Pivot: Devi shares the strategic reality of moving from HR to Commercial P&L roles and back again, and why broad functional experience makes for better leaders.
• Leading Through Crisis & Change: Insights into the new hot word "transformation". Devi discusses the emotional and strategic balance required to modernize 100-year-old organizations while keeping people at the center.
• Myth Busting: Reaching Out to Hiring Managers: Is it a "load of rubbish" to message a hiring manager directly? Devi and Marcus break down why personal narrative and intentional networking always beat a "cold" application.
• Culture Fit vs. Alignment: Why "fit" shouldn't mean "similarity." Devi explains the importance of diversity of thought and why positive disruptors are essential for a healthy business.

Join Marcus, Megan, and Devi as they challenge conventional HR wisdom and provide the high-level insights needed to navigate the executive recruitment landscape effectively.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned hiring manager, or a job seeker aiming for the C-suite, this episode is packed with wisdom to elevate your career strategy.

Subscribe to Talent Unplugged on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and discussions!

Welcome back to Talent Unplugged: Across The Pond!

In this episode, co-hosts Marcus Pask and Megan Conlon discuss the "Open to work banners" on LinkedIn and whether they help or hinder your application?

It's also a chance to have a catch up post the holiday season, and to share what's going on with Marcus's coaching programs as well as the year at Mitre

Dive into the conversation as we discuss:

• Myth Busting: The "Open To Work" Banner: Is that green LinkedIn banner helping or hurting your job search? Marcus and Megan tackle the inherent biases and psychological dynamics of the recruitment "dating" game.
• Holiday Recaps & Traditions: A behind-the-scenes look at how Marcus and Megan celebrated the season—from homemade sushi and earth-cooked lamb in Spain to cookie baking and Santa magic in Houston.
• Shaping Your Path & Scaling Teams: Marcus discusses his selective executive coaching approach and consulting work with Nebius, while Megan shares Mitre’s banner 2025 results and her focus on recruiter rubrics and OKRs for Q1.

Join them as they challenge conventional wisdom and provide you with the insights needed to navigate the global recruitment landscape effectively.

Whether you're a recruiter, hiring manager, or job seeker, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge to enhance your understanding of the recruitment process.

Subscribe to Talent Unplugged on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and discussions!

Welcome to another insightful episode of Talent Unplugged: Across The Pond!

In this episode, co-hosts Marcus Pask and Megan Conlon are joined by the esteemed Michael Magill, a seasoned HR leader with a wealth of experience across various industries.

Together, they delve into the dynamic world of HR and recruitment, sharing personal stories and professional insights that illuminate the complexities of the field.

Explore Michael's unconventional journey from nursing to HR, and learn how his experiences have shaped his approach to leadership and people management.

The conversation touches on the rapid pace of change in tech startups, the importance of strategic HR partnerships, and the evolving role of HR business partners as true business leaders.

In a special segment, the Megan & Marcus tackle the myth that the loudest voice in the room is the most valuable. They discuss the importance of recognizing diverse communication styles and the need for environments that support both introverts and extroverts.

Whether you're an HR professional, recruiter, or simply curious about the industry, this episode offers a rich tapestry of insights and practical advice.

Subscribe to Talent Unplugged on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and discussions!

Welcome back to Talent Unplugged: Across The Pond! In this episode, co-hosts Marcus Pask and Megan Conlon delve into the nuances of hiring across different cultures and introduce some new ways to get noticed.

This episode is all about breaking down the barriers and understanding the global recruitment landscape.

Dive into the conversation as we discuss:

• The Rule of Five: Marcus introduces his innovative framework, designed to help candidates navigate the recruitment process with ease. Learn how five seconds, five minutes, five hours, five days, and five weeks can transform your approach to hiring.
• Cultural Conversations: Explore how cultural differences impact recruitment strategies and practices. Marcus and Megan share personal anecdotes and professional insights that highlight the importance of cultural awareness in recruitment.
• The Art of Feedback: Uncover the challenges and best practices in providing constructive feedback to candidates. Our hosts discuss the delicate balance of delivering feedback that is both honest and helpful, while navigating the potential pitfalls of miscommunication.

Join us as we challenge conventional wisdom and provide you with the insights needed to effectively navigate the global recruitment landscape.

Whether you're a recruiter, hiring manager, or job seeker, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge to enhance your understanding of the recruitment process.

Subscribe to Talent Unplugged on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and discussions!

Welcome back to Talent Unplugged: Across The Pond!

In this episode, co-hosts Marcus Pask and Megan Conlon explore the cultural dynamics of recruitment across continents.

With Marcus's experiences from the UK to the US and Megan's insights from Texas, they delve into the nuances of hiring in different cultural contexts.

Dive into the conversation as we discuss:

- Cultural Nuances in Recruitment: Explore how cultural differences impact recruitment strategies and practices.

- The Art of Onboarding: Learn about effective onboarding techniques that foster team cohesion and success.

- Myth Busting around Holiday Hiring: Uncover the truths about job applications during the holiday season.

Join us as we challenge conventional wisdom and provide you with the insights needed to navigate the global recruitment landscape effectively.

Whether you're a recruiter, hiring manager, or job seeker, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge to enhance your understanding of the recruitment process.

Subscribe to Talent Unplugged on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and discussions!

Welcome back to Talent Unplugged: Across The Pond! In this episode, co-hosts Marcus Pask and Megan Conlon are joined by special guest James Hawkes.

With nearly two decades of experience in recruitment, James has transitioned from agency roles to leading talent acquisition at major companies like Expedia Group. His journey offers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of recruitment.

Dive into the conversation as we discuss:

• Evolution of Recruitment Practices: Explore how recruitment has transformed over the years and what it means for today's industry.
• Changing Landscape of Talent Acquisition: Understand the shifts in talent acquisition and how they impact hiring strategies.
• Qualities to Make a Great Team: Learn about the essential qualities and strategies for building strong, cohesive teams.
• Myth Busting - Applications Insights and Job Boards: Gain insights into the realities of job applications and the role of job boards.
• Job Search Strategies: Discover effective strategies for navigating the job market and securing your next role.

Join us as we challenge conventional wisdom and provide you with the insights needed to navigate the future of recruitment effectively.

Whether you're a recruiter, hiring manager, or job seeker, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge to enhance your understanding of the recruitment process.

Subscribe to Talent Unplugged on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and discussions!

Welcome back to Talent Unplugged: Across The Pond! In this episode, co-hosts Marcus Pask and Megan Conlon dive into the provocative world of recruitment, exploring the challenges and innovations shaping the industry today.

In This Episode:

- Recruitment Realities: Discover why the traditional cover letter is becoming obsolete and how this shift is impacting the hiring process.

- AI in Recruitment: Explore the dual-edged sword of AI in recruitment, examining both its benefits and potential drawbacks.

- Building Talent-Dense Teams: Learn strategies for assembling a high-performing team that aligns with your company's goals and values.

- LinkedIn Optimization: Uncover the secrets to crafting a LinkedIn profile that stands out and attracts top recruiters.

- Human Touch vs. Automation: Delve into the importance of maintaining human interaction in an increasingly automated recruitment landscape.

Join us as we challenge conventional wisdom and provide you with the insights needed to navigate the future of recruitment effectively.

Whether you're a recruiter, hiring manager, or job seeker, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge to enhance your understanding of the recruitment process.

Subscribe to Talent Unplugged on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and discussions!

Welcome back to Talent Unplugged: Across The Pond!

In this episode, co-hosts Megan Conlon and Marcus Pask are joined by special guest Sierra Hedderich to explore the dynamic world of talent acquisition.

In This Episode:

• Guest Introduction: Meet Sierra Hedderich, a seasoned talent leader with a wealth of experience in recruitment and consulting.

• Recruitment Dynamics: Discover the importance of aligning hires with company values and how it impacts long-term success.
• Myth Busting: Uncover the truth behind the "above the bar" hiring myth and its implications for recruitment strategies.
• Expert Insights: Gain practical tips on how to approach talent acquisition with a focus on quality and strategic alignment.
• Cultural Perspectives: Explore how different company priorities can shape hiring strategies and the role of values in recruitment.
• Looking Ahead: A preview of upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders and more myth-busting discussions.

Join us as we uncover the truths behind talent acquisition and empower you with the knowledge to navigate your recruitment strategy effectively.

Whether you're a talent acquisition professional or a business leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights to enhance your understanding of the recruitment process.

Subscribe to Talent Unplugged on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and discussions!

Welcome back to Talent Unplugged: Across The Pond! In this episode, co-hosts Megan Conlon and Marcus Pask delve into the intricate world of salary negotiations, offering listeners a candid look at the strategies and challenges involved in securing the compensation you deserve.

In This Episode: Megan and Marcus discuss the evolving landscape of recruitment and how it impacts salary expectations, plus:

• Myth Busting: They tackle the common misconception that discussing salary expectations early in the interview process can lead to rejection, and explore how transparency can actually be a strategic advantage.

• Expert Insights: Drawing from their extensive experience in Talent Acquisition, Megan and Marcus share practical tips on how to approach salary negotiations with confidence and clarity.

• Cultural Perspectives: The hosts compare and contrast salary negotiation practices across the US and Europe, highlighting key differences and similarities.

• Looking Ahead: A preview of upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders and more myth-busting discussions.

Join us as we uncover the truths behind salary negotiations and empower you with the knowledge to navigate your career path effectively. Whether you're a job seeker or a hiring manager, this episode is packed with valuable insights to enhance your understanding of the recruitment process.

Subscribe to Talent Unplugged on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and discussions!

Welcome to Talent Unplugged: Across The Pond!

In this very first, unfiltered episode, co-hosts Megan Conlon and Marcus Pask introduce themselves, share their wildly different career paths in Talent Acquisition, and immediately tackle one of the industry's biggest myths.

In This Episode:

•⁠ ⁠Our Origin Story: Why we launched this show; bridging the gap between US and European recruitment practices.

•⁠ ⁠The TA Journey: Megan & Marcus share the pivotal moments and biggest lessons from their careers in HR and talent strategy.

•⁠ ⁠Myth Busting: We dive straight into the deep end by debating the widespread fear that AI is automatically rejecting your CVs & resumes, and what candidates really need to worry about.

•⁠ ⁠What's Next: A sneak peek at the cross-cultural debates and future guests.

Tune in to get to know your hosts, hear the unfiltered truth about the world of Talent, and join the conversation we believe everyone needs to be having.

Subscribe to Talent Unplugged on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn!