In this episode of WorkTech, George LaRocque sits down with Laura Kunz, co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of Spirence, the runner-up at this year’s HR Tech PitchFest. Spirence is tackling a critical gap in workplace mental health: the 75% of employees who don’t need clinical care but still want support. Laura shares how her background in behavioral health shaped the platform’s preventive approach, why Spirence is designed for daily use rather than crisis moments, and how their model is driving unexpected engagement with traditional EAPs. They also unpack the PitchFest experience, the credibility boost it delivered, and Spirence’s momentum with partners like Aon and PEOs. If you’re thinking about mental health benefits, distribution strategy, or what it takes to stand out in a crowded HR Tech market, this one’s for you. Key Topics in the Episode: Why most workplace mental health solutions serve only 25% of employees Spirence’s behavioral health roots and preventative care model How Spirence drives EAP utilization by building trust and accessibility The PitchFest experience: refining the message, building credibility, and accelerating partnerships Spirence’s go-to-market strategy through PEOs, resellers, and Aon What’s next: product evolution, growth targets, and Series A planning Learn more about Spirence at spirencewellness.com Get more HR and Work Tech market intelligence and tech insights at 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Breaking News episode of WorkTech, George LaRocque sits down with Prem Kumar, CEO of Humanly, alongside AJ Richichi (Sprockets) and Darrian Mikell (Qualifi) to unpack Humanly’s acquisition of three high-impact platforms: Sprockets, Qualifi, and HourWork. This move marks a major milestone in the evolution of high-volume hiring tech, consolidating capabilities across screening, scheduling, interviewing, and post-hire retention. Prem shares how customer demand for tool consolidation and deeper conversational AI drove the deal, while AJ and Darrian reflect on their differentiated approaches to candidate engagement, from SMS-based retention insights to automated phone interviews. Together, the trio outlines a shared vision for a unified platform that reduces time-to-hire, combats fraud, and delivers a more empathetic candidate experience across voice, video, and text. The episode also explores the strategic timing behind the acquisition, the ethical foundations of each brand, and Humanly’s roadmap—including Series B fundraising and expanded candidate-facing services. If you’re tracking the future of AI in recruiting, this is a must-listen. Takeaways Humanly has acquired three companies to enhance its recruitment technology offerings. The focus is on reducing time-to-hire and improving candidate engagement. AI is being leveraged to automate screening, scheduling, and interviewing processes. Consolidation of tools is essential to provide a seamless experience for customers. The acquisition aims to address the challenges of high applicant volume and fraud detection. Each company involved brings unique strengths to the table, enhancing the overall product. Customer feedback has driven the strategic direction of the acquisition. The future of recruitment technology lies in ethical AI development and compliance. Building relationships with candidates is crucial for effective recruitment. The integration of various communication channels will improve candidate experiences. Learn more about the deal and follow Humanly at humanly.io Learn more about the Work Tech category and the deals and capital driving it at 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breaking down JobGet’s acquisition of Seasoned, its impact on hourly hiring, and how AI is shaping the future of recruitment. JobGet is making big moves in the hiring market, acquiring Seasoned just after Snagajob. Tony Liu, CEO of JobGet, shares insights on why this deal strengthens their AI-driven recruitment strategy, enhances candidate quality, and streamlines hiring automation—giving employers more control and better hiring outcomes. In this episode, we look at AI-driven hiring, recruitment automation, hourly workforce trends, candidate quality, talent marketplaces, hiring technology, and mergers & acquisitions in HR tech. As JobGet expands, its app-first approach and data-driven hiring tools are reshaping how employers attract and retain top talent. Key Takeaways: JobGet’s acquisition of Seasoned enhances AI-driven hiring automation, improving candidate quality and employer efficiency. Merging talent pools from Snagajob and Seasoned creates a deeper, more engaged workforce marketplace. Seasoned’s AI-based hiring automation and job-matching technology will integrate into JobGet’s platform. JobGet’s app-first approach is attracting Millennial and Gen Z workers, making hiring faster and more personalized. Employers gain better hiring insights with integrated ATS data, improving candidate quality and reducing hiring costs. M&A remains a priority for JobGet, with more strategic acquisitions likely to expand its leadership in hourly hiring. Resources Mentioned: JobGet Website: jobget.com Tony Liu’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tony-liu WorkTech Market Intelligence: 1worktech.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to JobGet and Seasoned Acquisition 03:08 Market Dynamics and Acquisition Strategy 05:59 Quality and Technology in Recruitment 08:56 App-First Approach and User Experience 11:48 Integration of Platforms and Cross-Pollination 15:11 Data Analytics and Hiring Automation 17:48 Future of M&A Strategy and Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HR teams are under pressure to do more with less, and Symba is helping them get there. Ahva Sadeghi joins me to discuss how AI-powered workflow automation is transforming HR by streamlining onboarding, offboarding, compliance, and training—helping top employers boost efficiency while improving the employee experience. In this episode, we look at HR automation, AI-driven workflows, employee experience, onboarding solutions, workforce efficiency, people operations, and internal mobility. As HR leaders seek to optimize processes, AI-powered platforms like Symba are making workflow automation more accessible, scalable, and impactful than ever before. Key Takeaways: AI-powered automation is revolutionizing HR workflows, eliminating inefficiencies and enhancing employee experience. Organizations can automate key people processes, including onboarding, offboarding, compliance, and training. Symba integrates with 300+ HR tools, streamlining processes and reducing tech redundancy. HR leaders need automation strategies that align with business goals, rather than using AI for the sake of AI. Companies leveraging Symba reduce manual processes, enabling HR teams to focus on strategic workforce initiatives. Intelligence-driven insights will shape the future of HR, helping organizations optimize talent development and internal mobility. Symba Website: symba.io Ahva Sadeghi’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ahvasadeghi WorkTech Market Intelligence: 1worktech.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Automation and AI in HR 02:36 Ahva's Journey and the Evolution of Symba 04:27 Market Shifts and Strategic Pivots 08:57 Understanding Symba's Product and Customer Integration 12:12 Workflow Automation: Creativity and Flexibility 15:50 The Role of Automation in Solving Business Problems 18:35 Overcoming Resistance to Change in Automation 19:57 Defining Success in Automation Projects 22:13 Future Directions for Symba and Automation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lightcast’s Cole Napper joins George LaRocque to discuss the power of workforce data, AI-driven skills taxonomies, and talent intelligence. They explore how organizations can leverage labor market insights to navigate workforce risk, optimize hiring strategies, and prepare for the evolving future of work. This episode examines talent intelligence, workforce risk, AI-powered skills taxonomies, labor market insights, employer branding, competitive intelligence, and HR data strategy. As AI reshapes the future of work, understanding workforce dynamics and skills-based hiring has never been more critical. Key Takeaways: Talent intelligence is redefining workforce strategy, integrating labor market insights with internal HR data. Skills taxonomies and ontologies powered by AI are streamlining workforce planning and talent mobility. The Workforce Risk Outlook Report reveals which industries and companies face the biggest hiring and retention challenges. AI is transforming talent intelligence, enabling organizations to anticipate workforce trends and upskill employees effectively. Competitive intelligence is a game-changer, helping employers benchmark talent strategies against industry peers. Lightcast partners with major HCMs and HR tech platforms, ensuring seamless integration of labor market data into HR ecosystems. Resources Mentioned: Lightcast Workforce Risk Outlook Report: lightcast.io/riskoutlook Lightcast Website: lightcast.io Cole Napper’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colenapper More Market Insights: 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI is transforming HR, but adoption stalls without governance, compliance, and trust. Guru Sethupathy, CEO of FairNow, joins the WorkTech Podcast to break down AI risk, ethics, and compliance in HR tech. We explore how organizations can simplify AI governance, reduce risk, and ensure responsible adoption at scale. This episode examines AI governance, HR compliance, risk management, ethical AI, data security, regulatory compliance, and AI adoption. With global AI regulations evolving rapidly, HR and HR tech leaders need a clear strategy to ensure compliance, build trust, and unlock AI’s full potential. Key Takeaways: AI governance is essential for responsible adoption, compliance, trust, and risk mitigation. Organizations need clear AI governance frameworks to navigate evolving global regulations. AI bias, privacy, and compliance concerns are top challenges for HR and HR tech vendors. AI in HR is expanding rapidly, but without governance, adoption barriers increase. Vendors and HR leaders must align on governance standards to streamline AI implementation. AI regulations are increasing worldwide, making governance a competitive advantage. Resources: Forbes: Where the AI Regulatory Landscape Is Heading Learn more about Fairnow at fairnow.ai Get more HR and Work Tech global market insights at 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rise of AI in HR presents opportunities and challenges, particularly in reducing bias. I explore these dynamics with Torin Ellis, discussing insights from his latest report and strategies for implementing AI ethically. We focus on the transformative potential of AI to enhance equity and inclusion in hiring while delivering tangible business outcomes. In this episode, we look at reducing bias with AI, ethical AI in HR, diversity and inclusion strategies, the role of HR leaders in AI adoption, AI in hiring processes, business outcomes of DEI initiatives, and inclusive technology solutions. These critical insights prepare HR professionals to navigate the future of work confidently. Key Takeaways AI, when deployed thoughtfully, can expand hiring pipelines and reduce bias in decision-making. The ethical implementation of AI requires collaboration between HR, DEI leaders, and technology teams. Human oversight remains essential to ensure AI complements rather than replaces nuanced decision-making. Long-term benefits of AI include enhanced employee engagement, productivity, and retention. Organizations must align AI solutions with their DEI goals to maximize business and social impact. Redefining traditional metrics with AI, such as focusing on durable skills, creates equitable opportunities for talent. Download Torin's report at plum.io Learn more about everything happening in the Work Tech and HR Tech market at 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HR innovation takes center stage as we explore how Humareso’s acquisition of Rhabit Analytics creates a new standard in data-driven talent management with Humareso CEO John Baldino and Rhabit Analytics CoFounder Kevin Kelly. We discuss gamification, behavioral analytics, and longitudinal measurement as tools to boost employee engagement, develop leadership, and deliver actionable insights for workforce planning. In this episode, we look at HR tech innovation, talent management strategies, gamification in HR, behavioral analytics, employee engagement tools, longitudinal measurement, and leadership development solutions. These themes redefine how HR leaders measure success and foster organizational growth. Key Takeaways Gamification and mobile-first tools drive higher engagement and meaningful feedback. Behavioral analytics provide actionable insights for leadership development and workforce planning. Longitudinal measurement enables continuous improvement in employee engagement and performance. Effective employee engagement correlates with leadership behaviors and workplace policies. Rabbit Analytics’ platform integrates seamlessly with Humoriso’s consultative approach for holistic solutions. The acquisition signals a growing trend of service providers adopting tech-forward strategies in HR. Learn more about Humareso at humareso.com Learn more about Rhabit Analytics at rhabitanalytics.com Learn more about what's happening in the HR and Work Tech markets at 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recruitment marketing is evolving, and we take a look at how HireClix’s innovative approach to career sites, advanced analytics, and employer branding is transforming the candidate experience. With CEO Neil Costa, we explore what it takes to deliver measurable ROI and create lasting impressions in today’s talent acquisition landscape. In this episode, we cover recruitment marketing, career site optimization, advanced analytics, candidate experience, employer branding, AI-driven hiring solutions, and workforce trends. These themes highlight the strategies shaping the future of HR technology and talent acquisition. Key Takeaways Career sites must deliver seamless, consumer-grade experiences to attract top talent. Advanced analytics offer clear ROI insights, improving recruitment marketing efficiency. AI-powered tools enhance engagement and personalization while preserving data privacy. Employer branding succeeds with creative, non-generic campaigns on diverse platforms. Effective recruitment balances traditional job boards with innovative consumer media strategies. Organizations must invest in scalable, flexible tech solutions to adapt to future hiring trends. Learn more about HireClix at hireclix.com Get more insights on the HR and Work Tech markets at 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frontline hiring is undergoing rapid transformation. George LaRocque and Wonolo CEO Yong Kim discuss how Wonolo’s AI-powered job manager is setting a new standard for flexibility, efficiency, and transparency. They explore the balance between automation and the human touch, delivering seamless experiences for both employers and candidates in high-turnover industries. This episode looks at frontline hiring, AI-powered staffing, candidate experience, workforce automation, talent acquisition innovation, employee retention strategies, and technology-driven HR solutions. These insights provide actionable strategies for navigating today’s complex hiring landscape. Key Takeaways AI technology accelerates frontline hiring by addressing high-volume, high-turnover challenges. Human-centered design enhances the candidate experience, promoting engagement and transparency. Flexible hiring solutions cater to both short-term gig workers and long-term job seekers. Employers benefit from faster time-to-fill rates, higher-quality matches, and improved worker retention. End-to-end data cycles optimize job-worker matching for better outcomes and reduced turnover. Combining AI with human oversight ensures personalized and efficient staffing solutions. Learn more about Wonolo at wonolo.com Get more insights into the future of WorkTech at 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Toby Egbuna, founder of Chezie, shares his journey of building a profitable startup without relying on venture capital. In this conversation, we explore the power of bootstrapping, alternative funding sources like grants, and the critical mindset shift needed for sustainable startup success. We also learn about Chezie, an operating system for Employee Resource Groups (ERG). In this episode we look at alternative sources of funding, venture capital, startup funding, profitability, founders, entrepreneurship, and financial strategy. Key Takeaways: Limiting the amount of venture capital investment allows founders to retain control and avoid giving up equity. Securing alternative funding like grants and loans can validate a business before seeking VC. Profitability should now be the focus before considering venture capital. How some second-time founders shift their views on VC. Understanding basic financials and projections can improve a founder's negotiating position with investors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recruitment marketing is evolving rapidly, and Joe Shaker joins me to share how Shaker is redefining the space with authentic employer branding, advanced HR technology, and data-driven strategies. We cover the balance between creativity and metrics and discuss how to deliver exceptional candidate experiences while meeting employer goals. In this episode, we look at recruitment marketing, employer branding, HR technology, candidate experience, data-driven hiring, workforce transformation, and authentic talent acquisition strategies. These insights illuminate how leading brands adapt to evolving market demands in talent acquisition. Key Takeaways Recruitment marketing requires a balance of creativity, technology, and data for optimal impact. Authentic employer branding enhances retention and drives meaningful candidate engagement. HR technology improves hiring efficiency through tools like programmatic advertising and automated scheduling. Data-driven strategies are crucial for flexible, real-time recruitment marketing decision-making. Candidate experience is pivotal to locking in top talent and reducing application drop-offs. Small to midsize businesses must focus on building brand awareness alongside their recruitment efforts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the premiere of our new bi-weekly crossover series, George LaRocque of the WorkTech and the WorkTech Podcast and Kate Achille of the Devon Group and the Up Next at Work Podcast, team up to bring a sharp, strategic lens to the headlines shaping HR and Work Tech. From the quiet but consequential developments in the Workday Mobley case to the missing BLS jobs report and the viral return of resume “cheating,” they unpack what’s real, what’s hype, and what it all means for practitioners, vendors, and investors. They also touch on the latest M&A moves, including SAP’s plans for SmartRecruiters, and the investor sentiment shift that’s making Q4 feel a lot like 2021. Plus: Sora, AI avatars, and a John Candy documentary to end on a high note. Topics Covered: Workday Mobley case update and implications for employers The missing BLS jobs report and what HR pros should do instead Resume gaming with AI: new tricks, old playbook SAP’s SmartRecruiters acquisition and roadmap Investor sentiment shift post-HR Tech Conference Sora, AI avatars, and the future of creative labor John Candy, Nor’easters, and finding levity in the chaos Conversational, strategic, and slightly irreverent. George and Kate bring complementary perspectives—rooted in HR tech, communications, and market analysis—with a shared commitment to clarity, context, and candor. Subscribe to catch new episodes of Up Next at WorkTech every other week, where George and Kate cut through the noise and surface what matters most in HR and Work Tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of WorkTech, George LaRocque interviews John Baldino, founder of Humareso, discussing his extensive experience in HR, the founding of his consulting firm, and the importance of technology and individual well-being in the workplace. They explore the evolving landscape of HR technology, the challenges faced by small to mid-sized businesses, and the significance of personal connections in a remote work environment. John shares insights on investing in HR tech startups and highlights the need for thoughtful approaches to employee well-being. Key takeaways include: How Humareso was formed. Navigating change in HR. Navigating change in HR Tech. John's learnings from investing in HR Tech startups. The increased importance of wellbeing in the workplace. John's view on the future of HR Tech and the Employee Experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JobGet's acquisition of Snagajob is reshaping the future of HR Tech. Tony Liu, JobGet's CEO, explains how this deal aligns with the company’s mission to empower the hourly workforce. Through their mobile-first approach and innovative technology, JobGet is driving quicker, more personalized job matching for candidates and employers alike. In this episode, we look at how the acquisition of Snagajob expands JobGet's reach, enhances job matching technology, and reshapes the hourly workforce landscape. Topics like HR Tech, recruiting platforms, job seeker personalization, and the future of work are discussed in-depth, highlighting the impact of these innovations. Key Takeaways: JobGet’s acquisition of Snagajob expands reach and creates a stronger platform for the hourly workforce. The mobile-first approach leads to personalized job recommendations and quicker hiring processes. Integrating advanced data and insights improves the quality of candidate matches for employers. The acquisition aligns with JobGet’s strategy to build a comprehensive, trusted platform for hourly workers. JobGet’s platform fosters community, connections, and extra income opportunities for job seekers. The integration of technology from both platforms promises enhanced user experiences and job-matching efficiency. Learn more about the deal at WorkTech: https://1worktech.com/ma-news-jobget-acquires-snagajob-shaking-up-the-frontline-recruiting-scene/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank Ricciardi, CEO of Maavee, joins me to discuss his innovative wellness platform that's transforming employee engagement and wellbeing. We explore Maavee's unique approach to curating wellness solutions, leveraging AI, and fostering community. In this episode we look at Maavee, employee wellness, workplace wellness, HR tech, future of work, well-care, wellness technology. Key Takeaways: Maavee is a multi-sided wellness platform designed for individuals, employers, and communities. The platform uses AI to personalize the wellness journey and provide tailored recommendations. Maavee curates the best wellness solutions and offers a marketplace for employees to access them. Employers can leverage Maavee to improve employee engagement and support a culture of wellbeing. Maavee aims to accelerate the convergence of healthcare and well-care by providing a holistic approach to wellness. The platform emphasizes community and rewards positive behavior to encourage long-term wellbeing. Visit 1worktech.com to find out why WorkTech is the most trusted source of market intelligence and advice for Work Tech. Visit gomaavee.com to learn more about how Maavee can help you, your community, or your company with wellness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Mastin, CEO of Topia, joins me to discuss the evolving landscape of global talent mobility in the age of distributed work. We explore how Topia's integrated platform helps organizations navigate the complexities of employee movement, ensuring compliance and cost savings. In this episode we look at Topia, global talent mobility, distributed work, remote work, HR tech, future of work, compliance. Key Takeaways: Topia is a global talent mobility platform that helps organizations manage all forms of employee movement. The platform offers solutions for global assignments, remote work, and business travel compliance. Topia integrates with HRIS systems, relocation providers, and tax providers to streamline processes. Organizations can leverage Topia to track employee location, manage costs, and mitigate risks. Topia helps improve the employee experience by providing a centralized platform for managing relocations and assignments. The platform enables data-driven decision-making and scenario modeling for strategic workforce planning. Visit 1worktech.com to learn why WorkTech is the most trust source of market intelligence and advice for Work Tech. Visit topia.com to learn more about its global talent mobility platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I chat with Caitlin MacGregor about how Plum uses AI to scale culture, drive organizational alignment, and support business transformation. Discover how Plum empowers companies to align talent management with cultural strategy to navigate rapid change effectively. In this episode, we look at AI in talent management, HR strategy, culture transformation, employee alignment, business transformation, AI-powered insights, and organizational change. These trends are redefining how HR leaders approach culture and strategy, ensuring businesses remain competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape. Key Takeaways: AI transforms culture by providing real-time, scalable insights into employee alignment with business strategies. Plum’s AI-based assessments help companies measure culture and pinpoint areas needing change management within seven minutes. Identifying early adopters and leveraging internal talent fosters stronger organizational buy-in and accelerates cultural transformation. HR’s role in strategic business transformation is growing as AI reshapes the workplace. Culture is a powerful multiplier that enables businesses to maximize their people’s potential and drive growth. Plum’s AI tools allow organizations to personalize results and scale culture assessments using company-specific language and frameworks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Simpson, CEO of Pillar, joins me to discuss the emerging category of interview intelligence. We explore how Pillar's AI-powered platform is transforming the hiring process for enterprises, improving efficiency, and reducing turnover. In this episode we look at Pillar, interview intelligence, AI in hiring, talent acquisition technology, future of work, HR tech, ATS. Key Takeaways: Pillar is an interview intelligence platform that helps enterprises make better hiring decisions. The platform uses AI to analyze live interviews, provide real-time feedback, and automate tasks. Pillar integrates with existing ATS systems and video conferencing tools to streamline the hiring process. Interview intelligence helps reduce bias, improve candidate experience, and increase employee retention. Hiring managers can leverage Pillar to gain valuable insights into candidate skills and make data-driven decisions. The platform offers features like automated interview summaries, scorecards, and skills gap analysis. SPECIAL OFFER FOR WORKTECH LISTENERS: Members of the WorkTech community can try the Pillar Interview Intelligence FREE for 7 DAYS Platform by visiting this link. Visit 1worktech.com to learn why WorkTech is the most trusted source of market intelligence and advice for Work Tech. Visit pillar.hr to learn more about Pillar's Interview Intelligence platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn about Bullhorn's acquisition of Kona Search with Matt Fisher, Bullhorn's President and COO, and Andrew McKay, Kona Search's CEO! We explore the implications of this game-changing deal for the staffing and recruiting industry, focusing on AI, search and match technology, and the Salesforce ecosystem. In this episode we look at Bullhorn, Kona Search, Salesforce, AI in recruiting, search and match technology, future of work, HR tech. Key Takeaways: Bullhorn acquired Kona Search to enhance its AI and search capabilities within the Salesforce ecosystem. Kona Search provides a unique solution for searching across all Salesforce objects, including unstructured data. AI is transforming the staffing and recruiting industry by automating tasks and improving the accuracy of candidate matching. The acquisition will enable Bullhorn to provide a more unified and powerful search experience for all its customers. Recruiters can leverage AI to focus on building relationships and providing a better candidate experience. The future of staffing and recruiting involves using AI to analyze vast amounts of data and predict successful candidate placements. Visit Bullhorn.com to learn more about Bullhorn and Kona Search. Visit 1worktech.com to learn why WorkTech is the most trusted source of market intelligence and strategic advice for Work Tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Elwer from Stepping Stone explores how innovative HR technology revolutionizes the candidate experience and bridges gaps between students and employers. Discover the importance of personalized job-matching solutions, workplace modernization, and the role of AI integration in today’s recruitment landscape. In this episode, we look at HR Technology, Candidate Experience, Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Technology, Generative Capabilities, Digital Recruitment, and Workplace Modernization. Key Takeaways Understanding the importance of HR Technology in modernizing recruitment processes. Enhancing the Candidate Experience through innovative solutions and AI integration. The role of Talent Acquisition in shaping effective early career recruitment strategies. Leveraging Digital Recruitment tools to streamline hiring for both students and employers. Building effective University Partnerships to create better job opportunities for students. The impact of Generative Capabilities on improving job matching solutions in HR. Visit 1worktech.com to find out why WorkTech is considered the most trusted source of market intelligence and advice for Work Tech. Visit mysteppingstone.ai to learn more about SteppingStone and its novel approach to job matching and virtual career assistance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George LaRocque of WorkTech joins Daniel Chait, CEO of Greenhouse, live from HR Tech to explore AI-powered recruiting, advanced analytics, and the evolving ATS market. The conversation highlights product innovation, regulatory risk, and the urgent need to restore human connection in talent acquisition. In this episode we look at AI in HR, recruiting analytics, talent acquisition technology, HR Tech trends, candidate experience, compliance risk, and future of work. Key Takeaways: AI in HR is reshaping recruiting workflows, but adoption lags due to compliance risk and regulatory uncertainty. Greenhouse’s new analytics platform offers flexible data access, visualizations, and collaboration tools for talent teams. ATS market consolidation is raising questions for customers about vendor stability and long-term strategy. Real Talent combats fraud and spam, restoring transparency and fairness in candidate pipelines. Embedded AI tools in Greenhouse simplify scorecard creation and interview question generation with high user acceptance. Human experience in hiring is becoming more valuable as AI saturation increases across recruiting platforms. Learn more about Greenhouse at greenhouse.com Get the latest market insights from WorkTech at 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rebecca Carr joins WorkTech's George LaRocque to unpack SmartRecruiters' SAP acquisition, the rise of AI-native recruiting, and what it means to stay product-first and HCM-agnostic. Rebecca Carr, CEO of SmartRecruiters, days after announcing their acquisition by SAP. We talked about what the deal means for the market, how AI is changing recruiting, why product CEOs matter now more than ever, and the bold future of talent platforms. In this episode, we look at HR Tech, talent acquisition, AI in recruiting, enterprise software, recruiting platforms, product-led growth, and the future of work. Rebecca Carr shares what made SAP the right partner, how SmartRecruiters is staying agile, and why recruiting is now front and center. Key Takeaways -SmartRecruiters’ acquisition by SAP marks a pivotal moment in HR tech and underscores recruiting’s shift from a bolt-on module to a core enterprise platform. -Rebecca Carr’s product-first leadership is reshaping how talent platforms are built, prioritizing AI-native workflows and agile innovation. -Despite the acquisition, SmartRecruiters will remain HCM-agnostic, preserving its flexibility and customer-centric approach across enterprise ecosystems. -AI is no longer a future concept; 58% of candidates are using it, and SmartRecruiters’ Winston product is built to meet them where they are. -SAP’s global reach and data infrastructure unlock new opportunities for SmartRecruiters to deliver insight across the entire employee lifecycle. -This move signals more consolidation ahead in talent acquisition tech, especially in high-volume hiring and frontline work, as enterprises seek end-to-end solutions. Learn more about SmartRecruiters at https://smartrecruiters.com Learn more about the HR and Work Tech markets, and the deals shaping the industry at https://1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sat down with Allison Baum Gates to talk about what it really takes to win in today’s venture-backed WorkTech market. From launching Semper Virens' accelerator to raising $177 million across two funds, Allison shares candid lessons, real market dynamics, and founder truths VCs rarely admit. In this episode we look at venture capital, WorkTech, AI startups, HR Tech, startup funding, founder market fit, and the future of work. These are the forces shaping how emerging companies raise capital, go to market, and build competitive advantage in the most complex B2B environments today. Key Takeaways Founder market fit and self-awareness are crucial differentiators for success in early-stage WorkTech, HR Tech, and AI ventures. The Semper Virens accelerator focuses on go-to-market readiness and real-world partnerships—not pitch decks. Distribution strategy through ecosystems like health plans, payroll providers, and HR platforms is now critical for startup scale. The $177 million in new funding from Semper Virens is backing startups solving real problems in health, wealth, and work. Raising venture capital is not merit-based—it’s a structured game that requires narrative, strategy, and process mastery. AI-native positioning and a well-run fundraising process are now separating the haves from the have-nots in venture outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George LaRocque and Rich Wilson dig into Gigged.AI’s latest $1.34M funding round, the power of skills-based platforms, and what’s next for the future of work and agentic AI. With $1.34 million in fresh funding, George talked with Gigged.AI CEO Rich Wilson about doubling down on the rise of skills intelligence and on-demand talent. They unpack how Gigged.AI is helping enterprise tech teams navigate hybrid work, digital transformation, and AI-powered resourcing with unmatched speed and flexibility. In this episode we look at skills-based hiring, talent marketplaces, contingent workforce platforms, enterprise AI, internal talent mobility, agentic AI, and digital transformation. These keywords frame a high-growth narrative that’s reshaping how work gets done in modern enterprises. Key Takeaways Gigged.AI’s on-demand talent platform enables rapid, skills-based hiring for enterprise tech teams. SIA, their new Skills Intelligence Agent, delivers actionable workforce insights from internal and external data. Rich Wilson shares how agentic AI is key to managing internal talent, freelancers, and digital agents. Gigged.AI's dual-platform model supports both immediate talent needs and long-term strategic workforce planning. Their recent $1.34M raise signals growing investor confidence in platforms solving enterprise talent access. The company’s focus on enterprise expansion and U.S. growth sets the stage for global scale. Learn more about the product at https://giggedai.com Get more Work Tech market intelligence at https://1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George LaRocque and MeBeBot CEO Beth White unpack how Mebebot One is unlocking the next level of AI-powered support, automation, and compliance across the workplace. AI is moving fast. Beth White talks about how Mebebot One brings agentic AI to the enterprise with secure, compliant, and scalable support. From HR to IT, we explore how hybrid AI models reduce friction in the employee experience and deliver measurable ROI through workflow automation, smart content ingestion, and prescriptive knowledge delivery. In this episode we look at agentic AI, HR automation, employee experience, hybrid AI platforms, compliance in AI, AI chatbots, and workflow automation. These keywords highlight how modern enterprises are leveraging AI to scale support and enhance internal operations securely. Key Takeaways Agentic AI enables HR and IT teams to automate support and reduce friction in employee workflows. Mebebot One blends prescriptive and generative AI for accurate, compliant content delivery. Hybrid AI platforms allow organizations to control sensitive content while enabling open responses for general knowledge. Integration with collaboration tools like Teams, Slack, and SMS ensures AI is in the flow of work. Scalable AI platforms like Mebebot unify siloed departments with a single support experience across functions. Companies are prioritizing AI solutions that balance security, accuracy, and ROI in highly regulated environments. Learn more about MeBeBot One at https://www.mebebot.com/ Get market insights and learn moare about tech trends for the future of work at https://www.1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sat down with Vonq’s Ritu Mohanka and Bill Fischer to unpack CPA+, their latest AI-powered innovation. We explore how embedded agentic AI is streamlining candidate screening, optimizing recruiter workflows, and poised to make CPA models more effective by delivering quality, prescreened candidates directly inside 50+ ATSs. In this episode, we look at recruitment automation, cost-per-application, AI in hiring, ATS integration, recruiter efficiency, agentic AI, and candidate screening. With hiring pressure rising, VONQ’s embedded AI-driven tools help talent teams speed up hiring and improve outcomes, without disrupting existing HR tech stacks. Key Takeaways: CPA+ brings prequalified candidates directly into ATS workflows, reducing recruiter workload and speeding up hiring cycles. Agentic AI conducts dynamic screening interviews and generates candidate dossiers, enabling faster, data-driven decisions. VONQ’s platform is embedded in 50+ ATSs, removing friction and driving instant adoption. Recruiters save time and boost ROI by automating screening and scoring with transparent, explainable AI. Compliance with the EU AI Act ensures fairness and transparency in every candidate evaluation. VONQ’s LinkedIn integration powers high-quality CPA+ campaigns, with additional publishing partners launching soon. Links Mentioned in the Podcast: 🌐 VONQ CPA+: http://bit.ly/3I5vQtX 🔗 Bill Fischer on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/billfischer 🔗 Ritu Mohanka on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ritu-mohanka Get more Work Tech market insights at https://1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hiring is slowing, the job market is increasingly less dynamic, and economic uncertainty looms. Andrew Flowers, Chief Economist at Appcast, joins me to analyze the latest job market data, including hiring trends, workforce churn, wage growth, and how factors like AI, government policy, and inflation are shaping the future of work. In this episode, we look at hiring trends, workforce turnover, wage growth, economic uncertainty, government layoffs, inflation impact, and talent acquisition strategies. With shifting market dynamics, HR leaders and employers need data-driven insights to navigate hiring, workforce planning, and talent retention in 2025. See the charts Andrew references at 1worktech.com/podcast Key Takeaways: Hiring is slowing, but layoffs actually remain low, creating a stagnant job market with reduced churn. Economic uncertainty is impacting employer decisions, leading to cautious hiring and lower job openings. Healthcare is driving job growth, while leisure and hospitality are showing signs of weakness. Wage growth is outpacing inflation, improving worker purchasing power but creating cost pressures for employers. Federal workforce reductions could impact local economies, but broader economic effects remain uncertain. HR leaders should monitor hiring rates, consumer spending, and government policies, as these will shape workforce trends in 2025. Resources Mentioned: Appcast Website: appcast.io Recruitonomics by Appcast: recruitonomics.com WorkTech Market Intelligence: 1worktech.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Market Insights 02:16 Current Economic Landscape 07:11 Job Market Dynamics and Trends 11:24 Sector-Specific Employment Trends 16:04 Impact of Federal Government Changes 25:52 Wage Growth and Economic Predictions 29:22 Key Metrics to Watch for in 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices