Episodes

  • Right People, Right Friction, Right Time: Building Trust in the Future of Hiring With Michelle Meehan

    Right People, Right Friction, Right Time: Building Trust in the Future of Hiring With Michelle Meehan
    Oct 16 2026
    In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Michelle Meehan, CMO and VP of Customer Success at VEDI, to discuss how AI is transforming talent acquisition and why building trust throughout the hiring process matters more than ever. Anna and Michelle explore the difference between purposeful friction that protects organizations and unnecessary friction that frustrates candidates. They discuss how AI enables increasingly convincing fake candidates, synthetic identities, and proxy interviews, highlighting the importance of identity verification and background screening without treating every candidate like a suspect. The conversation also examines how disconnected systems, repetitive requests, and poor communication create unnecessary barriers for job seekers. Michelle emphasizes the importance of mapping the candidate journey, explaining verification requirements, and keeping candidates informed to build trust and protect employer brand. Throughout the episode, Anna and Michelle reinforce that technology should enhance human capabilities, not replace human judgment and connection. They challenge HR and Talent Acquisition leaders to work together, improve hiring processes, and create experiences that balance security, efficiency, and people-first leadership. In this episode, you'll learn: Why frictionless hiring may not be the right goal in the age of AI. How to distinguish purposeful verification from unnecessary hiring barriers. How AI-generated candidates, synthetic identities, and proxy interviews challenge recruiters. Why transparency and communication are essential to candidate trust. How to identify inefficiencies by mapping the entire candidate journey. Why hiring managers should experience their own recruiting systems. Why collaboration between HR and Talent Acquisition is essential to people-first hiring. Join the EVOLVE 2027 Waitlist:https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/qAdMlQRQIeVYVWw7349y Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?Book an EVOLVE partnership call:https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/Z62948iqsNWpiOpdZwtJ If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.
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    57 mins
  • From Creative Potential to Peak Performance: Building Better Leaders With PEQuilibrium

    From Creative Potential to Peak Performance: Building Better Leaders With PEQuilibrium
    Oct 8 2026
    In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Stacy Willis, a people and leadership strategist, entrepreneur, and creator of the PEQuilibrium framework, for a fascinating conversation about how people can develop the skills, flexibility, and self-awareness needed to perform at their highest level. Stacy shares the story behind PEQuilibrium, a framework developed from her experience across engineering, marketing, operations, and people leadership. The concept combines the idea of equilibrium with peak performance, helping people understand how they can balance seemingly opposite strengths and intentionally develop the capabilities they need to grow. The framework is built around three layers: the Creative Engine, the Performance Framework, and the Regulatory System. Anna and Stacy unpack why organizations often make the mistake of treating people as fixed labeling someone as “the creative one,” “the disciplined one,” or “the doer” instead of recognizing that these capabilities can be developed. They explore why generic management training often misses the mark, how individualized development paths can better support emerging leaders, and why understanding someone's existing strengths is critical to helping them grow. The conversation also dives into how PEQuilibrium can be applied to recruiting and interviewing. Stacy shares how hiring teams can use nuanced questions to uncover someone's ability to operate across different spectrums, why specificity in interview answers matters, and how intrinsic motivation can reveal a candidate's genuine curiosity and passion for their work. Anna and Stacy also explore leadership development through the lens of the “Trailblazer” archetype, including the challenge of slowing down, delegating, and teaching others how to think rather than simply showing them how to execute. From the “handcuffed manager” exercise to the concept of connecting people with their future selves, Stacy offers practical ways leaders can build stronger teams while developing their own leadership capacity. Throughout the conversation, Stacy and Anna challenge the idea that people should simply work harder at their weaknesses. Instead, they explore how leaders can build intentional growth practices, create space for different strengths, connect their work to a deeper sense of purpose, and continue evolving throughout their careers. In this episode, you'll learn: What PEQuilibrium means and how the framework combines balance with peak performance The three layers of the PEQuilibrium framework: Creative Engine, Performance Framework, and Regulatory System Why creativity is a skill that can be cultivated rather than an ability you're simply born with How organizations can stop treating people as fixed and create more individualized development paths Why generic management training can be ineffective and how development can be tailored to individual strengths How to use interview questions to uncover adaptability, intrinsic motivation, and real-world capability Why specificity in interview answers can reveal far more than surface-level responses How leaders can move from being high-performing “doers” to effective managers who know how to let go What the “future self” and “handcuffed manager” concepts can teach leaders about growth and delegation Why purpose, service, community, and creating space for life beyond work are essential parts of sustainable growth Join the EVOLVE 2027 Waitlist:https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/qAdMlQRQIeVYVWw7349y Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?Book an EVOLVE partnership call:https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/Z62948iqsNWpiOpdZwtJ If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.
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    44 mins
  • Rethinking Resilience: Building Trauma-Informed Workplaces That Actually Support People

    Rethinking Resilience: Building Trauma-Informed Workplaces That Actually Support People
    Oct 1 2026
    In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Stephanie Lemek, founder and CEO of The Wounded Workforce, for a candid conversation about trauma-informed workplaces, employee well-being, burnout, and resilience. Stephanie shares her journey from more than two decades in HR to entrepreneurship, and how conversations about mental health, suicide, substance misuse, and trauma in the construction industry inspired the creation of The Wounded Workforce. Anna and Stephanie unpack why resilience shouldn't be treated as an individual responsibility or a solution to workplace problems. They explore compassion fatigue and secondary trauma among HR and Talent professionals, the limitations of relying solely on EAPs and wellness programs, and how workplace structures, leadership, and culture can either support people or contribute to burnout. Stephanie also explains the seven principles of trauma-informed workplaces and how they can be applied to recruiting, leadership, and the employee experience. The conversation also highlights the power of community, vulnerability, curiosity, and collaboration between HR and Talent. Anna and Stephanie discuss how leaders can create safer workplaces without asking employees to disclose personal trauma, why HR and TA professionals need support too, and what it looks like to approach work with greater humanity and intention. Together, they challenge the idea that people simply need to become more resilient—and invite leaders to look at the conditions that shape how people experience work. In this episode, you'll learn: Why resilience isn't simply a personality trait or individual responsibility How workplace structures can contribute to burnout and employee well-being challenges What trauma-informed workplaces actually mean in practice How physical, psychological, and financial safety shape the employee experience Why compassion fatigue and secondary trauma affect HR and Talent professionals How leaders can minimize harm without asking employees to disclose personal trauma The seven principles of trauma-informed workplace practices How trauma-informed practices can improve recruiting and candidate experiences Why HR and Talent need stronger collaboration and community What HR and Talent professionals can do when they're experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue Join the EVOLVE 2027 Waitlist: https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/qAdMlQRQIeVYVWw7349y Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences? Book an EVOLVE partnership call: https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/Z62948iqsNWpiOpdZwtJ
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    54 mins
  • From HR Silos to Shared Purpose: Leading with Connection, Community & Intention

    From HR Silos to Shared Purpose: Leading with Connection, Community & Intention
    Sep 17 2026
    In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Maggie Brady, a seasoned HR and talent leader, for a candid conversation about building high-performing HR functions, breaking down silos, developing people leaders, and creating stronger connections inside and outside of work. Maggie shares lessons from her career across consulting, GE, startups, private equity, and multiple HR functions, including why HR teams must understand how their different roles work together to deliver meaningful outcomes for the business. Anna and Maggie unpack the challenges that arise when teams operate in silos, the resistance that can come with changing long-standing ways of working, and why leaders have a responsibility to help people see the bigger picture. They also explore the importance of intentional community, investing in conferences and professional development, and creating opportunities for people to learn from one another beyond the traditional workplace. Maggie shares how she evaluates conference investments through the lens of business value and ROI, while Anna discusses how better preparation, connection, and follow-through can turn an event into a meaningful professional experience. The conversation takes a more personal turn as Maggie reflects on her participation in the She Is Atlanta documentary project, the importance of paying attention to the nudges that invite us into something new, and her decision to fall in love with her life. Together, Anna and Maggie talk about authenticity, leadership, legacy, motherhood, career choices, and the courage to show up as yourself. In this episode, you'll learn: Why high-performing HR functions require collaboration across roles and specialties How HR leaders can break down silos and create stronger team alignment Why leaders need to help their teams understand the bigger picture The challenges that come with changing established HR operating models Why people management is one of the hardest parts of leadership How organizations can better support individual contributors transitioning into people leadership Why intentional community is essential to professional growth and innovation How to evaluate conferences and professional development opportunities through ROI Why authenticity and vulnerability can create stronger leadership and connection What it means to intentionally build a career and life that aligns with what matters most (Maggie Brady is an experienced HR and talent leader with a career spanning consulting, GE, technology startups, private equity, HR business partnership, talent, and leadership development. She shares practical and personal lessons on building high-performing HR teams, developing leaders, investing in community, embracing authenticity, and intentionally creating a life and career aligned with what matters most.) If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show. Join the EVOLVE 2027 Waitlist:https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/qAdMlQRQIeVYVWw7349y Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences?Book an EVOLVE partnership call:https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/Z62948iqsNWpiOpdZwtJ If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.
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    48 mins
  • It’s Not a Pricing Problem, It’s a Positioning Problem

    It’s Not a Pricing Problem, It’s a Positioning Problem
    Sep 10 2026
    In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Kim Henderson, VP of Training at Cobalt Compass, for a candid conversation about pricing, positioning, specialization, visibility, and building stronger relationships with clients. Kim shares lessons from her career about what happens when staffing providers compete primarily on price—and why the better strategy is to clearly communicate the unique value, expertise, and business problems you can solve. Anna and Kim unpack how to identify your ideal client, use your past business data to uncover your niche, and move beyond transactional sales conversations. They discuss the importance of asking better questions, understanding the larger business behind a hiring request, adding value before asking for the sale, and building visibility through LinkedIn, content, community, and meaningful connections. They also explore AI, adaptability, and the future of recruiting, along with how conferences and professional communities can accelerate learning, credibility, and business development. In this episode, you'll learn: Why pricing is often a positioning problem—not a pricing problem How to identify your niche and ideal client Why “great service” isn't enough to differentiate your business How to sell value instead of defending your price Ways to add value before asking for the sale Why visibility and consistent LinkedIn presence matter How AI is changing recruiting and why adaptability matters How to choose conferences and communities that actually create value Why sales and marketing need to work together Join the EVOLVE 2027 Waitlist: ⁠https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/qAdMlQRQIeVYVWw7349y⁠ Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences? Book an EVOLVE partnership call: ⁠https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/Z62948iqsNWpiOpdZwtJ⁠ If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • From Layoff to Liftoff: Building Career Insurance Before You Need It

    From Layoff to Liftoff: Building Career Insurance Before You Need It
    Sep 7 2026
    In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Vanita Capobianco for an honest and energizing conversation about layoffs, career insurance, personal branding, networking, visibility, and what it really means to build a career that can withstand unexpected change. After spending a decade in HR technology and operations and working her way from analyst to senior director, Vanita never expected to be laid off from the company where she thought she would retire. But that unexpected career disruption became a turning point—pushing her to rethink what career security really means and what she wanted to build for herself. Vanita shares what those first weeks after her layoff actually felt like, from losing her work community and identity to waking up without a team or a place she needed to be. Instead of immediately applying to hundreds of jobs, she took a more intentional approach—getting clear on her salary expectations, work environment, and the opportunities she actually wanted. Anna and Vanita also unpack the power of relationships and career breadcrumbs. Vanita's next opportunity came partly through a former professional relationship that helped get her resume in front of the hiring manager. But that connection wasn't created during her job search—it was built over ten years of working relationships and consistent touchpoints. The conversation then turns to LinkedIn and the importance of building your professional visibility before you need it. Vanita explains how her approach to social media completely changed after her layoff—from primarily sharing company content to documenting her own experiences, mindset shifts, books, running journey, and everyday life. Her story is a reminder that your professional identity is bigger than your job title. Anna and Vanita also explore why being visible doesn't have to mean becoming an influencer. It can be as simple as starting conversations, commenting, sharing what you're learning, and allowing people to see the human being behind the résumé. They discuss the importance of understanding company social media policies, protecting confidential information, and giving yourself time before posting something emotional.Finally, the conversation expands beyond individual career strategy into community, conferences, professional development, and saying yes to opportunities that feel uncomfortable. Vanita shares why she continues building her podcast even while working full time—and why creating something that brings you joy can be an important part of moving forward after a difficult season. In this episode, you'll learn: Why being a great employee doesn't necessarily protect you from a layoff What career insurance really looks like—and why you should build it before you need it How Vanita navigated the emotional shock and uncertainty of being laid off Why an intentional job search can be more powerful than applying to hundreds of roles How long-term relationships and professional “breadcrumbs” can create unexpected opportunities Why your network is only valuable when people know who you are and what you need How to make specific, effective asks when reaching out to your network Why professional visibility matters even when you're happily employed How to start building a personal brand without becoming a full-time content creator Why your LinkedIn presence should reflect more than your job title What you should never post publicly about your employer How investing in skills can help you bridge experience gaps during a job search Why confidence and storytelling can be just as important as technical experience How saying yes to unexpected opportunities can expand your network and perspective Why conferences and communities can be powerful investments in career growth How finding something that brings you joy can help you move forward after a difficult season Join the EVOLVE 2027 Waitlist: https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/qAdMlQRQIeVYVWw7349y Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences? Book an EVOLVE partnership call: https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/Z62948iqsNWpiOpdZwtJ If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.
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    47 mins
  • The Self-Care Work Leaders Can't Afford to Ignore

    The Self-Care Work Leaders Can't Afford to Ignore
    Aug 28 2026
    In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with Kathy Love, VP at Something New, self-care coach, author, and two-time TEDx speaker, for a deeply honest conversation about self-care, burnout, boundaries, people-pleasing, and the importance of knowing what is—and isn't—ours to carry. With more than a decade of experience supporting talent and people leaders, Kathy shares how the same patterns that show up in caregiving can also show up at work—taking on too much, seeking approval, putting everyone else first, and believing that everything will fall apart if we stop. Anna and Kathy explore what happens when leaders prioritize everyone else's needs before their own, and why true self-care isn't about adding another task to your list. It's about becoming radically honest with yourself, listening to your body, setting boundaries, and giving yourself permission to take up space. They also talk about the power of community, how to say no without overexplaining, navigating difficult leadership decisions with humanity, and why sometimes the first step toward change is simply stopping, breathing, and asking yourself the right questions. In this episode, you'll learn: Why high-performing leaders can still be heading toward burnout How people-pleasing and codependency can show up at work Why self-care starts with awareness and radical honesty How to set boundaries without overexplaining yourself What leaders should—and shouldn't—carry during difficult decisions How breathwork and grounding can help create space to listen to yourself Why community plays such an important role in healing and growth How to prioritize yourself while continuing to lead and serve others Why progress over perfection matters when changing your habits (Kathy Love is a VP at Something New, a self-care coach, author, and two-time TEDx speaker who brings more than a decade of experience in talent strategy and recruiting. Through her work, she helps people recognize the patterns that lead to burnout, understand what is theirs to carry, and create healthier ways to lead and live.) Join the EVOLVE 2027 Waitlist:⁠https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/qAdMlQRQIeVYVWw7349y⁠ Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences? Book an EVOLVE partnership call:⁠https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/Z62948iqsNWpiOpdZwtJ⁠ If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.
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    56 mins
  • Finding Your Net Mirth: How Humor, Trust, and Community Can Transform HR

    Finding Your Net Mirth: How Humor, Trust, and Community Can Transform HR
    Aug 21 2026
    In this episode of the EVOLVE Talent & HR Show, Anna Morgan sits down with HR leader, talent executive, recruiter, and comedian Peter Phelan to explore why humor, trust, community, and human connection matter more than ever in the world of work. With more than 20 years of in-house HR experience and 145 people and talent leader placements, Peter brings a unique perspective to the conversation—one that blends deep HR expertise with his passion for comedy and helping people find more joy in their careers. Together, Anna and Peter unpack the idea of “net mirth” and what it means to intentionally create more joy, laughter, and authenticity in our professional lives. They discuss how humor can accelerate trust, demonstrate credibility, strengthen relationships, and create space for people to show up as their full selves. The conversation also dives into the realities facing HR and Talent professionals today—from navigating AI and organizational transformation to documenting career wins, building a personal brand, and staying connected through professional communities. Whether you're an HR leader, recruiter, talent professional, or someone navigating a career transition, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to navigate the world of work alone—and that sometimes, a little laughter can go a long way. In this episode, you'll learn: Why humor can be a powerful trust accelerator What “net mirth” means and why joy matters at work Why HR professionals should document and own their wins The skills employers are prioritizing in 2026 How visibility and personal branding can support career growth Why conferences and community matter during a job search How to build meaningful relationships through intentional networking (Peter Phelan is an HR and Talent professional with 20+ years of experience and 145 people and talent leader placements. He combines HR expertise with comedy, speaking, and community building to bring more connection, confidence, and—of course—mirth to the world of work.) | Follow Us | Follow Peter PhelanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterphelanhr/Website:Funny PeopleWebsite: Home | ValuesCulture Follow Anna MorganWebsite: Anna MorganLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-conference-careerbff/posts/?feedView=allInstagram: Anna Morgan | Careerbff® (@annamorgancareerbff) • Instagram profileFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/anna.morgan.351104 Join the EVOLVE 2027 Waitlist:https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/qAdMlQRQIeVYVWw7349y Interested in collaborating or sponsoring EVOLVE experiences? Book an EVOLVE partnership call:https://link.evolve-conference.com/widget/form/Z62948iqsNWpiOpdZwtJ If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a fellow HR or Talent leader, and leave a review to help more people-first leaders discover the show.
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    50 mins