What happens when hiring shortcuts collide with a generation that refuses to stay quiet?

In this powerful conversation, Denise sits down with Ellen Raim, early career advisor and founder of People Matter, LLC, to unpack the growing trust gap in today’s workforce.

With Gen Z projected to represent 30% of the workforce by 2030 and 50% when combined with younger millennials, the cultural shift isn’t coming. It’s already here.

Ellen shares firsthand insights from working with early career professionals navigating a frustrating hiring landscape filled with ghosting, vague feedback, endless interview loops, and “entry level” jobs requiring years of experience.

They discuss:

• Why trust is eroding in hiring processes
• How AI screening may be filtering out strong talent
• The real cost of cutting internships and rotational programs
• The generational friction around communication, work-life boundaries, and transparency
• The concept of “Generational Intelligence” and why it may determine which companies win long term

This episode isn’t about blaming Gen Z. It’s about rethinking systems.

If leaders continue optimizing for speed and cost while ignoring trust, loyalty, and culture, the long-term talent pipeline will suffer.

But companies that invest in transparency, feedback loops, and early career development will build something far more powerful than efficiency. They’ll build trust.

Key Episode Segments:

1. Ghosting Destroys Trust

When candidates hear nothing after applying or interviewing, it erodes confidence in both the company and the profession.

2. Entry Level Isn’t Really Entry Level

Many so-called entry-level roles now require 1–3 years of experience, leaving true graduates locked out.

3. Feedback Is a Generational Expectation

Gen Z grew up with constant feedback. Silence feels like rejection, not independence.

4. Generational Intelligence Is a Competitive Advantage

Companies that learn to bridge generational friction will outperform those that dismiss it.

5. Hiring Is a Long Game

Speed and cost matter, but ignoring trust, culture, and development today creates talent gaps tomorrow.