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DE Talk

46 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratings

For DirectEmployers, it’s all about valuable connections and meaningful conversations. The DE Talk Podcast features an honest and open dialogue between powerhouse industry experts. Tune in to hear a variety of conversations on HR topics ranging from OFCCP compliance advice to emerging recruitment marketing trends, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and insightful solutions that help infuse new life into your HR strategies.

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Episodes

Beyond the Workplace: The Camaraderie & Meaningful Impact of Veteran ERGs

March 25, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MB

With DEI a high priority in today's work environment, many companies are establishing employee resource groups (ERGs) to bring people together in celebration and support of both their commonalities and their differences. In this episode, we sit down with Dave Erdmann, United States Marine Veteran and Valvoline's Director of Pilot and Incubation Enablement, and Eric Bevevino, United States Navy Reserve Veteran and Valvoline Global Operations' Senior Director, Channel Partner & Heavy Duty Sale...

The Platinum Rule of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

February 26, 2024 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

Studies show that diverse teams who feel safe to contribute in a meaningful way outperform teams who don't have that same level of diversity. The question is, are you truly doing everything you can to get the most out of your people? In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Adeniyi, Author, CEO and Founder of AAA Solutions, and first generation Nigerian American, to discuss the three Ps of creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable culture in the workplace. Andrew also shares his insight on...

Excitement, Turbulence & Confusion: The Top 10 Employment Law Issues That Affected Federal Contractors in 2023

January 29, 2024 21:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MB

Our compliance experts John C. Fox and Candee Chambers are back for their highly-anticipated recap of all things employment law from the past year. As they look back, they'll chat about the top 10 issues affecting federal contractors as directed by government regulatory agencies, and give hints as to what may be to come in 2024.

Embracing Generational Differences at Work

December 18, 2023 13:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MB

For the first time in history, five generations are working simultaneously in the workplace. As a result, tensions arise as work trends shift in ways older generations have never seen, and fear-based differences create gaps among employees that may seem impossible to close. In this episode, we sit down with certified coach and trained speaker Lindsay Boccardo to discuss the four factors of employee engagement, and how humanizing your workforce and learning to manage emotional labor through s...

Navigating the AI Landscape in Recruitment Marketing

December 18, 2023 13:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MB

With the emergence of artificial intelligence automation like machine learning and ChatGPT, AI is rapidly permeating the human resources/talent acquisition world, in hopes of making work life easier for HR professionals while simultaneously creating faster, more streamlined processes for job seekers.As exciting as it is, the information on this technology can be overwhelming and fraught with some difficulties and unforeseen pitfalls. Join Elliott Obermaier and Ruth Toombs from Recruit Rooste...

A Focus On Veterans: Supporting Compliance, Recruitment, Candidate Experience & Beyond

November 27, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 50.5 MB

With roughly 250,000 servicemembers transitioning to civilian life each year, veteran hiring initiatives have become an essential focus for employers. In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, this episode shares how DirectEmployers and its family of brands support employers in attracting and hiring veterans. Hear how VetCentral supports veteran representatives across the country, straight from an Indiana-based disabled veterans outreach program specialist; how the Partner R...

Registered Apprenticeships: Building Inclusive Programs for the Future

November 13, 2023 13:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MB

The reality of today's labor market indicates that there aren't enough college graduates and experienced workers to meet market demands. Apprenticeships are working to steady the gap by incorporating hands-on learning with education and life experience. In today's episode, Joshua Johnson from Jobs for the Future (JFF) shares the seven components of Registered Apprenticeships, how to engage with your state apprenticeship system, what apprenticable occupations look like in fields that would su...

From Human "Doing" to Human "Being": Transforming to Own Your 50

October 30, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

Leaders often have a lot on their plate, but their biggest challenge? Workplace drama. In this episode, we sit down with award-winning host of the Conscious Habit podcast, certified meditation coach, and President of Sandler Training Trustpointe, Amy Woodall, to discuss how calming the mind and focusing on the things we can control will help us own our part in the challenges we face, and get to the root of where results begin. She also shares her favorite podcasts and books to start your con...

Myths & Barriers: Helping Individuals Who Are Blind Find Their Place in the Workforce

September 26, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MB

With over 20 million Americans who are blind or visually impaired and a 70% unemployment rate for these individuals, it's clear that much work remains to help them find their rightful place in the workforce. In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Mittman and Brandon Wells of Bosma Enterprise and its Visionary Opportunities Foundation, an Indiana-based organization providing solutions and creating opportunities for those who are blind or visually impaired, to discuss the barriers to employmen...

Uncovering the Non-Traditional Workforce: Recruiting & Retaining Talent in Addiction Recovery

August 28, 2023 12:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MB

It's estimated that between 22-28 million Americans live in recovery from substance abuse but these individuals often struggle to maintain employment despite its proven role in successful recovery, placing them within the "anonymous and available" workforce. In this episode we sit down with Mike Thibideau of Invest Hamilton County to discuss how the addiction epidemic is quickly becoming a workforce issue, best practices for developing second chance policies for those who relapse, advice for...

Moving Off the DEIB “Treadmill” & Onto Progressive Change

June 16, 2023 15:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MB

Workplaces are changing to focus on the strengths of more diverse and inclusive hiring. But how do you move past performative and into progressive change to create a space of belonging? Tune in to hear guidance from diversity strategist and activist Torin Ellis from t ellis brands and Errin Braddock, Enterprise’s Chief Diversity Officer, as they share how to move off the DEIB “treadmill” activity that may make you feel good but doesn’t lead to transformation, and shift to actual progress for...

Top 5 Actions to Take After You Complete Your Affirmative Action Plan

May 22, 2023 12:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

What comes next after you file your annual affirmative action plan? In this episode of the DE Talk podcast, experts from OutSolve provide practical guidance on the most important actions to take and the importance of compliance as a year-round focus, not just a one-time and done activity. Tune in as they share real-world, actionable advice related to adverse impact analysis, outreach strategies, organizational training, and much more!

The Value of ERGs: Building a Trustworthy Environment for ID&E Conversations

April 03, 2023 12:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MB

In recognition of Ramadan and Arab American Heritage Month in April, we sat down with Raheef Alturkmani, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist for Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (ID&E) at Dow, to discuss best practices for building employee resource groups (ERGs) that thrive. In addition, he shares details of the organization's Middle East & North Africa (MENA) ERG and how having passionate leaders and planning activities and initiatives around employee interests are key to their success.

Skilled, Vetted & Ready: DEIA at the Heart of Veteran & Military Spouse Hiring

February 27, 2023 18:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MB

Conversations surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion remain a focus in 2023 – but where do veterans fall into these plans, and how can employers keep them included in these discussions? Tune in as DirectEmployers Kim Lott and Denise Lewis of VetJobs get down to the heart of veteran diversity, and share how these men and women who bravely served our country represent one of the most diverse hiring groups spanning culture, race, gender, disability, sexuality, age, nationality and more.

Your HR-Exclusive Guide to EEO, DEI, and OFCCP Policy Changes in 2023

January 23, 2023 20:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MB

After months of quiet, government agencies are gearing up for budgetary and policy changes affecting EEO, DEI, and OFCCP efforts. Tune in to this episode as Candee Chambers and employment law expert John C. Fox share their HR guide for 2023, outlining everything federal contractors need to be mindful of in the coming year.

The Year of Degree Deflation: Transforming Your Workforce through Skills-Based Hiring

January 23, 2023 20:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MB

Since the start of the pandemic, the role of human resources has been turned on its head, leaving talent leaders to pivot and rethink their well-established best practices in order to attract and retain diverse talent. In this DE Talk minisode, we sit down with Cappfinity’s Global Head of Marketing La Toya Hodge to chat about these changes, whether they’re here to stay, and how skills-based hiring can transform the talent acquisition process to widen the talent pool for the benefit of employ...

Pro Tips for Celebrating Holidays Inclusively at Work

December 19, 2022 17:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

How your organization celebrates holidays at work impacts your culture and employee experience. When you recognize your employees' backgrounds, you help create a culture of belonging, whereas ignoring your employees' identities may lead to disengagement and increased turnover. Tune in to today's podcast as DirectEmployers' Candee Chambers and Mikey Meagher share practical tips and guidance on how to show employees you value differences and welcome them to bring their whole selves to work – h...

Building Foundational Relationships in Native American & Tribal Communities

November 28, 2022 13:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MB

Many barriers to employment exist for millions of Americans, and one subset remains vastly underserved – Native American veterans and tribal communities. Tune in as Christopher Key from Hesperus shares more insight into cultural differences, as well as how Hesperus is investing in the next generation of Native American and Alaska Native leadership, and creating pathways to education and employment through training, workforce development, and technology.

Fostering Intentional Workplace Inclusion through Vocational Rehabilitation

October 24, 2022 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MB

Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have gone from nice-to-have to must-have over the last few years, but creating a diverse workforce involves more than just race, ethnicity, and gender. It also includes individuals with disabilities, the largest minority group in the world. Listen in as DirectEmployers Disability & Community Outreach Specialist Christa Martin chats with CSAVR CEO Steve Wooderson about how employers can foster intentional inclusion through utilization of vocational...

The Hidden Benefits of Remote Work

September 26, 2022 19:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MB

Recruit Rooster is back with another DE Talk takeover! While remote work has historically had a bad reputation, the last few years have changed both employer and employee views, making it a shining light in the midst of the pandemic. In this episode, Sales Manager Ruth Toombs and Senior Sales Engineer Steven Apostolidis sit down to chat about the hidden benefits of remote work that are changing workers’ lives for the better, while also leading to positive results for employers. They also sha...

Tips & Tricks for Mastering the "Deep Dredge" Audit

August 29, 2022 18:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MB

Over the last few years, OFCCP has initiated fewer audits than ever before, but each audit has become alarmingly more complex. So how can you ensure you remain in compliance without letting the agency take advantage of your rights? Listen in as OFCCP compliance experts John Fox and Candee Chambers discuss the latest trends in audits and what OFCCP can and can’t request, how to know when outside counsel is needed, as well as tips and tricks to help ensure a positive outcome from various types...

Employment Branding Trends & Tactics in the Midst of a Pandemic

July 25, 2022 17:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MB

In this special edition episode of the DE Talk podcast, Recruit Rooster’s Ruth Toombs and Rob Cox are taking over! Listen in on this lively conversation as they dive in to current industry trends related to unemployment, labor shortages, remote work and budgeting tactics, and how these ultimately affect your employer brand to make you the employer of choice for candidates. They also share how they’ve helped employers with specific hiring needs during the pandemic to help them fill urgent pos...

Shifting from the Great Resignation to the Great Retention

May 09, 2022 17:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MB

The Great Resignation continues to affect employers large and small as they grapple with how to address this ongoing talent concern. Tune in as entrepreneur, author, and podcaster, Lorraine Ball, discusses how focusing on culture-building, connection, and proactive recruitment can prevent the churn of employee turnover and create a place where people want to work.

From Public Service to Corporate America: Lived Experiences of an LGBTQ Employee in the Workplace

March 07, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 46.3 MB

Courageous conversations begin when you’re willing to share vulnerabilities, stand in those insecurities, and become relatable to those around you. For the internationally awarded public speaker, author, first responder, and LGBTQIA+ activist Samantha Smith, that began when she recited her powerful speech, Last Call. Tune in to this episode as Samantha shares her experience first as a police officer in the field and then as an out employee in corporate America. From guidance on supporting LG...

OFCCP in 2022: Lean Staff, Big Goals & New Changes Afoot

January 24, 2022 13:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MB

The federal contractor community has taken note of the quiet demeanor of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) since the Biden Administration took office. However, amongst the quiet comes big changes ahead – many of which might cause a stir for the federal contractor and subcontractor community. Tune in as DirectEmployers Executive Director Candee Chambers and employment law expert John C. Fox of Fox, Wang & Morgan discuss the undoing of all things Trump, the OFCCP’s upc...

Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Workforce – Cultivating At-Risk Talent

December 07, 2021 18:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MB

There’s no denying that today’s youth are tomorrow’s future, and sometimes, they just need a second chance and some guidance to set them on the track to success. In this episode of the DE Talk podcast, we sat down with Denny Armington, President of Youth Opportunity Foundation (YOF), to discuss how they work with disadvantaged and post-adjudicated youth to mentor, educate, and train them as they prepare for a stable and rewarding future in the workforce.

Combatting the “She-cession”: Creating Equitable Opportunity for Women

November 15, 2021 12:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MB

The pandemic changed the U.S. workforce virtually overnight. More than a year later, its impact lingers on, continuing to drive more women out of the workforce. Decades worth of slow progress made by women to catch up to men evaporated in just one year – and the question remains, how many women will return to work? And how does this threaten our economic recovery? Tune in as gender economist Katica Roy, CEO and Founder of Pipeline, shares the setbacks women’s labor force participation has ex...

Reality Check: The Role of Employers In Employee Mental Health

October 25, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MB

For years, employers have recognized the need for mental health support. Now, thanks to the pandemic pause in 2020, employers are looking to break the stigma of mental health care, assess how to make positive strides forward, and create an open dialogue in their workplaces. How can employers create a work culture that supports mental and emotional well-being? Tune in as psychiatrist Dr. Chris Bojrab unpacks the importance of mental health, how it affects the workplace, and steps needed to pr...

Navigating COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates: Employer vs Employee Rights

September 27, 2021 14:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MB

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, employers around the globe will soon face new challenges: will they require employees to be vaccinated? To get down to the legal nitty-gritty, we sat down with employment law expert Jay Wang of Fox, Wang, & Morgan to provide guidance on vaccine mandates, the recent FDA approval, and what this means for employers and employees around the nation.

Redefining Work: Breaking the 8-to-5 Culture with Remote Work & Future Hiring

August 23, 2021 17:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MB

There’s no question that the pandemic has changed our outlook on remote work, and redefined many things in our daily lives, including our relationship with work and the future of the workplace itself. For many, this was swift and transformed the way we in human resources recruit, hire, onboard, train, and engage. With employers having to adapt to the profound change, two questions bear consideration – how do employees feel about remote work, and what impact does that have on employers? Dive ...

Improving Disability Employment Outcomes

March 22, 2021 19:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MB

Gaps in employment continue to exist for individuals with disabilities. The National Organization on Disability (NOD) has dedicated its existence to moving the workforce inclusion needle forward by creating resources like the Disability Employment Tracker, Corporate Leadership Council, and the Disability Inclusion Executive Briefing for employers to utilize. NOD President Carol Glazer joined the DE Talk podcast to discuss the organization’s history and how we can improve disability employmen...

Pushing Creative Limits: Using Vibrant Photos & Video to Showcase Your Employer Brand

February 18, 2021 13:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MB

Over the last year, we have all had to adapt our ways of doing, and creativity has quickly become a lifeline for standing out—especially in today’s competitive workforce. That’s why representing your unique company culture on your website and social media platforms is more critical than ever. In this episode, Drew Palmer and Jordan Hartman of the Recruit Rooster Creative Services team sit down to chat about all things creative in the HR space, and how it can positively impact your recruitmen...

Naming, Claiming, & Aiming Your Strengths in 2021

January 11, 2021 17:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB

Studies suggest that people spend around eighty percent of their time focused on fixing weaknesses, and only twenty percent of their time trying to build upon strengths in most workplaces. However, we achieve excellence most often when using our strengths–enter the CliftonStrengths assessment. In this episode, Jen Polcer chats with JoDee Curtis from Purple Ink LLC to discuss how CliftonStrengths can transform workplaces from weakness-fixing to strengths-based cultures and use those strengths...

Political Party Changes & OFCCP Compliance: What’s Expected in 2021?

December 07, 2020 13:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MB

Curveballs have been thrown left and right during 2020, but many transformations remain for the OFCCP, and subsequently federal contractors, as a new administration transitions into power. During this podcast, Candee Chambers sat down with employment law expert John C. Fox of Fox, Wang & Morgan to discuss what contractors need to be mindful of in 2021 and the regulatory agenda the Biden Administration is set to enact in its first term. This is an episode you don’t want to miss as it’s filled...

The Weight of Honor: The Story of Military Caregivers

November 09, 2020 15:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MB

For many, the story of America’s wounded servicemembers is a reminder of the perils of war and uncertainty that exists for those individuals serving. What about the story of the resilient men and women who take on the role of nurse, caregiver, and medical advocate after their wounded loved ones return home? Tune in as Stephanie Howard, the executive producer, director, and writer of the documentary film, “The Weight of Honor,” discusses this one-of-a-kind documentary and sheds light on the u...

Disability Education & Accessibility: Overcoming the Digital Divide

October 12, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 43.5 MB

When hitting a roadblock, Janet Fiore’s motto is always, “We can figure this out,” and that’s precisely what she did in the realm of disability education. Having a fear of getting it wrong or trying to figure out where to start was a challenge, and the results often lead to overcompensating or overreaching. Janet has cultivated a safe space for learners in The Sierra Group’s DisabilityEtiquette© course and DisabilityRecruiter© Certification. During this podcast, Janet discusses her initial d...

Is the Future of Talent Acquisition Human or AI-Driven?

September 14, 2020 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

Talent acquisition is rapidly changing at an unprecedented rate. The use of advanced technology and artificial intelligence is quickly becoming the industry standard. But how do we keep humans in the loop to ensure that the human factor remains in human resources, while also embracing AI? Tune in to see what Peter Weddle, CEO at TAtech, predicts for the future of talent acquisition, how you can address change now by embracing technology and automation, and what, in his opinion, is the greate...

Preparing for a Reduction in Force

May 12, 2020 20:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

While no one looks forward to a reduction in force (RIF), it is a fact of life for many organizations today in order to meet strategic goals and business needs. Taking time to carefully plan and prepare can make the difference between a successful transition and a disaster. Tune in to this conversation as HR experts, Candee Chambers and Dana Deason of ArcBest discuss the nuts and bolts to help ensure your organization implements an RIF successfully and in a manner that is compliant and respe...

Recruit Rooster + RocketBuild: Together, We’ll Achieve New Heights

May 11, 2020 18:00 - 31 minutes - 21.3 MB

As many of you know, the work of Recruit Roosters by DirectEmployers would not be possible without stellar technology and development taking place behind the scenes, and in April, they announced the acquisition of RocketBuild. Today, Recruit Rooster COO, Heather Hoffman, is sitting down with Jason Ward of RocketBuild to discuss their work and position as Indy’s premier software and application development house–and most importantly, what this means for DirectEmployers and Recruit Rooster’s f...

Empowering Women in Leadership Roles

February 28, 2020 21:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MB

Women represent nearly 50% of the US workforce, yet only occupy 10% of the top management positions in S&P 500 companies. To discuss how female executives can empower one another in the workplace, Candee Chambers sat down with guests Elizabeth Jennings, Acting Executive Director of the National Disability Institute, and Heather Hoffman, COO of Recruit Rooster, to talk about closing the gender gap that exists in leadership and how mentorship shaped their careers. Tune in to learn just how the...

The ROI of D&I Is Greater Humanity

February 10, 2020 13:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

Diversity and inclusion is not just a function of talent acquisition, it’s a company-wide effort that needs to take place in all areas of business to be successful. Leading diversity strategist Torin Ellis sat down with Shannon Offord, VP of Strategic Partnerships at DirectEmployers Association, to discuss the importance of D&I and the foundational steps companies need to take to show real commitment to diversity. With no true “finish line” for diversity efforts, Torin shares how employers c...

Ask the OFCCP Experts: What’s to Come in 2020

January 13, 2020 19:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MB

For government contractors, the regulatory landscape is always changing, and navigating these changes takes a careful understanding of the current requirements and a forward-looking view of what’s ahead. To understand what’s expected in 2020, Candee Chambers sat down with employment law expert John C. Fox of Fox, Wang, & Morgan, to identify what you should be doing to prepare yourself for the OFCCP’s new game plan for 2020. From John’s encyclopedic knowledge of everything OFCCP to Candee, yo...

Understanding Accessibility for Compliance & Recruitment

December 09, 2019 19:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MB

Career site compliance and accessibility are hot topics for employers right now. We can see a lot of organizations are working hard to create an inviting culture for individuals with disabilities; however,  many of these organizations are failing at the most basic level - the job application. We sat down two of our in-house experts on OFCCP Compliance and Website Accessibility to talk through this topic more. Listen as Jen and Ruth share tips and actionable takeaways for creating a career si...

Veteran Underemployment

November 12, 2019 13:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MB

The veteran unemployment rate is now at an all-time low, but studies reveal that nearly ⅓ of veterans are underemployed. To better understand how employers can connect with veteran job seekers, our team sat down with David Muir from Easter Seals Veteran Staffing Network to discuss all-things veteran hiring.

Invisible Disabilities

September 13, 2019 17:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MB

With October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we really wanted to hit home with invisible disabilities in the workplace. Host Candee Chambers sat down with Haley Moss to start a conversation about workplace obstacles, triumphs, and the neurodiverse community.

Invisible Disabilities

September 13, 2019 17:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MB

With October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we really wanted to hit home with invisible disabilities in the workplace. Host Candee Chambers sat down with Haley Moss to start a conversation about workplace obstacles, triumphs, and the neurodiverse community.