Cappuccino with HR

In this episode, Rudi Bauer sits down with Siadhal Magos, Co-founder and CEO of Metaview, to explore how AI agents are transforming the most critical process in any company: deciding who joins the team.They delve into the "Practical Future of Hiring," discussing how the shift from unstructured conversation to data-driven insights is unlocking a new level of hiring accuracy. Siadhal shares his perspective on the build vs. buy dilemma for AI tools, the evolution of computer use by agents, and why the rise of AI makes the human ability to orchestrate and connect more valuable than ever. From his early days at Uber to building a Google Ventures-backed platform, Siadhal explains why the next era of leadership belongs to those who treat AI as a high-IQ colleague rather than just a tool.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Felix Steffens, Co-founder and CEO of WorkMotion, about the evolution of the borderless workforce and how companies can overcome the talent shortage through global hiring.They discuss the shift from physical presence to output-oriented leadership, the importance of asynchronous communication, and the legal complexities of hiring across borders. Felix also shares insights into WorkMotion’s "country factors" for fair global compensation, the role of AI in vetting international candidates, and the strategic steps startups should take when building a distributed team.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Jennifer Christie, Chief People Officer at Docusign, about the evolution of HR into a more strategic, product-driven function.They discuss the importance of employee experience and personalization, how AI is transforming HR, and why new success metrics are needed. Jennifer also shares how HR can better collaborate with product and tech teams, the key skills for modern HR leaders, and how HR can become a driver of innovation and business growth.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Anastasia Pshegodskaya, Global Director of Talent Acquisition at Remote, about how companies approach global hiring in a remote-first world.They discuss key hiring strategies, employer branding, candidate experience, and common pitfalls, as well as the role of AI, onboarding, and salary transparency. Anastasia also shares her perspective on the future of global hiring and what it takes to build strong distributed teams.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Kerstin Wagner, Executive VP Talent Acquisition at Deutsche Bahn, about building future-ready talent strategies in a large, complex organization.They explore how to balance strategic vision with daily operations, keep retention high, and rethink jobs in light of technological change. Kerstin shares insights on using AI to scale recruiting, identifying hidden talent beyond CVs, tackling age discrimination, and building sustainable talent acquisition strategies. She also offers her perspective on what recruiting excellence will look like ten years from now.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Anastasija Remović, Senior Manager Talent Acquisition at Liberty Global, about what it takes to attract and retain A-players.They discuss how to define top talent, the importance of team dynamics, and the role of employer branding in retention. Anastasija also shares insights on navigating change, building trust, and balancing performance with a strong company culture, along with her perspective on the future of Talent Acquisition.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Roger Morawski, Global Head of Workplace Experience Brand Strategy at Sanofi, and Fernando Faria, Global Head of Workplace Transformation at Sanofi, about how global companies are redefining the workplace in the hybrid era.They discuss Sanofi’s approach to workplace transformation, the four pillars behind its strategy, and the idea of “invisible workplace experiences” — the small details that shape how employees feel, collaborate, and perform at work. Roger and Fernando also explain how global workplace standards are combined with local adaptations, and how initiatives around design, accessibility, and employee experience connect to outcomes like talent attraction and employee satisfaction.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Jess Von Bank, Global Leader of Digital HR & Workforce Transformation at Mercer, about how the talent landscape is evolving and what HR needs to do next.They discuss the shift toward more strategic, organization-wide transformation, how AI is impacting talent acquisition, and the importance of focusing on the right problems before applying technology. Jess also shares insights on managing cross-generational expectations, building future-proof skills, and why strong C-suite alignment is key to driving real change.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Joe Farrell, Strategic Partner at TrustModel.AI (Ex-KPMG, IBM Partner; Advisor to Fortune 100), about how AI is reshaping organizations beyond just technology.They discuss why the current AI wave requires new operating models, governance, and leadership approaches, how AI agents could challenge traditional hierarchies, and what this shift means for HR, talent acquisition, and internal mobility. Joe also shares what leaders need to unlearn today and what will differentiate great talent in the AI era.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Alla Pavlova, AI Enabling Trainer and Interim Recruitment at Riot Games, about how AI is transforming the work of recruiters and talent acquisition teams.They discuss the current state of AI in HR, why it’s important to start with real needs before adopting new tools, and which parts of recruiting should stay human while others can be automated. Alla also shares practical examples of AI tools, reflects on bias in AI-assisted hiring, and explains why closer collaboration between tech and people teams is becoming essential.AI Tools for Recruiters by Alla Pavlova: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dj0ZVKpznV2iMJAUumoCd_XyyQNqklMYecvTLOVGmJY/edit?gid=712208593#gid=712208593

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Frank Spillers, Design Leader, about how human-centered design can improve both digital products and employee experience.They discuss what makes an experience truly work, the differences between UI, UX, and service design, and how user expectations have evolved in the digital age. Frank also shares insights on the role of AI in design, the rise of hyper-personalization, and why accessibility, inclusion, and emotional value are essential for meaningful experiences.The conversation explores what HR teams can learn from product and design practices, including tools like journey mapping and better ways to measure employee experience.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Ali Mahlodji, CEO of futureOne, about empowering the next generation and redefining leadership in times of rapid technological and societal change.They discuss how our relationship with failure evolves over time, the biggest challenges young people face today, and how leaders can better manage diverse talent by breaking silos and embracing neuroinclusion. Ali shares powerful insights on preparing people for AI, stepping out of a victim mindset, questioning belief systems, and staying grounded in purpose and product value.The conversation also touches on mental health, fairness, and the responsibility leaders carry in shaping a more resilient and future-ready society.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Manjuri Sinha, VP HR and Global Head of GTM Org Success at Miro, about leading organizations through the age of AI and reimagining work in an increasingly automated world.They discuss how AI is becoming a new kind of team member, why the biggest barriers are often cultural rather than technical, and what organizations must unlearn to truly integrate AI into their structures. Manjuri shares insights on shifting roles instead of replacing them, fostering curiosity over fear, redefining productivity and success, and the leadership skills that will matter most in the future. 

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Diana Westrich, Vice President Corporate HR Leadership & Development at BASF, about empowering people and leading transformation in a digital world.They discuss why transformation is never just about technology, but also about culture, mindset, and leadership responsibility. Diana shares insights on fostering curiosity, balancing innovation with safety, embedding AI across organizations, and the evolving role of HR in times of uncertainty.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Johannes Füß, Senior Vice President at EGYM Wellpass, about the evolving role of wellbeing in the modern workplace.They explore how employee expectations are shifting, why wellbeing has become a strategic business decision, and how companies can design benefit programs that people actually use. The conversation covers flexibility, trust in hybrid work models, bottom-up versus top-down initiatives, the role of technology and AI, and how organizations can create environments that support sustainable performance and long-term employee satisfaction.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Nadine Schomacker, Founder of People Champ, about what neuroinclusion really means in the workplace.They discuss why neurodiversity is gaining importance, where organizations should start, and how leaders can create psychologically safe environments. The conversation covers practical, easy-to-implement changes, building trust, measuring ROI, and what a truly neuroinclusive workplace could look like in the future.You can get in touch with Nadine through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-schomacker/If you're curious to read more about the neuroinclusive bags: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nadine-schomacker_neuroinclusion-bags-activity-7398630560115355648-GZPP/Nadine also has a specialized newsletter on the topic of neurodiversity where can deep diver further into the topic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-schomacker/recent-activity/newsletter/Manual of Me: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nadine-schomacker_onboarding-bedingungen-manualofme-ugcPost-7427257003607126016-EDXQ

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Péter Töpler, Global Head of Intelligence Advisory at Randstad Enterprise, about how talent intelligence and workforce planning support better business decisions.They discuss aligning business and talent strategy, moving beyond dashboards and outdated HR KPIs, and how to pitch talent intelligence to CEOs. The conversation also covers the real role of AI, common automation pitfalls, building intelligence teams, and how talent intelligence helps organizations prepare for future skills.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Relinde Boerman, Lead Recruiter at Polarsteps, about values-based hiring and why aligning people, culture, and skills is essential for building strong, future-proof teams.They explore what values-based hiring really means in practice, how organizations can define and operationalize their values, and where values fit alongside skills in hiring decisions. Relinde shares practical insights on evaluating values fit, aligning hiring managers and stakeholders, and making better recruitment decisions beyond gut feeling.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer sits with Barbara Greutter, Executive Advisor and Interim CHRO, to discuss how the HR function evolves in fast-growing startups and scale-ups, and why HR must move beyond administration to become a true business partner.They discuss common HR pitfalls during rapid growth, building culture without losing agility, adapting quickly in new organizations, and the growing importance of data, tech understanding, and modern leadership skills. The conversation also covers hiring for skills and behavior, what HR needs to unlearn, and how to build an HR function from scratch in the first 100 days.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Claudia Tattanelli, Founder and CEO of C-YourCulture, about how employer branding has evolved and why retention should be at the heart of any employer branding strategy.They discuss what employer branding really means today, why keeping people engaged and aligned matters more than pure talent attraction, and how organizations can move from gut feeling to data driven decisions. Claudia also shares insights on using employees as authentic ambassadors, measuring and understanding culture, creating safe spaces for honest feedback, and aligning employer branding with the real employee experience.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Bianca Errigo, Founder of HumanOS, about what it truly takes to build sustainable high performance in today’s organizations. They explore why sustainable performance is grounded in science rather than perks or compensation, how wellbeing directly impacts business outcomes, and why performance cannot be separated from culture, trust, and human experience at work.Bianca shares insights on leadership responsibility, co-creating the right structures, building trust through experience, and understanding the evolving expectations of Gen Z in the workplace. This episode offers a concise look at why organizations must intentionally design for sustainable high performance or risk paying the price.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer speaks with Alexandra Eichberger, Head of Group People Development & Culture at Erste Group, about what real transformation looks like behind the buzzwords. They discuss why terms like “New Work” are often overused, how to balance deeply rooted values with ongoing change, and how leaders can navigate fear in times of transformation. Alexandra also touches on the difference between a failure culture and a true learning culture, the key ingredients of a change-ready organization, and the role AI may play as a future “teammate” in this journey.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Ash Jones, Personal Brand Advisor and Founder of Great Influence, about building authentic and effective personal brands. They explore where to start, how to find the right focus and niche, and how to balance personal and business content without losing authenticity.Ash shares insights from over 10 years of advising entrepreneurs and leaders, including his work with Steven Bartlett, and explains how leadership-led personal branding can strengthen culture, connection, and retention.

In this year end special of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer is joined by Hung Lee, Curator of Recruiting Brainfood, for a reflective look at 2025 and what it revealed about the future of HR, recruiting and work.Together they discuss the biggest surprises and disappointments of the year, the reality behind the AI hype and the trends shaping conferences, hiring and candidate experience. Hung shares sharp observations on why tools and ideas are not the problem but implementation often is, and what leading companies are doing differently to move the industry forward.The conversation also explores changing roles in HR and tech, shifting skill requirements, resilience, experimentation and what HR leaders should focus on heading into the new year.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer speaks with Jürgen Hartwig, CHRO and Member of the Board at Daimler Truck, about why the future of HR depends on embracing And instead of Or. They explore how HR must shift its mindset, move beyond transactional work and take a more strategic role in shaping people and culture.Jürgen shares insights on global differences, generational expectations and how AI can both create space for meaningful human interactions and increase the demands on HR. Together they discuss why HR needs a seat at the C suite table and how business people and technology must work in alignment to build the workplace of the future.A forward looking conversation that highlights what HR needs to evolve, stay relevant and drive real transformation.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Margareta Sailer, Founder and CEO of mondaysquares, about why learning and specifically unlearning are critical skills in times of constant change. Drawing on her experience as Senior Recruitment Manager EMEA at Tesla and Global Recruitment Director at Lilium Aviation, Meggy shares insights on adaptability, resilience, and leadership.They discuss why letting go of outdated mindsets is often harder than learning new skills, how leaders can reduce fear of failure, and what it takes to collaborate effectively with AI. Meggy returns to the podcast for the second time, offering a practical and reflective perspective on thriving in uncertainty.Here is the link to the basketball documentary mentioned during the episode: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80203144

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Kent Frederiksen, Vice President Rewards at the LEGO Group, about how modern reward systems go far beyond salary. They explore why flexibility and individualization are becoming essential, how companies with lower brand recognition can still build compelling reward strategies, and how transparency and EU regulations are reshaping the landscape.Kent shares insights into shifting employee expectations, what people truly value, and the innovative reward trends shaping the future of work. A concise look at how meaningful, sustainable reward systems can transform the employee experience.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Katharina Baehr, Head of People & Culture Recruiting & Employer Branding at Contabo Group, about the shift from traditional HR to People & Culture and why the industry needs a new mindset. They discuss modern leadership trends, the role of individualization in people strategies, how AI can create real people moments, and why HR needs a place at the C-suite table to drive real transformation.In case you want to connect with Katharina, here are her social handles:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharina-baehr/Instagram: katharinabaehr.px

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Andreas Mayer, Director Employee Experience & Operational Excellence at ING Deutschland, about how everyday interactions shape meaningful employee experiences. They discuss what employee experience really means, how thoughtful process design and automation can support people better, and why leadership alignment is essential.Andreas also shares insights into generational differences, the growing role of AI in HR, and how organizations can strike the right balance between standardization and personalization, without falling into “Disneyfication.”

In this episode Rudi Bauer talks with business psychologist and somatic coach Kate Silber about the power of softness at work. They explore whether softness is a weakness or an essential leadership asset, how self-respect and emotional awareness build true authority, and why integrating empathy, vulnerability, and body awareness can transform individuals and organizations alike. Kate also shares simple somatic practices for staying grounded and discusses how self-trust and self-respect shape better leaders, healthier teams, and more human workplaces, even in an age of AI and high performance.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, host Rudi Bauer talks with Christine Regitz, Head of SAP Women in Tech and President of the German Informatics Society, about advancing women in technology. They discuss why progress has been slow, how early education and mentoring can inspire girls toward STEM, and what leaders can do to build confidence and inclusion in tech teams.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer speaks with Ludmila Tomperi, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner HQ at Wolt, about how resilience shapes our ability to adapt, lead, and thrive in fast-changing work environments. They explore what resilience truly means in today’s business world — from individual mindset to organizational culture — and why psychological safety, curiosity, and emotional intelligence are essential to building stronger, more adaptable teams. The conversation touches on how AI is transforming human adaptability, why comfort can limit growth, and how teaching resilience early can empower the next generation of professionals.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer speaks with Ivana Spiridonovic, B2B Marketing Manager at WeAreDevelopers, about the behind-the-scenes of the WeAreDevelopers World Congress, the world’s leading event for developers, AI innovators, and tech leaders, and how the new HR track, the HR Leaders Summit, extends this vision. They explore how the summit bridges the gap between HR and developers, the surge of feedback and engagement on social media, why mental health and interactive formats resonated so strongly, and how global expansion, AI-powered learning, and community will remain at the core of future events.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer speaks with Mihaela Nedelcu, Employer Branding and Culture Programs Manager, about the power of employee advocacy in building authentic employer brands. They discuss fostering trust, enabling employees to share real stories, and aligning internal culture with external branding. Mihaela shares lessons from Coca-Cola HBC, the role of feedback and capability building, and why courage and creativity are key to future employer branding.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer speaks with Christian Wastlhuber, Fractional TA Leader & Co-Founder at The UnleashPeople, about how HR and tech are merging. They discuss building strong recruiting foundations, stepping into automation, and the recruiter’s changing role in times of rapid transformation. Christian unpacks the shifting skillsets companies need, the biggest bottleneck in people development, and the “trinity alliance” that drives organizational success.Reference Kevin Wheeler’s article “The Last Recruiter, a History of Change”: https://fotnews.futureoftalent.org/p/the-diary-of-a-recruiter-2035 

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer, Cathrin Christ, Director at Deloitte, and Birte Reitmann, Manager Organization and Work Transformation at Deloitte, unpack Deloitte’s latest Human Capital Trends Report and explore the emerging concept of stagility, the balance between stability and agility that leaders need to navigate today’s fast-changing world of work.They discuss what stagility requires, how leaders can foster the right environment, the difference between leaders and managers, why a strong failure culture matters, and whether curiosity in business is fading or transforming. The conversation also offers practical insights into how organizations can move toward stagility and thrive in uncertainty.----What trends will shape Human Capital in 2026 and beyond? Share your thoughts in Deloitte's short survey and join a global conversation about the evolving world of work. Your input will directly influence Deloitte's next Global Human Capital Trends Report. Don't miss your chance to make an impact! Follow this link: https://surveyna.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6txNeLcwna4GkbsGet access to the current Human Capital Trends Report 2025: https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/services/consulting/articles/human-capital-and-hr-trends-thought-leadership.html

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Meghan Hennessy, Global People Director and former leader at Uber, Meta, and Apple, about rethinking leadership in 2025. They explore how leaders can strengthen their leadership “muscle,” navigate fear of change, and foster a culture that embraces learning from failure. The discussion also touches on AI adoption, ethical considerations, and the balance between technology, data, and human-centric leadership, highlighting the key skills leaders need to empower teams and shape the future of work.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Nora Dietrich, mental health expert, Founder and Co-CEO of Between People, psychotherapist, and author of “Mental Health at Work”. Together, they explore how trust, awareness, and leadership shape mental health at work, and why building a sustainable culture is key to the future of work.

In this episode, Rudi Bauer talks with Margareta Sailer, Founder and CEO of Mondaysquares, about scaling talent from within and why upskilling is essential for growth. Drawing on her experience as Senior Recruitment Manager EMEA at Tesla and Global Recruitment Director at Lilium Aviation, Margareta shares how to build adaptable organizations, foster curiosity, and create safe spaces for learning. They discuss leading AI adoption from the top, keeping careers future-proof in a shifting job market, and the impact of generational differences. The conversation also dives into emerging trends shaping the future of work, from gamification and micro-learning to personalization and service integration.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer talks with Daniel Mühlbauer, Speaker and Impactor at HR.Daten.Liebe, and also known as Data Dan, about why HR needs a ChatGPT license and how to lead AI adoption with confidence. They explore the balance between innovation and regulation, and why curiosity is key in uncertain times. From overcoming fear of technology to identifying real industry problems, this episode delivers practical steps and inspiration for HR professionals ready to embrace AI.The ChatGPT license is currently only available in German: https://www.hr-datenliebe.de/chatgpt-fuehrerschein-f%C3%BCr-hr

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Lina Pfeiffer, Founder of the Climate Stories Initiative, to explore how developers and companies can become sustainability champions. From visualizing climate change on Google Maps to mobilizing political will and deploying AI agents, the conversation uncovers the growing impact of technology in solving global challenges. They also dive into generational perspectives, mental health, and how sustainability is reshaping talent attraction and corporate responsibility. If you want to find out more about the Climate Stories Initiative following this link: https://climatemap.info/And if you want to connect with Lina online, she shared with us her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lina-sophie-pfeiffer-477774233/ 

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with Ferdinand Ruggenthaler, Head of Human Resources Administration at A. Loecker Konfekt, to unpack the evolving landscape of employee retention. They dive into the core strategies companies can use to keep top talent, the critical role of honesty and belonging in fostering loyalty, and how leadership influences long-term engagement. Ferdinand also reveals subtle early indicators that someone may be about to leave, the financial impact of attrition, and why HR might be better off without the “R.”

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Cole Groom, Co-Founder of Balance Breathing, about the growing focus on mental health at work. They explore overlooked causes of burnout, early warning signs, and why some employees stay energized while others don’t. Cole also shares how breathwork is helping teams manage stress and what attendees can expect from his session at the HR Leaders Summit.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer speaks with Wolfgang Kerner, Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding Expert, about how the hiring journey mirrors a theatrical performance. From his background in theater to his expertise in recruitment, Wolfgang shares how storytelling, staging, and human emotion play a pivotal role in crafting a compelling candidate experience.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer speaks with Mahmoud Aly, TA Business Partner at Semrush, about how recruiters can stay human-centric in an increasingly AI-driven world. From skill-based hiring and shifting power dynamics to the rise of personalization and community-building, they explore how AI is shaping talent acquisition and how it can support, not replace, genuine human connection.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Daniel Cranney, Developer Advocate at WeAreDevelopers, about how Developer Relations bridges the gap between code and culture. They explore how DevRel supports employer branding, builds authentic communities, and helps companies connect with tech talent meaningfully. From starting in DevRel to navigating team challenges, Daniel shares insights on turning developer engagement into a strategic HR asset. 

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer sits down with David Simmonds, Chairman at HCM Metrics, to explore the power, and necessity, of data-driven decision-making in modern HR. From redefining how companies identify and solve workforce challenges to breaking down organizational silos, they dive into how metrics are shifting HR from reactive to strategic. Learn why combining hard data with human needs is essential for retention, future planning, and building resilient, people-first organizations.You can download the research paper David mentioned on Human Capital Disclosures here: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4138543

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Gina Schinkel, Founder and CEO of Driftawave, about redesigning work around human needs. From the shift in HR priorities to the hidden strengths of small companies, they explore how flexible, people-first workplaces are shaping the future.Discover why remote work, individual expectations, and human-centric compensation are key to building a competitive edge.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Ute Neher, Principal Talent Intelligence at Indeed, about why it's time to move beyond resumes and start hiring for potential. From bridging the gap between what companies say and what they actually do, to combining human insight with AI in screening, Ute breaks down what it really means to hire for skills. Learn how to write future-proof job descriptions, find your star candidates, and create systems that help people grow, not just fill roles.

In this episode of Cappuccino with HR, Rudi Bauer chats with Vanessa Raath, Global Talent Sourcing Trainer and Freelance Sourcer at The Talent Hunter, about what’s next for talent acquisition. From building communities over databases to redefining DEI metrics, Vanessa shares sharp insights and practical advice for HR teams navigating the future.Here is the list of AI tools, Vanessa tested: https://start.me/p/l6bkk7/vanessa-raath-s-tried-tested-ai-tools