PODCAST · business
The Talent Tango
by Elevano
Some of the most meaningful conversations in recruiting and people leadership never happen on a stage. They unfold in small moments. Two peers talking about the decisions that shaped their careers. A mentor sharing a lesson that changed how they lead. Honest insights that usually stay behind closed doors.The Talent Tango brings those conversations into the open.This show is a space where people and talent leaders talk about their real journeys. The choices that helped them grow. The challenges that tested them. The ideas they rely on as they build teams in a world shaped by rapid technology shifts. Listeners get the kind of perspective you would normally only hear in a private one to one conversation.People. Impact. Technology. These beliefs guide every episode. Great talent work is about understanding people, delivering impact, and navigating the tools and change that define modern work. Our guests share how they bring these forces together throughout their careers.If you want a g
Episodes
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Competing for AI talent when your brand is smaller
Chris Kusaba (formerly at Mytra) joins the show to talk about how smaller talent teams can compete in markets where brand recognition is uneven and the demand for AI and robotics talent is rising fast. Chris brings experience from Tesla and now leads recruiting at a high growth robotics and AI...
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How Curiosity Turns People Skills Into Real Tech Impact
This episode features Todd Hazen, Head of Technical Recruiting at Gusto, in a candid conversation about what it takes to move from non-tech recruiting into the world of technical hiring. Todd shares how he built credibility, developed deep connections, and learned to thrive in a space that…
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Stop Fixing Processes. Start Designing Systems.
Kit Krugman, SVP of People and Culture at Foursquare, joins to unpack what it really means to be a systems thinker in people leadership. She explains how to move beyond process for process's sake, design people systems that actually work together, and create the kind of vibrancy that drives both...
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The Human Side of AI in Talent
AI is reshaping how talent teams work, but it's not replacing the human touch. In this episode, Logan Marsh, Head of Talent Acquisition at Calendly, joins Amir to unpack how AI is transforming recruiting from process-heavy to purpose-driven. He shares how Calendly uses AI to enhance efficiency,...
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Leading With Compassion When the Decisions Are Hard
Emily Ellis, Chief People Officer at DriveWealth, joins the show to explore what it really takes to lead with compassion when the decisions are hard. From layoffs and shifting priorities to hiring in high-growth startups, Emily shares how people leaders can balance business realities with...
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How Top People Leaders Pick the Right Tools
Startups can't afford to waste time—or budget—on the wrong tools. In this episode, Amir sits down with June Lee, Global Head of People and Culture at Twelve Labs, to unpack how to choose the right people and culture tools at the right stage. From evaluating platforms to navigating AI hype, June...
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Hiring Fast Without Lowering the Bar
How do you scale fast without lowering the hiring bar? In this episode, Mallory Plank, Head of Talent Acquisition at Guidewheel, joins The Talent Tango to break down how she navigates the constant push and pull between quality and speed. With a background in both agency and in-house recruiting,...
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Why People Teams Need Product Rigor
What happens when you treat employee experience like a product? Neervi Shah Patel, Chief People Officer at Faire, joins the show to share how her team brings the same level of operational rigor and customer obsession to PeopleOps that product teams bring to user experience. From leveraging data…
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AI Won't Replace HR — But It'll Shrink Your Team
What does it really look like to run the entire People function solo — and still operate at a strategic level? In this episode, Anisha Thomas, Head of People at Inscribe, shares what it takes to be a team of one at a fast-paced AI startup. From managing headcount planning without over-hiring to...
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How Great Leaders Rebuild Broken Trust
In this episode of The Talent Tango, Amir sits down with Ashley Utz, Chief People Officer at Happy Money, to explore the complex task of rebuilding trust within organizations—especially during periods of change like layoffs, restructuring, or leadership transitions. Ashley offers a nuanced...
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Why Talent Acquisition Needs a Project Manager's Mindset
In this episode, Amir sits down with Greg Russell, VP of Talent Acquisition at CoverGenius, to unpack why talent acquisition should be treated like project management. They explore how applying frameworks like the project management triangle (scope, cost, time) can elevate recruiting…
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Redefining the Employee-Employer Contract
In this episode, Amir sits down with Suzanne McGovern, Chief People Officer and HR veteran, to explore how the employee-employer relationship has fundamentally changed. From the aftermath of COVID-19 and rise of remote work to shifting generational expectations and the role of company culture…
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Startups Don't Scale Without Real Culture
In this episode, Brittany Blumenthal, VP of People at HiddenLayer, shares how early-stage startups can intentionally define and evolve their culture. She breaks down the challenges of working with strong founder imprints, the importance of documenting culture as a living contract, and how to…
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The Employer Branding Strategy That Worked
In this episode of The Talent Tango, Amir sits down with Caitlin Kamm, Director of People Growth at Envoy, to unpack a real-world employer branding initiative tailored specifically for engineering talent. Caitlin walks through how her team developed a laser-focused EVP to support a…
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Why Is Feedback So Awkward?
In this episode of The Talent Tango, Amir Bormand is joined by Heather Cassar to unpack the nuances of giving and receiving feedback in the workplace. From real-time feedback practices to performance reviews, Heather shares practical tips on how to build trust, motivate teams, and make feedback a...
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From Founding Team to Future Leaders: Hiring with Intent
In this episode, Amir sits down with Girish Mirchandani, Head of Talent at WestBridge Capital, to unpack the nuances of executive recruiting across stages and geographies. From Series A scrappiness to global scale-ups, they explore what makes a successful hire, how founders should engage in the...
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Bringing AI into the Interview Process
In this episode of The Talent Tango, Amir speaks with Allison DiDominick, Senior Technical Recruiting Manager at Flexport, about adopting AI interview tools to tackle inefficiencies in the hiring process. From delayed scorecards to inconsistent feedback, Allison walks us through the problem...
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Build a Long-Term Career in Talent
What does it take to thrive in talent—even when hiring freezes hit? In this episode, Amir talks with Frank Cebek about building a durable, impactful career in talent acquisition and people leadership. From surviving market downturns to translating business context into recruiting value, Frank...
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The Talent Roadmap: Strategy, Stakeholders, and Staying Ahead
In this episode, Amir sits down with Ashley Wines from Carta to dig into what it really means for talent teams to be proactive, not reactive. They unpack the need for talent leaders to embed themselves into the business earlier, how to build trust fast, the importance of internal product…
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Setting the Stage for Influence as Head of People
In this episode, Amir sits down with Michelle King, Head of People and Talent at Notable Health, to break down what it really means to have a strategic relationship with the CEO. From spotting red flags in the interview process to pushing back (with impact) once you're in the seat, Michelle…
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The Candidate Experience Toolkit: Referrals, Follow-Ups & CRM
In this episode, Amir Bormand is joined by Kate Esterman, Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Integral Ad Science. Together, they dive deep into the ever-evolving landscape of candidate experience, discussing how market shifts—from candidate-driven to client-driven—impact the way companies...
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From Math to People Leadership
In this episode, we dive into Brittany Rohde's unconventional journey into the HR and people space. With a background in mathematics and a love for admin, Brittany has successfully navigated the world of people operations, compensation, and leadership. We explore how she transitioned from a math...
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The Power of Transparency in Hiring
In this episode, Amir Bormand is joined by Cory Eustice, a seasoned talent leader, to dive into the importance of transparency in the hiring process. They explore how organizations can improve candidate experiences, hiring outcomes, and long-term retention by fostering open and honest…
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Why Onboarding Matters as Much as Hiring
In this episode, Amir sits down with Meg Henry, Head of People & Talent at Companyon Ventures, to explore why onboarding deserves just as much attention as hiring. Meg shares practical insights on structuring an effective onboarding process, ensuring a smooth transition for new hires, and...
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Cracking the Code of Talent Playbooks
In this episode, we dive deep into Talent Acquisition (TA) playbooks—how recruiting leaders bring their experiences, frameworks, and best practices into new roles, and how they adapt them to different company environments. Henry shares his insights on onboarding into a new company, assessing...
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Aligning Talent Strategy with Business Needs
In this episode of The Talent Tango, Amir Bormand is joined by Alex Kim, Head of Talent at NewLimit, to discuss the nuances of expectations and requirements in talent acquisition. They dive into how talent professionals can better understand and serve domain experts, establish success criteria…
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Community Building & Founder Hiring Pressure
In this episode, we dive deep into community building and the hiring challenges founders face with Michelle McHargue. As an early-stage investor, Michelle has a front-row seat to the pressure founders experience when hiring top talent. We explore why founders are so selective, how curated...
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Exploring Program Management in Talent
In this episode, Amir speaks with Tiffany Chandra, Director of People and Talent at Sapphire Ventures, about the intersection of program management and talent acquisition. Tiffany shares her journey into program management, the skills she cultivated, and how program management principles can...
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Hiring Strategies for Early-Stage AI Startups
In this episode, host Amir Bormand sits down with Meg Sahni, Senior Director of Talent at Radical Ventures, to explore the intricacies of hiring for early-stage AI companies. With AI's rapid growth, Meg shares valuable insights on navigating a highly competitive talent market, building effective...
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Transforming People and Talent Functions into Strategic Drivers
In this insightful episode, Amir Bormand interviews Jim Conti, Talent Partner at Hyde Park Venture Partners, about redefining the value of people and talent functions. Jim shares strategies for evolving the role from being process-driven to a core strategic contributor, while highlighting the...
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Founders, Hiring, and Navigating the Unknown
In this insightful episode, host Amir speaks with Tanaz Mody, Head of People Operations and Talent at Lerer Hippeau, to explore the unique challenges founders face in hiring and leadership. The conversation highlights the complexities of transitioning from founder to CEO, building trust, and…
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Empowering Women in the Workplace: Navigating Health, Advocacy, and Balance
In this powerful episode, Amir Bormand speaks with Dena Singleton, Chief HR Officer at Kajabi, about the challenges women face throughout their careers. They explore key issues like balancing personal and professional life, navigating health-related workplace returns, and addressing menopause—a...
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Mastering Storytelling in Talent Acquisition
In this episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Loren Boyce, VP of Talent Acquisition at M13, to dive into the art of storytelling in recruiting. They explore how effective storytelling can transform hiring processes, align teams, and attract top talent. Whether you're a founder, a hiring manager…
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Building Inclusive Talent Strategies
In this episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Hilliary Turnipseed, Senior Director of Talent at Kapor Capital, to explore the essential practices behind consciously inclusive hiring. They dive into how organizations can diversify their talent pools, avoid hiring biases, and create equitable...
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Super Agility in Talent Management
In this episode, Amir sits down with Kelsey Lang, Global Head of Talent at Techstars, to explore how organizations can achieve 'super agility' in talent management. Kelsey shares how startup-style adaptability can be combined with strong foundational processes to manage teams effectively in...
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The Power of Little Things in Talent Management
In this episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Laura Hilton, Head of Executive Talent at Bain Capital Ventures, to explore how small but impactful actions in talent management can drive long-term success. They discuss the importance of relationship-building, effective follow-ups, and creating a...
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Mastering Recruiting Frameworks
In this episode, Amir is joined by Cassie Chao Leemans, Vice President of Talent at Craft Ventures, for an insightful discussion on creating scalable and effective recruiting strategies. Cassie shares her expertise on building strong recruiting frameworks, defining competencies, and ensuring fair...
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AI's Impact on Talent Management
In this episode, Erin Peterson, Head of Talent at Great Hill Partners, joins Amir Bormand to explore the evolving role of AI in talent management. They discuss how generative AI can streamline recruiting processes, reduce administrative burdens, and improve candidate experience while maintaining…
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Why Org Charts Matter for Scaling Companies
In this episode, Chris Fahey, SVP of Talent and HR at Volition Capital, discusses the often-overlooked value of org charts for growing companies. He discusses how they can pinpoint hiring gaps and the importance of focusing on roles, not just people. Chris also highlights the importance of…
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Navigating M&As from an HR Perspective
In this episode, Amir interviews Keryn Koch, the Global Chief Human Resource Officer at Numerix, to discuss the M&A process from an HR perspective. They dive into the role of HR in mergers and acquisitions, the importance of culture, operational compliance, and effective communication. Keryn…
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Hiring the Right CEO for Early-Stage Companies
In this episode, Amir hosts Jonathan Meyrowitz, Vice President of Talent and People at UP.Labs, to discuss the intricacies of hiring CEOs for early stage companies. They delve into topics such as the importance of deal dependency, the balance between hiring for the present versus future needs…
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Organizational Debt & Hiring People Leaders Early
In this episode, Amir Bormand speaks with Margaret Gabriel, Head of Talent at CoinFund, about the critical yet often delayed decision to hire a people leader in startups and VC firms. They dive into the concept of organizational debt, why talent leadership is undervalued early on, and how VCs and...
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Equity Essentials for Early-Stage Startups
In this insightful episode, Amir Bormand hosts Matt Birnbaum from Pear VC, diving deep into the intricacies of managing equity for early-stage startups. Matt shares actionable advice and crucial considerations to set your equity structure right from the beginning, highlighting the significance of...
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Navigating Talent Roles in Venture Capital
In this podcast episode, Erica Waichman, Head of Talent and Community at Canvas Ventures, discusses the intricacies and expectations of a talent role in a venture capital firm. The conversation covers various topics, including Erica's background, the unique challenges of transitioning from agency...
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Mastering Leadership Hiring
In this episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Jennifer "JR" Rettig, Chief People Officer at Pendo.io, to explore the complexities of leadership hiring. They cover key aspects such as managing stakeholder expectations, ensuring C-suite succession planning, and reducing bias through structured...
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Founder to CEO Transitions
In this podcast episode, Carolyn Carpaneti, a Talent Partner at Peterson Partners, discusses the complex subject of replacing a startup founder with a new CEO. The conversation covers the emotional and practical challenges founders face, the importance of recognizing different skill sets for...
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The Value of Talent & People in the Early Stages
In this episode of the podcast, Amir is joined by Jesse Sacks, the Head of Talent and People at Starshot Ventures. Jesse shares his experiences and insights on the operational aspects of managing talent, including reporting structures, building effective processes, navigating employment…
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Leadership Hiring in Early Stage Startups
In this episode, the host interviews Jen Kodner, a Talent Partner at Threshold Ventures and DFJ Growth, to discuss best practices and challenges in leadership hiring for startups. They explore the importance of finding the right leadership fit for different growth phases, professionalizing key...
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Key Attributes of Great Leadership
In this episode, Amir talks with Nathan Fabian, Managing Director and Head of Talent at WestCap, about the essential qualities of great leaders. They explore the complexities of hiring leadership, assessing unique attributes, and balancing speed with thoroughness in the recruitment process.…
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Early-Stage Talent Acquisition Strategy
In this episode, Amanda Poole, Vice President of Talent at DVx Ventures, discusses the intricacies of handling early-stage talent acquisition. Amanda explains the importance of being a strategic doer, asking the right questions before accepting a job, and understanding talent budgets. She also...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Some of the most meaningful conversations in recruiting and people leadership never happen on a stage. They unfold in small moments. Two peers talking about the decisions that shaped their careers. A mentor sharing a lesson that changed how they lead. Honest insights that usually stay behind closed doors.The Talent Tango brings those conversations into the open.This show is a space where people and talent leaders talk about their real journeys. The choices that helped them grow. The challenges that tested them. The ideas they rely on as they build teams in a world shaped by rapid technology shifts. Listeners get the kind of perspective you would normally only hear in a private one to one conversation.People. Impact. Technology. These beliefs guide every episode. Great talent work is about understanding people, delivering impact, and navigating the tools and change that define modern work. Our guests share how they bring these forces together throughout their careers.If you want a g
HOSTED BY
Elevano
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Talent Tango have?
The Talent Tango currently has 167 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Talent Tango about?
Some of the most meaningful conversations in recruiting and people leadership never happen on a stage. They unfold in small moments. Two peers talking about the decisions that shaped their careers. A mentor sharing a lesson that changed how they lead. Honest insights that usually stay behind closed...
How often does The Talent Tango release new episodes?
The Talent Tango publishes regularly with 167 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Talent Tango?
You can listen to The Talent Tango on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Talent Tango?
The Talent Tango is created and hosted by Elevano.
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