DE Talk

The headlines say unemployment is low. The front lines tell a different story. In this episode of DE Talk, Jeff Gill sits down with Brian Fink, managing partner of The ReWork Group and author of Talk Tech to Me, to unpack what's really happening in today's talent market—and what it means for the future of recruiting. From trust erosion in tech hiring to AI's role as a force multiplier for mid-size companies, Brian challenges conventional wisdom and makes the case that in a frozen, patience-driven market, the recruiters who win are the ones doubling down on relationships, curiosity, and human judgment—not just automation.

In this episode of the DE Talk podcast, host Shannon Offord, VP of Partnerships at DirectEmployers, sits down with seasoned executive and strategist Brad Boggs, founder of JobFlow. With over 20 years of experience in the recruitment technology space, Boggs shares how his new platform uses "powerfully simple" AI solutions to fix the broken cycle of mass job applications and overwhelmed hiring teams, ultimately building more inclusive and effective hiring pipelines. Whether you are a job seeker looking to stand out or an employer looking to slash your time-to-fill, this conversation offers a roadmap for navigating the evolving AI-powered recruitment landscape.

What happens to workplace diversity when the regulatory landscape shifts overnight? In this episode, compliance consultant Alicia Wallace and former Fortune 500 Chief Diversity Officer David Casey move beyond theory to discuss the reality of leading through change.Drawing on their history of managing hundreds of successful audits for some of the most recognizable brands, Alicia and David offer a masterclass in practitioner-level strategy. They pull back the curtain on what it really takes to bridge the gap between strict EEO compliance and meaningful culture, including how to go beyond “table stakes” as compliance is just the starting point, lessons from both sides of the OFCCP desk as the auditor and audited, and finally, a candid look at why merit-based hiring isn't a threat to diversity, but a tool for data-grounded decisions.

Is the candidate on your screen a real person or a deepfake? It's a question more recruiters are having to ask. In this episode of DE Talk, Shannon Offord sits down with Dwaine Maltais, Chief Strategy Officer at Nexxt to tackle the growing issue of candidate fraud.They explore the "trifecta" driving this surge–AI, automation, and accessibility–and share practical advice on how recruiters can spot red flags, verify candidate identities, and introduce good friction into the hiring process without ruining the candidate experience.

Federal contractor compliance underwent seismic changes in 2025: Executive Order 11246 was revoked, EEOC and the U.S. Department of Justice launched intensive investigations into DEI programs and EEO compliance, and the White House moved to centralize the regulation of artificial intelligence on the federal level–just to name a few.As 2026 begins, employers need clarity on what's changing and what’s required. Employment law attorneys Mickey Silberman and Michelle Duncan from Silberman Law break down the essential compliance requirements federal contractors must understand and will provide actionable guidance on what you should do to ensure compliance and reduce risk.

What do Katie Couric and modern recruitment have in common? According to Summer Delaney, Founder and CEO of CollabWORK, the answer is the power of authentic networks. In this episode of DE Talk, Summer joins Shannon Offord to discuss how her career in media revealed that the best opportunities often come from professional communities rather than job applications.Together, they discuss the rise of the "hidden job market" and how employers can integrate into trusted spaces–from the Morning Brew to local nurse newsletters–without disrupting the community vibe. Plus, learn how AI is helping companies scale this hyper-targeted approach to find better qualified candidates.

As we wrap up 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the massive shifts in Talent Acquisition. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of Talent Acquisition with global talent expert Shelia Gray, the newly appointed Global Head of Talent Acquisition for Hyundai. As organizations worldwide face shifting expectations, emerging technologies, and increasing compliance demands, Shelia shares a year-in-review look at TA in Transition–what’s changed, what’s trending, and what talent leaders must prepare for next.

Despite having a true understanding of their value in the workplace, employers often lack the visibility and engagement needed to successfully reach veteran job seekers. In this episode of the DE Talk Podcast, listen in as Recruit Rooster's Ruth Toombs and Elliott Obermaier discuss the importance of understanding military skills and how they transition to civilian careers, the misconceptions in hiring veterans, and the need for optimized application processes to go beyond good intentions and build a recruitment strategy that truly works.

How can disability inclusion fuel talent acquisition, employee retention, and long-term organizational growth? In this episode, disability strategist Bob Ludke shares actionable insights for HR leaders, talent acquisition professionals, and HR executives seeking to transform workplace culture and build competitive advantage through inclusion. Bob explores how psychological safety and inclusive leadership unlock innovation and strengthen employee engagement. Drawing from case studies featuring market leaders, he illustrates how organizations are embedding disability inclusion into talent pipeline development, reshaping the employee value proposition, and driving measurable ROI in workforce optimization.

Develop skills in furthering disability inclusion in the workplace–irrespective of your title or position on an organizational chart.​ To be an employer of choice for people with disabilities, you must have a disability-inclusive culture. Tune in to this episode, recorded at DEAMcon25, as Meaghan Walls and Andy Traub from the Center for Disability Inclusion share how to build a foundation or elevate your efforts to influence change and reduce the stigma that many people with disabilities face in their employment journey. Gain an understanding of the disability inclusion journey, from the role of an individual contributor to the enterprise, and learn from case studies that illustrate how to be a change agent in helping companies overcome various internal barriers to becoming disability inclusive.

Are your labor law posters in compliance with today’s evolving hybrid and remote workplace requirements? Tune in to the DE Talk podcast as experts Ed Buenaventura and Al Contrera from the Labor Law Center reveal federal and state requirements, common mistakes, how to avoid costly penalties, and recommendations for implementing compliance processes applicable to both small businesses and nationwide enterprises.

August marks back-to-school season—and a critical time for recruiters, career services professionals, and emerging talent to prepare for what’s ahead. In this episode of DE Talk, we welcome Shawn VanDerziel, President & CEO of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), for a timely discussion on the future of work in an AI-driven job market. Tune in as Shawn shares key findings from the latest NACE Job Outlook Report, explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping early talent hiring, and offers practical insights for those navigating this new era of talent acquisition.

Since 2007, DirectEmployers has held an exclusive partnership with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) to not only bridge the gap between state workforce agencies and employers seeking top talent, but also to establish the National Labor Exchange, an electronic labor-exchange network that combines DirectEmployers technology with NASWA's state workforce agency resources. Tune in to this episode of the DE Talk Podcast as we sit down with Scott Sanders, NASWA President & CEO, to discuss this partnership in more detail–including a focus on the NLx Research Hub–and how NASWA's work helps to further workforce development for the benefit of all.

Successful teams work hand-in-hand, understanding and supporting their mutual business goals. For human resources, that success starts when the disconnect between OFCCP compliance and recruitment is eliminated. In this minisode, Mike Bazinet, Director of Talent Acquisition at Affordable Care, shares the importance of aligning business goals, examples of how he's done this in both his current and previous roles, and how others can use this strategy for successful compliance outcomes and workforce diversity efforts.

While employers unpack new regulatory direction regarding DEI efforts, many are left wondering how to lawfully maintain their recruitment activities and stay true to their organizational values. Tune in as we chat with Dr. Courtney Bryant Shelby, Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, international speaker, & Founder of Simply You Solutions as she explains the evolution of inclusionary efforts from past to present. She also shares why diversity is essential to merit-based hiring (the larger the talent pool, the greater the chance of finding the most qualified candidate!), metrics employers should be looking at, where she sees the workplace equity landscape heading in the future, and tips for fostering authenticity and belonging in your workforce.

Creating true equality in the workplace requires accessibility and belonging. Presented initially at DirectEmployers 2024 Annual Meeting & Conference (DEAMcon24), experts from Iowa State Vocational Rehabilitation, The Harkin Institute, and John Deere Financial shared insights on disability employment and its value. Tune in to learn practical strategies to integrate accessible hiring practices, address real-world barriers, and create psychological safety for employees with disabilities. Key takeaways include actionable steps for inclusive hiring of individuals with disabilities, three strategies to make job descriptions accessible, and methods for building team support around accessibility and belonging in the workplace.

In the dynamic realm of talent acquisition, connecting with job seekers mirrors the artistry of music, requiring a nuanced and personalized approach. Join Recruit Rooster’s Elliott Obermaier, Tyler Poling, and Jeff Ringgenberg as they explore the stark differences between playing music at somebody vs. playing to an engaged audience, drawing analogies to the challenges of recruitment, such as playing hard rock at a jazz club or dealing with the dissonance of a loud cover band in a restaurant. Tune in as they explore how talent acquisition technology adapts to various recruitment scenarios, and how similarly to music, it relies on personalized connection and developing a strong understanding of your audience to create a personalized and engaging recruitment experience.

Join us for a special "Board Takeover" episode of the DE Talk podcast as members of the DirectEmployers Board of Directors discuss the evolving compliance landscape for federal contractors. This insightful conversation explores the challenges faced in 2024, including navigating complex OFCCP compliance requirements, adapting to regulatory changes, and fostering inclusive hiring practices. Looking ahead to 2025, the Board examines the potential impact of the new Trump Administration, anticipating shifts in compliance priorities and enforcement. From updates to affirmative action plans to strategies for strengthening workplace diversity, this episode provides actionable insights to help federal contractors stay prepared and compliant.

In today's competitive hiring landscape, simply posting a job and waiting for responses is no longer effective. Companies need innovative, tech-driven approaches to reach and attract top talent. In this episode, we're joined by Michelle Rawlins, VP of Sales and Client Success at Nexxt, to explore the power of programmatic job advertising. Michelle explains how this approach differs from traditional, duration-based job postings and how AI and performance-based strategies can increase traffic, improve candidate quality, and reduce costs. Tune in to learn how programmatic advertising is reshaping the recruitment landscape for today's employers.

Women veterans often face unique and overlooked challenges when transitioning from military service to civilian employment, as many veteran hiring programs are built with men in mind. In this episode, DirectEmployers Community & State Outreach Administrator Kim Lott sits down with Women Veterans Interactive Foundation Founder & CEO Ginger Miller to explore the roadblocks women veterans encounter, the resources they need, and how employers can build supportive recruitment and retention strategies tailored to them. Ginger shares her insights on connecting with veteran organizations and the importance of building an inclusive workplace that truly supports women veterans: “If you can’t reach women veterans, you can’t support women veterans.

With an unemployment rate nearly twice that of the national average, individuals with disabilities continue to face barriers to employment that prevent them from sharing their unique skills and talents with the workforce. In this episode we sit down with EmployReward Solutions Project Director Tripp Carter for a discussion on employment networks – what they are, how employers can connect with them, and how they can benefit from their services. Tripp also shares success stories of how DirectEmployers Members have found success in working with EmployReward Solutions, and offers humbling advice on how to create inclusive and accommodating hiring programs that attract and retain talent within the disability community.

Businesses of all sizes are impacted by the potential benefits and possible harms of artificial intelligence (AI) in their recruiting and hiring technologies. While some may consider the HR tech space "too technical" or beyond their current capabilities, this mentality can cause them to lose job candidates with the skills they need to succeed. In some cases, small and midsized businesses (SMBs) may already use AI-enabled hiring technologies without knowing it. In this session, Our Ability's CEO, John Robinson, and the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology's Director of Communications, Lex Huth, team up to show how people with disabilities are leading the way to more inclusive AI in hiring technologies – and how SMBs can maximize the benefits they get from these AI-powered tools.

For federal contractors, a major component of OFCCP compliance hinges on recordkeeping as proof of their processes and efforts in the event of an audit. Fortunately, your applicant tracking system (ATS) can be a great tool for keeping you on track. In this episode, we sit down with Momolu Cooper, OutSolve's Director of Operations and Team Lead, to discuss what exactly the recordkeeping requirements are under OFCCP regulation, the key components of an effective ATS for ensuring OFCCP compliance, common mistakes employers make in applicant tracking that can lead to non-compliance, and strategies companies can implement to ensure they're retaining records properly and securely.

Known as Military Appreciation Month, May also marks Military Spouse Appreciation Day – a day to acknowledge military spouses' significant contributions, support, and sacrifices. In this episode, we sit down with Evie King, recruiter, Executive Director of the military spouse wellness nonprofit InDependent, Inc., and 2023 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. Tune in as we discuss her experience growing up in a military family and now as a military spouse, working for a military spouse-supportive employer, the challenges she sees military spouses facing as they seek employment, and ways employers can better attract and accommodate these invaluable individuals within their workforces.

2024 has brought forth many challenges for diversity and inclusion efforts, and at DirectEmployers' recent Annual Meeting & Conference, we addressed those setbacks and emphasized the importance of progress amidst opposition. Tune in to this powerful conversation as diversity activist and strategist Torin Ellis and Principal Financial Group's Chief Inclusion Officer Miriam Lewis spotlight the importance of resilience, knowledge, and tangible progress in the pursuit of creating more inclusive environments within corporate, political, and social spheres.

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 Sales to discuss their roles as co-leads of their organizations' joint Veterans ERG, the benefits and barriers faced while working to gain momentum for this initiative, tips for gaining buy-in from employees and leadership, and honoring the true spirit behind your program to go beyond the workplace and make a meaningful impact in the lives of your employees.

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 the importance of belonging and how it plays a role in employee engagement, satisfaction, and turnover, as well as how the "platinum rule" of DEI has the potential to change the way we view diversity.

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.

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 Rooster as they discuss what AI in the HR space is, how it works and some current obstacles.

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 self-awareness and regulation are the first steps to bridging the generational gap. In addition, we discuss the value of mentorship in preventing the retirement brain drain and how authenticity may be the key to attracting younger generations.

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 Relationship Manager (PRM) guides outreach efforts to organizations serving veterans, transitioning service members and spouses; and finally, insights from United Rentals on how their veteran-focused career site has created a unique candidate experience for veterans.

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 surprise you, and the benefit this type of employment offers for employers and apprentices. 

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 consciousness journey. 

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 employment these individuals face and the common myths and misconceptions that prevent them from being hired. They also share advice for employers to help attract blind or low vision individuals and what they can do to accommodate these employees to help them succeed in the workplace.

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 employers looking to hire, accommodate, and retain employees suffering from substance abuse, as well as how this issue falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

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 forward. From training and accountability to AI and ChatGPT, these two cover the gamut of topics to discuss what’s impacting the diversity and inclusion landscape today.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 employers and workers alike.

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 – holiday celebrations and all.

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.

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 rehabilitation services to better employ and advance individuals with disabilities in the workplace and beyond.

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 share where the U.S. sits currently in terms of remote job availability, reasons why some employers are resistant to remote work, and things to consider when determining if remote work is right for your workforce.

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 of audits you may be required to undergo.

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 positions, and how they’ve helped companies use their current employees to find their next great talent. 

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.

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 LGBTQ employers to the power a simple EEO statement offers, Samantha will share how being an ally is not a choice but a must for workplace diversity and inclusion.

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 upcoming priorities, and the new AAP verification program coming in February of 2022.