HRchat Podcast

Listen to the HRchat Podcast by HR Gazette to get insights and tips from HR leaders, influencers and tech experts. Topics covered include HR Tech, HR, AI, Leadership, Talent, Recruitment, Employee Engagement, Recognition, Wellness, DEI, and Company Culture. Hosted by Bill Banham, Pauline James, and other HR enthusiasts, the HRchat show publishes interviews with influencers, leaders, analysts, and those in the HR trenches 2-4 times each week. The show is approaching 1000 episodes and past guests are from organizations including ADP, SAP, Ceridian, IBM, UPS, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Simon Sinek Inc, NASA, Gartner, SHRM, Government of Canada, Hacking HR, McLean & Company, UPS, Microsoft, Shopify, DisruptHR, McKinsey and Co, Virgin Pulse, Salesforce, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Coca-Cola Beverages Company. Want to be featured on the show? Learn more here . Podcast Music

HRchat Podcast is a business podcast hosted by The HR Gazette, with 946 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

The HR Gazette hosts HRchat Podcast, a business show with 946 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #905

  Reinventing Events for HR Leaders with Robbie Jones

  Aug 17, 202620 minS1

  Big HR conferences often promise valuable networking, but how many meaningful conversations actually happen with the people making strategic decisions? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast , Bill Banham is joined by Robbie Jones , CEO and Co-Founder of Double Centurion Events and a global advisor in HR technology and people platforms, to explore why the traditional conference model is evolving and what senior HR leaders are looking for instead. Drawing on experience from both the events industry and the HR tech sector, Robbie explains why many CHROs and CPOs have grown tired of crowded exhibition halls and generic agendas. Instead, they're seeking curated, invitation-only experiences where they can have honest conversations with peers, build trusted relationships, and tackle the biggest challenges shaping the future of work. The conversation explores the thinking behind the Leaders Summit for HR & People series, including its concierge-style delegate experience, executive think tanks, and carefully selected mix of HR leaders and solution providers. Bill and Robbie also discuss the growing impact of AI on HR, the importance of trust and authentic networking in a post-pandemic world, and why memorable venues—from Lord's Cricket Ground to Niagara Falls—can help create stronger business connections. Whether you're an HR executive, people leader, HR technology provider, or event organizer, this episode offers fresh insights into what makes executive communities thrive and how live events can deliver genuine value beyond the exhibition floor. In this episode you'll discover: Robbie's journey from global exhibitions to HR technology and executive events Why many senior HR leaders skip traditional expos in favor of curated experiences How invitation-only summits create stronger conversations and better ROI The biggest topics dominating executive HR discussions, including AI, leadership, wellbeing, and workforce transformation Why relationship-building has become more important than ever in today's HR landscape How the Leaders Summit for HR & People is rethinking executive networking Connect with Robbie Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiejonesdce/ Learn more about the Leaders Summit for HR & People series: https://www.theleaderssummitforhr.com/canada/ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to HRchat , leave a review, and share it with a colleague who wants more meaningful HR conversations. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here . Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #904

  The Truth About Psychometric Tests with Paula Baetu

  Aug 11, 202622 minS1

  How much trust should employers place in psychometric assessments? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast , host Bill Banham is joined by Paula Baetu , Psychometric Specialist, Business Psychologist, and Executive Coach at Awemetrics / Pawsometrics , to demystify workplace assessments and explore how HR leaders can make better, more evidence-based talent decisions. With extensive experience evaluating and implementing psychometric assessments for recruitment, leadership development, internal mobility, and organizational development, Paula explains what psychometric assessments really measure—and why they're about far more than personality tests. Together, Bill and Paula discuss why HR and talent acquisition teams are increasingly turning to assessments to improve hiring quality and objectivity, while also highlighting the risks of relying on tools that lack independent validation or transparency. Paula explains why every HR professional should ask vendors for a technical manual, how to determine whether an assessment is fit for purpose, and why organizations often continue using legacy tools simply because "that's what we've always used." The conversation also explores some of the most common mistakes organizations make—from hiring based on a single assessment score to benchmarking against outdated norm groups—and why psychometric results should always inform decisions rather than make them. Finally, Bill and Paula examine the growing impact of artificial intelligence on workplace assessments. They discuss AI-generated tests, candidates using AI during assessments, skills-based hiring, and the practical steps employers are taking to AI-proof recruitment processes while maintaining fairness and validity. Whether you're an HR leader, recruiter, talent acquisition specialist, people manager, or organizational psychologist, this episode offers practical guidance for selecting better assessment tools and making smarter hiring decisions. In this episode, you'll learn about: What psychometric assessments really measure—and why they're more than personality tests Why independent validation and technical documentation matter when selecting assessment tools How to evaluate psychometric vendors and choose assessments that are fit for purpose Common mistakes organizations make when interpreting assessment results Why skills-based hiring is changing assessment strategies How AI is transforming candidate assessment and recruitment Practical ways to improve fairness, validity, and transparency in hiring decisions Best practices for using psychometrics in recruitment, promotion, and leadership development If you enjoy this episode, subscribe to the HRchat Podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues working in HR, talent acquisition, leadership development, and organizational psychology. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here . Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #902

  Workplace Wellbeing and Evidence-Based Hiring with Dr. Paul Jones

  Jul 28, 202626 minS1

  Are your organization's wellbeing initiatives making a real difference—or simply creating the appearance of caring? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast , host Bill Banham sits down with Dr. Paul Jones , Associate Dean for Postgraduate Education and Student Experience at Aston Business School and upcoming DisruptHR Birmingham speaker, to explore the difference between genuine workplace wellbeing and what Paul calls "well branding" —highly visible wellbeing initiatives that fail to address the root causes of employee stress, burnout, and disengagement. The conversation then shifts to evidence-based recruitment, where Paul explains why better hiring decisions don't come from adding more interviews or assessments, but from collecting the right evidence. He shares practical insights into structured interviews, psychometric assessments, ability testing, and why many hiring processes unknowingly measure the same qualities multiple times while overlooking the capabilities that truly predict success. Bill and Paul also discuss bias in recruitment and the growing role of AI in hiring. They explore why bias begins long before interviews take place, how AI can unintentionally reinforce poor decision-making, and why human judgment remains essential throughout the recruitment process. Whether you're an HR leader, recruiter, hiring manager, or organizational psychologist, this episode offers practical strategies to improve employee wellbeing and make smarter, more evidence-based hiring decisions. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why workplace wellbeing initiatives sometimes become "well branding" Addressing the root causes of burnout instead of treating symptoms The value of structured interviews and evidence-based recruitment How psychometric and ability assessments improve hiring quality Why more recruitment stages don't always produce better hiring decisions The "bananas, raspberries and strawberries" framework for evaluating recruitment evidence Recognizing and reducing bias throughout the hiring process Using AI responsibly to support—not replace—human decision-making If you enjoy this episode, subscribe to the HRchat Podcast, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues working in HR, talent acquisition, and people leadership. Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmjones/ Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here . Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #901

  Midlife Career Change with Renée Hackett, Diane Loveys and Audley Stephenson

  Jul 14, 202640 minS1

  Is it ever too late to reinvent your career? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast's Next Chapter series , guest host Pauline James speaks with three inspiring professionals who prove that meaningful career transitions don't have an expiry date. Actor, writer, and producer Renée Hackett shares her journey of creating opportunities instead of waiting for them, discusses building confidence later in life, and opens up about balancing career growth with the realities of perimenopause and menopause. Former financial services marketing executive Diane Loveys explains how she successfully returned to paid employment after years focused on family and community, offering practical advice on workforce re-entry, transferable skills, flexible working, networking, and rebuilding confidence. Leadership coach and podcaster Audley Stephenson discusses developing a purposeful portfolio career while maintaining a full-time role, embracing experimentation, and building a legacy-focused future beyond traditional retirement. Whether you're planning a career pivot, returning to work after a break, exploring a portfolio career, or supporting experienced employees in your organisation, this episode offers practical advice and inspiring perspectives on what comes next. In this episode: Why careers don't have to follow a linear path Building confidence during midlife career transitions Creating your own opportunities instead of waiting for permission Menopause, perimenopause, and supporting experienced professionals Returning to work after caregiving or a career break Recognising transferable skills gained outside traditional employment Flexible work and second-career opportunities Networking tips for career changers Building a portfolio career alongside full-time work Planning a purpose-driven retirement and lasting legacy Redefining success in the second half of your career Guests Renée Hackett – Actor, writer and producer Diane Loveys – Former financial services marketing executive and travel professional Audley Stephenson – Leadership coach, podcaster and founder of The Audacious Living Podcast Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here . Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #900

  Episode 900 with Bill Banham and Steve Foulger

  Jul 7, 202628 minS1

  Welcome to a landmark episode of HRchat . As we celebrate Episode 900 and a decade of conversations with the world's leading HR thinkers, host Bill Banham is joined by longtime friend, strategic HR leader, and DisruptHR co-organizer Steve Foulger . Bill and Steve reflect on how the HR profession has evolved over the past ten years, separating genuine progress from recycled ideas wrapped in new terminology. The conversation explores why employee listening has become more effective through pulse surveys, how organizations are replacing annual performance reviews with regular one-to-one conversations, and why learning and development is increasingly focused on building capability rather than simply delivering training. Steve also tackles one of today's biggest topics: generative AI in HR . Steve explains why AI should not yet be trusted as a standalone solution for compensation benchmarking, how poor-quality data can produce highly convincing but inaccurate recommendations, and why pay transparency makes human judgement more important—not less. The discussion then shifts to leadership, productivity, and sustainable performance. Steve introduces his practical "Five to Twenty-Five" approach for helping teams prioritize work that either generates revenue, reduces costs, or saves valuable time. They also explore why energy management is becoming a critical leadership capability in an era of constant pressure and rapid change. Finally, Bill and Steve discuss what HR can genuinely learn from elite sport without falling into tired clichés, examine the ongoing debate around culture fit versus culture add, and share advice for the next generation of HR leaders navigating an increasingly complex profession. In this episode you'll discover: Why Episode 900 is the perfect time to reflect on HR's biggest changes Where the profession has genuinely improved over the past decade Why pulse surveys work—and where they don't How regular one-to-one conversations are replacing annual appraisals Why AI cannot yet replace human expertise in compensation benchmarking How pay transparency raises the importance of trustworthy workforce data Why energy management may be leadership's next competitive advantage Steve's practical "Five to Twenty-Five" framework for improving business performance Lessons HR can borrow from elite sport without copying the clichés Why culture fit and culture add should complement rather than compete with one another Advice for emerging HR leaders on staying adaptable, collaborative, and human If you're interested in HR strategy, workforce planning, leadership, organizational performance, AI in HR, employee experience, or the future of work, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here . Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on HRchat Podcast. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.