How Did You Get That Job?

Hosted by Hays

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Dec 2025

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About the show

Explore the secrets of career success through insightful conversations with STEM leaders at the top of their game. In each episode, we meet senior professionals who have the coolest jobs in tech, life sciences and engineering and ask them to share how they’ve got to the top of their career. Expect conversations with global experts including cyber security leaders, directors of data, chief technology officers and AI specialists.

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45 recent

December 3, 202534 min

How humans remain crucial to resilient cybersecurity

Our ‘How Did You Get That Job?’ mini-series continues as host Shaun Cheatham, Chief Relationship Officer at Hays, welcomes back two former guests to discuss the cyber security landscape. Jessica Nemmers first appeared on the show in 2021. A former ballerina, she is now CISO at Flare Data Systems. Alongside her is Hays’ own CISO, Neil Khatod, who spoke on the show in 2023 about his experiences as the head of the US Army Cyber Command. Together, they discuss: What organisations need to know about cybersecurity The ways in which AI is making an impact and causing challenges How professionals can get involved in the fight against cybercrime Listen to the full episode to learn about the above and discover how you or your organisation can leverage insights, tools and attitudes to stay ahead.While you're here, don't forget to check out our previous episodes with Jessica and Neil.

October 8, 202534 min

Making AI successful (and ethical) for real business needs

The new mini-series of ‘How Did You Get That Job?’ sees host Shaun Cheatham, Chief Relationship Officer at Hays, explores the trends and technologies impacting the future of work. This time, Shaun meets Antony and Claire Roberts, founders of Full Fathom Five. With a combined 40 years of experience of experience in digital and IT transformation, they join the pod to discuss the challenges for businesses regarding AI adoption. Expect to hear more about: AI as a “punk” democratising force The difficulties for organisations in measuring impact Why ethics should go beyond a “box tick” Listen to in-depth discussions on the above, as well as practical advice from Antony and Claire on how organisations can succeed with AI implementation on both a strategic and people-centric level.

September 3, 202537 min

Building careers in an AI-disrupted workplace

‘How Did You Get That Job?’ is back – and we’re changing up the format a little bit!In our new mini-series, host Shaun Cheatham, Chief Relationship Officer at Hays, explores the trends and technologies impacting the future of work.In the first episode, Shaun speaks to James Milligan, Hays’ Global Head of STEM, and James Hutt, founder of transformation consultancy Paradigm Junction. Listen as they discuss how AI is already impacting the labour market for young people, what this means for senior employees, and how organisations and professionals can stay ahead of the competition.Download your copy of Hays’ Future of Work report here.Read James Milligan’s blog on the Chief AI Officer here.

May 1, 202526 min

Why a direct path isn't always fastest to the top, with Duane Barnes (RapidScale)

Join Shaun Cheatham on ‘How Did You Get That Job?’ as he meets Duane Barnes, President at RapidScale, a managed cloud services platform. Duane’s appearing on the show to talk about starting his career in dial-up tech support and working his way to the top.Having landed his first role by replying to an email newsletter, Duane’s career includes roles at household names and working with entrepreneurs. He and Shaun chat about developing skills, making decisions and moving into leadership.For advice on taking the next step in your tech career, visit the Insights section on the Hays website: https://www.haystechnology.com/blogs

February 27, 202525 min

How theatre training helped me be a better CTO, with Beatriz Barroso (Goparity)

Join Shaun Cheatham on ‘How Did You Get That Job?’ as he meets Beatriz Barroso, who’s the Chief Technology Officer for investment platform Goparity in Portugal. Her career began in theatre, before she decided to pivot to software development.In a conversation that spans several topics, they discuss how Beatriz began coding, what it’s like building and leading a tech team, and how she’s able to use her creativity and theatre skills in a tech role. For advice on moving forward in your tech career, visit the Insights section on the Hays website: https://www.haystechnology.com/blogs

January 30, 202523 min

Becoming an AI strategist for organisations worldwide, with Biju Krishnan

Series 4 of ‘How Did You Get That Job?’ resumes with our first guest of 2025, Biju Krishnan. Biju has worked across the globe, where he’s helped organisations tackle AI and data. Currently based in Germany, he joins host Shaun Cheatham to discuss his journey to becoming a tech contractor and what his work entails today. Together, they explore themes such as burnout, different cultures and the benefits they bring, learning about technologies like AI and more. For more career advice and insights into AI and other trends, go to the Insights section on the Hays website: https://www.haystechnology.com/blogs

October 17, 202428 min

From big tech to helping others succeed, with Abigail Rappoport

Series 4 of the ‘How Did You Get That Job?’ podcast starts with guest Abigail Rappoport. Based in the UK, Abigail has led a diverse and exciting career, working at household names such as Microsoft and Meta, as well as setting up her own businesses. She’s also recently been named on the 2024 longlist for ComputerWeekly’s Most Influential Women in UK Tech! In this interview with Hays’ Shaun Cheatham, Abigail talks about her route into tech and weighs up the benefits of working at global organisations and smaller start-ups. Now forging her own path, she also talks about what it takes to make it outside of permanent employment and the steps she takes to ensure continued success. If you want more guidance on a career in tech or as a contractor, head over to the Insights section on the Hays website: https://www.haystechnology.com/blogs

May 24, 202440 min

Supporting and championing other military veterans, with Fernando Tomlinson and Roy Rucker Sr.

In this special episode of ‘How Did You Get That Job?’, host Shaun Cheatham is joined by two former Chief Warrant Officers in the US Army. Having retired from service, each have taken different paths but have continued to enjoy highly successful careers in cyber security.Fernando “Nando” Tomlinson has since joined Mandiant (part of Google Cloud), where he works as a Technical Manager in Digital Forensics and Incident Response. Roy “Big Ruck” Rucker Sr., meanwhile, runs his own cyber security consultancy, TRECIG.Listen to their conversation to learn more about: Challenges after leaving the military and ways to overcome theseAdvice on working in cyber security and engaging with stakeholdersThe importance of diversity of thought and experience in techIf you’re looking for a career in tech, check out the content on our blog. To find out more about cyber security careers and skills in 2024, download Hays’ annual report here.

March 28, 202431 min

How authenticity can drive forward your career in tech, with Emily Cornock (Suncorp)

Joining us on the How Did You Get That Job? podcast this time is Emily Cornock. Based in Australia, Emily works at financial services company Suncorp, where she’s the Executive Manager for Core Data Platforms. In this insightful conversation with host Shaun Cheatham, Emily shares how sticking to her career plan didn’t always work out, and what she did to pivot and keep her journey going. A proponent of authenticity with little time for stereotypes in tech, Emily is passionate about not only her work, but also the importance of being a role model as a leader. Listen to Emily and Shaun’s discussion to discover: Guidance on starting a career in engineering Why bringing your authentic self to the workplace can help you – and your career Thoughts on encouraging and nurturing the next generation of coders If you’re interested in more information on a career in tech, check out the content on our blog. Whether you’re writing a CV, preparing for an interview or developing your skills, our Hays experts have you covered.

February 15, 202423 min

Revealed: the top 5 in-demand tech roles for 2024

In this special episode of 'How Did You Get That Job?', host Shaun Cheatham looks at data from recruitment specialists Hays that reveals which tech roles are most in demand among employers in 2024.During the show, he talks to Hays experts to uncover why these organisations need people in these roles, and which skills you need to get the job and succeed. Guests include Joshua Tang, Jason Barr, Giulia Bonvissuto and Breanna Mahan.If you want to know more about the jobs mentions in Shaun's conversations, check out the full top 10 list here on the Hays website. Alternatively, if you want to take the next step in your tech career, head straight to our Job Search section.