Solving the People Puzzle

Hosted by Francois de Wet

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May 2026

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Discover the key to building a successful team with Industrial Psychologist and Founder of www.wamly.io, Francois de Wet. In this series, Francois sits down with industry experts to uncover their insider tips and techniques for hiring highly motivated and skilled individuals who will take your organisation to new heights. Whether you're struggling to find the right fit, or simply want to improve your hiring process, this podcast offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you build a winning team.

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May 28, 2026Episode 7753 min

Marko Stavrou on Solving the Gen Z Puzzle: How to Lead, Hire, and Connect with the Next Generation

Marko Stavrou, known across South Africa as the Gen Z Guy, is a dynamic young business leader. At 17, he became the youngest person accepted globally into Henley Business School. Today, aged 22, he is the founder of Genlink, an investor-backed consulting and insights firm focused on unlocking the potential of organisations' next-gen talent and customers. Over the past few years, Genlink has worked with the likes of Standard Bank, Nedbank, Universal Music, Walter Sisulu University, and many others. Marko is also an active investor, looking to invest in pre-seed up to Series A business opportunities in SA and the US. As a sought-after speaker, Marko has presented at over 100 events on entrepreneurship, marketing, and Gen Z, engaging audiences from students to Fortune 500 CEOs. In addition to running multiple businesses, Marko documents his daily life as a CEO through his social media channels, which have more than 40 thousand followers and garner more than 3 million yearly impressions/views across all platforms.Marko’s impact goes beyond his professional success, inspiring young people worldwide and shaping Africa’s future through his commitment to education and mentorship. Marko's lifelong ambition is to invest in the growth of African businesses while empowering entrepreneurs and leaders to lead more purposeful and fulfilling lives.Connect with Marko & Genlink:Website: Genlink.ioGenlink LinkedIn: Follow GenlinkMarko's LinkedIn: Connect with MarkoEmail: Marko@genlink.ioWelcome back to Solving the People Puzzle, where we discuss all things talent acquisition and human resource management. In Episode 77, we sit down with Marko Stavrou, widely known as the "Gen Z Guy," for a raw and insightful conversation about what it actually takes to attract, hire, and retain the next generation of talent. Marko challenges legacy HR assumptions and explains why Gen Z isn't just an age bracket, but a mindset shaped by generational defining moments. From the massive friction hidden in your current application process to the "great rewiring" of the modern brain, this episode is a masterclass in modernizing your Employee Value Proposition (EVP) for the AI-native world. Key Takeaways & InsightsThe Real Definition of Gen Z: It's not just about age; it's about the "generational defining moments" like the 2008 financial crash, COVID-19, and the rise of the internet and smartphones that fundamentally changed how young people behave and view the world. The Friction Trap: Gen Z has unprecedented global optionality. If your hiring process involves 30-page surveys, clunky career sites, or automated emails, you are actively repelling top talent. Mobility Over Everything: If a young employee is stuck in the same team or role for more than two years without access to different divisions or mentors, they will not commit to the company. The "F-Card" Blindspot: No matter your IQ or experience level, every leader has blind spots. Humility and collaboration are non-negotiable traits for modern leadership. AI as the Ultimate Co-Worker: AI isn't just a trend; it's a fundamental part of research, development, and daily application, allowing Gen Z leaders to bypass traditional administrative bottlenecks. Books Mentioned in this EpisodeTribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss: A collection of short life advice from influential people. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: A breakdown of how the internet, social media, and overprotective parenting physically changed Gen Z's brains during the "great rewiring". Limitless by Jim Kwik: A guide to upgrading your brain, reading faster, and learning in an AI-driven world. The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware: A profound look into living an authentic life and staying connected to your emotions. Connect with WamlyIf you enjoyed today's episode, please like, subscribe, and leave us a five-star rating. If you want to create a frictionless, ultimate end-to-end hiring solution, head over to Wamly.io so we can help you hire better people, faster. We want to hear from you!

April 30, 2026Episode 7622 min

7 Ways Candidates Commit Fraud (And the 5-Layer Defense to Stop Them)

Are you sure your last remote hiring decision was legitimate? In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we explore a terrifying shift in the global talent landscape: the rise of the fraudulent candidate. What was a fringe topic 12 months ago is now a central boardroom concern for HR leaders and executives worldwide.THE $5 MILLION ENGINEERING SCAMImagine hiring a "perfect" remote engineer who aced every interview, only to discover three months later that they were a proxy—a fake identity funneling a corporate salary back to North Korea. This isn't a one-off; it’s part of a global trend involving organized "laptop farms" and thousands of fraudulent hires.THE DATA: A CRISIS IN TALENT ACQUISITIONThe latest research confirms that workforce security is under siege:⚠️ THE 41% STAT: 41% of organizations admit they have already hired a fake candidate.⚠️ THE TRUST GAP: Deepfakes and AI-enabled impersonation are now ranked among the top threats to human capital management.⚠️ GARTNER PROJECTION: By 2028, 1 in every 4 candidate profiles will be fake.⚠️ AI SATURATION: 91% of hiring managers have encountered AI in recruitment fraud during the interview phase.7 WAYS CANDIDATES ARE CHEATING IN 2026🛑 DEEPFAKE CANDIDATES: Real-time face and voice swapping to impersonate a hire.🛑 PROXY INTERVIEWS: A stand-in performs the interview to bypass candidate verification.🛑 AI COPILOTS: Real-time AI assistance hidden just off-camera.🛑 SYNTHETIC IDENTITIES: Organized rings using stolen documents to create fake employees.🛑 FABRICATED CVS: AI-generated portfolios that destroy any remaining predictive validity in the CV.🛑 ASSESSMENT CHEATING: Bypassing skills tests that lack cheating proctoring capability.🛑 DEEPFAKE REFERENCES: Fake reference calls using AI-generated voices of "former line managers."THE 5-LAYER UNIFIED HIRING DEFENSELearn how to pivot your digital transformation strategy from a fragmented process to a unified system:🛡️ LAYER 1: Custom application forms that ditch the CV for structured data.🛡️ LAYER 2: Skill-based hiring with timed, un-googleable questions.🛡️ LAYER 3: Psychometric assessments to validate real behavioral potential.🛡️ LAYER 4: One-way video interviews to eliminate "coffee chat" charisma bias.🛡️ LAYER 5: Integrated identity and background checks triggered directly through your HR technology.RESEARCH & RESOURCES🔗 SECURITY MAGAZINE: https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/102140-41-of-organizations-have-hired-a-fake-candidate🔗 PEOPLE MANAGEMENT: https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1945557/deepfakes-ai-enabled-impersonation-rank-among-top-recruitment-threats-research-reveals🔗 GARTNER: https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-07-31-gartner-survey-shows-just-26-percent-of-job-applicants-trust-ai-will-fairly-evaluate-them🔗 SHERLOCK: https://www.withsherlock.ai/blog/rise-of-ai-interview-fraud🔗 SHRM: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/talent-acquisition/how-employers-are-confronting-deepfake-interview-fraud🔗 FORTUNE: https://fortune.com/2025/04/07/north-korean-it-workers-infiltrating-fortune-500-companies/🔗 FBI / IC3: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250723-4🔗 CROWELL & MORING: https://www.crowell.com/en/insights/client-alerts/doj-announces-major-enforcement-actions-targeting-north-korean-remote-it-worker-schemesVIDEO TIMESTAMPS0:00 - The North Korean Remote Hire Story1:21 - The 41% Fraud Statistic2:08 - Deepfakes & Proxy Interviews3:45 - AI Copilots & Synthetic Identities5:05 - Why the CV is Dead6:21 - Assessment Cheating & Fake References11:15 - The 5-Layer Defense Strategy18:39 - How to Secure Your Hiring ProcessWe want to hear from you!

April 8, 2026Episode 7519 min

The Falsifiable Framework: What Real Scientific Hiring Looks Like

Stop betting on "vibes" and start hiring with certainty. In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we’re hosting a first-of-its-kind "Industrial Psych Panel." We’re stripping away the Metric Lie that speed is the only KPI that matters. If you can’t prove why you hired someone, you aren't using science—you're just following a workflow.We’re geeking out on how technology "forces" objective hiring by baking falsifiable research directly into the process. From automated job analysis to AI-driven performance signals, we show you how to turn your recruitment tech from a digital filing cabinet into a high-performance prediction engine.Inside the Episode: The Speed Trap: Why prioritizing "bodies in seats" is breaking your quality of hire. The Falsifiable Framework: If your hiring data can’t be proven wrong, it isn't science.Tech as a Guardrail: How Wamly "forces" a proper job analysis before you ever see a candidate. The AI Pivot: Using split-second data signals to predict long-term job performance.South African Context: Navigating legislation and removing bias through structured practices.Timestamps:00:00 – The "Two Firsts": A Panel and an In-House Audience 01:55 – Why we’re "geeking out" on Industrial Psychology 03:00 – The Villain: Speed vs. Gut Feel 05:40 – Defining Science: What is a "Falsifiable" Hire? 08:00 – The Methods: Video Interviews, Psychometrics & Skills Tests 10:45 – How the Tech "Forces" a Job Analysis 14:30 – AI & The Future: Beyond Deterministic Statistics 17:40 – Final Advice: Breaking the "Traditional" Loop Ready to hire better people faster?Visit Wamly.io to see how our scientific framework can transform your recruitment process.Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL to stay ahead of the hiring curve! 🔔 We want to hear from you!

March 26, 2026Episode 7413 min

The Myth that is killing your recruitment process.

We've been led to believe that more tech means less human interaction in recruiting, but this episode challenges that notion. We explore how top recruitment teams optimize their time through technology, proving that the best hiring process uses automation to enhance, not replace, professional judgment. It’s about creating space for crucial "human moments" and allowing AI to be a coworker, enabling recruiters to focus on impactful tasks rather than being bogged down by the recruitment workflow.Interactive Truth-Check: Which Recruiter are You Today? 🧐A) The Dashboard Dweller: I spend my life filtering data points and ticking boxes.B) The Speed Demon: I’m obsessed with time-to-hire even if it means rushing a mediocre candidate.C) The Strategic Partner: I use automation to free up my time so I can actually be human and build hiring manager confidence.Comment down below and let us know!👉 Book a Demo with Wamly Today and see how we help hiring teams move from middleman to strategic partner: www.wamly.ioWe want to hear from you!

March 11, 2026Episode 7317 min

5 Talent Attraction Trends HR Leaders Need to Know

Attracting talent has become increasingly complex and fast-paced, with more changes in the last three years than in the previous decade. Join Fran from Wamly in this solo episode of Solving the People Puzzle as he deep dives into five essential recruitment trends. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the recruitment industry looking to optimize their talent acquisition strategies and workforce planning.We discuss how to transform boring job descriptions into high-converting recruitment marketing pages. Treat your vacancies like products by selling the "why" and the outcome to attract top-tier digital hiring prospects.Speed is now a strategic advantage in the South African HR market. If your time-to-fill is too long, you are sending a negative brand signal to high-quality candidates. We explore how video interviewing serves as your new "front door," using intro and thank-you messages to build immediate trust. This approach ensures a superior candidate experience that stays ahead of the competition.Learn how to achieve personalization at scale using automated workflows. By moving toward skills-based hiring, you can create unique candidate journeys without exhausting your internal teams. We also discuss using people analytics and talent intelligence to ensure your full-cycle recruiting process is both fast and fair. It’s about tech-forward workforce planning that prioritizes the human connection.🔗 Ready to optimize your Employee Value Proposition (EVP)? Visit our website to stay updated on the latest in HR tech and join our community at https://www.wamly.io. 🔗 Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for more strategic HR insights.We want to hear from you!

February 25, 202634 min

Is Your Culture Accidental? The Cost of Passive Leadership in 2026

Get ready for a masterclass in the messy middle of leadership with the phenomenal Stephanie Usher, Head of Talent Acquisition for Heineken Beverages. In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we’re ditching the corporate handbooks and HR fluff to talk about what company culture actually looks like when the cameras are off, and the pressure is on. Stephanie joins Francois to tackle the ultimate question: Is your workplace culture a proactive masterpiece or just a happy accident?We dive deep into why culture fit is a trap that kills innovation, arguing instead for culture alignment where people share your vision but still have the guts to challenge your thinking. Stephanie gets real about the Top Performer Paradox, explaining how looking the other way when a high-earner breaks the rules is the fastest way to dismantle your employer brand and values. Beyond her role at Heineken, Stephanie is also the reigning Mrs. Supranational South Africa. She shares a raw, vulnerable story of leading through loss, proving that authenticity isn't a buzzword—it's a requirement for psychological safety.We also explore the adult-to-adult philosophy, where we stop sugar-coating the truth and start treating our teams with the dignity they deserve. You’ll learn why you should never survey your staff if you aren’t prepared to actually change, and why the culture you get is ultimately the one you tolerate. It’s a bold, no-nonsense conversation for anyone tired of values on a wall and ready to lead with intentional leadership 🚀.🔗Support Stephanie’s journey:You can follow and vote for Stephanie in the Mrs. Supranational SA pageant here: https://www.imperialvote.com/competition/contestant/cmkof8je7000w1pc6j8xbtyax💬We have launched a dedicated Instagram page for Solving the People Puzzle. Follow us at @solvingthepeoplepuzzle for behind-the-scenes footage, real stories, and the occasional mistake. 📅Upcoming Event:Don't miss our first in-person event in the first week of March at The Tryst, where we unpack the Top 10 HR and Hiring Trends for 2026.🔗Book your free ticket here: https://qkt.io/SS1Wamly26🔴Ready to see how we can help you hire better people faster? Head over to www.wamly.io to book a demo.We want to hear from you!

February 11, 2026Episode 7112 min

Automation didn't remove the human touch, it revealed where it actually matters

There is an overwhelming fear that AI will make human roles mundane or irrelevant. In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we challenge the "anti-human" misconception of technology. Automation is not a substitute for the human; it is a filter that exposes where judgment, meaning, and purpose have been missing all along. We explore why top-tier JSE-listed corporates are demanding AI in their RFPs and why this shift is the best thing to happen to strategic HR. If a task can be automated without losing its essence, should a human have been doing it in the first place? The "Indispensable Human" Framework:We unpack the four pillars where the human can—and must—never leave the room: Meaning Making: AI processes data, but it cannot interpret context or nuance. Accountability: Technology can recommend, but humans must own the final decision to maintain trust. Ethical Judgment: Fairness cannot be outsourced; it requires a combination of personal and organizational values. Human Connection: Automation removes the "noise" and system fatigue, freeing leaders to focus on real connections. Stop reacting to information and start interpreting it. Join us as we clarify where you belong in the future of work. Key Highlights:The 2026 Shift: Why line manager fatigue is the number one risk for your employees. The RFP Reality: How South African corporates are rethinking their systems. The Habit Trap: Breaking the conditioning of "8-hour-a-day" mundane tasks. Join the Conversation:We have launched a dedicated Instagram page for Solving the People Puzzle. Follow us at @solvingthepeoplepuzzle for behind-the-scenes footage, real stories, and the occasional mistake. Upcoming Event:Don't miss our first in-person event in the first week of March at The Tryst, where we unpack the Top 10 HR and Hiring Trends for 2026.Book your free ticket here: https://qkt.io/SS1Wamly26We want to hear from you!

January 19, 2026Episode 7014 min

The Future of Work 2026: 10 Trends Every CEO and HR Leader Must Know

If you aren't aware of the top ten HR and hiring trends for 2026, you will not be hiring better people faster. In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we unpack the 10 definitive trends shaping HR and talent acquisition this year. We explore how HR is graduating from a support function to becoming an "AI Era Strategist".📅 JOIN OUR IN-PERSON EVENTDeep dive into these trends with our 90-minute intensive sessions in Johannesburg and Cape Town.🕒When: Last week of February 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION Which of these trends are you already seeing in your organization? Drop a comment below.🔴 WORK WITH WAMLYWamly helps you hire better people faster by eliminating manual screening and fragmented tech stacks.Website: https://linkly.link/2A8NvEmail: hello@wamly.ioTel: +27(0) 10 447 8860💠 THE 5 HIRING TRENDS1) AI BECOMES A COWORKER: AI is moving from a support tool into an active coworker that can screen, schedule, and optimize with minimal human input. 2) THE COLLAPSE OF PLATFORMS: Organizations are moving away from fragmented systems (5-7 different tools) toward consolidated, data-driven platforms.3) REDEFINING QUALITY: Success is being measured by post-hire performance, engagement, and how an employee influences company culture. 4) FRICTIONLESS HIRING: Because expectations are high, slow processes lead to losing top talent and damaging your brand reputation. 5) ETHICAL FRAMEWORKS: As AI makes more decisions, HR must remain the foundational guide for fairness and ethics in our multicultural environment.💠 THE 5 POST-HIRE TRENDS6) MANAGER EFFECTIVENESS: Managers are becoming the #1 people risk due to change fatigue and complexity overload. 7) AI LITERACY: AI engagement is now a core capability expected from every employee in the business, regardless of their role. 8) OUTCOME-BASED WORK: Work is being redesigned around desired results and small task forces rather than rigid, traditional job roles. 9) MEASURING CHANGE FATIGUE: Fatigue is no longer anecdotal; it is now a measurable metric used to catch burnout before it impacts the business. 10) THE STRATEGIC UPGRADE: HR is evolving from a support function into an AI Era Strategist with the power to influence the organization's digital adoption.#HRTrends2026 #FutureOfWork #AIinHR #Wamly #SolvingThePeoplePuzzle #RecruitmentSouthAfricaWe want to hear from you!

December 8, 2025Episode 6933 min

Is AI Replacing HR? The Truth About Reshaping, Fluency & Future Skills with Dieter Veldsman

Is Artificial Intelligence coming for your job, or is it the key to finally becoming a strategic business partner?In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, Francois sits down with Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief HR Scientist at the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR), to debunk the myths surrounding AI in the workplace.Dr. Dieter reveals why the narrative of "replacement" is wrong and why we are seeing a rise in "AI Regret"—where companies replace humans too quickly, only to realize the value of empathy and connection.We explore how HR professionals can move from fear to "AI Fluency", using technology to amplify their impact rather than just automate tasks. If you want to future-proof your career, master durable skills, and learn the 3 E's of implementing AI, this episode is your blueprint for thriving in the AI era.🚀 Ready to amplify your hiring process? At Wamly, we believe in using technology to highlight human potential, not hide it. Our video interview software automates the screening process so you can spend more time on what matters—connecting with top talent. 👉 Start hiring better people faster: https://linkly.link/2SZJC📄 Read the full article discussed in this episode: AI Readiness and Maturity: https://www.aihr.com/blog/ai-readiness-and-maturity/In this episode, we cover:00:00 – Introduction: Dr. Dieter Veldsman & The State of AI in HR01:39 – Reshaping vs. Replacing: Why the "End of HR" is a Myth 03:59 – What is "AI Regret"? (And why humans are making a comeback) 05:12 – Durable Skills: The critical abilities AI can't replicate 09:30 – The Mid-Career Crisis: Why CPOs are leaving the industry 12:56 – AI Amplification: Moving from transactional admin to strategic impact 16:24 – The 3 E's Framework: Education, Equip, and Expose 18:33 – Stop trying to be an Expert: The case for "AI Fluency." 26:34 – The Future Outlook: Can AI ever replace empathy? About Solving the People Puzzle: Hosted by Francois, Solving the People Puzzle is the premier podcast for thought leadership in recruitment, talent acquisition, and organizational psychology. We bring you insights from global experts to help you navigate the changing world of work.About Wamly: Wamly is a talent acquisition software provider that brings the world to you through one-way video interviews. We help organizations streamline their recruitment process, reduce time-to-hire, and identify the best candidates early in the funnel.We want to hear from you!

November 24, 2025Episode 6844 min

How to Hire for Tech Sales: Grit, Analytics, and Process with JP Malherbe

Is the era of the "Wolf of Wall Street" salesperson finally over? In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we explore why the most effective salespeople in 2025 aren’t the loudest extroverts—they are the "nerds," the process engineers, and the data analysts.Learn how to hire for tech sales with expert JP Malherbe. Discover the importance of grit, analytics, and process in building a successful tech sales team. This recruitment podcast is a must-listen for anyone in the tech sales industry looking to improve their hiring process and sales training.Host Francois de Wet connects with former Wamly colleague turned US-based founder and CRO @ BizDev Labs, JP Malherbe, to break down exactly how to hire for the modern tech sales landscape. From the massive scale differences between the South African and US markets to the specific skills required to build an outbound machine, this episode is a blueprint for founders and hiring managers.JP argues that charisma is no longer the primary skill. Instead, successful hiring today depends on finding individuals with "grit", an analytical mindset, and the ability to engineer complex lists and messaging systems.In this episode, we cover:The "Wolf" is Dead: Why the charismatic, cologne-wearing salesperson is being replaced by the "sales scientist".David vs. Goliath: Comparing the South African market ($400B GDP) to the US market ($28 Trillion GDP).The 3 Critical Skills: Why you need specialized skills in list building, cold calling, and copywriting rather than a generalist.Hiring for Grit: Why grit cannot be taught and how to spot it in a candidate’s backstory.Leadership Lessons: Fran shares why "listening to your gut and the data" is vital for founders.Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:30 – Why South Africa is tough for tech sales 06:00 – The 70x Scale: Comparing SA vs. US GDP 13:18 – The Evolution of the BDR: From Charisma to "Nerd" 17:46 – Why "Impressive" people aren't always the best hires 20:30 – Structuring a Modern Sales Team (Specialists vs. Generalists) 26:40 – Leadership: Making decisions with data and intuition 34:30 – The "Benevolent Dictator": Why 50/50 partnerships struggle 36:40 – The Top 3 Traits to Hire For: Grit, Analytics, and Passion About Wamly: Wamly is an all-in-one hiring system, helping you hire better people, faster. Join the thousands of companies optimizing their hiring process. We can't wait to hear from you👉 https://linkly.link/2R2kaWe want to hear from you!