Talent Talks with Dan Maisey

Hosted by Dan Maisey

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Mar 2025

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About the show

Welcome to Talent Talks, the podcast where host Dan Maisey is joined by some of the top business leaders to dive into their career stories, focusing on how hiring has, and continues to, play a part in their working lives. We reveal how they got to where they are, what they look for now and how to be different in an ever-competitive landscape. Join us to discover the secret sauce on how to get that next job, or attract that next superstar.

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45 recent

March 26, 2025Episode 654 min

Mastering Trust and Cultural Fit in Business with Matthew Baxter

In this episode of Talent Talks, we delve into the significance of trust, cultural fit, and people within a business, featuring insights from Matthew Baxter, co-founder of Stellwagen Ventures and Tokens Commerce. From his experiences at Liverpool Football Club to heading DugOut, Matthew shares lessons on hiring, being hired, networking, and staying true to core values. This conversation is packed with valuable strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of sports media, entertainment, and blockchain technology, all while focusing on the importance of treating people right and building trust. Join us for an enlightening discussion on achieving success in business through effective people management. Timestamps: 00:55 Introduction to Matthew Baxter 02:13 Experiences of Hiring and Being Hired 02:46 Cultural Fit in Business 06:08 The Evolution of the Interview Process 16:45 The Role of Cultural Fit in Mergers and Acquisitions 20:15 Investment Principles and Core Values 25:31 The Power of Networking 27:05 Meet George: The Young Innovator 27:58 The Importance of Diverse Experience 28:56 Navigating a Tough Job Market 30:17 The Power of Preparation 33:10 Networking: The Key to Success 34:30 Respect and Communication in Hiring 48:05 Adapting to Remote Work Culture 50:27 Final Advice for Job Seekers and Employers

March 12, 2025Episode 551 min

Transforming Talent Acquisition: Insights from Recruiting Expert John Gates

John Gates, founder of Recruiting Transformations and Salary Coach, discusses the importance of a high-quality talent acquisition function and its impact on transforming companies. With over 30 years of experience in recruitment, John shares his views on modern recruitment strategies, the challenges posed by AI in the job market, and the significance of networking. He also delves into his approach to salary negotiation, emphasising collaboration to maximise offers without the risk of losing them. John outlines how HR functions can increase the quality of hires and provides advice for both job seekers and companies looking to hire the best talent. Links to John’s brilliant book, Act Your Wage: https://amzn.eu/d/4aJH3HA Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:32 The Evolution of Recruitment 04:18 Challenges in Modern Recruitment 06:56 The Importance of Talent Acquisition 11:46 Strategies for Effective Hiring 24:06 AI in Recruitment 36:02 Salary Negotiation Insights 46:06 Final Advice and Conclusion

February 26, 2025Episode 433 min

Unlocking Brand Success: Insights with Rob Scotland on Job Market Trends and Marketing Excellence

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of brand marketing and cultural anthropology with Rob Scotland. Rob shares his non-traditional approach to job hunting, emphasising the importance of networking and being proactive rather than just applying blindly. We explore how the pandemic has shifted hiring practices and delve into Rob's innovative strategies in brand communications for global giants like Adidas and Nike. Discover valuable tips for job seekers and employers alike in navigating today's challenging job market. Don't miss this masterclass in blending cultural understanding with marketing creativity! Timestamps: 01:11 Meet Rob Scotland: A Journey in Brand Marketing 02:16 Rob's Career and Hiring Insights 03:22 Challenges in the Current Job Market 04:16 Rob's Controversial Take on Job Applications 06:08 Strategies for Junior Job Seekers 07:39 The Importance of Networking and Being Helpful 13:04 Pandemic's Impact on Talent Management 14:19 Emotional Intelligence in Remote Work 22:59 The Broken Interview Process 31:01 Final Advice for Job Seekers and Employers 32:30 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

February 12, 2025Episode 334 min

Leading with Instinct: Hiring and Growth with Entrepreneur Adam Graham

Join us in an in-depth conversation with Adam Graham, a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the digital and marketing landscape. From founding iTunes Radio to his current role as CEO of JustFix, Adam shares his journey and key insights on entrepreneurship, hiring, and building company culture. Discover valuable lessons on trusting gut instincts, the importance of team dynamics, and how to thrive in both startup and corporate environments. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of effective leadership and innovation in today's fast-paced startup ecosystem. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:07 Introducing Adam Graham: A Journey of Innovation 02:12 Diving into Hiring Experiences and Lessons 06:40 Navigating Different Work Environments 13:20 The Importance of Attitude Over Skills 17:04 Proactive Hiring and Firing Strategies 20:37 Sales Culture and Its Impact on Business 25:44 Standing Out in the Job Market 30:33 Final Advice for Job Seekers and Employers 33:06 Podcast Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks

January 29, 2025Episode 241 min

Unlocking Creativity, Impact and Effective Leadership with Ian Priest

Dan’s joined on Talent Talks by industry veteran Ian Priest, who has over 35 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and entrepreneurship. On the pod Ian shares his extensive wisdom on talent acquisition, business growth, and the evolving landscape of advertising. From founding VCCP to mentoring startups, Ian discusses the importance of embracing AI, the need for proper onboarding, and maintaining company culture and values as organisations grow. Tune in for a deep dive into how to attract, retain, and motivate talent while balancing creative excellence and commercial success. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Welcoming Ian Priest 02:16 Insights on Talent Acquisition 04:47 The Importance of Research 06:49 Evaluating Candidates 13:38 Maintaining Company Culture 20:56 Living by Principles in Business 21:36 Learning from Ad Agencies 23:06 Embracing Data and Effectiveness 29:41 The Role of AI in Talent Acquisition 37:58 Onboarding and Leadership Advice 40:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

January 15, 2025Episode 137 min

Hiring Secrets from a Creative Genius: Stand Out in Today's Job Market with Iconic CEO James Kirkham

In this episode, Dan chats with James Kirkham, serial entrepreneur and current Founder / CEO of Iconic. We discuss his profound insights on marketing, culture, and innovation, and James shares his extensive experience in hiring, including the importance of showcasing your unique character and side projects to stand out. We discuss the need for hunger, curiosity, and adaptability in the workplace and cover the relevance of personal branding, the impact of hybrid work culture, and the evolving role of AI in enhancing professional profiles. This episode is a masterclass in integrating cultural trends with business success and finding the right talent. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Demonstrating Your Skills 00:59 Meet James Kirkham: Marketing, Culture, and Innovation 02:11 James's Hiring Philosophy and Lessons Learned 04:38 The Value of Multifaceted Talent 06:19 Standing Out in a Competitive Job Market 07:42 Hiring for Growth and Potential 17:54 The Role of Curiosity and Work Ethic 19:43 The Impact of Hybrid Work Culture 24:46 Leveraging LinkedIn and AI for Personal Branding 33:45 Final Thoughts and Advice for Job Seekers and Employers

November 12, 2024Episode 3931 min

Taking a scouting approach to business, with Josh Price, Founder of Goal Assist

In this episode of Talent Talks, Dan chats to Josh Price, Founder of Goal Assist Limited and CEO of the Year 2023. Josh shares his journey from university to starting a leading financial consultancy for football clubs. The discussion delves into his approach to talent & recruitment, including the importance of scouting, creating comprehensive portfolios, and assessing both skills and character. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks 00:28 Meet Josh Price: Founder of Goal Assist 01:18 Josh's Journey: From University to EFL 02:51 Recruitment Strategies in Sports 04:47 The Importance of Character in Hiring 06:51 Navigating the Job Market 12:50 Skill Stacking and Team Dynamics 26:41 Quick-fire Questions with Josh Price 30:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

November 5, 2024Episode 3828 min

Your people are all that matter, with Zafar Bhunnoo, Founder of Limitless & XPRS Racing

In this episode of Talent Talks, Dan chats with Zafar Bhunnoo, a well-known figure in the real estate industry and co-founder of Balance Out Living. They discuss Zafar's journey from a physics graduate to a pioneering entrepreneur in the build-to-rent sector. The conversation delves into the importance of passion, resilience, and core values in the hiring process, as well as the challenges and benefits of transitioning industries. Zafar also shares his mentorship experiences and the impact of empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks 00:28 Guest Introduction: Zafar Bhunnoo 01:31 Zafar's Early Career and Mentorship 03:55 Values and Hiring Philosophy 07:37 Challenges and Resilience 10:06 Mentorship and Industry Transition 21:28 The Importance of Networking 25:14 Final Thoughts and Rapid-Fire Questions

October 29, 2024Episode 3730 min

Up-skill for success, with Siddesh Iyer, CEO of Sportfin.io

In this episode of Talent Talks, host Dan Maisey interviews Siddesh Iyer, founder and CEO of Sportfin, to discuss effective hiring strategies and the nuances of managing volunteers versus paid employees and the importance of aligning values and personalities in the recruitment process for community sports organisations and startups. Key topics include leveraging internships, balancing experience with trust, utilising freelancers, and adopting fractional staff for agility. The discussion also highlights the value of structured training programs, the need for diversity and external expertise within senior management, and the frustrating yet crucial nature of the hiring process. Siddesh also provides insights into the unique challenges in recruiting senior developers and the potential for centralised databases to streamline recruitment efforts. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks 00:27 Meet Siddesh Iyer: Founder and CEO of Sportfin 01:17 Hiring Experiences and Lessons Learned 02:37 Values vs. Personality in Recruitment 04:42 Challenges in Recruitment and Training 06:48 Internships and Placements: Testing the Waters 09:56 Exploring Freelancers and Consultants in Sports 12:02 Building Structured Training Programs 14:46 The Importance of Trust in Senior Hires 15:40 Balancing Network and External Options 16:09 Experience vs. Values in Hiring 17:05 Understanding the Sports Industry Context 19:58 Challenges in Personality and Work Ethic 22:20 Developing Talent Management Processes 25:15 Frustrations in Recruitment 28:19 Best Hire and Desired Changes in Recruitment 30:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

October 22, 2024Episode 3624 min

AI, Cultural Fit, and Transparency with Mark-Aurele Jules

In this episode, Dan Maisey sits down with Mark-Aurele Jules, to explore the transformative impact of AI on recruitment and the increasing importance of cultural fit in modern hiring strategies. We discuss the role of transparency in enhancing candidate experience, the value of multicultural experiences, and the need for diversity in both tech and sports industries. Mark shares insights from his extensive experience in tech and sports, advocating for a human-centric, transparent, and continuously improving recruitment process that benefits both candidates and employers. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks 00:26 Meet Mark Jules 01:16 The Evolution of Hiring Practices 01:53 AI in Recruitment: Opportunities and Challenges 03:51 Cultural Fit in Hiring 08:20 Mark's Multicultural Advantage 09:31 Diversity in the Sports Industry 12:19 The Importance of Continuous Learning 13:27 Hiring Practices: Good vs. Bad 14:37 Human-Centric Hiring Processes 15:45 Global Recruitment Insights 17:06 Tech Industry Lessons Applied to Sports 19:27 Continuous Improvement in Hiring 21:08 Challenges and Best Practices in Recruitment 22:54 The Value of Transparency in Recruitment 23:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts