In this episode of Employer Branding Unplugged, host Mark Puncher sits down with Melissa Toa, Talent Acquisition Manager at Kimberly-Clark, who brings a wealth of experience from brands like Campos Coffee and Sephora.

You’ll discover how Kimberly-Clark is future-proofing its talent by building new skills and capabilities around AI and technology - not to replace human connection, but to enhance it.

We explore Mel’s previous work at Campos Coffee, where developing an employer value proposition (EVP) helped capture the passion and purpose of employees, creating a profound connection to their work

Mel also shares her optimistic vision for the future of HR - one where human connection, empathy and meaningful work remain central, no matter how technology evolves.

Kimberly-Clark: www.kimberly-clark.com.au

Campos Coffee: www.camposcoffee.com

Employer Branding Australia: www.employerbrandingaustralia.com

In this episode of Employer Branding Unplugged, host Mark Puncher talks with Aoife Brady, Talent Acquisition Manager at Fresh Hope Communities, a not-for-profit organisation working across aged care, retirement living, outdoor adventure and affordable housing.

The conversation explores the unique challenges of recruiting in human services, the power of truly listening to what employees and hiring managers need, and why a service mindset is essential for talent acquisition professionals who want to make a real impact.

Fresh Hope Communities

The Benevolent Society

Employer Branding Australia

In this episode, host Mark Puncher sits down with Clare Robinson, Head of Internal Communications, and Melissa Norton, Talent Acquisition Manager, from Cuscal.

Clare and Mel share the story behind their transformative journey to create Cuscal's employee value proposition (EVP). They don’t sugarcoat it: gaining internal consensus was challenging, the professional risks were high, but the payoff was an EVP that “rang so inextricably true” to who they are.

You’ll discover why authenticity matters more than perfection, how storytelling builds both external attraction and internal pride, and why alignment between marketing, communications, talent acquisition, and people and culture is essential.

Cuscal Careers: https://www.cuscal.com/about-us/careers/

Employer Branding Australia: https://www.employerbrandingaustralia.com/

In this episode, the team from Employer Branding Australia sits down with Belinda Leon, Employer Brand Specialist at Bendigo Bank, to explore the deeply personal and strategic layers of employer branding. From falling into talent acquisition by chance to leading one of the sector’s most thoughtful EVP projects, Belinda shares the realities of building inclusive workplaces—without the gloss.

Together with David Concannon and Hannah Brink, they unpack the power of listening to employees, championing diversity through storytelling, and how a values-driven EVP can act as both a beacon and a filter for future talent.

• Falling into employer branding: Belinda’s unconventional entry into the field.

• The importance of lived experience in shaping DEI narratives.

• Avoiding tokenism in storytelling and employer brand campaigns.

• Why inclusive employer branding is a business imperative, not a “nice to have”.

• Navigating internal barriers, managing stakeholders, and partnering effectively.

• The real power of authenticity and honesty in EVP.

• Storytelling strategies that humanise rather than homogenise.

• Emotional, practical, and strategic advice for both EB professionals and business leaders.

Belinda Leon is an experienced Employer Brand Specialist currently shaping the EVP and talent narrative at Bendigo Bank. With a background spanning IT, publishing, government, and financial services, Belinda brings a uniquely strategic and human-centred lens to employer branding. A passionate advocate for neurodivergence and inclusion, her work champions authenticity and business-aligned storytelling.

• You can’t fake inclusion: Real stories from real people create real trust.

• Listen to understand, not to reply: Discovery is where the magic happens.

• Don’t just market the glossy stuff: A strong EVP helps people opt out as much as in.

• Lived experience is not one-size-fits-all: Respect nuance, avoid assumptions.

• Employer branding is a change agent: It’s about connection, culture, and business transformation—not just recruitment.

• Bendigo Bank Careers: bendigobank.com.au/careers

• Employer Branding Australia: employerbrandingaustralia.com

• Neurodiversity in the workplace (article): Harvard Business Review – Neurodiversity as a Competitive Advantage

Produced by The Podcast Boss

Welcome to Employer Branding Unplugged, where we show you how to win with and through your people.

In this episode, Employer Branding Australia legends Mark, Dave and Hannah kick us off by tackling the biggest, most misunderstood question in employer branding: What is it really? Join us as we explore the non-negotiables to successful employer branding, how breaking down silos is the key to your success and why it's essential to have your c-suite on board.

Produced by The Podcast Boss