What does it really take to build a remote-first culture that actually works — not just one that’s an afterthought? How can AI become your secret weapon without losing the human touch in HR and recruiting? And what does “real candidate experience” even mean today?

This week, Joel Lalgee sits down with Sarika Lamont, VP of People and Culture at Vidyard, for an absolute masterclass in recruiting, people leadership, and AI integration. Sarika doesn’t just talk theory — she’s actively leading the AI transformation at Vidyard and shares what companies should be thinking about now to stay competitive and human-centered. From how Vidyard builds intentional remote-first systems, to why documenting everything is critical, and how recruiters are using AI avatars to create a mind-blowing candidate journey, this conversation is pure gold.

You’ll walk away with fresh ideas about AI enablement, building strong hiring processes, creating real culture (not just kombucha parties), and why understanding your business deeply is non-negotiable. If you’re a recruiter, talent leader, or job seeker who cares about what’s next, you won’t want to miss this episode with Sarika Lamont.

In this episode:

00:02 – Introduction and Setting the Stage

00:39 – Meet Sarika Lamont and Her Role at Vidyard

02:00 – Remote-First vs. Forced Work-From-Home Companies

03:31 – Redefining Company Culture Beyond Perks

05:00 – Communication and Documentation in a Remote-First Setup

07:15 – The Energy Shift for Extroverts in Remote Work

08:15 – In-Person Company Events and Growth Strategy

10:11 – The Power of Values in Vidyard’s Community

11:00 – How to Hire for Culture and Values

About Sarika Lamont

Sarika Lamont is the Vice President of People and Culture at Vidyard, a Canadian-based video platform for business communication. With over two decades of HR and leadership experience, she specialises in talent acquisition, organisational development, and driving strong company culture. Sarika currently leads Vidyard’s transition into a fully remote-first company while focusing on building scalable, people-first strategies.

Resource Links

Sarika Lamont | LinkedIn

Vidyard | Official Website

About Joel Lalgee

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

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What if the key to unlocking the future of recruitment lies not in cutting-edge technology, but in the timeless power of human connection? Could AI, with all its promise, actually be widening the gap between recruiters and the candidates they seek? And in a world where side hustles are on the rise and trust is harder to earn, how can recruiters and job seekers alike navigate the ever-shifting landscape of the job market?

In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, we get real about the challenges and opportunities in the world of talent acquisition. Today, host Joel Lalgee is joined by Anna Taylor, Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Semperis , a leading cybersecurity software vendor. Together, they’re unpacking some of the biggest trends shaping recruitment right now—from the rise of AI tools to the enduring importance of human connection.

Anna shares her personal journey into recruitment and why she believes that, despite all the tech advancements, the heart of hiring still comes down to people. They dive into the unique challenges of recruiting in the cybersecurity sector, the impact of hybrid work models, and how to spot fraudulent candidates in an age of increasingly sophisticated scams.

But it’s not all about the challenges—Anna and Joel also share practical advice for job seekers, like how to craft a resume that stands out (hint: clarity and authenticity are key) and why networking is still one of the most powerful tools for career growth. Plus, they tackle the rise of side hustles and what it means for employers trying to build trust with their teams.

Whether you’re a recruiter, a hiring manager, or someone navigating the job market, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s get into it!

In this episode:

(00:03) – Introduction to the podcast

(01:06) – Guest introduction

(01:55) – Anna's role at Semperis

(02:31) – Team structure and hiring

(02:58) – Remote vs. hybrid work preferences

(04:14) – Personal experiences with work models

(05:36) – Challenges of remote work

(09:23) – Recruitment journey

(11:30) – Previous experience in HR tech

(12:27) – Learning curve in tech recruitment

(13:43) – Growth of cybersecurity industry

(15:10) – Impact of AI on recruitment

(16:45) – The disruption of recruiting

(18:02) – The adrenaline rush of placement

(19:09) – AI in recruitment tools

(20:41) – Fake employees in interviews

(21:50) – Identifying fraudulent resumes

(22:16) – Consistent LinkedIn profiles

(23:16) – Security breaches during hiring

(24:24) – Application volume and resume trends

(25:16) – What recruiters look for in resumes

(26:10) – The importance of professional experience

(27:13) – Matching resumes to job descriptions

(28:07) – Resume length and relevance

(29:25) – Professional summary considerations

(29:32) – Understanding candidate potential

(30:26) – AI in recruiting challenges

(32:09) – Rise of side hustles

(33:15) – Screening for side hustles

(35:52) – Personal branding and networking

(37:25) – Advice for career starters

(38:44) – Networking strategies

(40:58) – Upcoming events and conferences

(41:46) – Connecting with the company

(42:48) – Long-term networking

About Anna Taylor

Anna Taylor is the Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Semperis, a cybersecurity software vendor specializing in...

Can bootcamps really transform your tech career? You’ve seen the bold claims—“Land a six-figure tech job in just 12 weeks!” Sounds like a dream, but is it too good to be true? With bootcamps becoming a popular shortcut into tech, it’s time to ask: do they really work, or are they just another overhyped trend?

In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, host Joel Lalgee chats with Daniel Odegaard, head of talent acquisition at TripleTen, an IT bootcamp. They break down Daniel’s journey from agency to corporate recruiting, offering an insider’s perspective on the differences between the two. More importantly, they dive into the real role of recruiters, the power of candidate coaching, and whether bootcamps actually help people transition into tech careers.

Daniel doesn’t sugarcoat things—he talks about the importance of setting clear career goals, managing expectations, and doing your homework before jumping into a bootcamp. They also explore how AI is reshaping customer service, including Klarna’s CEO’s warning that AI could replace human jobs. While AI is great for efficiency, they discuss its shortcomings in empathy, human connection, and customer experience.

So, is a bootcamp your ticket to a tech career, or is there more to the story? Tune in to find out! And if you’re serious about breaking into tech, don’t forget to subscribe for more expert insights on navigating the job market.

In this episode:

• (00:03) Introduction to the podcast
• (00:36) Guest introduction
• (01:23) Daniel's background
• (02:10) First job in recruitment
• (04:45) Transitioning to corporate talent acquisition
• (06:27) Understanding recruitment incentives
• (07:34) Recruiters and candidate support
• (09:13) Value of paid services
• (10:12) Transitioning into tech
• (11:27) Advice for job seekers
• (12:38) Challenges of entering big tech
• (14:02) Understanding job market dynamics
• (15:47) Managing expectations in career transitions
• (17:35) Red flags in recruitment
• (18:44) Understanding program commitments
• (20:12) The tech job landscape
• (21:43) Long-term outlook on tech hiring
• (23:16) Reality of dream jobs
• (25:57) Skills for the future
• (28:40) AI's impact on employment
• (29:50) Klarna CEO's warning on AI
• (30:46) Human vs. AI in customer service
• (32:52) Empathy in customer service
• (32:19) Quality assurance challenges
• (33:46) AI’s strengths and limitations
• (34:59) Skepticism towards AI
• (35:34) Empathy simulation in AI
• (36:29) Disconnect in customer service
• (37:20) Mental health and technology
• (39:35) The future of human-centric companies
• (40:08) Rise of smaller companies
• (41:06) Impact of layoffs on customer relationships
• (42:25) Cultural shift towards micro communities
• (43:53) Parenting and technology boundaries
• (45:47) Disconnect from corporate leadership
• (47:26) Convenience vs. human connection
• (49:08) Conclusion and resources

About Daniel Odegaard

Daniel Odegaard is a senior recruiter at TripleTen, an international company specializing in tech education and career transitions. At

In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, host Joel Lalgee sits down with Ginette Harvey, a seasoned talent acquisition expert with nearly two decades in the industry. Ginette shares her journey from unexpectedly falling into recruitment to leading a multi-million dollar business, launching her own diversity consultancy, and now building a global blockchain talent acquisition company.

The conversation dives deep into the power of human connection in an AI-driven world, the importance of social selling, and how recruitment businesses must pivot in the face of changing technology. Ginette also opens up about the challenges of scaling a company, hiring the right talent, and why she believes business success boils down to having a solid, repeatable formula.

And of course, we couldn’t ignore the latest buzz in the business world! Joel and Ginette unpack Elon Musk’s controversial email demanding federal employees justify their jobs, the shifting dynamics of leadership, and Klarna’s embarrassing AI blunder—where the company laid off two-thirds of its customer service team, only to realize humans are still essential.

If you’re in recruiting, leadership, or just love a good industry shake-up, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a no-nonsense look at where work is headed.

In this episode:

(00:00:03) Introduction to the Podcast

(00:01:03) Guest Introduction

(00:01:45) Ginette’s Recruitment Journey

(00:02:58) Setting Up a U.S. Business

(00:03:22) Transition to Consulting

(00:04:24) Global Nature of Blockchain

(00:06:06) Importance of Human Connection

(00:06:52) AI's Impact on Recruitment

(00:08:16) Building Relationships Post-Pandemic

(00:09:20) Adaptability in Recruitment

(00:11:05) Success Formula in Recruitment

(00:13:01) Hiring Practices and Turnover

(00:15:35) Market Challenges and Opportunities

(00:16:56) Adapting Business Development Strategies

(00:18:43) Agility in Business

(00:19:53) News Discussion: Elon Musk's Email

(00:20:54) The Importance of Motivation in the Workplace

(00:22:32) The Impact of Leadership Styles

(00:26:26) The Role of AI in Customer Service

(00:27:23) Reality Check on AI Chatbots

(00:30:05) Balancing AI and Human Interaction

(00:35:37) The Value of Human Connections

(00:37:17) Guiding Principles for Relationship Building

(00:39:11) The Lost Art of Adding Value

(00:40:13) Upcoming Events in Blockchain and AI

(00:41:01) Connecting with Jeanette

(00:41:22) Closing Remarks

(00:41:54) Final Thoughts

About Ginnette Harvey

Ginnette Harvey is a seasoned recruitment entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in the staffing industry. In 2021, she co-founded BlocHaus, a leading blockchain recruitment firm dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with pioneering organizations in the blockchain sector.

Prior to founding BlocHaus, Ginnette played a pivotal role in the growth of SThree's North American business, serving as a founding member and ascending to the executive team and U.S. board during her 15-year tenure.

In 2021, she launched Harper & Gray, a company committed to helping organizations diversify their workforce and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace.

Recognized for her contributions to the staffing industry, Ginnette was named one of the top 100 most influential leaders in staffing in North America by Staffing Industry Analysts. She also serves on the Women's Leadership Council for the American Staffing Association and is a certified professional...

Have you ever applied for the perfect job, only to realize it never really existed?

What if the job market isn’t just competitive—but haunted? Across job boards and career sites, ghost jobs linger—positions that were never meant to be filled or were quietly abandoned by companies. But job seekers aren’t the only ones being deceived. Fake candidate profiles are also flooding the market, leaving recruiters chasing applicants who don’t exist.

These digital phantoms—jobs and candidates alike—waste time, drain energy, and blur the line between reality and illusion. Are you applying for a job that was never real? Or are recruiters screening candidates who don’t even exist?

In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, host Joel Lalgee sits down with Stephen McGrath, Product Experience Manager at Poetry, to uncover the truth about ghost jobs and their impact on candidates. With over 15 years in recruitment—spanning agency, RPO, and in-house roles—Stephen shares deep industry insights, breaking down the role of RPO and ATS systems, the rise of AI in hiring, and the growing disconnect between companies and job seekers.

Joel and Stephen also tackle the recruitment industry’s biggest challenges—including layoffs, technology shifts, and the often misunderstood role of recruiters. They explore how humor, authenticity, and video content can reshape recruiters’ reputations while bridging the gap between candidates and employers. From harsh candidate feedback to the realities of modern hiring, this episode dives deep into the evolving world of recruitment—offering transparency, empathy, and a fresh perspective on the future of hiring.

In this episode:

(00:00:03) – Introduction to the episode

(00:01:06) – Guest introduction: Stephen McGrath

(00:02:04) – Understanding RPO

(00:03:34) – Role of ATS

(00:03:37) – Overview of Canada ID

(00:04:39) – Introduction to ghost jobs

(00:05:56) – Candidate experience issues

(00:07:22) – Overview of Poetry

(00:08:58) – AI in recruitment

(00:09:50) – Evaluating AI tools

(00:12:32) – Challenges in recruitment processes

(00:17:54) – Trends in contract work

(00:19:23) – Recruitment technology insights

(00:20:08) – Job market dynamics

(00:20:48) – Layoff patterns

(00:21:48) – Transparency in business

(00:23:01) – Employee loyalty and stability

(00:24:03) – Cultural misrepresentation

(00:25:32) – Recruiter challenges

(00:27:39) – Caring in recruitment

(00:29:02) – Career guidance initiatives

(00:29:56) – The recruiter's care

(00:30:50) – Recruiters' bad rap

(00:31:27) – Hurtful comments

(00:31:52) – Disgruntled candidate reads

(00:32:37) – Changing the narrative

(00:33:21) – Authenticity in recruitment

(00:34:44) – Video content focus

(00:36:37) – Humor in recruitment

(00:37:54) – Connecting with candidates

(00:40:07) – Final thoughts and advice

About Stephen McGrath

Stephen McGrath is a seasoned recruitment professional and technology innovator based in Glasgow, Scotland. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, he has worked across agency, RPO, and in-house recruitment before transitioning into recruitment technology. Stephen played a key role in building Canada ID, which was later acquired by Isomers. Now, as the product experience manager at Poetry, he focuses on gathering feedback and refining technology to enhance the recruitment process. Passionate about improving recruiter efficiency, Stephen continues to bridge the gap between recruitment and

Have you ever wondered if the increasing reliance on AI in hiring is slowly eroding the very human touch that makes recruitment so personal? In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, Joel Lalgee sits down with Jessica Begley, COO of Very, to explore key topics such as recruitment trends, employee engagement, and the role of AI in the workforce. Jessica shares her journey from Chief People Officer to Chief Operating Officer and emphasizes the importance of treating employees as individuals. The discussion covers strategies for engaging a remote workforce, the risks of AI implementation, and the crucial need for upskilling in the evolving job market. They also address recent layoffs at Workday and Meta, underscoring the emotional toll and the need for transparent communication. The conversation delves into job market segmentation, discussing the challenges faced by skilled workers, wisdom workers, and knowledge workers, while also addressing issues like overqualification for entry-level roles and the impact of job report revisions on economic decisions. Finally, they offer practical advice for job seekers on the power of networking and building meaningful professional relationships.

In this episode:

(00:00:03) Introduction to the episode

(00:01:38) Guest introduction

(00:03:03) Jessica's career journey

(00:04:41) Importance of people in business

(00:09:26) Engagement strategies

(00:10:38) Creating a people-centric culture

(00:13:45) Intentionality in engagement

(00:15:34) Recent layoffs discussion

(00:16:01) Impact of AI on jobs

(00:17:56) Identifying replaceable jobs

(00:19:33) AI in corporate strategy

(00:20:18) Implications of AI on workforce

(00:21:12) Upskilling employees

(00:22:14) Zapier's hiring philosophy

(00:23:40) Meta layoffs and employee perception

(00:24:20) Communication and transparency issues

(00:25:31) Skill set definition challenges

(00:29:57) Understanding job segmentation

(00:30:03) Challenges for wisdom workers

(00:30:41) Networking for executive roles

(00:31:10) The role of knowledge workers

(00:32:01) Job growth analysis

(00:33:01) Hiring challenges in trades

(00:34:15) Overqualification issues

(00:34:36) Job report revisions

(00:36:03) Economic decisions impact

(00:37:07) Interconnected economic systems

(00:38:28) Government worker exits

(00:39:09) Networking advice

(00:41:27) Long game mentality in networking

(00:42:23) In-person interaction opportunities

(00:43:09) Sustainable networking practices

(00:45:24) Closing remarks

About Jessica Begley

Jessica Begley is the COO of Very, a leading provider of IoT hardware services. With a diverse background in human resources, Jessica transitioned from Chief People Officer to Chief Operating Officer, bringing her expertise in people management, employee engagement, and organizational development. She is passionate about fostering people-centric cultures and navigating the evolving landscape of technology and recruitment.

Jessica Begley Social Media

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About Joel Lalgee

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for...

A job seeker submits their application. They wait. And wait. But there’s no call, no email—just silence. What they don’t know is that their fate was sealed in milliseconds, judged by AI-driven algorithms they’ll never see, for reasons they’ll never understand.

Are we witnessing a revolution that will elevate recruitment to new heights? Or are we on the verge of losing the human touch in hiring forever?

In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, Joel Lalgee sits down with Matt Pietsch to unravel the truth behind recruitment’s rapid evolution.

With decades of experience in human capital management, Matt has seen it all—the rise of cutting-edge HR tech, the fragmentation of applicant tracking systems, and the growing pains of an industry struggling to keep up with change. But with AI transforming hiring at an unprecedented pace, one question looms large: Are we making recruitment more efficient, or are we losing the personal touch that truly makes a difference?

Matt and Joel dive deep into the current job market, exposing the hidden challenges candidates face and the technology gaps recruiters must overcome. Can a more unified system bring order to the chaos? And in a world where automation is king, how do we keep genuine human relationships at the heart of hiring?

But that’s not all. The debate over remote work versus returning to the office is more intense than ever. How do companies measure productivity fairly? Are younger workers really craving in-person collaboration, or is flexibility the ultimate key to success? And what about working parents—how can they navigate a workforce that wasn’t built with them in mind?

With fresh insights, bold predictions, and a no-nonsense look at the future of human capital management, this episode is a must-listen. The future of work is changing—are you ready to adapt? Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

(00:03) Introduction to the episode

(01:12) Guest introduction

(01:48) Matt's background in recruitment

(02:01) Early recruitment experience

(02:45) Client relationships in recruitment

(03:15) Volume of calls in early career

(04:32) Evolution of recruiter value

(06:00) Face-to-face interactions in recruitment

(07:21) Progression in Matt's career

(08:26) Experience with startups

(09:33) Understanding HR tech landscape

(11:09) Innovation in ATS market

(13:16) Total talent management concept

(14:48) AI's impact on recruitment

(15:29) Candidate experience challenges

(17:18) Human interaction in recruiting

(19:13) Disconnect in recruitment processes

(20:14) The evolution of recruitment technology

(21:36) The future of recruitment staffing

(22:00) The impact of technology on human interaction

(23:39) The importance of face-to-face interaction

(24:36) Building an offline brand

(25:37) Value over discounts in sales

(26:06) Shifting focus to value in job applications

(28:00) ROI in employment relationships

(29:09) Changing dynamics of job security

(29:40) Discussion on remote work

(30:45) Deferred resignation announcement

(31:47) Flexibility in work environments

(32:42) Measuring productivity

(33:36) Remote work benefits

(34:36) Young workers' preferences

(35:33) Impact of return-to-office mandates

(36:34) Corporate decision-making

(37:15) Commuting challenges

(38:53) Childcare challenges

(40:14) Measuring productivity challenges

(41:05) Outlook for hiring market in 2025

(42:32) Networking opportunities

(43:09) Closing remarks

About Matt...

Recent Gallup findings show employee engagement is at its lowest in a decade, even worse than during the pandemic. In this thought-provoking episode of Recruiting is No Joke, host Joel Lalgee sits down with Josh Drean, co-author of "Employment is Dead: How Disruptive Technologies are Revolutionizing the Way We Work." Together, they dive deep into the seismic shifts reshaping the modern workplace, from the lingering effects of the "Great Resignation" and "Quiet Quitting" to the growing chasm between corporate profits and employee compensation.

Josh and Joel explore the critical role of employee experience design in fostering engagement and retention, particularly as younger generations redefine their relationships with work. They challenge traditional corporate practices, arguing that companies must prioritize employee well-being and adapt to evolving workforce expectations to thrive in the long term.

The conversation takes a hard look at the pitfalls of traditional employee engagement surveys, using a striking example of employees being fired after an "anonymous" feedback session. This underscores the urgent need for trust, transparency, and actionable change in workplace culture.

Looking ahead, Josh and Joel envision a future of work powered by decentralized, skill-based employment models enabled by web3 technologies. They discuss how these innovations could democratize opportunities and redefine the employer-employee relationship.

The episode wraps up with Josh sharing insights from his book and promoting his upcoming events, while Joel encourages listeners to join the conversation and rethink the future of work. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

(00:00:03) Introduction to the Episode

(00:01:36) Guest Introduction

(00:02:20) Overview of the Book

(00:02:50) Employee Engagement Trends

(00:03:55) Reflection on 2021

(00:05:57) Employee Experience Design

(00:07:18) Culture vs. Employee Satisfaction

(00:08:34) Short-Term Gains vs. Workforce Needs

(00:09:58) Shifts in Employee Mindset

(00:11:10) Rise of Content Creation

(00:12:50) Bank CEO Salaries vs. Employee Raises

(00:13:08) Employee Frustrations at JPMorgan Chase

(00:15:55) The Contractual Nature of Employment

(00:16:56) Resentment in the Workforce

(00:17:54) Job Market Realities

(00:18:04) Employee Retention vs. Engagement

(00:19:37) HR Limitations and Automation

(00:20:18) Diversity and Inclusion News

(00:21:31) Impact of Political Changes on D&I

(00:22:05) Equity in the Workplace

(00:23:26) Generational Divide in HR Perspectives

(00:24:24) Corporate Compliance and D&I Efforts

(00:26:38) Public Perception of D&I Value

(00:28:04) Future of D&I Over the Next Four Years

(00:28:42) Rise of the Gig Economy

(00:29:50) The Importance of Trust in Employee Surveys

(00:30:16) The Consequences of Honesty

(00:31:42) The Disconnect in Workplace Culture

(00:32:40) Employee Expectations vs. Reality

(00:34:57) The Creator Economy as a Model

(00:39:44) The Future of Work and Decentralization

(00:41:06) Skill Verification and Employment Dynamics

(00:44:04) The Role of Education in Freelancing

(00:45:12) Promoting Engagement and Connection

About Josh Drean

Josh Drean is a visionary leader in the future of work, employee experience, and decentralized work models. As a co-author of "Employment is Dead", Josh challenges traditional workplace paradigms and advocates for innovative approaches to employee engagement and satisfaction. With a deep...