DMV Culture Clash: Different Backgrounds, Same Team

In this episode of Talkin’ Talent, Host Sam McCarthy is joined by Sawyer Caruso, MPS, SHRM-SCP, Director of Human Resources at Nooks, for a conversation about what happens when professionals with vastly different backgrounds are asked to work toward the same goals. Drawing from experiences working with professionals across government, military, consulting, technology, nonprofit and other specialized backgrounds, Sawyer shares how differing perspectives can influence communication, trust, decision-making and workplace culture.

While the discussion is rooted in the unique mix of professionals often found throughout the Washington, DC region, the takeaways are valuable for any demographic. Organizations across industries face similar challenges when bringing together employees with different experiences, expectations and approaches to work.

You’ll hear about:

• Implementing strategies to enhance communication, trust and workplace culture
• Managing teams with diverse professional backgrounds
• Onboarding and integration best practices
• Navigating hybrid workplace challenges and opportunities
• Decision-making, risk tolerance and organizational alignment
• Creating cultures that value different perspectives and experiences

Join the conversation for insights on turning diverse professional experiences into stronger workplace culture and better team performance.

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On this episode of Talkin’ Talent, Kris Bashore, leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Human Resources Outsourcing and Consulting Services, joins host Sam McCarthy to discuss what it takes to effectively manage people during an acquisition.

Having both joined Cherry Bekaert through acquisitions, Sam and Kris share real stories and lessons learned about how communication, onboarding, and change management shape the employee experience, from retention to client relationships.

They dig into the real concerns people have, such as job security, pay, benefits, and system changes, and talk about what it’s actually like to bring remote teams together.

You’ll hear about:

• Employee experience during and after an acquisition
• Communication and change management best practices
• Onboarding and integration challenges in M&A
• Retention risks and client impact
• Remote workforce considerations and HR trends

Join the conversation for real-world tips on helping employees (and your business) thrive after an acquisition.

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Host Sam McCarthy and Matt Antine, Executive Director of Cherry Bekaert’s Staffing and Recruiting Services, dive into Cordia Resources by Cherry Bekaert’s 2026 Salary Guides. With 15 years in accounting and finance recruiting and nearly 20 years in sales, Matt shares what the latest salary data means for employers and job seekers.

The discussion covers retention challenges, salary gaps by company size and why employer branding matters. Matt offers practical advice for candidates on interviews and negotiations, plus tips for employers to streamline hiring and avoid common mistakes.

If you’re planning headcount, building compensation strategies or considering your next career move, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you stay competitive in 2026.

This episode covers:

• Key findings from the 2026 Salary Guides
• Retention and attraction trends shaping the market
• Salary gaps by company size and industry
• Employer branding and candidate experience best practices
• Negotiation strategies for job seekers

Listen now for the insights you need to hire smarter and advance your career.

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