Developing TA Functions That Match the Complexity of Global Growth with Michael Peterson of Edwards Lifesciences
Predictable hiring isn’t just possible —it’s essential. On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Michael Peterson, Sr. Director of Global Talent Acquisition – Talent Sourcing, Intelligence and Innovation at Edwards Lifesciences, to explore how strategic planning, data-driven practices and a consumer-minded approach are shaping modern TA functions in highly regulated industries. Michael walks through his path from aspiring pilot to TA leadership, sharing lessons from roles across healthcare, tech and international organizations. From building teams from scratch to redefining success metrics, Michael also offers practical insights into the evolving TA landscape.
Reconstructing TA To Meet Evolving Business Demands with Chris Ross, Head of TA of North American Packaging at International Paper
A career shaped by competition and strategy is now fueling transformation in talent acquisition. On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Chris Ross, Head of TA of North American Packaging at International Paper. Chris shares insights from nearly 25 years in TA, including agency work, leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, and now guiding strategic transformation at International Paper. They discuss his unique path from Division I college hockey player to recruiter, and how his hands-on agency experience shaped his leadership approach.
Enhancing Candidate Experience Through Feedback Loops with Josh Dudzik of Inova Health
Talent acquisition in healthcare demands a unique blend of strategy, adaptability and human-centered leadership. In this episode, host Ryan Dull speaks with Josh Dudzik, Associate Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Inova Health, about transforming TA practices to support a growing health system. Josh shares how his team revamped Inova’s talent acquisition structure by introducing a dedicated sourcing function that has already delivered significant ROI. He also dives into the importance of balancing AI with human touchpoints, optimizing referral programs and engaging early-in-career talent through proactive workforce development.
Evolving the Internship Experience Into Strategic Hiring with Jenny Hofler of Labcorp
Stepping outside your comfort zone can shape your career in unexpected and rewarding ways. That’s exactly what Jenny Hofler, Director, Early Career Recruiting, Global Talent Acquisition at Labcorp has done — and now she’s building opportunities for early career talent at a global scale. On this episode, she joins host Ryan Dull, and they discuss how Jenny’s journey from a communications graduate to a TA leader has informed her passion for early talent and inclusive hiring.
Creating a Tiered TA Model for Global Hiring Needs with Ryan Alexander of Flowserve
Navigating global hiring challenges takes more than process — it takes strategy, relationships and relentless curiosity. In this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Ryan Alexander, VP of Global Talent Acquisition at Flowserve. They discuss Ryan’s experiences at Flowserve, a global leader in flow control solutions with over 18,000 employees across 52 countries. Ryan also breaks down the company’s hiring model, explains the challenges of operating in diverse geographies and outlines his strategic approach to transforming TA delivery and aligning it with business needs.
Shaping Early Career Programs That Convert with Jacquilynne Ellison-Wickson of HUB International
Knowing your career path early can be a game-changer, but aligning internships to long-term hiring goals is where most companies fall short. Jacquilynne Ellison-Wickson, Director of Talent Acquisition for Canada of HUB International, joins Ryan Dull to explore how HUB builds career pipelines, rethinks intern hiring and redefines what success looks like in TA.
Aligning Recruitment Operations With Organizational Mission with Tara Darnell of Sutter Health
In today’s tight labor market, delivering the right talent at speed isn’t just an advantage, it’s a necessity. On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Tara Darnell, Vice President of Talent Acquisition Strategy and Workforce Planning at Sutter Health. Tara discusses how she led the transformation of a decentralized TA model into a highly efficient, centralized function serving one of the largest healthcare systems in the US. She also offers advice on prioritization and the power of small, consistent improvements in driving long-term impact.
Creating a Culture of Continuous Change in TA with Mike Aronson of Johnson Controls
Transforming talent acquisition at a global scale starts with one thing: a mindset ready for change. On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Mike Aronson, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition Global Operations at Johnson Controls. Mike shares his career journey from agency recruiting to leading global TA operations, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in systems, data-informed decision-making and a readiness for continuous change.
Enhancing Recruitment Efficiency and Cost Savings with Mark Rogers of Mondelēz International
Host Ryan Dull is joined by Mark Rogers, Global Executive Talent Acquisition Director of Mondelēz International. Mark shares his career journey from the military to leading TA teams across major global organizations. He discusses the evolution of TA, the impact of proactive talent pipelining and how technology is transforming recruitment strategies.
Mark highlights the importance of building an integrated talent function, the role of executive TA in cost efficiency and the key metrics Mondelēz uses to measure success.
Building Candidate Pipelines for Long-Term Growth with Candi Thomas of Mattress Firm
On this episode, Ryan Dull is joined by Candi Thomas, Director of Talent Acquisition: Field, Corporate and Supply Chain at Mattress Firm. With 22 years of experience, Candi shares her journey from retail management to leading TA teams, unifying processes and building a strong talent acquisition brand.
Candi discusses key metrics like time to fill and offer turnaround, as well as initiatives like AI-enabled assessments and active sourcing. She emphasizes the value of honesty in recruiting and fostering autonomy and creativity within teams to drive success.
Turning TA Into a Strategic Asset with Assil Omar of AbbVie
Host Ryan Dull is joined by Assil Omar, Chief Equity Officer and Vice President, Talent Acquisition of AbbVie. They discuss her unique career journey, the transformation of TA at AbbVie and how the balance between human capital and technology is driving their success.
Metrics, Pipelines and Process Standardization with Ashley Phillips of Beacon Building Products
On this episode, Ryan Dull is joined by Ashley Phillips, Director of Talent Acquisition, Sales and Corporate at Beacon Building Products. They discuss Ashley’s career journey from sales to TA, including her current role overseeing a team that hires 2,500 employees annually.
Strategic TA at the Helm of a Global F&B Giant with Blair Bennett of PepsiCo
On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Blair Bennett, Senior Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at PepsiCo. Blair shares insights into managing over 30,000 requisitions annually, standardizing interview processes, leveraging data and technology, and enhancing PepsiCo’s employer brand. She discusses tackling frontline hiring challenges, upskilling recruiters and aligning talent strategies with business goals.
AI’s Role in TA Processes with Anne Arnold of Farmers Insurance®
On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Anne Arnold, Director of Enterprise Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Marketing at Farmers Insurance. They discuss her journey into TA, the role of AI in recruitment and her team’s efforts to align TA with business objectives.
Building Early Career Programs with Dustin Leszcynski of Burlington Stores Inc.
On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Dustin Leszcynski, Director of Talent Acquisition - Early Career at Burlington Stores, Inc. They discuss Dustin’s journey into the TA space, his experience working for various brands and the evolution of Burlington’s early career programs. Dustin shares how data has played a critical role in optimizing the recruitment process and highlights the importance of balancing efficiency with personalization in TA.
Enhancing TA Processes With Strategic Metrics with Beth Barney of Cintas
Beth Barney, VP of Talent Acquisition at Cintas, joins Ryan Dull on this episode. They dive into Beth's extensive experience within the company and her approach to building a culture-focused TA strategy.
Building a Strong Talent Pipeline with Dora Rodriguez of The Friedkin Group
In this episode, Ryan Dull is joined by Dora Rodriguez, Director of Talent Acquisition at The Friedkin Group, to explore how cutting-edge technologies and strategic initiatives are revolutionizing TA.
Fostering Leadership and Trust in TA Teams with Mark Smith of Medtronic
On this episode, Ryan Dull is joined by Mark Smith, Senior Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic. They discuss Mark’s journey in talent acquisition, Medtronic's transformation and the importance of growth mindset in leadership.
The Future of TA in Public Service with Tara Eckberg of The City and County of Denver
On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Tara Eckberg, Director of Talent Acquisition for the City and County of Denver. They discuss the challenges and strategies involved in public sector recruitment, particularly in response to the unique demands and crises faced by the city.
Navigating TA Challenges with Justin Fronberg of MGM Resorts International
On this episode, Ryan Dull is joined by Justin Fronberg, Executive Director of Talent Acquisition at MGM Resorts International. They discuss Justin’s unique journey into talent acquisition, the strategic transformations at MGM and the future of talent acquisition in a rapidly evolving market.