Episodes
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In this episode of "My First Job," host Mike Wood welcomes Joel Lalgee, the "Realist Recruiter" and TikTok influencer, to share the surprising story of his early work experiences. Joel recounts his truly eye-opening first jobs, from illegal cash-in-hand demo work for a slum landlord in his teens to serving up complex coffee orders as a Starbucks barista. They trace his journey from finance to recruiting, and how he eventually embraced social media to become a prominent voice in the industry. Joel also dives into the current challenges facing recruiters, emphasizing the importance of authentic human connection and genuine relationships in a world increasingly saturated with AI and automated outreach. Tune in for a candid and insightful conversation about career evolution, the value of early work experiences (no matter how rough!), and the evolving landscape of talent acquisition.
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Join Mike Wood in San Diego at TA Week as he chats with Adam Posner about his truly unique first job as a photographer's assistant, complete with tuxedo attire, film cartridges, and learning to navigate stressful wedding day dynamics. Adam shares hilarious and insightful lessons from his early days holding the flash, before diving into his career journey into recruiting and his current perspective on the chaotic hiring landscape. Listen in as Adam and Mike discuss the "white collar recession," the rise of AI in job applications, and the importance of self-awareness and strategic career pivots in today's competitive market. Plus, you'll even get a pro-tip for holding napkins and forks at networking events!
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Missing episodes?
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Join Mike Wood in a special in-person episode from TA Week in San Diego as he chats with Keirsten Greggs of Trapper Cruder. Keirsten shares her surprising first job involving persuasive (and often unwelcome) telephone surveys and how that early experience built resilience and shaped her career. They delve into Keirsten's journey into recruiting "by mistake," her years in corporate, and the realities of today's tough job market, offering insights for recruiters and job seekers alike. Plus, they discuss navigating the complexities of defense contracting and the challenges of candidate experience in an increasingly tech-driven world.
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Discover the unconventional journey of Sean Luitjens, from washing dishes at the Elks Club to becoming a leading voice in HR tech. In this episode of My First Job, Sean shares how the customer service and time management skills he honed in the restaurant industry laid the foundation for his success. Hear about his serendipitous entry into HR at Monster, his passion for fixing and building, and his take on the transformative power of AI in today's HR tech landscape. Plus, get valuable advice for navigating your own career path and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
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In this episode, Mike welcomes Kara Mignanelli, the leader of TA Week, ahead of the upcoming event in San Diego. They discuss the significance of TA Week, insights into talent acquisition trends, and what attendees can expect. Whether you're in HR, recruiting, or just curious about the industry, this episode provides valuable perspectives from a key figure in the field. Tune in to get the inside scoop before the big event!
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In this episode of My First Job host Mike Wood sits down with Allie Wehlink and talks about her journey from working at a pizza parlor to her career as an applied industrial-organizational psychologist, leading the selection and assessment strategy at Splunk. In their conversation, they discuss her career journey, the challenges of talent acquisition, and insights into hiring best practices. Tune in to hear how Allie got her start and what she has learned along the way in shaping effective workforce strategies.
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This episode of My First Job, hosted by Mike Wood, features an engaging conversation with Jeff Taylor, the founder of Monster.com, a groundbreaking platform in the online recruiting industry. The discussion delves into Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey, the origins of Monster.com, and its impact on the HR and recruiting space. Jeff shares insights about his early career, the challenges and milestones of building a transformative business, and his perspective on the evolution of the industry. This inspiring episode offers listeners a closer look at the mind behind one of the most influential innovations in recruitment.
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In this episode of 'My First Job,' host Mike Wood welcomes a special guest: a former colleague from WorkHuman with a fascinating career journey. Often referred to as the 'Forrest Gump' of the HR tech world for their diverse professional experiences, the guest shares stories from their varied roles and insights from years in the industry. Tune in to hear how they got started, navigated their unique path, and made an impact along the way. Only on the Purple Acorn Network.
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In this episode of My First Job, host Mike Wood sits down with Laurie Ruettimann, a trailblazer in the HR Tech space and the dynamic force behind Punk Rock HR. From her multifaceted career to her unique insights on workplace culture, Laurie shares her journey of reinvention, humor, and resilience. Tune in for an engaging conversation about professional growth, identity, and lessons learned from the frontlines of HR. Brought to you by the Purple Acorn Network, this episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom for career enthusiasts and beyond.
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In this inspirational episode of My First Job, Mike Wood sits down with the amazing Elena Valentine to details her journey going from performing in a T-Rex costume to community leader and a voice for empowering workers. It's an amazing episode, don't miss it.
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In this episode of My First Job with Mike Wood guest Mary Ellen Slayter talks about her humble babysitting beginnings and how working in a diner can prepare you for a career in journalism and marketing.
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In this episode of My First Job, host Mike Wood sits down with Richard Rosenow to explore his inspiring career journey. Richard shares how his first job at the YMCA taught him invaluable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and community impact, which later fueled his passion for helping others thrive in the workplace. From humble beginnings to becoming a standout figure in the HR, talent, and recruiting world, Richard offers insights into how his early experiences shaped his approach to connecting people with opportunities. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, this conversation is packed with wisdom and relatable stories to inspire your own career path.
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In this transformative episode, we sit down with Mary Faulkner, a seasoned HR strategist and thought leader, to explore how the world of human resources and recruiting is evolving in the face of rapid change. From navigating the rise of AI tools to adapting to shifting workforce expectations, Mary shares her insights on how HR professionals can not only survive but thrive in this dynamic environment.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with real-world examples, forward-thinking ideas, and Mary's expert guidance on building resilience in an ever-changing field.
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In this episode of My First Job, host Mike Wood sits down with John Baldino, CEO of Talent Recruiting and a recognized thought leader in the HR space. John shares the surprising story of how his career began—with a dishwashing job at a local restaurant. He reflects on the work ethic, humility, and problem-solving skills he developed in that first role and how they shaped his approach to leadership in HR and talent acquisition. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growth, resilience, and the unexpected ways early experiences prepare us for success.
