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This week on scalr sagecast, Iām joined by the brilliant and always energetic Mark Puncher, CEO of Employer Branding Australia and one of the most passionate advocates for building workplaces where people actually want to be.
In this episode, we dig into all things EVP - what it is, what it isnāt, and why so many companies still get it wrong. We unpack the tension between aspiration and reality, the blurred lines between EVP and commercial branding, and the common traps businesses fall into when crafting their story.
Mark also explains one of my favourite metaphors of the episode: the magnetic mirrorāand why itās the key to creating job ads that cut through and actually connect.
We cover:
The difference between authentic and aspirational EVP.Pitfalls in brand and content that dilute your message.How small businesses can create an outsized impact with the right approach.Why your EVP should reflect the truth - and attract the right people because of it.Mark is unashamedly people-first, grounded in family values, and genuinely humble about the impact EBA has made over the past 7 years. Itās a conversation full of insight, honesty and heart.
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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Bit of a milestone for scalr sagecast this week - 50 episodes in, and what an amazing experience it's been so far and I couldnāt think of a better guest to mark this point than Marrin-Boyd Andrews (MBA)!
I still think back to our last encounter at ATC 2024 in Melbourne. He presented on prompt engineering, and the packed room was on tenterhooks for the whole session. You could almost hear the collective mind being blown, such were the insights and takeaways he provided that day.
MBA is one of the sharpest minds in recruitment sourcing, having built some of the most respected sourcing functions in the industry. With a background rooted in data and programming, he fell into sourcing almost by accident - after his analytical, methodical approach to hiring delivered serious results.
Heās someone who brings rigour to the craft without ever losing sight of the human side of hiring.
In this episode, we chat about:
His approach to sourcing in the face of new tech and greater demands.How to equip sourcers for long-term success.The story behind Pro Prompt - a side project turned platform.His proudest achievements in sourcing.If youāre in recruitment, talent, or just obsessed with getting better at the craft, this oneās packed with insight.
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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This week, Iām joined by Simon Kearney, co-founder of Readiness and former elite sports performance coach. Simon spent over two decades in high-performance roles across AFL, NRL and professional tennis.
Over the last 7 years, he's brought that experience into the workplace - helping organisations proactively support mental health and wellbeing through data-driven tools and human connection.
We cover a lot in this one:
His transition from elite sport to co-founding readiness.How performance principles from sport apply to business.The importance of proactive mental health monitoring.Building a culture of wellbeing and resilience in organisations.If you're interested in how to build high-performing teams and support wellbeing in your organisation, this one's for you.
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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This week on scalr sagecast, I'm joined by Megan Luttrell, Founder of Kairos Recruitment and the driving force behind the Aussie Founders Club (AFC). Megan has carved out a niche in the startup ecosystem, helping founders make sense of the often chaotic world of recruitment, with clarity, focus and a real understanding of the pressures they face.
With over a decade in IT recruitment, Meganās journey hasnāt been linear. From launching her own ventures to building communities that support founders at every stage, she continues to play a huge role in reshaping how startups think about hiring, growth and sustainability.
In this episode, we dive into:
Meganās move from traditional recruitment to startup-focused solutionsThe story behind the Aussie Founders Club and the impact it's havingHow to build scalable hiring strategies that actually prioritise founder well-beingWhy community is the real secret weapon in the entrepreneurial journeyMeganās insights are a reminder that success in the startup world isnāt just about hustling harderāitās about building smarter, surrounding yourself with good people, and keeping your feet on the ground while aiming high.
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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This week, I had a fantastic catch-up with my good friend and talent trailblazer, Lauren Sharp. She's the co-founder of TaPod and, along with the equally legendary Craig Watson, the driving force behind the Internal Talent Awards. We talked about all things talent, community and building something that matters.
We cover a lot in this one, from Laurenās early career in the air to her move into recruitment, how TaPod came to life, and how sheās played a huge role in building one of the most connected Talent communities in Australia.
And of course, we dive into the story behind the ITA's, what started as a kernel of an idea has become the go-to event on the Aussie talent calendar.
We also cover a few topics very close to her heart - perimenopause, the gender pay gap and the impact of AI on our industry.
Most people know Lauren as an all-energy, positive force within our industry. Often outspoken and never shy to speak her mind, I found her in a reflective mood and really enjoyed learning more about what makes her tick. Fascinating listen, well worth checking this one out!
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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This week, Iām joined by Brendan Lee. He's the Founder of BE Digital Group, a consultancy established to support businesses by implementing clear, scalable digital marketing strategies.
With over 20 years' experience across marketing, sales and digital, Brendan has worked with countless businesses - from early-stage to established - across a variety of industries. His sweet spot is the ability to shift organisational mindsets, helping to modernise their approach and grow with purpose.
In this episode, Brendan shares:
His own career story - from junior sales to growth leader.How businesses can avoid common digital marketing traps.Three key tips for setting up a successful digital marketing strategy.If youāre a founder, marketer, or just trying to make sense of your digital presence, this oneās packed with value.
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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Welcome to a very special episode of scalr sagecast!
This week, weāre pausing the usual guest format to celebrate something close to my heart - the Melbourne Talent Meetup.
Over the past nine years, this community has grown into something pretty special. With 30+ in-person events, countless conversations, and an incredible group of people behind it, we thought it was the perfect time to take a moment and reflect.
Iām joined by my fellow organisers and legends of the meetup scene - Caitlin Clements, Stefan Welack, and Nat Badawy - to chat about:
Why we started the Melbourne Talent Meetup in the first place.How the talent industry has evolved over nearly a decade.How the meetup scene has changed - and where itās headed.Our most memorable moments from the journey so far.Whether youāve attended every meetup or just discovered the community recently, this one is a little trip down memory lane - and a celebration of what weāve built together.
Normal sagecast programming resumes next week - but for now, letās get into it!
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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In this episode of scalr sagecast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Rita Anagnostopoulous, CEO at Transform and Grow, to dive deep into what it really takes to build high-performing teams and great cultures - especially in growing businesses.
Her career has taken her around the world and spanned sales, leadership development, and organisational transformation. Rita brings a wealth of experience in helping businesses scale, develop leadership capability, and create workplaces where people thrive.
Despite the scale she has worked at, and the success she has enjoyed, throughout her illustrious career to date, Ritaās philosophy remains focused on a practical, human-first approach to leadership and growth. She knows hiring great people isnāt enough - you must build the right environment and leadership behaviours to unlock their potential.
In this episode, we unpack:
The role of leadership and culture in scaling successfully.Common mistakes businesses make when scaling their teams.Key philosophies to building successful businesses in new regions.Rita's essential business reads are:
Multipliers by Liz WisemanAge of AI by Daniel Huttenlocher, Eric Schmidt, and Henry KissingerHumanocracy by Gary Hamel and Michele ZaniniIf youāre a founder, leader, or anyone involved in building teams, this episode is packed with absolute gold.
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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In this latest episode of scalr sagecast, I chatted with David Yip, an "optimistic technologist" and early-stage tech adopter, to explore how businesses need to rethink their approach to AI.
David has overseen large, complex transformational projects at some of the worldās biggest multinationals, including IBM. Now, through Impactive Systems, he helps organisations embrace AI in practical, impactful ways, navigating the hype to find real opportunities for growth and efficiency.
What stood out to me is Davidās balanced view of AI - heās enthusiastic but realistic, focusing on how businesses can apply AI with purpose, not just for the sake of it.
We also discuss his recently launched start-up, Alumly, an innovative platform that is reshaping university hiring through a skills-based approach, and his new podcast, Relearning Work, which explores how work is changing in real-time.
In this episode, we cover:
Why mindset is the biggest barrier to adopting AI effectivelyHow to cut through AI noise and apply it meaningfullyThe future of hiring and skills-based recruitmentA book David highly recommends to anyone seeking to better understand the impact and opportunities within the AI revolution is Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick.
If youāre considering using AI in your business or are interested in the future of work, this is a conversation full of insights.
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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The latest episode of scalr sagecast features a truly insightful conversation with Megumi Miki - an accomplished leader who carved her own niche by challenging traditional leadership norms.
Through her professional, and personal, experiences, Megumi recognised that leadership isnāt about being the loudest voice in the room - itās about authenticity, influence, and harnessing quiet strength. This realisation led her to build Megumi and Associates, where she now helps organisations embrace diversity, unlock hidden leadership potential, and create more inclusive cultures.
Sheās also the author of the award-winning book Quietly Powerful, which offers a game-changing perspective on leadership. It encourages thoughtful, reflective, and impactful leadership styles and proves that power doesnāt have to come from dominance.
In this episode, we dive into:
Why traditional leadership models are outdated - and what needs to change.The power of quiet leadership and how organisations can leverage it.Practical ways businesses can create more inclusive, diverse workplaces.Megumiās work is reshaping the way leadership is defined and developedāmaking this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, diversity, and creating stronger teams.
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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In the latest episode of scalr sagecast, I caught up with Natalie Flynn, Founder of equidi, to talk about equity, inclusion and the evolving conversation around gender pay transparency.
With WGEA confirming 4 March as the next release date for employer gender pay gaps, the focus on workplace equity has never been sharper. Organisations will soon be under greater scrutiny, and the businesses that take proactive steps towards transparency and fairness will attract and retain top talent.
Nat and the team at equidi are at the forefront of this space, providing the tools and insights businesses need to bridge the gap between intent and action. Their latest offering, equidi lite, is designed to make pay equity insights accessible to more businesses, helping companies of all sizes benchmark their data, identify disparities and take real steps towards fairer pay structures.
In this episode, we break down:
What does the upcoming WGEA reporting mean for businesses?How organisations can move beyond compliance and embed equity into their culture.The role of equidi lite in making pay transparency easier and more accessible.Nat highly recommended Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett and The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins as her recent go-to learning tools.
If youāre a business leader, HR professional, or just passionate about workplace equity, this is a must-listen.
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On this week's episode, Iām joined by David Neal, a leader whose career has been anything but conventional. After a distinguished decade-long military career, Dave didnāt take the usual transition period. Instead, he finished his service on a Friday, and by Monday, he was leading IT projects in the not-for-profit aged care sector.
Fast forward to today, where he's now CEO of The Eighth Mile Consulting. They specialise in training and education - helping businesses build stronger leadership skills, enhance cultural communications and manage conflict more effectively.
Drawing from his military background, heās applying battle-tested principles of leadership, strategy and resilience to help these organisations navigate complex challenges and develop high-performing teams.
What stands out about Dave is his practical yet innovative approach to problem-solving. He and his business partner, Jono, don't hail from a typical L&D background and so approach traditional challenges with curiosity and a willingness to challenge the status quo. This has led his clients to achieve different, more progressive outcomes for their organisations.
In this episode, we dive into Daveās unique career journey, the leadership lessons heās carried across industries, and how structured training and education can transform businesses. Whether itās honing leadership skills, addressing cultural change, or challenging preconceptions around areas like DEI, this episode is full of practical takeaways.
A key part of Daveās leadership philosophy has been shaped by books like 1984 by George Orwell and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - two classics that offer deep insights into power, control, and human behaviour. Their influence is clear in the way Dave approaches his own management and communication style.
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On this week's episode, I caught up with the wonderful Dart Lindsley, a visionary leader and trailblazer in workplace design and employee experience. Dart is passionate about transforming how organisations think about work, shifting the focus from simply getting the job done to creating meaningful, fulfilling experiences for employees.
A real thought leader, Dart believes that the key to a thriving organisation is understanding work as a product - one that must be designed with intention, empathy, and purpose.
His innovative approach combines systems thinking, design methodologies, and a deep understanding of human needs to drive organisational success.
Heās a renowned speaker and host of the "Work For Humans" podcast, where he shares ideas and strategies to rethink the future of work.
In this episode, we explore Dartās career journey, his philosophy on employee experience design and actionable insights on creating workplaces that inspire, engage and empower. Whether youāre a leader, an employee, or just curious about the future of work, this is a conversation you wonāt want to miss.
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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It had been a long time coming but, on this week's episode of scalr sagecast, I finally got to chat with Sean Grealy from SellAnything.
Seanās flair for business started young. Despite coming from a blue-collar family and initially considering a painting apprenticeship, he always seemed destined to become an entrepreneur. His first venture? Selling soft drinks from his school locker during recess at high school - a clear sign he was destined to build something of his own!
That instinct led him to start his first business in 2016, after being mentored by the owner of the bike shop where he worked during his studies. Now, through SellAnything, Sean is focused on helping start-ups establish the right foundations to give them the best chance of success in the Australian market.
What stood out most in our conversation was Seanās practical, no-nonsense approach to business. He understands that entrepreneurship isnāt just about ideasāitās about execution, resilience and learning from experience.
In this episode, we break down his journey, the key mistakes start-ups need to avoid, and the realities of building a business from the ground up. If youāre launching something - or even thinking about it - this oneās packed with valuable insights.
Sean came armed with a great list of his go-to books and content:
Essentialism (The Disciplined Pursuit of Less) by Greg McKeown100 Million Offers by Alex HormoziThe Big Leap by Gay HendricksMini documentaries on YouTube - Beau MilesThe scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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I was thrilled to sit down with Neil Kinnaird on the latest episode of scalr sagecast.
Neil has been at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence for over a decade, embracing its potential long before it became a global focus. As a thought leader in digital adoption, Neil has been instrumental in helping businesses and individuals leverage technology to create meaningful progress.
What struck me most about Neilās story is how reflective he has been throughout his journey. Heās consciously worked to align āWork Neilā and āHome Neil,ā striving to lead with authenticity and becoming the most effective version of himself in the process - a powerful reminder of the value of bringing your whole self to what you do.
In this episode, we explore Neilās fascinating path, his approach to digital adoption, and his mission to drive positive change. Our conversation is filled with actionable insights for anyone curious about technology, leadership and finding purpose in their work and life.
A common recommendation throughout this series has been for Steven Bartlett's "Diary of a CEO". The book and podcast hit the mark and, as Neil has found, have created thought-provoking discussions and insightful approaches to tackling traditional challenges.
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Todayās guest is Sapia.ai's Head of Product, Peter Scott.
Having started his career as a Systems Administrator, Peter found his passion for creating and building products by chance. He followed this passion and, having led Product teams for many scaling tech businesses, now leads Sapia.ai's charge to revolutionise hiring processes through modern AI tooling.
Sapia.ai aim to help organisations make smarter, fairer and faster hiring decisions. They bring a human approach to video interviewing, something traditional tools are often criticised for not doing.In this episode, we explore Peterās journey, discuss his insights on AI in hiring and discuss the evolving landscape of talent acquisition. Heāll share his thoughts on trends for 2025 and the biggest lessons he's learned on the way.
During our discussion, Peter identified the following books as being hugely valuable to his learning and growth so far:
Inspired / Empowered / Transformed by Marty CaganProduct Management In Practice by Matt LeMayContinuous Discovery Habits by Teresa TorresBuild (An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making) by Tony FadellThis is a conversation packed with actionable advice and cutting-edge perspectives.
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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Todayās guest, Anthony Lakkis, is a shining example of how necessity can inspire success. Over the last few years, Anthony has not only learnt a new trade but also built his business, HighNote Marketing, to an impressive size, navigating the challenges with focus and determination.
Known as a "Master Delegator," Anthony excels at optimising results by honing in on his strengths and empowering those around him. His leadership style is a blend of efficiency and empathy, with a strong commitment to maintaining work-life balance and positive mental health - a balance that many business leaders aspire to achieve.
Anthonyās journey is one of resilience, self-awareness and innovation. In this episode, weāll uncover how he has transformed challenges into opportunities, his approach to leadership and the systems he relies on to sustain success for himself and his team.
He also shares actionable tips on developing an effective digital marketing plan and offers his perspective on how the market is set to evolve in the coming years.
Anthony credits The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss as a transformative read, one that has profoundly influenced his approach to work and lifeāmaking it a must-read for anyone looking to optimise their time and energy.
This is a conversation packed with insight, inspiration, and practical advice. Letās dive in!
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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Happy New Year! We're back with a bang in 2025. Here's to a positive and productive year ahead!
On this week's episode, weāre joined by the wonderful, Ronan Leonard, whose journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. Ronan thrives on learning and growth - he's read over 500 books in the last eight years, which speaks volumes (pun fully intended!) about his dedication to continuous improvement.Heās a lifelong learner and a mentor with a heart. Through his involvement with Mentoring Men, heās played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting others.
Before entering the business world, Ronan had a unique career running a casino, which no doubt taught him a thing or two about high-stakes decision-making and human behaviour. These days, he channels his passion for ethics and impact into his business, Intelligent Resourcing. This outsourcing organisation helps companies hire top talent in the Philippines, built on principles of ethical and sustainable practices.
Weāll explore Ronanās fascinating story, discuss his unique insights into outsourcing, and discuss what it takes to build a business with purpose. This is an episode you wonāt want to miss!
The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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To steal a quote from one of my favourite films, Groundhog Day, this week's guest is, "Punxsutawney Chris, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Talent Prophet Extraordinary...".
Chris Long has been in the talent industry for over 25 years, even starting when fax machines (remember them, kids?!) were a central part of a recruitment agency's toolkit.
Fast forward to today, where he works at the cutting edge of innovation and is an in-demand speaker at talent conferences around the globe. His presentations about the future of work and how to integrate new technology into existing tech stacks leave audiences wowed and inspired in equal measure.
An avid reader and student of his craft, Chris launched his consultancy, Elev8, in 2019 to help organisations with digital transformation and total workforce planning.
We spoke about his early career in the cut-throat late-90s UK recruitment market, where his passion for new technology came from and what talent trends are we likely to see in 2025.
Punxsutawney Phil, the weather-predicting groundhog, was accurate 39% of the time. Chris, on the other hand, tends to get it right a lot more regularly, making this conversation well worth a listen.
Chris' recommendation for new tech to try out is Google's NotebookLM, an AI-powered research tool that helps users understand complex information. Enjoy!The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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Did you know? B2B companies with Account-Based Marketing (ABM) programs experience 38% higher sales win rates, 91% larger deal sizes, and achieve 24% faster revenue growth.
A well-defined marketing strategy, executed by a seasoned professional, is essential for achieving impactful results.This week, I had the privilege of speaking with Paola Piccinno, a fractional marketing expert who helps global organisations refine their long-term go-to-market strategies through the power of Account-Based Marketing (ABM).
With a marketing career spanning two decades, Paola has perfected the art of identifying business challenges and delivering tailored solutions that drive measurable outcomes.
In this episode, Paola dives into:
What ABM really is and how to build a winning strategy.The key elements that define effective ABM programs.Emerging trends and opportunities are set to shape the ABM landscape in 2025.This was an interesting insight into a growing and highly effective approach to B2B marketing. Paolaās expertise shines through as she shares actionable advice for businesses looking to align their marketing and sales efforts to drive growth.
In terms of learning, Paola highly recommends checking out her favourite book, Blindness by Jose Saramago, and podcast, The Winning Mentality by Charlie Boscoe.The scalr sagecast is proudly brought to you by scalr, a recruitment and talent advisory business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
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