Workfluencer
Redefining how we talk about work. Hosted by Rhona Pierce, Workfluencer spotlights professionals using content to grow careers, build personal brands, and shape industries. From employee creators reshaping corporate culture to entrepreneurs turning side-hustles into businesses, we explore the real stories and strategies behind blending work, creativity, and influence in today’s world.
How to Build Authentic Influence While Working Full-Time w/ Guest Host Tiffany Tate
What happens when you want to build your personal brand, but your company isn’t on board? This week on the Workfluencer Podcast, Tiffany Tate flips the mic and interviews our host, Rhona Pierce, about what it really takes to grow your influence as a working professional. They dive into how to build a personal brand, protect your career, and create content that resonates without burning out.
If you’ve ever wondered how to start posting, what to share, or how to navigate corporate boundaries, this is the episode for you.
What you’ll learn:
...How To Land Brand Deals as Corporate Influencers with Lorna Erickson & Victoria Gates
Lorna Erickson and Victoria Gates turned their decades of interviewing expertise into a profitable content business—landing 30+ brand deals worth six figures in under two years. Here's exactly how they did it, plus the tactical steps you can take this week to land your first partnership.
In this episode, Rhona, Victoria & Lorna will discuss:
How to identify profitable niches within your expertise area (even if they seem "smaller") The exact DM formula that landed them an $18,000 brand deal Why follower count matters less than you think for partnerships How to price partnerships when you hav...Content Creation While Employed: Jessica Winder on Brand + Boundaries
When HR executive Jessica Winder decided to share her sobriety journey on LinkedIn, her family warned it would destroy her career. Instead, it became her most powerful content and helped hundreds of professionals struggling in silence. In this episode of Workfluencer, Jessica reveals how she built authentic influence while navigating executive roles, why she finally embraced video content after years of resistance, and the real cost of speaking truth to power in corporate America.
Whether you're an individual contributor afraid to post or a leader wanting to enable your team's voices, Jessica's journey from "timid" content creator...
Creating Content at Unleash America with Rachel Bourne & Lydia Wu
Ever wondered what it really takes to create those polished conference recaps you see flooding LinkedIn?
Rachel Bourne and Lydia Wu teamed up to create daily conference recaps at Unleash America - and what they discovered about event content creation will change how you think about conference coverage. From managing exhaustion while filming to dealing with people walking through your shots, this episode reveals the strategic and chaotic reality behind those polished recaps flooding your LinkedIn feed.
In this episode we cover:
The dual-channel mindset required for successful event content creation ...Building HR's Most Subscribed Newsletter: Authentic Content Strategy with Hebba Youssef
What happens when your newsletter becomes the unofficial therapy session for HR professionals everywhere?
In this episode, Rhona sits down with Hebba Youssef, Chief People Officer at Workweek and the creator of I Hate It Here, one of the most read and reshared newsletters in the People space. Known for her honest tone and spicy memes, Hebba has built a brand that balances leadership credibility with creative chaos.
We unpack what it really looks like to speak truthfully in public while still leading a team, how she balances her executive role with her creator identity...
How to Get Hiring Managers to Create Video Content - with Meghan Cantrell
When candidates ghost your hiring process before the first interview, it’s easy to blame the job market. But what if the real problem is trust?
In this episode of Workfluencer, we’re joined by Meghan Cantrell, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition at OxBlue, who shares how she tackled candidate ghosting head-on by turning hiring managers into video creators. With no production budget and no marketing team, Meghan used short, authentic hiring manager videos to boost skills assessment completions by 40%, speed up interviews, and land high-converting hires—including a million-dollar rookie.
If you're in rec...
How to Create Content That Gets Attention – with Mike Peditto
Mike Peditto didn’t plan to go full-time as a content creator—at least not yet. But after building a massive audience with his no-BS job search videos, the timing came sooner than expected.
Now with over 100 million views and a growing community across TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram, Mike creates content that job seekers love—and some internet trolls love to hate. In this episode, he shares what it really takes to create content that grabs attention, builds trust, and gets results.
We explore the leap from TA to full-time creator, the chaos behind...
The Real Risk of Letting AI Shape Your Content, with Trent Cotton
If AI can help you move faster… can it also make you sound just like everyone else?
In this episode—recorded live at Transform—Rhona sits down with Trent Cotton, HR executive, content creator, and certified AI nerd (his words, not ours), to talk about the real risks of letting AI take over your voice.
They get into what authenticity really means in content creation, how to tell if someone’s phoning it in with automation, and why the messy middle—between efficiency and originality—is exactly where creators should be working.
What We Talk Abou...
Why HR Leaders Need to Create Content - with John Baldino
If HR wants to shape the future of work, it has to be part of the conversation.
At Transform 2025, I sat down with John Baldino—HR exec, speaker, and co-host of But First, Coffee—to talk about why content isn’t just for marketers anymore. We got into what it really means to stay visible without being performative, and how creating content can help HR leaders build trust, attract talent, and show up as more than a job title.
Whether you’re already posting or still thinking about it, this one’s full of honest per...
Trailer - Workfluencer: A Podcast Redefining Work, Content & Influence
You’ve seen their posts. You’ve shared their videos. But what’s the real story behind their influence?
This is Workfluencer, a podcast about professionals who use content to challenge norms, create opportunity, and build real momentum — without needing to go “all in” as influencers.
In this trailer episode, host Rhona Barnett-Pierce introduces the show’s mission and what to expect: honest, behind-the-scenes conversations with creators, leaders, and side-hustlers using content to shape careers, spark conversations, and shift entire industries from the inside.
What you’ll hear:
✅ How content is becoming...
Introducing Workfluencer: Redefining How We Talk About Work
Work isn’t just what you do anymore—it’s how you show up.
In this solo launch episode, host Rhona Pierce introduces Workfluencer—a podcast about professionals using content to build careers, spark conversations, and challenge how we talk about work.
This isn’t just another podcast. It’s a redefinition of visibility, influence, and impact in today’s workplace.
What you’ll learn:
📍 Learn more: https://workfluencerpodcast.com
#29: The Future of Hiring: Why Tech Alone Isn’t the Answer
Is your team ready for HR tech?
Recruitment technology has never evolved faster—but without a clear strategy, even the best tools can slow you down.
In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Skinner, CHRO at Teamtailor, live from Transform 2025. We dig into one of the biggest blind spots in talent acquisition today: adopting HR tech without first asking the right questions.
From assessing team readiness to designing people-first systems, Lisa shares what it takes to make tech actually work—for your process, your candidates, and your hiring managers.
Wha...
#28: Fake Job Applications: How to Spot & Prevent them in 2025
Are fake candidates on the rise in 2025?
The rise of AI has made fake job applications more sophisticated than ever. In this episode, I’m joined by former FAANG recruiter, Stefanie Fackrell to discuss the rising challenge of candidate catfishing. Discover how AI tools, fake profiles, and interview fraud are impacting hiring teams.
But instead of focusing on aggressive verification tactics that can harm diversity efforts, discover how to build genuine candidate relationships while protecting your hiring process. Learn why traditional screening methods are failing and get actionable strategies that work without compromising inc...
#27: How to Write Recruiting Emails Candidates Want to Read
Create Candidate Email Campaigns using Nurture by Teamtailor link.rhonapierce.com/teamtailor
Learn how to build engaged talent pipelines and drive better hiring outcomes using email nurture campaigns. In this episode, I’m joined by TA Leader Brandon Jeffs. We discuss actionable strategies for recruiters and talent acquisition professionals to personalize their approach, streamline outreach, and create authentic connections with candidates.
Email is more than just a communication tool—it’s a powerful way to nurture candidates at every stage of the hiring funnel. Learn how to map the candidate journey, craft emails that get replie...
#26: How to Build a Powerful Employee Advocacy Program with Nicole (Stephens) Coffey
Want to build an employee advocacy program but don't know where to start? In this episode, employee advocacy expert Nicole Stephens reveals the frameworks and strategies that actually work, from highly regulated industries to Fortune 50 companies. Learn:
Why authentic employee stories outperform corporate content How to help employees spot and share story-worthy moments The right way to use content libraries (and when to move beyond them) Measuring success without expensive tools Getting leadership buy-in for employee advocacy Balancing brand guidelines with authenticityNicole shares practical examples from intern to C-suite level, explaining how companies of any size c...
#25: 33% of New Hires Quit: Fix It With Better Onboarding with Amy Davies
In this episode, we dive deep into employee onboarding with Amy Davies, founder of First 30. Learn why 33% of new hires leave within their first 6 months and how effective onboarding can save companies an average of $390,000 annually in turnover costs.
Amy shares:
- Why first impressions are crucial in employee retention
- How pre-boarding sets the foundation for success
- The true cost of poor onboarding practices
- Practical strategies for creating an effective onboarding program
- Ways to measure and prove onboarding ROI
- How to...
#24: Building a Neuro-inclusive Hiring Strategy with Tameka Allen
Around 20% of the population in the US is neurodivergent, yet most hiring processes contain significant barriers for neurodiverse candidates. If you’re not intentional about prioritizing neuro-inclusivity, AI-driven recruiting is going to make this worse!
So how can companies make sure they’re not unintentionally excluding neurodiverse talent?
My guest this week is Tameka Allen, a People & Culture consultant and the founder of ModCulture, a consultancy fostering business success through neuroinclusive work cultures.
In this interview, she emphasizes the importance of creating accessible hiring practices that accommodate diverse...
#23: Creating Recruiting Content at Conferences & Events with Mike Peditto
Are you planning on creating content at the next conference you attend? There's more to conference content than just posting selfies. Mike Peditto shares his real experience creating content at RecFest USA and the practical lessons learned along the way.
You'll learn:
How to plan your content strategy before the event Essential equipment for quality content creation Balancing being present vs. capturing content Tips for getting quality audio at busy events Best practices for editing and reviewing event footage Understanding and creating for your target audience
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
<...
#22: Build Trust and Influence: PROVEN Internal Branding Tactics with Brooke Wheeler
Do your hiring managers trust you? What about your manager? Recruiting is really hard if internal stakeholders don't trust you.
In this episode, I’m joined by Brooke Wheeler, a Talent Acquisition Leader who has mastered the art of building trust internally. She shares insights on building trust with hiring managers, overcoming feelings of being undervalued, and the significance of curiosity in recruitment. Brooke shares personal experiences and insights on empowering teams, managing up, and finding advocates within the workplace, emphasizing that effective communication and a proactive approach are essential for success in talent acquisition.
<...#21: Reignite Your Recruiting Career: Overcoming Burnout and Finding Purpose with Jasmine Escalera
Are you feeling stuck in your TA career? Dr. Jasmine Escalera reveals how to reinvent yourself without burning it all down.
Dr. Jasmine Escalera is a certified career and life coach with a PhD in Neuropharmacology. She's the founder of The Courage Crew, the only free online community dedicated to supporting women in reinventing their personal and professional lives.
In this conversation, Rhona and Dr. Jasmine discuss topics such as the misconceptions about career reinvention, how to overcome burnout in talent acquisition, redefining success metrics for TA professionals, the power of mi...
#20: Why Recruiters Struggle with their own Resumes—and How to Fix It with Kamara Toffolo
In this episode, Rhona Pierce and Kamara Toffolo discuss the intricacies of resume writing for talent acquisition professionals. They explore the challenges recruiters face in crafting their own resumes, the importance of quantifying accomplishments, and how to effectively showcase soft skills and leadership qualities. The conversation also delves into tailoring resumes for specific roles, leveraging employer branding experience, and navigating career changes. Additionally, they touch on the significance of staying competitive in a crowded job market and the responsible use of AI tools in the resume writing process. Kamara shares actionable takeaways for TA professionals to enhance their resumes...
#19: Maximizing Podcast Appearances for Recruiting Content - Solo Episode
Turn your podcast interviews into powerful recruiting content. In this solo episode, I share my strategy for maximizing the impact of your podcast guest appearances through strategic content repurposing.
You'll learn:
Why repurposing podcast appearances is crucial for your personal brand How to identify the most valuable segments from your interviews Ways to transform one podcast appearance into multiple content pieces Using engagement metrics to guide your content strategy Practical tools like Claude and Opus Clip for efficient repurposing Creating blog posts, newsletters, and videos from your interviews
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
#18: Visibility Creates Opportunity: How to be a great podcast guest with Orlando Haynes
Orlando Haynes shares his expertise on how to build a personal brand by being a guest on podcasts. He emphasizes the importance of visibility and leveraging podcast appearances to attract opportunities and candidates. Orlando discusses how to choose the right podcast to appear on, the importance of staying authentic while on air, and how to handle unexpected questions. He also provides tips on avoiding common mistakes as a podcast guest and maximizing the impact of podcast appearances.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
🎥 Create Video Clips using Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=throw...
#17: Real Talk: Recruiting Content to Empower Candidates & Demystify Hiring with Tejal Rives
Tejal Rives, a recruiter and content creator, shares her content creation journey and how it has made her a better ally to job seekers. She started creating content to bridge the gap between the limited prep she could provide as a recruiter and what candidates needed to know. She shares her experience of using content creation to advocate for job seekers and improve her own recruiting practices. Tejal provides advice for recruiters who want to create helpful content and emphasizes the importance of having a burnout plan.
🎬 Get 1 Month’s worth of social media v...
#16: Making the case for Hiring Manager branding with Carrie Corcoran
Rhona interviews, Carrie Corcoran, an employer branding consultant, about the importance of involving hiring managers in recruitment marketing and employer branding efforts. They discuss the benefits of hiring managers sharing their stories and experiences, the common objections to their involvement, and strategies for getting them to participate. They also provide tips for training hiring managers to effectively share their stories and ideas for quick and easy content creation.
🎬 Get 1 Month’s worth of social media videos done for you: https://throwouttheplaybook.com/video
🎁 FREE Storytelling for Recruiters Course: https://link.rhonapierce.com/41vKMC<...
#15: Creating High-Impact Recruiting Content with Joel Lalgee
Rhona is joined by, Joel Lalgee, a recruiter and content creator, with over 500k followers across social media platforms. Joel shares his insights on creating effective recruiting content. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your audience and what they care about. Joel also discusses the benefits of leveraging video content and shares his content creation process. Joel highlights the power of content in building trust with candidates and hiring managers.
🎁 FREE Storytelling for Recruiters Course: https://link.rhonapierce.com/41vKMC
//TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 INTRODUCTION
01:07 Joel’s Content...
#14: Ditch the Cold Calls: Build a Talent Community Instead - with Taylor Desseyn
Rhona is joined by Taylor Desseyn, who shares his unconventional approach to tech recruiting, focusing on building a community rather than relying on traditional outreach strategies. He also shares his strategies for engaging his audience, including experimenting with content and listening to the market. Taylor encourages recruiters to embrace the future of online talent communities and leverage talent marketplaces like Gun.io.
📬 Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw
//TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 INTRODUCTION
08:42 Experimenting with Content and Listening to the Market
15:05 The Importance of Building Community
1...
#13: Don't get Ghosted: Email Campaigns That Candidates Can't Ignore - with Vanessa Raath
In this episode, Rhona is joined by Vanessa Raath, an expert talent sourcer. Vanessa challenges traditional email outreach methods and shares her approach to crafting email campaigns that resonate with candidates. She emphasizes the importance of personalization, doing research on candidates before reaching out, and thinking like a marketer. Vanessa also discusses the power of email metrics and how they can be used to refine and improve campaign performance.
💻 Check out Vanessa’s Courses: https://academy.vanessaraath.com/
📬 Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw
🎁 FREE Storytelling for Recruiters Course: https://link.rhonapierce.com/41vKMC
#12: The Unstoppable Power of a Recruiter's Brand, with Anna Morgan
In this episode, Rhona and Anna Morgan discuss the importance of personal branding for recruiters and how it can help build trust with candidates and clients. They share their own experiences and provide strategies for recruiters to establish their personal brand. They emphasize the need for authenticity, engagement, and consistency in content creation. They also discuss the alignment of personal brand with the employer brand and the benefits it can bring.
🎁 FREE Storytelling for Recruiters Course: https://link.rhonapierce.com/41vKMC
📬 Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw
//TIMESTAMPS:
<...
#11: You Belong in TA: Unexpected Journeys to Talent Acquisition with Rhona Pierce
In this bonus episode, Rhona Pierce explores the unconventional journeys of successful recruiters and the power of storytelling in talent acquisition. The guests share their unique journeys and how they leveraged their personal brands to navigate unconventional career paths. Rhona emphasizes the importance of incorporating personal stories into recruiting strategies to build trust, credibility, and connections with candidates. And she shares tips on crafting and using personal stories in recruiting.
📬 Free Storytelling for Recruiters Course: https://link.rhonapierce.com/41vKMC
//TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction
02:23 J...
#10: TA's Guide to EEOC's New Harassment Guidance - with Jennifer Laurie
In this episode, Rhona Pierce interviews Jennifer Laurie, Chief People Officer at StartOut, about the EEOC's new guidance on workplace harassment released in 2024. They discuss the significant updates, implications for talent acquisition professionals, and strategies for creating a more inclusive hiring process.
📬 Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw
//TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 INTRODUCTION
02:59 Reasons for the Updated Guidance
07:54 Broadening the Scope of Harassment
09:07 Key Changes for Talent Acquisition Professionals
11:30 Protecting Gender Identity and Expression
16:24 Recognizing Intersectional Harassment
23:42...
#9: The Truth about Diversity Hiring - with Tara Turk-Haynes
In this episode, Rhona sits down with Tara Turk-Haynes, a DEI expert and Talent Acquisition leader, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to make diversity hiring work. They discuss the importance of data, the role of ERGs, and the impact of societal and political factors on DEI efforts.
📬 Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw
//TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 INTRODUCTION
02:16 - Tara's Journey into DEI Work
04:48 - Setting Clear Diversity Hiring Goals and Metrics
07:37 - Measuring the Success of Diversity Hiring Ef...
#8: Recruiting Solo: How to Do More with Less with Sean Page
In this episode, Sean Page, a senior technical recruiter, shares his strategies for being productive and effective as a solo recruiter in a resource-constrained environment. Sean discusses how he leverages data, prioritizes tasks, builds relationships with candidates and hiring managers, and communicates effectively with stakeholders.
📬 Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw
🎁 Try Brain.fm FREE for 30 days: brain.fm/rhonapierce
//TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 INTRODUCTION
04:43 - Leveraging data to improve productivity and make better recruiting decisions
07:52 - Creating a positive candidate experience
13:24 - The import...
#7: Measuring the Impact of your Employer Brand with James Ellis
In this episode, James Ellis, an Employer Branding Expert and the founder of Employer Brand Labs, shares insights on employer branding, its financial impact, and the misconceptions surrounding it. He emphasizes the importance of creating a strong employer brand that is clear and distinct, rather than aiming to look good to everyone. James also discusses the financial implications of employer branding and how it can drive business outcomes and shares the language you can use to make the case for Employer Branding to leadership.
📬 Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw
📊 Employer Brand Value Re...
#6: Inclusive Hiring Starts with Effective Intake Calls with Kat Kibben
In this episode, Kat Kibben, the founder and CEO of Three Ears Media, discusses the importance of asking the right questions during intake calls and avoiding an order taker mindset. They discuss the common mistakes recruiters make in asking questions, the value of asking follow-up questions, and how to address bias in the hiring process. Kat also shares insights on the future of recruiting in an AI-driven world and the importance of creativity in asking effective questions.
📬 Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw
Inclusive Hiring Training: https://bit.ly/4aCoN4u
#5: Effective Hiring Manager Partnerships in Global TA with Mary Kay Baldino
Mary Kay Baldino, Head of Talent Acquisition at a global company with over 10,000 employees, discusses the importance of balancing confidence and humility as a TA leader. She emphasizes the need for expertise, data, and evidence to back up your recommendations. Mary Kay also highlights the significance of creating a culture of vulnerability and learning, navigating cultural differences in a global organization, and maintaining a human-centric approach to recruiting. She shares personal stories and examples to illustrate her points.
📬 Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw
//TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:20 - Mary Kay's Journey into Talent Acq...
#4: Mastering Competency-Based Interviewing for Sales Hiring with Tabitha Cavanagh
In this episode, Tabitha Cavanagh, VP of Recruiting and Talent Strategy at The Sales Collective, discusses competency-based interviewing and its effectiveness in evaluating sales candidates.
📕 Download the Salesperson Interview Guide: https://bit.ly/4dIg17Y
📬 Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw
//TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Introduction and Tabitha's journey into talent acquisition
04:31 - Differences between traditional and competency-based interviewing for sales hiring
08:52 - The sales DNA test and its role in the hiring process
11:35 - How competency-based interviewing uncovers a salesperson's unique story beyond their resume
15:28 - Specific competency-based interview questi...
#3: The Recruiter's Playbook for Hiring Manager Partnerships with Amy Miller
In this episode, Amy Miller, a senior recruiter at Amazon with over 25 years of experience in tech recruiting, shares her insights on building strong partnerships between recruiters and hiring managers. Discover the secrets to effective collaboration, alignment, and success in the hiring process.
📬 Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw
//TIMESTAMPS:
[00:03:27] Building Trust and Rapport with Hiring Managers
[00:07:04] Good Consulting vs. Bad Customer Service
[00:13:54] The Ideal Intake Call Structure
[00:18:06] Dealing with Unrealistic Candidate Profiles
[00:22:19] Maintaining Clear Communication Throughout the Search
[00:25:29] Navigating Challenges and Staying Aligned
[00:30:04] The Impact of Strong Par...
#2: Ex-Twitter Recruiters share how to get 60% more applicants - with Jon Gulick & Lauren Zabel
Want to increase your applications by 60%? Learn how Twitter did it with their innovative #Building Characters recruiting podcast.
In this episode of Throw Out The Playbook, I sit down with Jon Gulick and Lauren Zabel, the masterminds behind the second season of Twitter's wildly successful recruiting podcast. They share the story of how #BuildingCharacters came to be, the strategies they used to promote it and measure its impact, and their tips for other TA teams looking to start their own podcast
Start Podcasting with Riverside: https://throwouttheplaybook.com/riverside
📬 Newsletter: https://link...
#1: Leveraging Podcasts to Attract and Retain Talent - with Tannum Sullivan
Tannum Sullivan, Employer Brand and People Experience Manager at Golden Hippo, shares her journey into employer branding and how she started podcasting as part of her employer branding strategy. She discusses the impact of the podcast on talent attraction and employee engagement, as well as the process of identifying employee stories and repurposing podcast content for other channels. Tannum also highlights the challenges and surprising benefits of using podcasting as a recruitment tool and offers advice for companies looking to leverage podcasting for talent attraction.
Start Podcasting with Riverside: https://throwouttheplaybook.com/riverside
📬 Newsletter: https://lin...
