HR Works: The Podcast for Human Resources

When you manage over 500 cinemas across the U.S., understanding the numbers is crucial to keeping the business successful. SPARK Talent attendees got a sneak peek into this world with speaker Adam Murphy, Director of People Analytics for AMC Theatres. With AI, Adam explains how easy it’s become to look at large swaths of data. But what makes an HR leader truly successful, is their ability to contextualize that data, and use it to build tools that people actually need.

We sat down with Adam on the scene at SPARK Talent to discuss everything AMC is doing to innovate in the HR space, and how our audience can get ahead with the latest tools and tricks. Watch the full episode below!

As student debt burdens increase and traditional white-collar career paths leave many college graduates underemployed, the skilled trades are emerging as an unexpected solution for both workers and employers. College graduates represent a largely untapped talent pipeline for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical careers, and they often outperform traditional hires in leadership potential, adaptability, and retention. While technical skills can be taught, the critical thinking, communication abilities, and problem-solving mindset that many graduates bring to the table prove invaluable in an industry facing acute labor shortages.

On today's episode of the HR Works Podcast, we're looking at part two of our conversation with Julie Anderson, SVP of Talent Strategy, Wrench Group, on how the HR and trade work world can update their workforce, and the hidden potential of recruiting a younger workforce.

As student debt burdens increase and traditional white-collar career paths leave many college graduates underemployed, the skilled trades are emerging as an unexpected solution for both workers and employers. College graduates represent a largely untapped talent pipeline for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical careers, and they often outperform traditional hires in leadership potential, adaptability, and retention. While technical skills can be taught, the critical thinking, communication abilities, and problem-solving mindset that many graduates bring to the table prove invaluable in an industry facing acute labor shortages.

On today's episode of the HR Works Podcast, we're looking at part one of our conversation with Julie Anderson, SVP of Talent Strategy, Wrench Group, on how the HR and trade work world can update their workforce, and the hidden potential of recruiting a younger workforce.

AI has been changing how we work for well over a couple years, and now employees and employers alike are starting to figure out what works, and what doesn't. A lot of organizations need to start asking harder questions about how AI actually works, as in many cases, employers still do not fully understand the tools they are buying, how they function and where the risks lie.

On today's episode of the HR Works Podcast, we'll explore the ins and outs of AI and its impact on hiring alongside Chief Compliance officer at ICIMS, Courtney Dutter.

Success in the workforce starts with your leaders. If those taking charge don’t have clarity and a focused direction, their talent will lag behind. But knowing exactly where you, your team, and your talent needs to go isn’t always simple, and sometimes, you need to bet on your success.

Few know this better than Ericka Portis, Director of Performance for Fanatics Betting & Gaming, who joined us for an exclusive Q&A ahead of our SPARK Talent 2026 conference to discuss with us her HR journey, the road she’s followed, and paved, for leadership success.

From talent systems to leadership strategy, Portis has led the charge in development for some of the most prominent businesses out there. Check out our full conversation with Portis below!