TA Disruptors

AI is speeding up recruitment, but can it replace the human touch? Not quite.

Becky Pradal-Rogers, Head of Talent Acquisition at Google DeepMind, knows what it takes to hire the right people in a world where top talent is rare, roles are evolving, and AI is changing the game. From using AI to map talent pools to piloting interviews where candidates use AI, Becky shares how her team balances efficiency, innovation, and the human insight that machines can’t replicate.

Join Becky and Arctic Shores Co-Founder, Robert Newry as they unpack the future of talent acquisition, the wild card candidates you don’t want AI to miss, and why the recruiter’s instinct still rules.

You’ll learn:

⭐ How AI is flooding applications — and why top recruiters are mapping the market to find the best talent at the source

🧠 Why AI can spot skills but not the “wild card” candidates who don’t fit the mould yet could be game-changers

🌍 How human judgment and institutional knowledge uncover hidden talent and prevent cookie-cutter hires

⚖️ Why responsible AI isn’t optional. Organisations must invest in training, due diligence, and oversight to stay compliant with regulations like the EU AI Act

🤝 That AI should guide, not decide — keeping human insight at the heart of shortlisting and interviews

💡 How Becky’s team flips the AI interview question, by asking candidates to use AI, showing real-world collaboration in action

📊 How AI transforms recruitment data — consolidating sources, surfacing trends, and generating reports to help managers make faster, smarter decisions

🎯 How investing time in AI learning and experimentation turns exploration into measurable impact

❤️ Why recruiters aren’t going anywhere. AI speeds up admin, but human connection still wins the hire!

Whether you’re leading transformation or just trying to make sense of the noise, this episode is packed with insights to help you reset your approach for the AI era.

Don’t forget to hit ‘subscribe’ to be sure not to miss more episodes of the TA Disruptors podcast.

________________________

Thanks for listening, and here are some helpful links:

Connect with Robert on LinkedIn:
https://hubs.li/Q0282KjJ0

Connect with Becky on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-pradal-rogers-8947625b/

Sign up for the TA Disruptors newsletter - it's the easiest way to be updated with the industry’s brightest ideas and the freshest need-to-know data - every week:
https://hubs.li/Q0282H370

________________________

Talent acquisition is changing faster than it ever has before. ChatGPT and other GenAI tools are literally turning the selection process on its head. This podcast is designed for disruptive Talent Acquisition leaders who want to get ahead. For the innovators, the movers and shakers, and the TA leaders who will survive and thrive in this new era by moving quickly to future-proof their recruitment processes. Even when you’re feeling overworked and overwhelmed, we’ll help you keep up with the latest ideas from the industry’s brightest innovators and the freshest need-to-know data from new research. TA Disruptors has got you covered.

All brought to you from the team behind Arctic Shores.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is AI forcing a total rethink of what we hire for — and how we measure it? If skills now “expire” in a couple of years, what signal should TA teams use at the top of the funnel to predict who will succeed when the job inevitably changes?

Meet Fiadhna McEvoy C.Psychol, MCIPD, Psychometric Innovation Director at Arctic Shores — a business psychologist with nearly 20 years’ experience spanning occupational assessment, organisational development and psychometric innovation. At Arctic Shores, Fiadhna leads the design of task-based assessments built on cognitive science. And in this episode, she lifts the lid on a brand-new way to measure learning agility, the workplace capability everyone’s talking about.

Join host Robert Newry and guest Fiadhna McEvoy as they discuss:

💡 Learning agility, properly defined. Beyond buzzwords: how learning agility blends implicit learning from real-world cues, social dynamics, and comfort with uncertainty — and why it matters at every level, not just for leaders.

⏱️ Why this matters now. With AI accelerating change, many technical skills have a shelf life of roughly two and a half years; analytical thinking remains a top priority, alongside resilience and influence, as noise increases and roles evolve.

🧪 Show, don’t tell: a new task for learning agility. Traditional, text-based measures (self-report, SJTs, even some ability tests) are increasingly vulnerable to AI assistance. The new task-based approach captures primary behavioural evidence from thousands of micro-decisions — giving TA an explainable, AI-resilient signal at the front end of the process.

🔍 Validated, not a black box. From theory to prototype to iterative testing, Fiadhna’s team focused on construct validity and real-world performance — including sharing their methodology at the BPS Division of Occupational Psychology and preparing a forthcoming paper.

🚀 Early access in high-stakes hiring. What TA teams are seeing so far: a trading firm using learning agility alongside quantitative reasoning to shortlist at speed, and a global accounting firm applying it across Early Careers streams — with consistency from top-of-funnel through to assessment centre.

⚖️ Pragmatism first. Why Arctic Shores is limiting the weighting during early access (so it informs rather than over-drives decisions) and how teams can adopt the signal responsibly while the high-stakes comparison group scales.

Don’t forget to hit ‘subscribe’ to be sure not to miss more episodes of the TA Disruptors podcast.

-------------------------------------------------

Thanks for listening, and here are some helpful links:

Connect with Robert on LinkedIn:
https://hubs.li/Q0282KjJ0

Connect with Fiadhna on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiadhna-mcevoy-c-psychol-mcipd-a15a09a/

Sign up for the TA Disruptors newsletter - it's the easiest way to be updated with the industry’s brightest ideas and the freshest need-to-know data - every week:
https://hubs.li/Q0282H370

________________________

Talent acquisition is changing faster than it ever has before. ChatGPT and other GenAI tools are literally turning the selection process on its head. This podcast is designed for disruptive Talent Acquisition leaders who want to get ahead. For the innovators, the movers and shakers, and the TA leaders who will survive and thrive in this new era by moving quickly to future-proof their recruitment processes. Even when you’re feeling overworked and overwhelmed, we’ll help you keep up with the latest ideas from the industry’s brightest innovators and the freshest need-to-know data from new research. TA Disruptors has got you covered.

All brought to you from the team behind Arctic Shores.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Cath Possamai, Amazon’s Talent Acquisition Director for EMEA, APJC and LATAM. With over 20 years in recruitment and talent management, Cath has worn almost every hat in the industry — from in-house roles to outsourced partnerships — across Financial Services, IT, Telco, BPO, and even Defence.

She’s a champion of collaboration, believing that great business outcomes and exceptional candidate experiences go hand in hand. Now at Amazon, she’s shaping talent strategy across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia — making recruitment smarter, more human, and future-ready.

And in this episode of the TA Disruptors podcast, Cath Possamai shares how she is reimagining recruitment at Amazon — blending human connection with AI, tackling talent disruption, and future-proofing the workforce. Sharing bold insights on entry-level roles, tech-driven efficiency, and why the next generation of talent depends on us getting it right.

Listen as Cath and host Robery Newry dive in to discuss:

🖊️ Rewriting recruitment rules: How and why Cath transformed British Army hiring with relatable role models and the bold “Snowflake” campaign, turning sensitivity and compassion into strengths.

🧠 Why humans still matter: Even in an AI-driven world, Cath believes the recruiter expertise is irreplaceable — robots can’t match the human touch that drives quality hiring.

🤝 How TA can focus on what counts: At Amazon, AI handles admin while recruiters concentrate on the “Seven Human Moments” that truly influence candidates’ decisions.

🤖 How to experiment with AI — carefully: Hear why Cath encourages testing AI tools to learn what works, but stresses caution — errors or “hallucinations” are real risks.

🚀 Future-proofing talent: Junior roles are critical. Today’s entry-level hires become tomorrow’s leaders, and AI can’t replace the need to grow talent pipelines responsibly.

🌎 Shaping the workforce: Hear why Cath believes employers must actively partner with schools and universities to prepare students for tomorrow’s jobs, blending real-world skills with soft skills like adaptability and resilience.

Cath's leadership lessons: Authenticity beats gravitas. Cath’s advice: empower your team, clarify your role, and trust people to own their work — you’ll get better results.

Don’t forget to hit ‘subscribe’ to be sure not to miss more episodes of the TA Disruptors podcast.

________________________

Thanks for listening, and here are some helpful links:

Connect with Robert on LinkedIn:
https://hubs.li/Q0282KjJ0

Connect with Cath on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathpossamai/

Sign up for the TA Disruptors newsletter - it's the easiest way to be updated with the industry’s brightest ideas and the freshest need-to-know data - every week: https://hubs.li/Q0282H370

________________________

Talent acquisition is changing faster than it ever has before. ChatGPT and other GenAI tools are literally turning the selection process on its head. This podcast is designed for disruptive Talent Acquisition leaders who want to get ahead. For the innovators, the movers and shakers, and the TA leaders who will survive and thrive in this new era by moving quickly to future-proof their recruitment processes. Even when you’re feeling overworked and overwhelmed, we’ll help you keep up with the latest ideas from the industry’s brightest innovators and the freshest need-to-know data from new research. TA Disruptors has got you covered.

All brought to you from the team behind Arctic Shores.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Applications are skyrocketing, AI is shaking up hiring, and recruiters are navigating uncharted waters. So how do talent acquisition teams harness AI without losing the human touch? And can teams really handle thousands of applications while keeping compliance and credibility intact?

Meet Jessica Morgan, Chief Transformation Officer at Instant Impact and a technology transformation expert. Jess drives people-centric innovation in recruitment, optimising operations and building high-performing systems that empower both teams and clients to achieve scalable, sustainable results, and she’s here to unpack what really works — and what doesn’t.
Join host Robert Newry and guest Jessica Morgan as they discuss:

📈 How applications are exploding, and AI is fueling it: Some roles are pulling in thousands of candidates in hours. The trick? Redesign your systems to handle the flood without breaking.

💻 Tech to the rescue—but don’t go rogue: AI can help sort, prioritise, and screen, but budgets and fairness still matter. It’s a tool, not a magic wand.

📊 How strategy beats shiny toys: AI success isn’t about the tools—it’s about leadership, alignment, and clear principles. Without buy-in, even the best tech flops.

🙌 Keeping humans in the loop: Auto-rejecting candidates? Big no. Compliance, credibility, and spotting hidden talent all hinge on human oversight.

💡 Test, don’t blitz: Start small with AI trials. Check compliance, learn what works, and avoid patching together a “Frankenstein” process.

🤖 How AI can actually enhance the candidate experience: From instant answers to 24/7 chatbots, AI can speed up the process and feed recruiters the insights to personalise experiences… when used wisely.

Tune in to hear practical strategies, real-world examples, and expert insights on transforming recruitment for today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.
Don’t forget to hit ‘subscribe’ to be sure not to miss more episodes of the TA Disruptors podcast.

Thanks for listening, and here are some helpful links:

Connect with Robert on LinkedIn:
https://hubs.li/Q0282KjJ0

Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessmorgan1/

Sign up for the TA Disruptors newsletter - it's the easiest way to be updated with the industry’s brightest ideas and the freshest need-to-know data - every week:
https://hubs.li/Q0282H370

________________________

Talent acquisition is changing faster than it ever has before. ChatGPT and other GenAI tools are literally turning the selection process on its head. This podcast is designed for disruptive Talent Acquisition leaders who want to get ahead. For the innovators, the movers and shakers, and the TA leaders who will survive and thrive in this new era by moving quickly to future-proof their recruitment processes. Even when you’re feeling overworked and overwhelmed, we’ll help you keep up with the latest ideas from the industry’s brightest innovators and the freshest need-to-know data from new research. TA Disruptors has got you covered.

All brought to you from the team behind Arctic Shores.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is AI making the workplace more inclusive – could it really be the silver bullet for Neurodiverse talent? And what should Talent Acquisition be doing to ensure that they’re not accidentally failing neurodiverse candidates?

Meet Theo Smith, Neurodiversity Expert, Podcast Host, the founder of NeuroMind, a tech company, and NeuroDiversity at Work, a consultancy helping organisations create thriving, neuro-inclusive environments. With 15+ years in recruitment, talent, and diversity – he’s on a mission to drive innovation, performance, and productivity through neurodiversity.

As a a LinkedIn Top Voice, award-winning author of Neurodiversity at Work, and host of the podcast Neurodiversity with Theo Smith, where he brings lived experience, practical strategies, and expert advice to the conversation – Theo is the perfect guest to dive in on this very special TA Disruptors podcast episode, giving TA the answers to the tough questions they’ve been debating in recent months.

Join host Robert Newry and guest Theo Smith as they discuss:

💡Why most neurodiversity initiatives flop: good intentions, zero structure, and managers left hanging - the key to good intentions lies in training, structure, or consistent support.

🏥How Neurodiverse candidates often don’t need medical interventions—small, practical adjustments can make a huge difference..

✅Tick-box inclusion? Why real progress means smashing systemic barriers, not just checking legal boxes.

🤖How AI can be a game-changer for neurodiverse candidates… if you know how to use it.

🏢Why interviews and onboarding can unintentionally disadvantage candidates; offering choice and flexibility helps people show their strengths and shine!

⚡How combining technology, AI, and humans is the secret sauce. Support early creates a smoother, fairer path into work for neurodiverse talent, so they can both win.

Don’t forget to hit ‘subscribe’ to be sure not to miss more episodes of the TA Disruptors podcast.

-------------------------------------------------

Thanks for listening, and here are some helpful links:

Connect with Robert on LinkedIn:
https://hubs.li/Q0282KjJ0

Connect with Theo on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theosmithuk/?originalSubdomain=uk

Sign up for the TA Disruptors newsletter - it's the easiest way to be updated with the industry’s brightest ideas and the freshest need-to-know data - every week:
https://hubs.li/Q0282H370

________________________

Talent acquisition is changing faster than it ever has before. ChatGPT and other GenAI tools are literally turning the selection process on its head. This podcast is designed for disruptive Talent Acquisition leaders who want to get ahead. For the innovators, the movers and shakers, and the TA leaders who will survive and thrive in this new era by moving quickly to future-proof their recruitment processes. Even when you’re feeling overworked and overwhelmed, we’ll help you keep up with the latest ideas from the industry’s brightest innovators and the freshest need-to-know data from new research. TA Disruptors has got you covered.
All brought to you from the team behind Arctic Shores.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.