The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam Posner

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From Fighter Pilot to Fearless Leader: Michelle “Mace” Curran Nov 21, 2025

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Summary
In this engaging conversation, Michelle "MACE" Curran, a combat veteran and former fighter pilot, shares her journey from a small town in Wisconsin to becoming one of the few women to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. She discusses the challenges of overcoming fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated field. Michelle emphasizes the importance of accountability, resilience, and the power of perspective in achieving success. Her new book, 'Flipside,' aims to help others turn fear into fuel and embrace their potential.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Michelle Mays-Corinne
02:22 Early Life and Influences
04:46 The Journey to Becoming a Fighter Pilot
08:10 Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt
09:08 The Rigorous Path to Flight School
11:49 First Solo Flight Experience
12:57 Challenges of Being a Female Fighter Pilot
15:42 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Military
18:32 Imposter Syndrome and Identity Crisis
20:00 The Origin of the Call Sign 'MACE'
28:03 Experiencing Active Combat
29:49 Joining the Thunderbirds
35:59 The Importance of Accountability
37:40 Transitioning from the Military to Civilian Life
40:07 The Purpose of 'Flipside' Book
43:33 Practical Tools for Overcoming Fear
45:48 Evolving Relationship with Fear
48:11 Defining Success in Life
49:57 Conclusion and Future Endeavors

Building a Meal Delivery Empire: Insights from Carlos Ventura Jr. Nov 14, 2025

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Takeaways
- Carlos's family background influenced his entrepreneurial spirit.
- Being the first in his family to attend college was a significant milestone.
- Internships helped Carlos realize what he didn't want in a career.
- Transitioning from finance to a startup environment was a pivotal moment.
- Quality and customer experience are central to Feast & Fettle's success.
- Vertical integration allows for better control over the customer experience.
- Smart growth is preferred over blitzscaling in business.
- Employee care is crucial for retention and company culture.
- Carlos aims to help others from non-traditional backgrounds succeed.
- Success is about giving back and creating opportunities for others.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Carl Svetter Jr. and Feast & Fettle
01:21 Early Influences and Family Background
04:37 Lessons from Family Business
06:39 The Journey to College and Its Significance
09:53 Navigating the Corporate World
11:55 Internship Insights and Realizations
13:49 Transitioning to Consulting and Growth
17:57 The Move to Deliveroo and Cultural Differences
22:41 The Spark of Entrepreneurship
31:24 Scaling and Strategic Expansion
38:30 Building a Purpose-Driven Company
41:54 Defining Hospitality and Leadership
45:47 Success and Giving Back

Community, Curiosity, and the Future of Recruiting: Live from RecFest USA 2025 Nov 12, 2025

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CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to RecFest Nashville 2025
Adam sets the scene and kicks off day two of #thePOZcast live from the Juicebox.ai booth.

00:28 – Guest 1: Steve Levy – The Elder Statesman of Recruiting Wisdom
Steve shares why RecFest stands apart, how it fosters real community, and why curiosity—not automation—keeps recruiters sharp.

02:45 – Learning, Listening, and the Power of Curiosity
Steve drops classic Levy gems: “Two ears, one mouth—use them proportionally.” A masterclass in humility and experimentation.

05:18 – Advice for Job Seekers in a Tough Market
Steve explains why teaching others what you’ve learned and practicing gratitude are secret weapons for staying visible and relevant.

06:57 – Final Word: Community
The legendary recruiter sums up RecFest 2025 in one word: Community.

08:13 – Guest 2: Brian Petroski (EXP)
Director of TA shares insights on recruiting engineers at scale, sourcing tools that work (LinkedIn, HireEZ, Indeed), and standing in line for Nashville’s best food truck.

10:37 – Guest 3: Leslie Harrah & Kim Johnson (Fortified Health Security)
Two powerhouse women in cybersecurity recruiting talk about connecting with people, building culture, and the beauty of the TA community.

12:01 – Pivoting Careers & Finding New Opportunities
Adam shares tactical advice for job seekers on leveraging certifications, curiosity, and career pivots into hot sectors like cybersecurity and clean tech.

12:59 – Guest 4: Taylor Hunter (Gaylor Electric)
Insights on ATS tools, recruiting high-level talent, and how scraping extensions and sourcing hacks make life easier for busy TA pros.

15:23 – Guest 5: Carmen Scanlon (Belong HQ)
On startup life, meaningful networking, and the simplicity and depth that make RecFest so special.

17:26 – Closing: Gratitude from the Field
Adam wraps from the food trucks with final reflections on connection, learning, and community.

The Power of the Recruitment Community: Live @ RecFest USA 2025 Nov 10, 2025

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Chapter Breakdown

00:00 – Welcome to RecFest Nashville 2025
Adam sets the scene at the Juicebox.ai booth and kicks off #thePOZcast live from the field.

00:28 – Guest 1: Omar Khateeb – The Power of Authentic Video Content
CEO of JobPixel on why “vibe is everything,” how authenticity wins in 2025, and why creators should stop chasing algorithms.

02:24 – Survival Tips for RecFest
Hydrate, eat before noon, and network smarter — Omar’s pro tips for surviving outdoor conferences.

03:45 – Guest 2: Allyn Bailey – The Heart of Brand Experience at SmartRecruiters
Alynn breaks down how storytelling and connection drive talent strategy post-acquisition — and why she proudly calls herself “the class mom” of HR tech.

06:54 – Guest 3: Jamie Leonard – The RecFest Origin & Future Vision
The founder himself on why RecFest feels like summer camp for recruiters, the UK vs. US vibes, and what’s next (spoiler: Ferris wheel?).

10:50 – Guest 4: Vicky Lou – Inside Juicebox.ai’s Series A Rocketship
The founding marketer shares what makes Juicebox’s AI sourcing platform different, how startup life fuels creativity, and her secret to building high-performing teams.

14:49 – Sticker Drop & Shoutout to Juicebox.ai
Adam and Vicky unveil the ultra-rare holographic POZcast sticker and talk sponsor love.

16:11 – Guest Panel: Nikki Russell, Dan Lockhart & Chantelle Lubinger
Real-world TA leaders on quality of slate, giving rejection with empathy, and why “we’re humans first.”

21:44 – Guest 7: John Ruffini – Old School Recruiting Wisdom Meets New Tech
The VP of Professional Development at HealthTrust Workforce Solutions explains why recruiters have gotten lazy, how to bring back urgency, and the lost art of the phone call.

28:16 – The AI Debate & Juicebox Agents in Action
Adam and John discuss how to use AI as a tool — not a crutch — and how it frees recruiters for the human side of the job.

29:09 – Closing Thoughts: Stay Human, Stay Hungry
Adam wraps from the field with gratitude, laughter, and the promise that wisdom is forever.

Jay Williams: Building a Brand with Soul: The Freebird Story Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

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Summary
In this episode, Adam Posner interviews Jay Williams, founder of Freebird Southern Springwater, who shares his journey from a successful 25-year career in real estate to launching a beverage brand. Jay discusses the importance of authenticity, hard work, and building relationships in business. He reflects on the challenges of starting a new venture, the importance of giving back to the community, and the lessons he has learned from his experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, the impact of social media, and the value of crafting a brand with a soul that resonates with everyday Americans.
Takeaways
- Jay Williams transitioned from real estate to beverage with Freebird.
- Authenticity and being true to oneself are key to success.
- Building relationships is crucial in business.
- Hard work can outpace talent in competitive fields.
- Starting a business requires action over perfection.
- Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities.
- Resilience is essential for overcoming challenges.
- Giving back to the community is a core value of Freebird.
- Creating a brand with a soul resonates with consumers.
- Networking and research are vital for new entrepreneurs.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jay Williams and Freebird
02:49 The Power of Authenticity and LinkedIn
05:38 Lessons from Family and the Importance of Hard Work
08:55 The Big Pivot: From Real Estate to Beverage
11:01 The Aha Moment: Starting Freebird
13:01 Finding a Niche in the Beverage Industry
15:05 Navigating the Beverage Landscape
19:24 Building a Team and Seeking Expertise
20:01 Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses
21:10 Finding the Right Partners
22:36 The Unique Selling Proposition of Freebird
24:02 Navigating Early Challenges
25:41 Commitment to Community and Philanthropy
27:15 Brand Growth and Market Positioning
28:34 Building a Brand with Soul
29:59 Future Aspirations for Freebird
32:20 Advice for Mid-Career Reinvention
33:53 Learning from Mistakes and Building Resilience
36:16 Authenticity in Leadership

From Amazon to Custom Ink: Real Talk on Recruiting, AI & Career Pivots- LIVE from RecFest 2025 Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Intro / RecFest Kick-off
00:30 – Guest #1 – Tijal Rives (Amazon)
00:40 The power of speaking your truth & dealing with trolls
01:45 Career path – from recruiting → product at Amazon
02:45 Curiosity as a superpower (“the red-button” story)
03:40 Inside Amazon’s hiring process & the Bar Raiser
05:50 Making the move from recruiting to product
07:10 Curiosity & motivation in candidate conversations
08:55 “How AI Can Change Recruiters’ Lives” – conference preview
10:30 Good / Bad / Ugly of AI tools for recruiters
12:45 Candidates using AI – benefits vs pitfalls
14:30 High-touch recruiting & AI limits
15:30 Hot takes: AI in recruiting | Hot dog = not a sandwich
17:10 Advice for job seekers – burnout plans & mindset
18:20 Open-to-Work banner debate (Helpful!)
19:25 Motherhood & work-life harmony

20:05 – Head of TA @ Aubrey Cirillo (Custom Ink)
20:10 From banking → sales → TA leadership
21:40 Sales skills = recruiting superpower
22:25 Mentorship & self-storytelling
23:00 Aligning hiring with business goals (role clarity)
24:05 Small team challenges & cross-functional recruiting
25:10 Shadowing employees to improve storytelling
26:10 Sourcing stack – LinkedIn, Gem & AI tips
27:30 Balancing open jobs vs intentional hiring
28:40 Using AI without losing the human touch
29:30 Scaling hiring through ambassador programs
30:50 Building trust with hiring managers (proactive 1:1s)
31:45 Equity & accountability in hiring
33:00 Protecting time & energy as a recruiter
34:20 Hot takes: Open-to-Work, Sourcing vs Closing, AI Interviews, and Hot Dogs

35:10 – Guest #3 –Sr. Technical Recruiter @ Heather Colvin (Smart Data)
35:15 Full-circle moment & intro
36:05 Recruiting as a career of creativity (no ceiling )
37:20 Bridging the trust gap with hiring managers
38:10 Using ChatGPT to close knowledge gaps (trust then verify)
39:00 Lean tech stack & HireEZ vs LinkedIn bias
39:40 Algorithm bias and why you need multiple tools
40:10 The 72-hour pipeline rule
41:00 Transparency with multi-firm searches
41:45 Favorite tools & learning from candidates
42:10 AI interviews = “No” without feedback loop
42:30 Hot takes lightning round & passion project “The Other 99 Athletes”

43:20 – Guest #4 – Mike Piditto (Author, Content Creator)
43:25 Career pivot from TA leader → creator & author
44:10 Balancing authenticity vs relevance
45:20 Handling trolls & mental health boundaries
46:30 “Yes, You’re Being Judged” – book story & purpose
47:15 Behind the book: real emails, rejections & reflection
48:10 Why candidate experience starts at the top
49:15 Favorite tech & why “built-by-recruiters” matters
50:00 Advice for creators – authenticity over algorithm
50:40 Find Mike online & wrap-up

TA on the Front Lines: Panda, 7-Eleven, Champions Group & CoverGenius - LIVE from RecFest 2025 Nov 03, 2025

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Chapters / Timestamps

Joey Lee — Panda Restaurant Group
00:40 – Joey Lee joins: falling into TA & purpose of helping people
02:36 – Scale at Panda: ~3,000 store openings; ~100 corporate roles
03:20 – Org design: corporate TA vs. field recruiters
03:55 – Budget realities & operator-funded recruiting
04:25 – Boots-on-the-ground sourcing: competitors, BOGO cards, observing service
04:56 – Hiring recruiters: “Tell me your story” & entrepreneurial mindset
05:45 – From transactional to transformational recruiters (driver’s seat)
06:40 – Culture & authenticity: show up as your true self
07:20 – Purpose-driven, people-first candidate experience (white-glove basics)
08:35 – Tech & AI: transactional roles will be automated; elevate or be replaced
09:41 – Digital recruiter clones? Promise and fears
10:15 – Hot Takes: Open-to-Work ✅ | Sourcing vs. Closing (closing) | Referrals ~60% | Hot dog = sandwich | Favorite Panda order

Rachel Allen — 7-Eleven
12:06 – Rachel Allen returns: AI hype, compliance “gray zone,” and lessons learned
13:25 – Don’t start with an “AI strategy”; start with a business problem
14:40 – Store hiring: 95% automated; leaders own outcomes; AI as enabler
15:40 – Keep the interview human; automate scheduling & access
16:30 – 24/7 candidates: assistants engage at 3am (Paradox “Rita”)
17:30 – Workforce planning: total work vs. workforce; assistants as a channel
18:40 – Data signals: speed, quality of submissions, retention, QoH
19:41 – Internal mobility: removed manager-permission barrier to apply
20:44 – Turnover trending down amid broader initiatives
21:20 – Hot Takes: Always-be-closing from first touch; favorite interview Q: “Greatest misconception about you?”
22:29 – Being human as the differentiator; team shoutouts & North Star
24:22 – Where to find Rachel / 7-Eleven Careers

Brandon Davis — Champions Group (Skilled Trades)
24:40 – What Champions Group does; 2,500 employees, 19 brands
25:30 – TA structure: divisions; early-career training programs (300 hires)
26:10 – Sourcing where trades talent actually is: schools, military, word-of-mouth
27:40 – Tech adoption: reduce fear by showing efficiency gains
28:15 – Practical AI for recruiters: notes, summaries, reverse-engineering avatars
29:10 – Brandon’s path into TA (ops → marketing → HR → TA leader)
30:32 – From “more candidates” to “better candidates” in two years
31:15 – Quality of submission > quality of hire (and where TA ownership ends)
32:57 – What makes a great recruiter: personality, storytelling, fast hook
34:35 – What keeps him up at night: channel ROI & data-driven decisions
35:19 – Hot Takes: Open-to-Work ✅ | Closing > Sourcing | Least-favorite Q: “What motivates you?” | Hot dog = sandwich | Where to find Brandon

Greg Russell — CoverGenius
36:20 – Greg Russell joins: coaching recruiters, storytelling & mindset
37:41 – Burnout & rejection: give feedback at scale; never ghost after contact
39:45 – ATS automation basics: close the loop, even with templates
41:20 – Offer feedback with boundaries; avoid the endless loop
42:28 – “Signal”: richer debriefs, calibration, transcripts > vague notes
44:20 – Tech stack: ATS with built-in note-taker (transcripts/video in profile)
45:40 – Debriefs aren’t a democracy: hiring manager owns the decision
47:11 – The AI bloom: noisy market now, consolidation later — lean in
49:00 – What Greg hires for: storytelling + growth mindset + tech curiosity
51:20 – Pay transparency song-and-dance & expectation management
52:10 – Best career advice: treat people like adults; trust cultures win
53:29 – Outro & where to find Greg

Claude Silver: Be Yourself at Work: A New Era Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

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Summary
In this conversation, Adam Posner and Claude Silver discuss the importance of heart-first leadership and the need for workplaces to prioritize emotional intelligence, authenticity, and self-awareness. Claude shares insights from her upcoming book, 'Be Yourself at Work,' emphasizing the role of kindness and empathy in fostering a positive workplace culture. They explore the impact of COVID on employee dynamics, the significance of mentorship, and practical tools for building trust and collaboration within teams. The discussion highlights the ROI of kindness in business and the necessity of creating environments where employees feel valued and engaged.
Takeaways
- Claude Silver is the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX.
- COVID prompted Claude to write her book, 'Be Yourself at Work.'
- Self-awareness is crucial for personal and professional development.
- Authenticity in the workplace enhances connection and performance.
- Workplace culture is defined by the vibe and energy of interactions.
- Emotional optimism is the belief that things can improve.
- Empathy is essential for effective leadership and team dynamics.
- Kindness in the workplace leads to higher employee retention.
- Practical tools like appreciation circles can enhance team morale.
- Leaders should focus on creating a culture of trust and collaboration.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Heart-First Leadership
03:06 The Impact of COVID on Work Culture
06:00 Self-Awareness as a Leadership Superpower
08:54 The Role of Authenticity in the Workplace
11:54 Scaling Heart-Centered Leadership
14:52 Defining Company Culture
17:45 Emotional Optimism and Bravery
20:53 Empathy and Care in Leadership
23:46 The ROI of Kindness in Business
25:28 Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
26:34 Tactical Empathy and Practical Tools
28:21 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
30:37 Running on Calm: Frameworks for Leaders
32:57 Assessing Human Skills in Recruitment
34:36 The Seven Rules of Team Citizenship
37:30 Leading with Authenticity
39:18 The Target Audience for 'Be Yourself at Work'
39:53 Optimism in Workplace Culture
42:03 Defining Success Through Generosity

LIVE from RecFestUS: David Paffenholz: CEO @ JuiceBox- the AI Recruiting platform Oct 29, 2025

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Chapters

00:00 – Intro from Nashville
00:45 – Shoutout to Juicebox.ai & why Adam actually uses it
01:40 – The Origin Story: From failed recruiting agency to AI powerhouse
03:45 – Empowering, not replacing recruiters
04:40 – How Juicebox works: data enrichment + recruiter intent
06:50 – Founder lessons in self-awareness & sales
08:10 – Real-world wins: finding the “unfindable” candidates
09:20 – The fundraising journey & landing Sequoia
10:30 – Competition, collaboration, and curiosity in HR tech
11:55 – What’s next: ATS rediscovery & surfacing hidden talent
12:45 – The future of AI in recruiting
13:25 – Team shoutouts from the Juicebox crew
14:00 – Wrap-up: Day One complete — Day Two coming soon

Dave Vu: Harnessing AI for Smarter Hiring Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

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Summary
In this episode, Adam Posner interviews Dave Vu, co-founder of Ribbon, an AI voice interviewing platform. They discuss Dave's immigrant background and the work ethic instilled in him by his parents, his journey into talent acquisition, and the differences in hiring strategies between early-stage startups and scaling companies. The conversation also touches on the importance of culture add over culture fit, the role of recruiters as marketers, and the impact of AI on recruitment processes. Dave shares insights on compliance and bias reduction in AI, the challenges of being a founder, and his definition of success.
Takeaways
- Hard work is a core value instilled by immigrant parents.
- Recruiters must tell a compelling story to attract talent.
- Culture fit is outdated; culture add is essential for diversity.
- Recruiters are marketers and represent the company's brand.
- AI can enhance recruitment but should not replace human interaction.
- Compliance in AI recruitment is crucial to avoid bias.
- Founders need to be patient and resilient in their journey.
- Communication is key for effective leadership.
- Success is about building something meaningful and lasting.
- The future of recruitment will leverage AI to improve efficiency.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dave Vu and His Journey
03:06 The Immigrant Work Ethic and Its Impact
05:51 Transitioning into Talent Acquisition
09:04 Hiring Strategies: Early Stage vs. Scaling
12:12 Culture Fit vs. Culture Add
14:46 Recruiters as Marketers
18:11 The Birth of Ribbon and AI in Recruitment
20:55 Compliance and Bias in AI Recruitment
22:55 The Founder Journey: From People Ops to HR Tech
24:45 Building Trust: The Foundation of Co-Founder Relationships
27:39 The Human Element in AI Recruiting
29:56 The Future of Recruiting: Empowering Everyone
32:50 Navigating Challenges: Lessons in Leadership
35:52 Defining Success: Building a Legacy