Adele Lewis Bridgeman

This statement from Spotify's CHRO strikes at the heart of modern workplace debates and will no doubt polarise opinion. Companies are grappling to find the sweet spot between empowering their people and maximising collaboration, creativity, and flexibility. Amazon, for example, appears steadfast in its demand for a total return to the office, clearly believing this is central to innovation and a customer-centric culture. Amazon's CEO, Andy Jassy's decision will be an unpopular call in some quarters, and many will ask if the company truly understands or values the shifting priorities of today's workforce. However, it will simply be looking at the bigger picture and making a bet that the upside of increased collaboration outweighs the downside of higher (short-term?) staff turnover. Amazon is a $600 billion juggernaut, and it makes decisions that are in the best interests of shareholders. Only time will tell how this plays out, but Amazon is waging that their scale and power can withstand any talent pushback. Spotify, with revenues of €13 billion in 2023, is no minnow but evidently has a different philosophy to Amazon – one that it believes serves its best interests. However, this approach also comes with its own set of challenges and potential risks. If you're a scale-up hiring into an office with a more remote location, you will need to offer a more flexible working practice, or you won't be able to access the talent to fulfil your strategic goals. My summary is that empowerment of employees instinctively feels like the right thing to do and makes my job of hiring leaders into companies considerably easier. But it's not as binary to say one company's working practices are right and another is wrong. #wfh #remoteworking #leadership #talentretention

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𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 This Black History Month, Halzak Elevate - Women in Tech celebrates the theme "Reclaiming Narratives" by spotlighting Black women reshaping the UK tech landscape. Despite making up only 3% of women in tech, these trailblazers are challenging stereotypes and driving innovation through their: 💡 Groundbreaking innovations 🚀 Inspiring leadership 🌍 Rich cultural insights 🧩 Diverse problem-solving approaches 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 We're proud to highlight just a few of the many Black women making waves in UK tech: 💜 Flavilla Fongang - Founder, BLACK RISE and GTA Black Women In Tech 💜 Dr A-Marie I. - Co-founder, Stemettes 💜 Oyinkansola Adebayo - Founder, Niyo Group 💜 Charlene Hunter MBE - Founder and CEO, Coding Black Females 💜 Karen Emelu - CEO and Founder, Black Girls in Tech Five more outstanding UK-based Black women in tech: Paulette Rowe - CEO, Stax Payments Sandie Small Duberry - Deputy Governorship Chief Information Officer for the Prudential Regulatory Authority | Technology Chief of Staff - Bank of England Christina Tueje, CIPP/E - Privacy and Data Protection expert Akua Opong CITP MBCS FRSA - Chartered IT Professional These visionaries are actively reshaping the UK tech landscape, challenging traditional narratives about tech leadership and success. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 ❓ How are you amplifying Black voices in tech? 👇 Share your initiatives or experiences below. Let's celebrate Black women in tech and support them in reclaiming their narratives—not just this month, but all year round. #ElevateWomenInTech #BlackHistoryMonth #ReclaimingNarratives #WomenInTech #DiversityInTech #BlackWomenInTech

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Is your workforce evolving fast enough? ✨  According to 45% of large UK companies, most positions they will need to fill by 2030 do not exist today, highlighting a need for adaptability in recruitment.    Our latest research paper shows how you can navigate this shift so that you’re recruiting future-proof talent who will deliver maximum productivity for your organisation.   👉 Learn more about leveraging human skills in a world of tech: https://lnkd.in/eiuJXQNN    #AI #Technology #Talent #SoftSkills #Business #AdeccoUKI #AdeccoInsights 

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🎙️ 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝: 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 podcast episode 1 - 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 *available now to watch* Myself and Anna Smith answer these pertinent questions around salaries; ⭐ Why don't companies post a salary on their job advert? ⭐ Why are there so many skills demanded for every role? ⭐ What are the other ways to attract talent, outside of salaries? Grab yourself a cuppa, and find out all the answers right here - all feedback welcome. Make sure to subscribe so that we can alert you each time we release a new episode! https://bit.ly/45klE8t #podcast #marketing #creative #beyondtalks #recruitment #salaryadvice

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Looking to find better ways of engaging and hiring next-gen talent? I was fortunate enough to preview Wonderkind's latest report: Unlocking the Future of Recruitment. For anyone navigating the fast-evolving recruitment landscape, keeping pace with next-gen expectations is essential. Wonderkind’s report provides a clear, insightful roadmap for modernising recruitment strategies to attract Millennials and Gen Z. Here’s what stood out for me: 1️⃣ Deep Insights into Next-Gen Expectations: Wonderkind delves into the digital habits, values, and preferences of next-gen candidates, offering a clear picture of what they truly want from employers. 2️⃣ Creating a Seamless Experience: By drawing clever parallels between job applications and online shopping, the report highlights the need for a fast, user-friendly, and engaging application experience (not just a process). 3️⃣ Actionable Steps: The ‘Final Checklist’ provides practical, hands-on recommendations for making recruitment strategies more effective and aligned with today’s candidate expectations. 4️⃣ Leveraging Tech & Innovation: From AI tools to mobile-first designs, the report shows how embracing technology can transform hiring and improve candidate engagement. 5️⃣ Aligning with Values: A timely reminder that it’s not just about filling roles – it’s about creating deeper connections through social causes, sustainability, and diversity. If you’re serious about attracting the best and brightest, I recommend giving it a read - https://lnkd.in/dfQwjusQ #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition #NextGen #Millennials #GenZ #HR #Hiring #Innovation #Wonderkind #Leadership

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🎙️ Breaking News: The next Elevate - Women in Tech Podcast episode is going to be truly inspiring! Are part of Series 3 of the Breaking Taboos Series, join us for a powerful and moving conversation with Joanne Monck OBE FRSA, a global LGBTQ+ advocate and champion for transgender equality in the workplace. Did you know that 49% of transgender people don't feel comfortable coming out in the workplace due to fear of discrimination? This needs to change! We're diving deep into: ✨ Joanne's journey from "Darkness to Light" ✨ Breaking down barriers in the workplace ✨ The power of allyship and belonging ✨ Creating truly inclusive workplace cultures ✨ Practical steps to support LGBTQ+ colleagues This isn't just another D&I discussion - it's a masterclass in understanding, acceptance, and creating meaningful change. Whether you're an ally, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or someone looking to create a more inclusive workplace, this episode is for you. Mark your calendars! 📅 Release date this Friday! #WomenInTech #LGBTQ+ #Inclusion #Allyship #TechIndustry #Leadership #DEI #HalzakElevateWiT

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So Sorry....you have not been selected on this occasion....but why? 🚀 Did you know that most ATS systems (Applicant Tracking System) exclude applications with limited keyword hits? With Architectural practices and Studios starting to streamline HR processes, don’t be surprised if an ATS system responds, rather than a human. In today's job market, it is essential to tailor your CV for each application. An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) will often filter out CV’s that don’t match specific keywords, or automatically reject applicants based on pre-qualifying questions built behind the vacancy 🔑. This means your application might not even reach human eyes if it's lacking certain terms. Consider this: 70% of job applications never make it past the initial ATS scan (Source: Jobscan UK). As recruiters, we always advise having a robust strategy if you are going it alone and applying to companies directly. Here at White Space, we recommend doing your homework before you apply – analysing job descriptions and incorporating relevant keywords or phrases more than once to beat the algorithms 🌟. Remember, it's not just about having a well-polished CV, but a smart one using industry terminology within your own area of expertise. Need help crafting that perfect application? Reach out to us at https://lnkd.in/ezhCwjWj. We’re always here to help you land your dream role, even if we are don’t hold all the vacancies in the market. Let's make your CV stand out! 💼 #JobSearchTips #Recruitment #CareerAdvice

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Another excellent article by Jo Major (She/her) of Diversity in Recruitment exclusively for The HR World A big topic and well worth 10 minutes of your day!

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Unravelling Spencer Ogden's rollout & ongoing usage of HireAra over the past 18 months has been nothing but rewarding; Looking back, we've done a lot 1️⃣ Supported a brand refresh into their candidate presentation 2️⃣ Integrated it into their workflows, within Bullhorn 🟠 3️⃣ Onboarded & trained Spencer Ogdens global presence 4️⃣ Shot 10 confetti guns in their office & at Ismay Burch Biggest win - convincing Alan Stuart MCICM to do an interview with me - you're a natural! We dug into; 👉 Why Spencer Ogden felt there was an issue in their Candidate Presentation process 👉 Their process for finding the right supplier 👉 Success of the implementation & onboarding process 👉 Unlocking ROI with new tech implementation Looking forward to the next 18 months & beyond --> some exciting developments coming #partnership #efficiency #branding #candidatepresentation

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✨ Obligatory EOY Wrap Post ✨ We can't believe it’s been nine months since Talent Included came to life in April 2024? What started as a dream has grown into a mission-driven consultancy—and what an incredible journey it’s been! This year, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with amazing clients, refining our services, and delivering real impact as a trusted end-to-end EDI advisor. Whether building strategies, embedding inclusive practices, or helping organisations grow their DEI teams, every project has reaffirmed why this work matters and why we love it so much! Some highlights from the year: 🌟 Helping organisations kick off their EDI journey with strategies that hold up to scrutiny. 🌟 Supporting clients to maximise shrinking EDI budgets and secure executive buy-in. 🌟 Designing inclusive recruitment frameworks that embed equity. 🌟 Growing DEI teams by hiring inaugural leads and expanding existing ones. Along the way, we’ve connected with over 250 of you in 1:1 conversations (gulp) and delivered workshops and webinars on: 💡 Enhancing competitive advantage through EDI 🤝 Unlocking team performance through EDI 🌟 The business case for Inclusive Recruitment And 2025? It’s going to be even bigger! We’re gearing up to: ✅ Exhibit at the D&I Leaders Conference in April (come say hi!). ✅ Launch EDI Mastermind sessions to share knowledge and spark action. ✅ Deliver recruitment and culture change programmes across multiple sectors. ✅ Complete new diagnostics and strategy projects. ✅ Expand our recruitment pipeline to better support clients’ needs. To everyone who has supported us—thank you! Your trust and encouragement you have kept us going when the self doubt kicked in! We’re taking two weeks off to rest and recharge, but we can’t wait to return, ready to continue building workplaces that are accessible, equitable, and inclusive for all. Wishing you all a joyful and restful end-of-year break! 🎄 Peace out ✌ #DiversityEquityInclusion #EDI #InclusiveWorkplaces #TalentIncluded

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I was humbled and overjoyed that Sabrina Menasria was willing to spend some time to have a chat in our latest Talent Smart Podcast episode (available on iTunes, Spotify, Audible and all podcast platforms). https://lnkd.in/e7s_6_sE Having worked at executive level to drive change in organisations like Chanel and L’Oréal; In 2020, Sabrina coined the word « singulars » to define neurodiversity and people with over excitabilities (intellectual, emotional, creative, sensitive and motor) and those who are "twice exceptional", with differ-abilities and super powers.  In this episode, we explore what it means to be Singular in terms of neurodiversity and how divergent thinking misunderstood and/or misrepresented in the majority of workplaces.

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Creative agencies are facing staffing issues right now. They've done their best to hold on to top talent amidst industry challenges. Many elite shops have had to take on lower-quality work just to keep the doors open. Now, with business picking up, skeleton crews are stretched thin, employees are overworked, and the projects are often less interesting. Some team members are clocking in 60+ hour weeks, and overtime is only approved by clients. Your A-players are starting to look elsewhere, and they’re reaching out to me! But we have a solution. We can help you build a bench with the top freelancers available. They're pre-vetted, with their hold schedules and rates. Plus, we provide reports from previous clients to ensure no surprises. It might cost a bit now, but it will pay off in the long run. Remember, the industry is cyclical, and it will bounce back. Don't lose your top talent now when you'll need them tomorrow. #CreativeAgencies #StaffingSolutions #Freelancers #TopTalent #IndustryChallenges #WorkLifeBalance #FuturePlanning

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This has been a deeply personal product and that has made it so much more difficult to share.   Combining my experience; 🔸As an external Recruitment Partner. 🔸An internal People & Culture Advisor. 🔸Interviewing 1000's of jobseekers. 🔸Searching and 'shoulder tapping' talent that is not actively looking. 🔸Cointerviewing with clients.  🔸Consulting & training on the recruitment process design and job alignment. 🔸As a job seeker  🔸As a hiring manager I was compelled to create and launch Birdeey; a tech-enabled platform to guide and assist with better hiring processes. For the past 15 months, Role Call Recruitment has partnered with innovative, people-centric companies that understand the value and impact of a great hire, using the tool to elevate hiring processes to enable more meaningful and deeper interviews. ✨ As a result, we have now made Birdeey available for businesses to use directly for hiring (and it will continue to be exclusive to Role Call Recruitment for end-to-end engagements) Now that I have taken the brave step to share, we will be sharing more of what Sean Tilles and I have been working on along with the support of an amazing community of hiring managers, HR, TA, Recruiters & Founders/Business Leaders. If you want to know more; visit www.birdeey.com or get in touch with me on 021569499 #recruitmentAI #hiring #interviewing

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We’ve started some work for 4 or 5 agency / SaaS BD roles in and around the Insight / Martech space in the last couple of weeks & I reviewed some of the profile applicants with the team – a kind of grown up, ‘show and tell’ session. What stood out to me so much were the numbers of applicants who have started roles in 2024 & are now looking for a role – this year will have a serious impact on peoples for CVs & those in Sales or BD functions will be the worst impacted as many buyers doors have been closed for the last 12 – 18 months as cost cutting has bitten. So, as things open back up, its our job to see past that with talent, not to judge on the most recent sales results: What market was the candidate in? What was their ICP / Buyer profile? Were there actually people buying in that space? What was their USP / what different tools did they use? Sometimes, how a great sales person articulates a time when they haven’t sold or even failed, is far more telling than when they have been a success – what are your thoughts? #Hiring #2024 #NoSaleNoFail

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Talent Consulting by Synced Well, this is more about me, actually—a personal journey, if you will. Since 2003, I’ve been working with clients in the talent space, mainly as a Search Consultant. It’s been an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable career (and still is!). But if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that we all want to focus our time on what's important, whether that’s family, friends, or maybe trying something new. A couple of years ago, I realised that as I grow (a little wiser, perhaps!), I want to keep learning and evolving. And while I’ve explored plenty of things outside of work, I also wanted to add more variety to my workday and keep learning of course! So, in May, I started offering consulting services to a few trusted contacts as a new venture—and it was a great success! Here’s what I’ve been working on: Pre-engagement consulting Market analysis Recruitment strategy review and development Talent pool mapping Project work - Ive been asked all sorts of things! How It Works: I charge by the hour or day, depending on the project needs. If you've been part of any recruitment projects, you know how time-consuming the process can be. Everyone I've spoken to has a challenge they’re looking to solve, and even for those who have everything running smoothly, there’s always room for a little improvement! Got a question, request, or project in mind? Let's chat!

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This is insane... According to a report 41% of hiring managers say they're "too busy" to focus on Diversity and Inclusion. In this episode of Media Talks, I interview the lovely Giles Smith, CEO of Media Zoo whose motto is literally about "inspiring positive change." Giles speaks openly about his non-traditional background, how he came to run an award winning communications and digital production company and how important it is to leave your (positive) footprint on the world. An awesome interview that left me thinking about how more companies can adopt D&I and how #AI will impact the future of our industry... #diversityandinclusion #d&i #mediazoo #ai #careers #mediajobs https://lnkd.in/eVKRRpyZ

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Hiring in the social space? Get some guidance on salaries and skillsets for the various roles. Link in the comments for our downloadable guide👇 #creativenatives

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Exciting news to share with my network and a proud moment for me to be part of such project! 🎉 🚀Introducing Nexus Connect 🚀– the ultimate nexus for those pioneering the future of the London Market! Powered by Pioneer Search, Nexus Connect is a community platform, created to connect, educate, and inspire the talented professionals and forward-thinking businesses that make up the London Market with clear and to-the-point content.   Remarking on the launch, Mark Warburton – Community Manager commented:   “In my day job as the Director of Pioneer Search, I'm constantly asked what is going on across the market and what are other people doing to innovate?   In a pre-LinkedIn world, we would create meetups, newsletters, share anecdotes and gossip, providing decision makers with invaluable data to aid their own thought leadership.   It occurred to me late last year that I don't see anyone doing this for the unsung heroes of tech and change across the London market. Nexus is intended to be a peer-to-peer, not-for-profit community hub.   We'll be sharing regular industry insights, publishing unique specialty market salary guides with commentary around trends, running monthly meetups and inviting your peers to share their stories in person.   We hope the London Market community find Nexus Connect a valuable source of information and moving forward that you all share my energy for what the future holds for our industry.”   🤔 Curious? Follow our dedicated Nexus Connect page to stay informed and head over to ConnectWithNexus.co.uk to find out more. 🖥   Alternatively, listen to the full podcast on the links below:   💻 Nexus Connect Podcast: https://lnkd.in/ed9DWCsE 🔉Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eq7QpZmV 🎧 Apple Podcasts https://lnkd.in/epst2Fsk   #NexusConnect #LondonMarket #ProfessionalCommunities #Pioneer #PioneerSearch

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