About the Guest(s):

Ron Williams is a renowned global talent acquisition consultant and nationally recognized speaker on Talent Acquisition (TA). With an extensive career that spans firms like First Data, SunTrust, AstraZeneca, Seagate, and Corning, Ron brings unmatched expertise in developing TA strategies that ensure the recruitment and retention of top talent. A seasoned world traveler and a veteran, Ron leverages his diverse experiences to deliver insights that propel organizations to the forefront of their respective industries.

Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode of "Growing Your Business with People," host Jeff Lackey sits down with the illustrious Ron Williams, a seasoned talent acquisition expert with a prolific career in recruiting and workforce development. The duo delves into the transformative power of talent acquisition, discussing best practices, industry innovations, and the ever-evolving landscape of TA strategies.

Jeff and Ron explore the importance of evaluating not just recruiters, but also hiring managers, emphasizing the need for robust hiring processes that integrate strategic planning, responsiveness, and an exceptional candidate experience. They dive deep into the practicalities of creating industry-leading TA strategies, including the significance of thorough intake sessions and giving business leaders time back by streamlining the recruitment process. The episode also touches on the implications of AI in talent acquisition, the value of internal talent pools, and the profound impact of a well-managed candidate experience. Adding a personal touch, Ron shares captivating stories from his global travels, reflecting on how these adventures have broadened his professional horizons.

Key Takeaways:

**Strategic Evaluation**: Evaluate both recruiters and hiring managers to ensure responsiveness and effective candidate engagement.

**Importance of Intake Sessions**: A well-conducted intake session is crucial for aligning on hiring needs and streamlining the recruitment process.

**Speed, Quality, and Diversity**: The fundamentals of an effective TA strategy focus on these three core aspects to meet organizational goals.

**AI Integration**: Embracing AI in TA can enhance efficiency by eliminating mundane tasks and improving speed and quality in hiring processes.

**Holistic Candidate Experience**: Providing a positive candidate experience not only improves hiring outcomes but also protects and promotes the company's brand.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The one thing that we can give businesses, which they love to hear, is if we can give them some time back." - Ron Williams

2. "Are we trying to hire them in, or are we trying to hire them out?" - Ron Williams

3. "If we could get it \[AI] to the point of eliminating the administrative stuff that we do, let's make sure we focus on that." - Ron Williams

4. "I think we just have to own that and not be just a pair of hands...we need to rise up." - Ron Williams

5. "If I can get into, they love hearing that. So if I can give them some time back...we're good to go." - Ron Williams