Best Funky Sam Podcasts (2025)

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From Operations To Strategy: HR’s Pivot To Project-Led Transformation with Karla Eidem 25:03

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1d ago25:03

25:03

Strategy beats panic when work changes this fast. We sit down with Karla Eidem, North American Regional Managing Director at the Project Management Institute, to explore how HR can turn AI disruption into a springboard for skills, execution, and meaningful outcomes. From facts over fear to practical, lightweight tools, we walk through the moves tha…

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Country Fried Rock 1201: Dawes on Food, Fun, and Funky Sounds on Tour 18:13

5d ago18:13

18:13

Summary Back in 2011, we chatted with the guys from Dawes. Sloane Spencer kicks things off with an easygoing chat with Dawes, and it’s anything but your average interview. They dig into the band’s musical origin story, tracing it back to a family that didn’t just play music, they lived it. Picture jam sessions in the living room, with dad laying do…

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Country Fried Rock 1202: Shurman on Austin, BBQ, and Music 28:34

5d ago28:34

28:34

Summary Back in 2011, we chatted with Aaron Beavers of Shurman. Surprising everyone, they reunited in August 2025 for a number of tour dates. Sloane kicks things off with a warm welcome to Aaron from the band Shurman, and it's all about that sweet, sweet vibe of creativity in music. Right from the get-go, they dive into the heart of the matter, how…

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Why Personalization Turns Employee Benefits into Business Results with David Duckworth, Ben 18:46

9d ago18:46

18:46

How much of your benefits budget actually helps people live and work better? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham sits down with David Duckworth, Co-Founder and COO at Ben, to explore why so much global benefits spend gets wasted—and how a smarter, more human approach can turn perks into performance. David draws on his background…

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The Future of Freelance Work: Visa Reforms and Global Hiring with Pavel Shynkarenko, Mellow 21:58

12d ago21:58

21:58

Policy headwinds are rising, but the work still needs doing. In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham sits down with Pavel Shynkarenko, founder of Mellow, to unpack the ripple effects of proposed H-1B and L-1 visa reforms—and a possible 25% outsourcing levy—on the global freelance and contractor economy. Pavel has spent more than 20 …

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Country Fried Rock 1521: RayLand Baxter Unveils 'Imaginary Man' 24:01

12d ago24:01

24:01

Summary In this episode from 2015, we sit down with singer-songwriter RayLand Baxter to talk about his upcoming album Imaginary Man, set to release on August 14 through ATO Records. Although he grew up in Nashville and is the son of a well-known songwriter, RayLand didn’t dive into music seriously until his twenties. He shares what led him there an…

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Country Fried Rock 1520: T. Hardy Morris Buries Dead Confederate and Goes Solo 18:05

12d ago18:05

18:05

Summary In this episode from 2015, we sit down with T. Hardy Morris, best known as the frontman of Dead Confederate, to talk about how his music has evolved and what went into making his latest album, Drowning on a Mountaintop. Hardy opens up about the creative process behind the record, including how he’s been experimenting with different sounds, …

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AI, Fairness, and the Future of HR with Lindsay Clayborne, Cardata 26:18

14d ago26:18

26:18

How can HR leaders use AI and data-driven insights to make work fairer, more engaging, and more efficient — without adding complexity or risk? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham welcomes back Lindsay Clayborne, Chief of Staff at Cardata, the fully managed vehicle reimbursement partner helping companies modernize outdated car al…

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Culture Fit, Humility, And The Limits Of AI In Recruiting with Mark Murphy 28:36

15d ago28:36

28:36

According to today's guest, most hires don’t fail because they can’t do the work, they fail because their mindset clashes with how the work gets done. In this HRchat episode, Bill Bnaham sits down with New York Times best‑selling author Mark Murphy, founder of Leadership IQ, to unpack why attitude, not technical skill, is the main reason good resum…

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Country Fried Rock 1516: Great Peacock Recording, Touring, and Creating 23:58

19d ago23:58

23:58

Summary This week's episode from 2015 features an in-depth conversation with the Nashville-based band Great Peacock, comprised of Andrew Nelson and Blount Floyd. We delve into their creative journey, particularly focusing on their recently released debut full-length album, which showcases their evolution as musicians. Throughout the discussion, we …

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Country Fried Rock 1517: Mason Lankford of Folk Family Revival Summer Tour Insights 21:43

19d ago21:43

21:43

Summary In this episode from 2015, we catch up with Mason Lankford from the Texas-based band Folk Family Revival to talk about the band’s evolving sound, especially with their new album Water Walker. Mason shares how this latest record marks a real shift from their earlier work, both stylistically and creatively. We dig into how the band approaches…

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Transforming Workplace Culture in the Age of AI with Dr. Jessica Kriegel 37:17

23d ago37:17

37:17

In this episode, guest hosts Pauline James and David Creelman welcome culture strategist and author Dr. Jessica Kriegel for a conversation on how leaders can use AI thoughtfully to enhance, not replace, the human side of work. In this lively discussion, Jessica unpacks what’s really happening inside organizations as AI, culture, and change manageme…

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The NEET Crisis: How Employers and Communities Can Unlock Young Talent wih Sam Squire, Inspire 2 Ignite CIC 28:53

26d ago28:53

28:53

In April–June 2025, 948,000 young people aged 16–24 in the UK were classified as NEET, not in education, employment, or training. That’s 12.5% of the youth population, a worrying rise from the previous quarter and year. In this episode, host Bill Banham sits down with Sam Squire, CEO of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, to unpack what’s driving this crisis—and…

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Country Fried Rock 1513: Sam Lewis on the Making of 'Waiting on You' 16:48

26d ago16:48

16:48

Summary This podcast episode from 2015 features an in-depth conversation with renowned Nashville-based songwriter Sam Lewis, who is currently promoting his latest album, Waiting on You, released under Brash Records. The discussion delves into the intricacies of Lewis's artistic journey, highlighting his extensive touring experiences across the Unit…

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Country Fried Rock 1515: Year of October from Kentucky Roots to Nashville Dreams 21:21

26d ago21:21

21:21

Summary In this episode from 2015, we dive into how Year of October has grown and evolved, especially with the release of their latest album, Golden Days. Phlecia and Josh Sullivan, who started out making acoustic music together, have really expanded their sound. Now performing as a trio, they’ve moved into a heavier, more dynamic style that reflec…

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Most Change Fails Because Brains Hate Risk with Georgie Cooke, Lima Delta 27:12

27d ago27:12

27:12

Change doesn’t fail because people are stubborn; it fails because the rollout forgets how humans actually change. In this HRchat episode, Bill Banham sits down with Georgie Cooke, Learning and Change Strategist co-founder of Lima Delta, to unpack why so many transformations lose steam and how to design plans that stick. From status quo bias and ris…

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Country Fried Rock 1510: The Bones of J.R. Jones Emerge from the Catskills Blues Scene 14:51

1M ago14:51

14:51

Summary In this episode from 2015, we sit down with The Bones of J R Jones for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about his musical path and the making of his album Dark Was the Yearling. He shares how what seemed like a small, low-key performance ended up leading to a major connection, one that helped launch his debut record. We talk about the…

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Country Fried Rock 1511: Mic Harrison From V. Roy's to Roots Rock 18:04

1M ago18:04

18:04

Summary Mic Harrison of Mic Harrison and the High Score joins us to discuss his musical journey, which began in his childhood as a rhythm guitarist for his father. With a rich history that includes being a member of the V. Roys, Harrison has transitioned into creating compelling roots rock alongside his current band. This episode delves into the ev…

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Country Fried Rock 1508: Andy Gabbard Beyond Buffalo Killers, Balancing Parenthood and a Passion for Music 16:42

1M ago16:42

16:42

Summary In this episode from 2015, we’re diving into Andy Gabbard’s debut solo album, Fluff , a big step away from the sound you might know from his work with Buffalo Killers. We talk about how Andy’s grown as an artist, and what it’s been like for him to write and record music while also being a stay-at-home dad. What makes Fluff especially unique…

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Country Fried Rock 1509: M. Lockwood Porter From Oklahoma Roots to California Rock 18:19

1M ago18:19

18:19

Summary In this episode from 2015, we sit down with M. Lockwood Porter to talk about his new album 27, which is set to release in the UK and Europe this coming spring. We get into the nuts and bolts of songwriting, and what it’s like juggling life as both a solo folk artist and a band member. Porter shares stories from his journey, starting out in …

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The Global Talent Expansion Playbook with Walter Sabrin, Vensure Employer Solutions 27:29

1M ago27:29

27:29

Walter Sabrin takes us behind the scenes of one of the most remarkable growth stories in the HR industry. As Chief Talent Officer at Vensure Employer Solutions, he's orchestrated talent strategy through 94 acquisitions in just six years, transforming a company with modest beginnings into the world's largest private HR outsourcing firm. The phrase "…

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Culture as an Operating System: Hypergrowth and People Strategy with Q Hamirani 20:29

1M ago20:29

20:29

By The HR Gazette

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Hearts, Minds, and the Mechanics of Change with Richard Page-Brown 17:46

2M ago17:46

17:46

Change rarely fails because the software didn’t ship. It fails because people didn’t shift. In this episode, Bill Bnaham sits down with Richard Page-Brown, a veteran program and change practitioner, to map a clear path from big intentions to sustained behavior change. Using the ADKAR model as our backbone, we move step by step through awareness, de…

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Country Fried Rock 1507: Lee Gallagher Explores His Psychedelic Roots 18:43

2M ago18:43

18:43

Summary This week in 2015, we’re excited to sit down with Lee Gallagher from the band Lee Gallagher and the Hallelujah. Their self-titled debut album just dropped in January, and it’s already turning heads. Originally from the Midwest, Lee brings his indie rock roots and blends them with the psychedelic folk vibes of the San Francisco Bay Area. The…

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Country Fried Rock 1506: Cale Tyson's Journey From Traditional Country to Soulful Sounds 22:05

2M ago22:05

22:05

Summary In this episode, we’re catching up with Cale Tyson, an artist known for his classic country sound and heartfelt songwriting. He’s got an exciting year ahead. He just signed with Clubhouse Records, which means his special double EP will soon be available across the UK. At the same time, he’s gearing up to record a new country soul album at t…

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Country Fried Rock 1503: Rob Keller of 6 String Drag Roots Rock and Roll Returns After 18 Years 15:31

2M ago15:31

15:31

Summary This week on Country Fried Rock from 2015, we dive into the story behind the long-awaited return of 6 String Drag, a band that made waves in the late '90s before quietly stepping away from the spotlight. We caught up with bassist Rob Keller to talk about the band’s journey, from their beloved album Hi Hat to their brand-new record, more tha…

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Country Fried Rock 1501: Jim White, Mr Cab Driver, Flea Market Expert, Collaborator 27:23

2M ago27:23

27:23

Summary This week’s episode from 2015 of Country Fried Rock takes a deep dive into the world of collaboration, with the talented Jim White joining us to talk about his recent partnership with the Packway Handle Band. We get into the highs and lows of working together creatively, especially when it comes to music production. Jim shares what it's lik…

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Disrupt Manchester Preview with Craig Saxby 21:43

2M ago21:43

21:43

In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Craig Saxby, HR Solutions Director at Morson Talent. Craig is a recruitment leader passionate about building high-performing teams and helping HR leaders navigate complex people and talent challenges. At Morson, he partners with Chief People Officers, HR Directors, and Talent Leaders t…

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Country Fried Rock 1512: Hollis Brown's Mike Montali on the Making of '3 Shots' 23:03

2M ago23:03

23:03

Summary This week in 2015, we're diving into a great conversation about the New York City-based band Hollis Brown. Front man and lead songwriter Mike Montali shares how independent record labels have been key to their journey, especially when it comes to getting them into industry events that led to some pretty major touring opportunities. We also …

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Country Fried Rock 1524: Danny Barnes on Crafting Unique Sounds, Electronic Music, & the Steve Martin Prize 30:16

2M ago30:16

30:16

Summary Danny Barnes, the incredibly talented banjo player, just won the prestigious Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. It's a huge recognition that really highlights his impressive musical journey. In this conversation, we dive into the different sides of his artistry, everything from his experimental electronic folk music t…

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The Essential Guide to HR Tech Conference with Katie Achille 21:03

2M ago21:03

21:03

In this special episode of the HRchat Podcast, we preview the 2025 HR Tech Conference in fabulous Las Vegas! Bill Banham's guest is Katie Achille, Managing Partner at The Devon Group, and an award-winning communications pro. Katie is deeply embedded in the planning and communications behind the HR Tech Conference in Las Vegas, happening September 1…

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Are You Using AI Wrong? A Guide to Avoiding Hallucinations and Leveraging LLMs with Dr. Keith Duggar 42:27

2M ago42:27

42:27

The technological landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and AI stands at the forefront of this transformation. But how can HR professionals and business leaders navigate this new terrain effectively? Dr. Keith Duggar, CTO of X-Ray and co-host of Machine Learning Street Talk, brings clarity to this complex topic through a lens shaped by his fasc…

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Country Fried Rock 1523: Aaron Lee Tasjan Behind the Scenes Recording In the Blazes 18:54

2M ago18:54

18:54

Summary In this episode, we sit down for a great conversation with the always-inspiring Aaron Lee Tasjan, known for his work with bands like Everest and the New York Dolls. The spotlight is on his latest album, In the Blazes, a project shaped by creativity, collaboration, and a spirit of spontaneity. Aaron shares stories from the road, including re…

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Country Fried Rock 1522: Kevn Kinney of Drivin N Cryin Celebrates Induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame 19:02

2M ago19:02

19:02

Summary In this episode, we celebrate a big moment for Drivin n Cryin as they're inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, a well-deserved honor that recognizes their lasting impact on the music world. We're thrilled to welcome back Kevn Kinney, the band’s front man, who shares stories from their 30-year journey, touching on the creative partne…

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Why Your Employees Won't Tell You The Truth (And How To Fix It) with Maureen Brown 21:40

2M ago21:40

21:40

Maureen Brown joins the HRchat Podcast to reveal why employee voice isn't just another corporate buzzword—it's the untapped resource transforming workplace culture and employer branding across industries. As founder of Sullivan Brown Resourcing Partners and MySay, Maureen brings 16+ years of recruitment expertise to this conversation about why comp…

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DisruptHR Birmingham and The HR Shockwave with Sara Andrews 17:17

2M ago17:17

17:17

What happens when engineering principles meet people strategy? Sara Andrews, Chief People Officer at Ecovyst, brings this powerful combination to the HRchat Show, revealing how her background as an engineer transformed her approach to human resources leadership. Looking toward her upcoming presentation "HR as a Shockwave: From Compliance to Competi…

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Country Fried Rock 1519: Justin Townes Earle Explains Companion Albums 'Single Mothers' and 'Absent Fathers' 22:09

3M ago22:09

22:09

NOTE: Justin Townes Earle died from an accidental drug overdose on 8/20/2020. If you are struggling with addiction, no matter how many times you have tried to quit, you are worth a million more fresh starts. Reach out to MusiCares, the Sims Foundation, Nuci's Space, Backline, HAAM, Porter's Call, or your local substance abuse support centers. We gr…

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Country Fried Rock 1514: Lilly Hiatt Unveils Royal Blue & Journeys Beyond Folk 23:37

3M ago23:37

23:37

Summary Lilly Hiatt’s album, Royal Blue, marks an exciting step forward in her musical journey, moving beyond the traditional singer-songwriter style into a sound that’s more vibrant and adventurous. In this podcast, we explore how Hiatt taps into her personal insecurities and turns them into powerful, relatable songs that resonate with listeners. …

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Country Fried Rock 1504: Steve Earle's Terraplane, A Journey Through the Blues 18:13

3M ago18:13

18:13

Summary In this episode, we’re diving into the world of the legendary Steve Earle and his latest album, Terraplane, a heartfelt journey into the blues. I’m Sloane Spencer, and while I don’t claim to be a blues expert, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for its many styles, from Carolina Piedmont to Delta and Texas blues. During our chat, we explor…

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When Values Drive Growth: Authentic Leadership in Scaling Companies with Christina Luconi 23:56

3M ago23:56

23:56

In this episode, Christina Luconi, dubbed "the original people innovator," takes host Bill Banham on a fascinating journey through her pioneering career in transforming how fast-growing companies approach their most valuable asset - their people. With refreshing candor and hard-earned wisdom, she reveals how she's helped multiple tech startups scal…

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Country Fried Rock Returns: Rehashed, Revisited, Resurrected 1:24

3M ago1:24

1:24

Summary At the heart of Country Fried Rock was something simple but powerful: real, honest conversations with some truly incredible musicians who might not always get the spotlight they deserve. I’m Sloane Spencer, and from 2009-2020, I had the chance to sit down with amazing artists like Margo Price, Drivin n Cryin, and St. Paul & the Broken Bones…

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The Complete Guide to Hourly Hiring with Sean Behr, Fountain 22:49

3M ago22:49

22:49

Frontline recruitment isn’t just hiring at scale—it’s an entirely different discipline from traditional corporate hiring. In this episode of the HRchat Show, Fountain CEO Sean Behr pulls back the curtain on the unique challenges of recruiting hourly workers and shares strategies that help employers keep pace in an increasingly competitive market. U…

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DisruptHR Birmingham, Culture, and Heroism with Shakil Butt 23:57

3M ago23:57

23:57

Shakil Butt never planned to leave his comfortable 20-year finance career for HR leadership. What began as a three-month interim assignment transformed into a passionate pursuit that would redefine his understanding of strategic people management and earn him recognition as one of the UK's most influential HR leaders. Bringing his finance backgroun…

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From Generative to Agentic: Reimagining People Practices Through AI with Kim Chaumillon 28:16

3M ago28:16

28:16

Kim Chaumillon believes HR leaders must champion AI adoption from the inside out. "HR goes first" isn't just her mantra—it's the foundation of effective organizational transformation. Drawing from 30 years of global HR experience, Kim reveals how she's reimagining traditional people practices through AI implementation at two different organizations…

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What AI Can't Replace in Recruitment with Ian Knowlson 26:20

3M ago26:20

26:20

The recruitment landscape is transforming at breakneck speed, with business models that once lasted decades now becoming obsolete in just a few years. How can talent leaders navigate this change while maintaining the essential human elements that technology can't replace? Recruitment veteran and Disrupt Manchester speaker Ian Knowlson draws on his …

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Speak Up, Stand Out: From LinkedIn to TEDx with Bobby Umar 31:08

3M ago31:08

31:08

What makes a leader truly memorable? According to Bobby Umar, one of Inc Magazine's top 100 leadership speakers globally, it's the courage to tell authentic stories that showcase vulnerability and build genuine human connections. Bobby joins the HRchat Show to share his expertise on storytelling as a leadership superpower that transforms personal b…

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Turning Employee Engagement Data into Action with Karina Young, 15Five 19:28

3M ago19:28

19:28

When was the last time your organization conducted an employee engagement survey? If it was more than a few months ago, you're likely making decisions based on outdated information. As Karina Young, VP People at 15Five, points out in this episode, "Think about who you were a year ago. You might have had a whole different set of needs, wants, desire…

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Company Culture: Inside Breeze Airways' People Strategy with Jeff Weber 20:59

4M ago20:59

20:59

What happens when you combine cutting-edge technology with a more human approach to airline service? Jeff Weber, Chief People Officer at Breeze Airways, reveals the fascinating intersection of high-tech innovation and high-touch customer experience in this engaging conversation about the future of work in the aviation industry. Jeff, who joined Bre…

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Disrupt Manchester, Analytics and the Art of HR with Mark Lawrence, Deloitte 23:07

4M ago23:07

23:07

What happens when you combine archaeological curiosity with data science expertise? You get Mark Lawrence's fascinating approach to HR analytics. In this conversation, Mark shares his unconventional career journey from aspiring Indiana Jones to Head of Analytics and Reporting at Deloitte, revealing how his fundamental desire to understand why thing…

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From Hard Hats to High Earnings: Scaffolding's Secret Career Appeal 21:34

4M ago21:34

21:34

Ever considered a career in scaffolding? Most haven't, but Paul Napper is on a mission to change that perception. As the Head of Training and Education at NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation), Paul joins Bill Banham on the HRchat Show to reveal how this overlooked industry offers diverse career pathways and impressive earning potent…