Summary:
The talent experience is shifting fast, and this conversation makes it real. Tara Cooper and her son Aiden walk through the gap between what employers think candidates want and what candidates actually need. Growth, honesty, clarity, and real feedback matter more than ever. The companies winning today are the ones willing to rethink how people learn, how they apply, and how they build trust.
In this episode we talk about HR, talent experience, upskilling, generational differences, job applications, feedback, AI in hiring, workplace culture, employee engagement, and career growth. Tara and Aiden break down why the old hiring playbook is fading and why organizations need to co-create the experience with their people, not for them.
Key Takeaways:
The talent experience has become a shared effort between employers and employees. Trust is breaking down in many organizations, and that directly affects engagement. Candidates want growth they can see, not promises that evaporate once they start. Employers need to be upfront about what a job is and what it isn’t.
Generational differences shape how people approach learning. Younger workers expect ongoing upskilling, while older generations may see it as optional or risky. Fair pay is directly tied to willingness to learn. When compensation is off, motivation collapses and engagement tools feel empty.
The job application process is still too complicated. Candidates want something that feels human and accessible. Honest feedback shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be part of the process. Clear, respectful communication builds trust even when the answer is no.
AI is reshaping the job market and the hiring experience, but it won’t solve broken processes on its own. Organizations need to adapt to changing expectations and invest in cultures that support growth. When employees feel supported and seen, they invest back into the company.
This episode was recorded live at isolved Connect in Scottsdale.
The Heroes of HR podcast is a limited series sponsored by isolved. isolved is an HCM platform that modernizes HR, benefits, and payroll across Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, and more.
Learn more about isolved: https://www.isolvedhcm.com/
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Heroes of HR Podcast
02:17 Exploring the Talent Experience
06:38 Generational Perspectives on Upskilling
11:26 The Job Application Process: A New Perspective
18:24 Feedback in the Job Market: A Call for Honesty
23:26 The Future of Talent Development
Guest:
Tara Cooper and Aiden Cooper
LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/taracooper1/
Connect with Us:
William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/
Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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