The Alder Hour is a podcast that explores the future of HR and Talent Acquisition through honest conversations with people driving change. Broadcast LIVE, we cover the bold ideas and real-world innovations shaping how companies attract, hire, and retain talent. While we don’t shy away from tough or awkward topics—like layoffs, AI ethics, and DEI backlash—our focus is on sharing practical insights, fresh perspectives, and inspiring stories that help talent leaders navigate change and build stronger, more human-centric hiring practices.
Each week, host Matt Alder (of Recruiting Future) clocks in with unfiltered insights, smart headlines, and sharp banter from the frontlines of talent, tech, and the ever-shifting world of work. Broadcasting from the UK as part of the Purple Acorn Network, Matt brings a global perspective to local workplace dilemmas — and he’s never at the mic alone.
You’ll hear from:
Rhona Pierce, our go-to trendwatcher and pop culture pulse-checker,
Jocelyn King, HR operations pro and master of The Situation Room,
Regular appearances from guest co-hosts like John Baldino and Robin Schooling,
And bold conversations with industry leaders — from TA innovators to employer branding experts and wellness coaches.
No topic is too awkward: layoffs, AI ethics, DEI backlash, resume fibbing, hiring influencers, office politics, and yes — whether body cameras belong on retail staff.
So pour a drink (alcoholic or not), punch that mental clock, and spend 60 minutes with The Alder Hour — part news, part group chat, all future of work.
Find out more at https://www.purpleacornnetwork.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purple-acorn-network
All content for The Alder Hour with Matt Alder is the property of Purple Acorn and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
The Alder Hour is a podcast that explores the future of HR and Talent Acquisition through honest conversations with people driving change. Broadcast LIVE, we cover the bold ideas and real-world innovations shaping how companies attract, hire, and retain talent. While we don’t shy away from tough or awkward topics—like layoffs, AI ethics, and DEI backlash—our focus is on sharing practical insights, fresh perspectives, and inspiring stories that help talent leaders navigate change and build stronger, more human-centric hiring practices.
Each week, host Matt Alder (of Recruiting Future) clocks in with unfiltered insights, smart headlines, and sharp banter from the frontlines of talent, tech, and the ever-shifting world of work. Broadcasting from the UK as part of the Purple Acorn Network, Matt brings a global perspective to local workplace dilemmas — and he’s never at the mic alone.
You’ll hear from:
Rhona Pierce, our go-to trendwatcher and pop culture pulse-checker,
Jocelyn King, HR operations pro and master of The Situation Room,
Regular appearances from guest co-hosts like John Baldino and Robin Schooling,
And bold conversations with industry leaders — from TA innovators to employer branding experts and wellness coaches.
No topic is too awkward: layoffs, AI ethics, DEI backlash, resume fibbing, hiring influencers, office politics, and yes — whether body cameras belong on retail staff.
So pour a drink (alcoholic or not), punch that mental clock, and spend 60 minutes with The Alder Hour — part news, part group chat, all future of work.
Find out more at https://www.purpleacornnetwork.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purple-acorn-network
#41 - Why Employer Brand Matters More Than Ever, with James Ellis
The Alder Hour with Matt Alder
50 minutes
1 month ago
#41 - Why Employer Brand Matters More Than Ever, with James Ellis
In this episode of The Alder Hour, hosts Matt Alder and Rhona sit down with James Ellis, one of the most recognizable voices in employer branding. Together, they unpack why so many organizations still treat employer brand like “bovine makeup” — a surface-level fix instead of a strategic business tool.
James shares his perspective on how true employer branding isn’t about looking good — it’s about standing out. He explains how this field was built for giant corporations but is now more crucial than ever for companies of all sizes. From talent attraction to long-term growth, James and Matt explore how a clear, authentic employer brand can be the ultimate differentiator in today’s competitive market.
Plus, in this week’s Points & Pints segment, Matt and Rhona dive into:
- Gartner’s 4 key priorities for CHROs in 2026 and how AI will reshape the HR landscape
- Meta’s new job board — and why it might be more about AI than actual jobs
Then it’s time for Trending or Ending?, where the hosts debate whether internal mobility and talent marketplaces are the next frontier or just another HR buzzword.
Tune in for sharp insights, a few laughs, and a whole lot of truth about what really drives talent today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Alder Hour with Matt Alder
The Alder Hour is a podcast that explores the future of HR and Talent Acquisition through honest conversations with people driving change. Broadcast LIVE, we cover the bold ideas and real-world innovations shaping how companies attract, hire, and retain talent. While we don’t shy away from tough or awkward topics—like layoffs, AI ethics, and DEI backlash—our focus is on sharing practical insights, fresh perspectives, and inspiring stories that help talent leaders navigate change and build stronger, more human-centric hiring practices.
Each week, host Matt Alder (of Recruiting Future) clocks in with unfiltered insights, smart headlines, and sharp banter from the frontlines of talent, tech, and the ever-shifting world of work. Broadcasting from the UK as part of the Purple Acorn Network, Matt brings a global perspective to local workplace dilemmas — and he’s never at the mic alone.
You’ll hear from:
Rhona Pierce, our go-to trendwatcher and pop culture pulse-checker,
Jocelyn King, HR operations pro and master of The Situation Room,
Regular appearances from guest co-hosts like John Baldino and Robin Schooling,
And bold conversations with industry leaders — from TA innovators to employer branding experts and wellness coaches.
No topic is too awkward: layoffs, AI ethics, DEI backlash, resume fibbing, hiring influencers, office politics, and yes — whether body cameras belong on retail staff.
So pour a drink (alcoholic or not), punch that mental clock, and spend 60 minutes with The Alder Hour — part news, part group chat, all future of work.
Find out more at https://www.purpleacornnetwork.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purple-acorn-network
