In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with James Ellis, a top expert in employer branding, for a lively conversation packed with hot takes and real, actionable insights. This isn’t your typical discussion—Ellis breaks down exactly how businesses can stand out by focusing on what makes them unique as employers and why authenticity is key in attracting the right talent.

Ellis dives deep into how employees can actively shape a brand and gives concrete strategies for small businesses to leverage their culture to connect with top candidates. With no fluff, just straight talk, Ellis shares practical advice that listeners can put to work right away to elevate their employer brand and hiring efforts.

James Ellis is the principal of Employer Brand Labs, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and host of The Talent Cast podcast. With nearly a decade of experience, he’s helped dozens of companies craft unique and compelling employer brands. His mission? To provide real, no-nonsense advice that helps businesses rethink how they hire and build stronger, more authentic brands.
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James Ellis
Employer Brand Labs
The Talent Cast
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#employerbranding #recruitmentstrategies #hiringtips #hrpodcast #workculture #businessbranding #careeradvice #jobmarket #talentacquisition

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Travis Miller sits down with Kim Blomquist, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at mHUB, Chicago’s leading manufacturing incubator. Kim sheds light on mHUB’s role in nurturing early-stage startups, particularly in the fields of climate and energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. From prototyping labs to a comprehensive mentor network, mHUB equips these startups with the tools they need to scale, secure funding, and prove their business models in a competitive landscape.

Kim also discusses the critical challenges startups face, including proving market demand and acquiring talent. She emphasizes mHUB’s commitment to workforce development, reshoring, and building a skilled talent pool to drive economic growth. The episode provides valuable insights into how mHUB is shaping the future of manufacturing and innovation, both locally and nationally.

Kim Blomquist is the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at mHUB, where she leads the organization’s national strategy at the intersection of tech and manufacturing. Her team is behind major events like the HardTech Summit and the Fourth Revolution Awards. Kim played a pivotal role in mHUB’s $50M acquisition and renovation of a historic facility in Chicago. She also oversees mHUB’s annual and investor reports and serves on a marketing advisory council for manufacturing workforce development.
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Kim Blomquist
mHUB
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#podcast #manufacturing #startup #techindustry #reshoring #robotics #mHUB #innovation

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Travis Miller is joined by Cathy Rinne, President and CEO of Flex-Line Automation, alongside her daughter Lauren Van De Mark, Sales and Marketing Manager, marketing intern Isaiah Roth, and Customer Service Specialist Cayla Sibley. Together, they explore the nuances of talent acquisition in manufacturing and automation, offering valuable insights into the importance of evaluating candidates beyond technical skills and rebranding the industry to attract fresh talent.

The conversation delves into the dynamics of running a family business, including leadership styles, communication, and generational management approaches. Listen in as the Flex-Line team shares their personal experiences on navigating succession planning and the significance of exposing students to industry processes early on.

Cathy Rinne, co-founder, President and CEO of Flex-Line Automation, Inc. based in Chester, IL, brings a wealth of business strategy and innovation to the forefront from her nearly forty years in the automation industry. Instrumental in positioning Flex-Line as an industry leader in cutting-edge automation solutions, Cathy's visionary leadership is a driving force, shaping not just a company, but an industry’s future.

Lauren Van De Mark is the Sales and Marketing Manager at Flex-Line Automation Inc. Raised on a farm in Southern Illinois, she developed a strong work ethic and adaptable skills early on. She earned her MBA from Mississippi State University and is passionate about solving problems and delivering exceptional customer service. In addition to her role in manufacturing and automation, Lauren is active in industry groups and enjoys promoting Southern Illinois. She also lives on a cattle farm with her husband and animals, and recently, Flex-Line was featured on “World’s Greatest” TV and “The Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid.”

Cayla Sibley joined Flex-Line Automation, Inc. in 2024 as a Customer Service Specialist, leveraging her extensive experience from St. Nicholas Brewing Company, where she advanced from waitress to Event Coordinator. Her background in the food service industry honed her organizational skills, time management, and customer service. At Flex-Line, Cayla brings her positive attitude to learning the technical aspects of conveyor and robotic integration, ensuring top-tier service for customers.

Isaiah Roth is a marketing student at SIU Carbondale with a strong work ethic and a background in food service, currently serving as a shift lead at Dairy Queen. At Flex-Line Automation, Inc., he gained marketing experience and explored automation technologies as an intern. Isaiah was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Randolph County StartUP program for his business, Roth Studios, specializing in photography and design. As a freshman, he’s excited to join the Marching Salukis and expand his skills.

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Cathy Rinne
Lauren Van De Mark
Cayla Sibley
Isaiah Roth
Flex-Line Automation
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#familybusiness #genz #careeradvice #businesstips #generations #professionaldevelopment #future #manufacturing #automation #robotics

Join us in this insightful episode of HIRED! The Podcast, hosted by Travis Miller, as we dive into the world of transitioning from technical roles to sales with Karine Leblanc, who is “Not Your Typical Engineer™”. Author of How to Be Human in a Technical World, Karine shares her journey and emphasizes the critical role of soft skills, especially communication and interpersonal skills.

This conversation explores hiring and managing individuals with low emotional intelligence (EQ), offering strategies for effective communication and relationship building. Karine and Travis discuss empathy, navigating conflicts, and the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace. They share practical tips for managing emotions, providing feedback, and fostering collaboration.

Meet Karine Leblanc, a dynamic engineer, bestselling author, and international speaker. As a VP of Sales, she has crafted winning sales teams with her engineering, coaching, and relationship-building skills. With a mechanical engineering degree from Montreal’s Ecole de Technologie Superieure and multiple certifications, Karine is a powerhouse. She’s a John Maxwell coach, DISC-certified consultant, Genos emotional intelligence practitioner, and eSpeakers certified virtual presenter. Karine has served on ASHRAE’s board, earning numerous accolades, including the ASHRAE Distinguished Service Award. She’s also Past-President of the National Speaker Association Los Angeles Chapter and an Amazon-published author.

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LinkedIn
Website
How to Be Human in a Technical World
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#softskills #emotionalintelligence #salestips #careeradvice #businesstips #communicationskills #professionaldevelopment #empathy #manufacturing #automation #robotics

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller interviews Britta Muehlenberg, Chief Operating Officer at Acrolinx, about the transformative role of AI in the workplace and the importance of human talent and leadership.

Travis and Britta discuss generative AI’s impact on the job market, leadership, and employee engagement. They explore the need for courageous communication, healthy conflict, and a culture of shared credit. They also highlight the significance of human connection in remote work and the challenges of maintaining empathy in a digital world.

Britta Muehlenberg, COO at Acrolinx, oversees customer retention, satisfaction, and all people-related activities. With over twenty years of HR and operations leadership experience, she ensures Acrolinx aligns with global frameworks like ESG and sustainability. Previously, she held key roles at Searchmetrics, Grand Hyatt Berlin, and Accenture, known for building high-performance teams.
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Britta Muehlenberg
Acrolinx
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#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Leadership #RemoteWork #EmployeeEngagement #HumanConnection #GenerativeAI #Manufacturing #Automation

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, we sit down with Luis Báez, a former executive at Tesla and Uber, who shares his remarkable journey from corporate sales to entrepreneurship. Discover how Luis has leveraged his extensive experience to become a successful sales and leadership coach, guiding others to achieve their goals.

We explore key themes such as self-awareness as a manager, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and the evolving challenges of managing teams in an AI-driven world. Luis also delves into the critical issue of burnout and offers practical strategies for creating a supportive and productive work environment.

Luis Báez is a seasoned sales and leadership coach with a proven track record at top companies like Tesla and Uber. Specializing in business development, project management, and sales enablement, Luis is passionate about helping others thrive through data-driven and intuitive strategies. He is dedicated to fostering collaboration and success in every team he works with.

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Luis Báez
Website
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#Leadership #Business #SalesStrategy #WorklifeBalance #Career #Burnout #Recruiting #Jobs #Manufacturing #Automation

Recruiting pros, listen up - the latest episode of HIRED! The Podcast is a must-listen. Host Travis Miller sits down with Ann Wyatt, President of Ann Wyatt Recruiting and host of the Workforce 4.0 podcast. Their lively discussion explores effective interview strategies, building positive organizational cultures, achieving work-life balance for employees, and more. Ann offers insightful perspective based on her workforce development background and innovative recruitment firm blending digital capabilities with personalized service.

Ann Wyatt is a recruiting phenom delivering top talent with remarkable retention since 2015. Her passion stems from a trailblazing workforce development career in Kentucky. Now, her innovative firm bridges talent gaps for industrial SMEs and solutions providers by masterfully blending cutting-edge digital capabilities with a personalized approach to forge ultra-vibrant cultures.

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LinkedIn
Ann Wyatt Recruiting
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#worklifebalance #career #recruiting #jobs #manufacturing #automation

In this episode of "HIRED! The Podcast," host Travis Miller engages in a captivating conversation with Trice Kabundi, a Managing Director of World 50 Group. Trice shares her unique approach to hiring, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and creativity. She delves into her philosophy of looking beyond traditional resumes to discover true potential, bringing fresh perspectives and stories that illustrate her innovative ideas. Trice also discusses the critical role of vulnerability in leadership, especially in today’s remote work environment, and highlights the value of learning from failure.

Trice recounts intriguing experiences, including an unexpected encounter with an Eritrean rebel general in Ethiopia and an insightful interview with Grammy-winning rapper Killer Mike. These stories showcase her openness to diverse perspectives and the importance of unconventional thinking in leadership and hiring. This episode is a masterclass in innovative practices and effective leadership, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their organizational success.

About Trice Kabundi: Trice Kabundi is a dynamic strategy and operations executive with a passion for unlocking human potential. As Managing Director at World 50 Group, she leads a community of Fortune 500 divisional presidents and CEOs. With a rich background spanning continents and industries, Trice has driven impactful business and social change. She is also the author of the upcoming poetry collection "Renegades of Creation" and is deeply committed to her family’s agribusiness in Zambia.

Leadership is Not Enough: An Operator's Guide to a Performance Culture by Dr. James Chitwood - https://bit.ly/44z53gB

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Connect with Trice Kabundi & World 50 Group
LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3V32E9I
World 50 Group - https://world50.com/
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