Show notes
REDUCTION IN FORCE: HOW TO LEAD DURING CRISIS!
This show focuses on the practical reality of TA downsizing, told by leaders who have already been through it. Not theory. Not platitudes. Real decisions, real mistakes, and hard-won lessons. We explore how leaders decide when reductions are unavoidable, who to let go, and how to do it in a way that is fair, defensible, and humane—while still protecting the business.
The discussion covers:
• Early warning signs that TA capacity is misaligned with demand
• Objective vs subjective decision-making in role reductions
• Legal and process risks specific to TA teams
• Communicating layoffs with clarity, dignity, and credibility
• Supporting managers who deliver the message
• Handling survivor guilt and rebuilding trust post-reduction
• What leaders wish they had done differently
Grounded in recent workforce data and employment best practice, this episode gives TA leaders a clear-eyed framework for making difficult calls without losing their values—or their teams.
Learn how to approach TA layoffs with structure, empathy, and confidence, while minimising risk and preserving long-term organisational trust.
We're with Andrea Marston, Head of Talent Acquisition (Nutanix), Yakub Zolinsky, VP of People (XYZReality), Julia Levy, Global Head of TA (ex-Commscope, Fiserv) & friends on Friday 13th February, 2pm GMT. Register by clicking on the green button (save my spot) and follow the channel here (recommended)
Ep361 is sponsored by Maki
At Maki, we help organisations like BNP Paribas, PwC, Booking.com, Nestlé, and H&M transform hiring with AI agents for screening, interviewing, and assessment.
By combining automation, behavioural science, and data, Maki enables talent teams to hire faster, fairer, and smarter.
Our global partnership with H&M saved 250 000 recruiter hours, cut time-to-hire by 4×, and reduced turnover by 22 %, delivering $85 M ROI.
Beyond automation, we’re building a continuous reinforcement system where every recruiter judgment and employee outcome makes our AI agents smarter; creating a unique data moat in HR.
Learn more: makipeople.com