About the Guest(s):

Susan LaMotte is an established leader in the field of employer branding and talent acquisition strategy. She brings over 25 years of experience, where she has consistently sat at the intersection of business and behavior. As the CEO of Exaqueo, Susan lends her expertise to Fortune 500 and high-growth companies, aiming to transform the employment relationship through employer brand, workforce insights, and candidate and employee experiences. Previously, Susan held significant roles at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company and Marriott International, where she was instrumental in pioneering their social media recruitment strategies.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of "Growing Your Business with People," host Jeff Lay welcomes Susan LaMotte, CEO of Exaqueo, to delve into the intricacies of employer branding and the influential role it plays in recruitment. As an expert who has aided businesses in navigating the hiring challenges during the pandemic, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge on effectively communicating a company's mission to potential candidates and staff alike.

Susan's approach is rooted in data-driven strategies that leverage market research similar to that conducted in consumer marketing. She highlights the power of influence and the importance of understanding the multifaceted web of employee experiences. Capturing the human element in data and aligning it with business goals, she exemplifies how corporations can evolve their talent management practices for better recruitment, engagement, and retention.

Key discussions focus on the sources of influence in both online and offline spaces, the comparison between customer and employee experience, and the shift from a transactional to a relational perspective in employee interactions.

Key Takeaways:

Data-driven strategies in talent acquisition and retention are critical for understanding employee experiences and must be aligned with business goals.

Companies should leverage market research to understand the influences on their employees and candidates, ensuring a more targeted and effective recruitment approach.

Employer branding must be authentic and reflect the company's journey, rather than aspirational messaging that lacks substance.

Influence is multifaceted and can significantly impact hiring, engagement, and retention; understanding this web of influence is key to successful talent strategies.

Executive leadership should actively engage with frontline employees and consider their perspectives in decision-making processes.

Notable Quotes:

"People and profits have to coexist." - Susan LaMotte

"Let the influencers brand on your behalf." - Susan LaMotte

"Nothing makes me happier than when an executive says to me, we've never seen this data before." - Susan LaMotte

"The more information you have about your people, then you can decide what levers you want to pull." - Susan LaMotte