The Truth About Hiring in 2026 (What Every Leader Needs to Know) w/LHH's Alex Ridder, Chicago Recruiting's Ravi Subramanian and Bamboo HR's Brandon Welch
The hiring market isn't frozen. It isn't booming. It's something in between.
Every week brings another contradictory headline. Companies are investing billions in AI while slowing hiring. Job postings are up, applications are flooding in, and yet organizations across industries still struggle to find the talent they need.
So what's really happening?
In this episode of Your Work Friends, we sit down with three leaders who spend every day inside today's hiring market to separate the headlines from reality. Together, we explore why many hiring systems were designed for a workforce that no longer exists, how AI is reshaping recruiting without replacing the need for human judgment, and why organizations need to rethink how they identify, develop, and retain talent in a rapidly changing world.
Joining us are:
Alex Ridder, Global Head of Client Partnerships at LHH
Ravi Subramanian, Founder & President of Chicago Recruiting Forum
Brandon Welch, Head of Talent Acquisition at BambooHR
Together, we discuss:
Why hiring feels "slushy" instead of frozen or booming
How AI is changing recruiting and where human oversight still matters
Why Gen Z and workers over 50 are facing the same underlying hiring challenge
Whether college is keeping pace with the skills employers actually need
The growing role of internal mobility, continuous learning, and skills-based hiring
What organizations should rethink before automating their hiring processes
Whether you're hiring, leading a team, working in HR, or navigating your own career, this conversation offers practical insights into where hiring is headed and what leaders can do today to build a workforce that's ready for what's next.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.
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