EP 212: Managing Expectations in a Job You Can’t Control

EP 212: Managing Expectations in a Job You Can’t Control

Author: James Mackey May 5, 2026 Duration: 59:04
Mallory Planck started her career in the middle of the 2009 recession, figuring things out in real time without a clear path. That grind took her from door-to-door sales into talent acquisition, where she now serves as Head of TA at Drata. She talks about managing expectations in a people-driven role, the pressure to keep up with AI, and why learning to slow down might be the hardest skill to build. Connect with host James Mackey on LinkedIn! Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for maki...

Hosted by James Mackey, The Breakthrough Hiring Show: Recruiting and Talent Acquisition Conversations digs into the real work of building great teams. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a series of direct conversations focused on turning hiring from a constant challenge into a genuine edge for your business. You'll hear from leaders and practitioners who are in the trenches, discussing everything from the strategic shift needed to become a talent-first organization down to the granular details of process, technology, and metrics. Episodes move between high-level thought leadership and actionable advice you can use immediately, whether you're in a fast-moving SaaS startup, a growth-stage company, or an established firm. The dialogue here covers the full spectrum: effective onboarding and retention strategies, practical diversity and inclusion initiatives, navigating job boards and social media, and understanding the recruitment metrics that actually matter. Tune into this podcast for honest talk about empowering top talent and constructing a hiring engine that drives business forward. It's for anyone in recruiting, HR, or leadership who wants to move beyond just filling roles and start building a lasting competitive advantage through people.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

The Breakthrough Hiring Show: Modern Recruiting, AI, and Talent Strategy
Podcast Episodes
EP 195: How to Succeed as the First Recruiter at a Startup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:58
Shannan Farmer, Lead Talent Partner at Freshpaint, details a sharp first thirty days blueprint, from fast ATS upgrades to structured debriefs and centralized feedback, proving that disciplined process can increase qualit…
EP 194: Leading with Respect and Direct Communication [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:12
Ashlye Hernandez, Executive Director of Global Talent Acquisition and Operations at nCino, examines how her path from rural North Carolina to executive leadership shaped a people-first approach grounded in respect, resil…
EP 192: Aligning Who You Are with How You Lead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:02
Jaasiel Bulnes, VP of Global Talent Acquisition at Workiva, reveals how growing up amid Miami’s constant motion and being raised in an immigrant household shaped Jasi’s resilience, resourcefulness, and commitment to earn…
EP 191: Hiring Lessons from Mission Work and Global Service [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:29
Jeramy Keetch, Director of Talent Acquisition at Nerdy, traces how his Midwestern upbringing and global service experiences shaped his leadership philosophy, one rooted in empathy and adaptability. He reflects on faith,…
EP 190: A Philosophical Approach to Hiring and Team Design [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:14
Nicole Hirsch, Sr. Director of TA & People Operations at Lattice, explores how a foundation in philosophy and early leadership as an RA shaped her people-first approach. Nicole and James talk about parallels between Plat…
EP 189: Empathy, Grit, and Leading Teams Through Crisis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:58
Lauren Groshong, GTM Recruiting Leader at Vanta, shares how growing up with grit and humor was foundational to her leadership style. Lauren talks about her time leading business recruiting at Grammarly, and how the leade…