Judi Kruger

SignalFire's annual "State of Talent" report for 2023 is out and it has interesting insights. 💡 Some of the key takeaways: 1) Austin is the fastest-growing city for top tech talent by percentage. 2) New York City is gaining the biggest share of relocating tech talent. 3) #SiliconValley is losing the biggest share of relocating tech talent, but is still growing in net headcount. 4) Gen Z talent is being promoted to management slower than past generations. 5) Gen Z workers switch jobs 2x faster than those in Gen X. 6) #VC-backed founders are older than a decade ago, with the oldest in sectors like life sciences and cybersecurity. 7) Data is maturing from an analyst- and scientist-centric role to an engineering-focused discipline. 8) As demand for AI talent grows, a declining percentage of AI hires have graduate degrees or prestigious schooling. 9) Silicon Valley still hosts the most #AItalent, benefiting from the recent AI startup boom. ❓ Will we see these patterns continue or is the the pace of #innovation with #AI and other tech verticals so fast that entire new #trends will present themselves? 🚀 Given the rapid pace of innovation and various talent trends evolving post-pandemic it has never been more important to have a business strategy fully aligned with talent strategy. 🗞 Note: Additional articles in the comments to read. —- ♻️ Repost if you think others in your network would appreciate it 👍 Like it ✍️ Comment if this resonates? Or if you have a different opinion 🔔 Hit the Bell ✅ Follow me Rishi Khanna for more ✉️ DM me if I can be of any help. My inbox is open. #talent #talentstrategy #remotetalent #austin #nyc BorderlessMind ISHIR Namita S. Chetan Saxena Eric Soon Mamta Rani Renee Wilson Richa Mathur Akshay Chopra

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As those who celebrate gather for Thanksgiving, remember that this day carries profoundly different meanings for different people. While many of us celebrate with family, Thanksgiving is also a National Day of Mourning. There would be no "Thanksgiving" without a reminder of the genocide, land theft, and cultural erasure that followed the arrival of colonizers in North America. We’ve been taught a one-sided story of Thanksgiving, one of peaceful feasts and friendship between settlers and the Wampanoag people in 1621. But that narrative leaves out the theft, grave robbing, and eventual massacres that followed. It also overlooks the ongoing struggles and resilience of Native communities today. Why This Matters: For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is not a celebration but a day to honor their ancestors and protest the centuries of oppression their people have faced. One example is a event organized by the Indigenous Peoples of New England, the National Day of Mourning on Cole’s Hill in Plymouth is a powerful act of remembrance and resistance. The Problem With Silence: Ignoring this history, whether in schools, workplaces, or family gatherings doesn’t make it disappear. Educators who use construction paper headdresses or reenactments unintentionally reduce rich Native cultures to stereotypes. When we skip over the truth, we miss the opportunity to understand and heal. Why Acknowledgment Is the First Step: We can’t change the past, but we can commit to learning, acknowledging, and doing better. This means recognizing the complexities of this holiday and creating space for Native voices to be heard not just in November but all year. What I’m Grateful For: This year, I’m thankful for the people who are honest about our history, who teach the full story, and who advocate for equity and inclusion. I’m reminded that change doesn’t require a perfect promise it requires a chance, a willingness to face hard truths and build something better together. Let’s use this Thanksgiving to listen, learn, and take action. If we’re truly grateful, let’s show it by standing with Native communities not just in acknowledgment but in solidarity. 💬 What are you reflecting on this Thanksgiving? Let’s talk about how we can honor the truth and move forward together. #MyUncertaintyEra #Thanksgiving #NationalDayOfMourning #Acknowledgment #Solidarity

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Earlier this week, I brought my fully remote, distributed team together in Napa for a two-day offsite, where I intentionally stepped away from the typical planning and strategy sessions. Instead, I created space for us to simply connect.🙌 The days were mostly unstructured—a welcome break from the daily grind. We shared great meals, stories, and laughter—lots of it.🤣 Here’s what I walked away with: ✅ Immense gratitude for each person I work with. ✅ Confidence that those two days were time well spent. I truly believe that the supportive, psychologically safe environment we’ve built as a team is a direct result of the time we’ve dedicated to getting to know each other, understanding one another better, and prioritizing playfulness and fun. Too often, leaders underestimate the value of this type of connection, dismissing it as "fluff" or making minimal efforts, treating it as an afterthought. But for me, it’s the foundation of a thriving, cohesive team.❤️ Each smiling face in this photo is a big part of why my career is such a fulfilling and positive force in my life.🙏 #leadership #innovation #mentalhealth #peoplefirst #remote #remotework #wfh #humanresources

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We love helping employers give their people the answers they need. Read how our Ask Here tool simplifies routing and responding to employee questions. https://pycm.co/44YBHc4

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Two weeks ago, I shared why boutique recruiting firms like Global Systems Search are game-changers for small businesses navigating today’s challenging hiring landscape. The feedback and stories I’ve heard since have been incredible—proof that small businesses value tailored, people-first solutions. Let’s take the conversation further. What makes boutique recruiting more than just a trend? ✔️ A Partner, Not a Vendor: We see ourselves as an extension of your team, aligned with your mission and vision. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or your fiftieth, the focus is on collaboration, not transactions. ✔️ Cultural Fit at the Core: Resumes tell us about skills; conversations reveal who fits your company’s heartbeat. We prioritize candidates who will thrive in your environment and push your business forward. ✔️ A Vision Beyond the Vacancy: For us, it’s not just about filling a position—it’s about helping your business evolve, one hire at a time. 👥 Here’s a challenge for you: Think about your most recent hire. Was it seamless? Did you find someone who checks all the boxes and adds something special to your team? If not, it’s time to rethink your recruiting strategy. At Global Systems Search, we’re here to offer you more than candidates—we provide solutions tailored to your growth. Let’s connect, brainstorm, and build the team you need to tackle your next chapter. 💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts: What’s been your biggest recruiting challenge lately? Drop a comment or send me a DM—I’m here to help! #SmallBusiness #Recruiting #HiringSolutions #BoutiqueRecruiting #TalentAcquisition

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My leader, David Brown, tasked our team with sharing our word of the year. Mine? Less. While most people are writing extensive goal lists and filling new Google calendars with outlines and plans, I’m intentionally doing the opposite. It might sound a little unconventional, and the goal-getting achiever inside of me is still a little unsure of this plan. 😬🏃🏻‍♀️ Years ago, I had a leader whom I greatly admire tell me that I have a sturdy plate. She explained everyone has a threshold for what they can carry. My plate is sturdy and I can carry a substantial amount. She could trust that when I said yes, the work would get done, on time and quality top of mind. ✅ That was a rewarding year. I took on several stretch projects, received 2 promotions, and graduated with my Master’s in Leadership. 🎓 She was right. I do have a sturdy plate, and it’s served me both personally and professionally for years to come. But last year, my word was Balance. ⚖️ And I kept finding myself stretched thin, burnt out, and frustrated that I couldn’t make all the pieces fit in a way that served me like they had in the past. The biggest lesson from 2024? I need less, in order to give more. 💡 Less “yes”, allows me to be more intentional. Less noise, allows for more presence. Less worrying, more acceptance. Less burnout, more gratitude. Less juggling, more room for creation and authenticity. Walking into 2025 with enthusiasm about the things I’ve given a yes! Sometimes, less is more.

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Upsells drive high net retention — but what happens when shrinking teams or seat reductions stall your growth? 🧐 ZoomInfo Founder and CEO Henry Schuck sat down with SaaStr’s Jason M. Lemkin on the ZI Labs Podcast to discuss how sellers can navigate these challenges and avoid getting stuck. 🎧 Tune into the full episode to learn more — links below. 🔗 Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/3AMn8xC 🔗 Spotify: bit.ly/4i5wpRU

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The pace of change in many for-profit spaces (especially tech) can be shocking. For Miguel Figueroa, it was surprising to experience constant manager shifts. Eventually, instead of just sitting back and blindly following new leadership, he realized he had a unique context and perspective worth sharing. His voice mattered. Miguel is the embodiment of a growth mindset. In next week's newsletter, he'll share more about how he shifted from hospitality to tech and what's helped him earn 3 promotions in 4 years! #ClearEyedView #FeatureFriday

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Fill in the blanks: Chief People Officers five years ago were ____ Chief People Officers five years from now will be ____ I sat down recently with Grace Zuncic to get her take on ways the top HR job has evolved and where it’s heading next. Grace previously led the talent organization at Chobani as Chief People and Culture Officer and currently serves as Chief People and Impact Officer at Cotopaxi. Her views reflect what I’ve been hearing more and more from talent leaders around the world: the job is no more about being a “compliance champion” overseeing company policies, but is about being a strategic partner and source of inspiration to the CEO who demonstrates that people management done right leads to business innovation. This new skillset is needed now more than ever given the impact AI is set to have on every single job across every single function. We'll see more people leaders like Grace emerge out of this moment. Check out more from our conversation below, and let me know in the comments how you think the role of Chief People Officer is evolving! 

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Have you seen videos of workers recording themselves being laid off? You’re not alone. Over the past several years, workers have demanded more transparency. When we shifted to virtual and hybrid, this trend kicked into hyperdrive. Employers often find themselves having unhealthy reactions: > Why do they have to ask WHY all the time—can’t they just do what I tell them? > We can’t let this get out in front of us. > If we tell them, it will just be a distraction. > We’ve worked hard to get this candidate to the table, so don’t blow it. For their part, if employees can’t get the visibility they want, they’ll create it. It’s a brave new world. Transparency was on full display on the recent episode of Perspectives powered by The Predictive Index. Our panelists included Adam Ryan, Gwenevere Crary, SPHR, MSHR, SHRM-SCP, and Jamy Conrad. These experts shared their views, and I captured a summary in a handy recap post. You can even download a shiny new tipsheet and watch the replay. Check out my recap of “Smile! You’re on Camera” at https://bit.ly/3Uk454x 🔎 #Leadership #Transparency #Culture #Webinar #TalentOptimization

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Did you know 1 in 2 employees regret their benefits choices? Open enrollment can be overwhelming, and new research reveals that many U.S. workers feel they've made the wrong decisions. But they're not sure how to fix it — and open enrollment is a crucial time to guide them towards better choices for the year ahead. But you don't have to go it alone. ALEX is a tried and tested benefits engagement tool that gives employees confidence in their healthcare decisions.

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Intuit announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Amazon! Together, we will empower millions of Amazon sellers to manage their finances, stay compliant, access capital, and grow their business. Intuit QuickBooks will also become Amazon’s preferred partner for financial management solutions integrated directly in Amazon Seller Central. This partnership will offer businesses seamless, AI-powered experiences that will keep all their data in one place and ultimately fuel their success. 🚀 https://bit.ly/4gANmSZ

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💪 💪 (singing) Work, work , work work work work! 💪 💪 Good morning, y’all! I am inspired and excited to go to work today. I love Mondays! That may sound strange but hear me out! 10 years ago, I decided to do my first endurance event. I’m not a natural runner, cyclist, or swimmer by any stretch. But I am fiercely competitive, especially when I have a specific goal in mind. I knew the only way to achieve it was by putting in the work. The early mornings, the sore muscles, the days when I wanted to quit—it was all part of the journey. But here’s the thing: every step, every mile made me stronger, both physically and mentally. It isn’t about the medals (though I do love those! 🏅). It’s about the process. Celebrate the small wins along the way! At work, this counts too. We all have goals, dreams, and aspirations. But to get there, we have to show up every day—even when it’s tough, even when you don’t feel like it. In the end, the work we put in is what builds us, shapes us, and leads to our success. This Monday, remember - You got this You have done the work. You ARE doing the work, and you’ll see the results. If you believe in the power of showing up every day, drop a 💪 in the comments! Let’s crush this week together! #MondayMotivation #WorkHardPlayHard #PersonalGrowth #YouGotThis #MyUncertaintyEra

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✳️Looking Ahead: My Predictions for the Portland IT Hiring Market in 2025✳️ As we near the end of 2024, I’ve been reflecting on the trends shaping the Portland IT hiring market and where I believe we're headed in 2025! Based on current patterns, here are my thoughts: Increased Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals: With the rise in cyber threats, businesses will continue prioritizing cybersecurity. This will result in a higher demand for cybersecurity talent, especially those with specialized knowledge in cloud security, vulnerability management, and incident response. Shift Toward Hybrid and Remote IT Roles: Companies are increasingly open to hybrid and fully remote IT positions. I foresee this trend continuing, especially for roles like software engineers, data analysts, and IT support. This could lead to a broader talent pool as geographic limitations lessen. Growth in Cloud and AI Talent: Cloud technology and AI are taking center stage in 2025. We’ll see more demand for cloud architects, AI specialists, and machine learning engineers to help companies scale, automate, and innovate in their operations. Focus on Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity will remain a key factor in hiring decisions, with more companies looking to create diverse IT teams. This means a continued push for inclusive hiring practices and support for diverse talent pipelines. Shortage of Skilled Talent: The competition for top-tier talent will continue to be fierce, especially for specialized roles. IT departments will need to focus on retention, employee development, and offering competitive benefits to keep their best professionals. What are your predictions for Portland’s IT hiring landscape in 2025? Let’s discuss in the comments!! #PortlandIT #TechHiring2025 #Cybersecurity #AI #CloudComputing #DiversityInTech #HiringTrends

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What kind of leader do you want to be? This past week, I’ve taken a step forward in my leadership journey as Unanet's Vice President of Talent. Of course, I can’t share this without feeling both honored and humbled at the same time. It’s easy to point back at the wins over the past several years, all of which would have been impossible without being surrounded by the people I work with every day. 📈 We’ve doubled revenue and then more than doubled the double. 🔗 We’ve welcomed new products and new people into our business. 🌱 We’ve kicked off, reignited, have grown or supported the careers of several hundred employees. ⬆️ We’ve created something unique with a capital Unanet “U.” It’s another thing to think about all the ways I’ve failed along the way. As a mentor of mine has shared with me time and again, “It’s not a matter of IF you’ll fail, but WHEN you’ll fail and how you’ll respond to it.” So, it’s with much excitement (and, yes, uncertainty and hope and determination and more) that I have the opportunity to continue contributing to a success story that is still being written, with plenty of opportunity for me to fail-and-learn, to win-and-learn, and to become the leader I want to be. If you're looking to write the next chapter of your career, we're growing! Check out our open opportunities here: https://lnkd.in/eMCvTiR

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We’re closing out the second season of The New Talent Code with some of our top conversations. One of my season two favorites was our conversation with Betsy Summers from Forrester. She shared stats on how HR leaders are thinking about AI. While there is still room to grow, it gave me a lot of hope that in another year, HR teams will be even more excited about it. Listen to all our favorite moments now: https://lnkd.in/dFZpm2Mt

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Just worked with a candidate to prep for a MS Dynamics ISV delivery role, and I wanted to share a few takeaways (can be used for any role) — Prep your answers with the CAR method. Outline the Challenge you faced, the Action you took, and the Result you achieved. — Do your research and bring the energy. Understand the company, their mission, and how you can add value. Body language in video interviews is important. Come across excited. — Leverage AI for interview prep. Use tools to generate potential interview questions tailored to the role. A great prompt to try: Act as if you are the hiring manager for [insert role] at [insert company]. Using the attached job description, generate a list of potential interview questions you’d ask a candidate. Remember: Interviews are a two-way street. You’re not just there to sell yourself. You’re also evaluating if the company, team, and role are the right fit for you.

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A great lesson for all leaders of teams. Rethink the value of accommodations. Rethink old paradigms. Acknowledge that new attitudes and new understandings will lead us all to a more positive future. Thanks Kori Huston for this wonderful post. #leadership #teambuilding #teams #rethink

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