The one with Randy Bailey from Walmart

Talent Intelligence Collective Podcast

Welcome to the 15th episode of the Talent Intelligence Collective Podcast!

Before I jump into this episode - we are excited to launch the 2021 Talent Intelligence Awards in partnership with Stratigens. Celebrating the most insightful, innovative, and best of talent intelligence.

If you want to showcase your amazing work - check out this link (deadline for entries is the 15th of November).

I was, as always, joined by my fabulous co-hosts Alison Ettridge of Talent Intuition and Toby Culshaw of Amazon, but unfortunately, no Nick Brooks. He was settling into a brand new role, but more on that in the next episode.

This show wouldn't be anything without our guests - and this time, we were joined by a longtime fan of the show - the fantastic Randy Bailey of Walmart.

We started off the episode in our typical fashion, with Toby updating us on the happenings within the world of Talent Intelligence. The news has been pretty active this month, but it has all revolved around the same topic - the widening labour jab.

I've found this whole discussion to be quite eye-opening. They've talked a lot about improving the business environment but fundamentally it's really about a skills gap. The declining supply of labour and skills.

Alison Ettridge

As the gap continues to widen, many organisations are going to be looking at their existing workforce planning. We will have to expand into other markets outside of the UK, which is how the issue really ties into Talent Intelligence.

It's the role of Talent Intelligence to help the conversation. We are often not solving the problem but bringing the conversation to the table to help get to an answer.

Randy Bailey

However, Europe is also facing a challenging labour environment, with Eurostat reporting their employment rate of people aged 20 to 64 was increasing quarter on quarter. Meaning their labour market slack - which comprises all people who have an unmet need for employment - is falling.

Even if we decided to look outside the UK, we aren't going to see this immediate influx in labour. That talent market is ridiculously tight anywhere. It's time we start thinking about transferable skills.

Toby Culshaw

After this very labour focused discussion, it was time for us to find out more about our amazing guest, Randy. Eager to find out how Randy became the Sourcing Grandmaster (and what that is), the skills he needed to transition into Talent Intelligence and how sourcing has changed over the years.

I was much more about the data initially, but I learned pretty early on within Talent Intelligence, making this information visually easier to read and explain is as important as the data you are presenting.

Randy Bailey

On that topic, is there any advice you should share with your past self about starting a Talent Intelligence team? Where to start? Or with what skills?

Always be curious. Take the extra time to present the ideas in a way that people can actually understand the information. Having an amazing diverse team as well really helps with diversity of thought and approach to the puzzle.

Randy Bailey

As always, we hope you enjoy the episode. A review or a share on social really does go a long way in helping us reach as many ears as possible.

Till the next one – stay intelligent!

Don't forget to say hi to our wonderful sponsors → Stratigens from @Talent Intuition.