In ten years of working with recruiting and career services teams, we’ve heard time and again that leaders in these spaces want more opportunities to connect, workshop ideas, and develop deeper professional relationships. In particular, there’s a clear appetite for small-group forums focused on authentic content, where leaders can wrestle openly with big challenges and generate creative solutions to move their work forward. We created Handshake Talent Lab to fill that need.
Talent Lab went from vision to reality last week, when we hosted eight leaders for a morning of workshopping and discussion in New York City. Here’s what it looked like:
Top highlights from Talent Lab #1
Real-time perspective from the Class of 2024
Handshake Senior Researcher Randy Tarnowski hosted a fireside chat with Tyler Chimento, a Fordham University senior double majoring in psychology and music. Their conversation dug into the student perspective on hybrid work, AI, skill building, how Gen Z learns about jobs and employers, and more, and was followed by Q&A with Handshake leaders and Talent Lab attendees.
Handshake Senior Researcher Randy Tarnowski (left) interviews Fordham University senior Tyler Chimento
Honest, closed-door conversation with peers
Attendees joined Handshake Chief Talent Engagement Officer, Valerie Capers-Workman, and President of Field Operations, Nolan Farris, for a closed-door discussion of challenges and opportunities they’re facing in their work. The closed-door session was an opportunity for attendees to bond over shared experiences and brainstorm solutions without judgment or constraints.
Handshake Chief Talent Engagement Officer Valerie Capers-Workman leads a closed-door session for attendees
“Big swings” thinking on business value
Members of the Handshake Insights team walked attendees through different approaches to quantifying the ROI of talent acquisition work, especially when presenting outcomes to C-level stakeholders. The group had a chance to dissect two different ROI case studies, which inspired reflection on opportunities in their respective organizations.
Talent Lab attendees workshop ideas in a small group
Join the next Talent Lab
We’ll be hosting more Talent Lab events throughout the year. Each event will bring together eight to ten senior leaders to share, discuss, and workshop topics related to their industry or function. We’re excited to create a first-of-its-kind space for cross-pollination of ideas, where leaders of all backgrounds can network, engage in rich conversations with peers, and have fun solving problems together.
Let us know here if you’re interested in joining the next event!