With 15 years of experience in the Talent Acquisition industry, Stephen has honed his skills in connecting talented individuals with the right opportunities. His passion lies in improving processes and efficiency, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable recruitment experience for all stakeholders involved.
Stephen thrives on exploring recruitment strategies, enhancing employer branding, and leveraging technology to revolutionise the hiring processes. Stephen makes sure that he stays ahead of the curve with the latest trends and innovations, which allows him to continuously refine his approach and deliver exceptional results.
When Stephen is not immersed in the world of talent acquisition, you’ll find him spending quality time with his family, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or at a table trying to teach his 2-year-old a board game.
What’s a professional achievement of yours from 2024 that you are proud of?
In 2024, I embraced the challenge of joining a rapid growth startup, where I played a crucial role in scaling our talent acquisition processes to meet the demands of our expanding team. One of my key achievements was initiating the development of a custom AI-supported Applicant Tracking System (ATS), set to revolutionize our recruitment efficiency and effectiveness.
Additionally, I spearheaded the launch of a new business line—a Talent Acquisition advisory service. This initiative, driven by my vision and leadership, addresses a significant gap in the HR consulting landscape, positioning us as pioneers in this space.
How has the RL Community helped you this year?
The RL Community has been a tremendous support for me this year. It has provided a safe space to discuss recruitment challenges, allowing me to openly share and address issues without fear of judgment. Connecting with like-minded peers in an industry that is naturally very competitive has been invaluable. This community offers a unique area to discuss recruitment as part of HR with professionals who truly understand recruitment, rather than approaching it solely from an HR perspective. Additionally, the insights and learning I’ve gained about how recruitment is developing outside the walls of my current organisation have been excellent, broadening my understanding and enhancing my approach.
What is your prediction for the TA industry for 2025?
In 2025, AI and automation will revolutionize Talent Acquisition, streamlining recruitment and enhancing the candidate experience. Recruiters will focus on meaningful connections while AI handles repetitive tasks efficiently.
Custom AI-supported Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) will become standard, tailoring recruitment strategies to unique needs. This will drive unprecedented efficiency, improve decision-making, and offer a personalised experience for recruiters and candidates.