Becoming Choosable: The Future of Employer Branding w/ James Ellis

Forget flashy career sites and catchy slogans—if you want to win the talent war in 2026, you need to stop being "attractive" and start being "choosable." In this episode, the boys sit down with employer branding heavyweight James Ellis, founder of Employer Brand Labs, to deconstruct the shallow misconceptions plaguing the industry. Fresh off the release of his new book, Becoming Choosable, Ellis dives deep into why most companies fail by prioritizing aesthetics over substance. From a scathing critique of superficial Super Bowl ads to a masterclass on the NFL’s global expansion strategy, the conversation bridges the gap between high-level marketing and the gritty reality of talent acquisition. Whether you're a mid-sized firm or a global powerhouse, tune in to learn how to define your company’s unique core identity and build a talent strategy that actually drives business growth. Ready to find out if your brand is actually "choosable" or just wearing a fresh coat of paint? Give the episode a listen on the Chad and Cheese Podcast official site or your favorite streaming platform. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Employer Branding and the Podcast 02:17 - Super Bowl Insights and Branding Implications 05:18 - The Catalyst for Writing 'Becoming Choosable' 09:28 - Understanding Employer Branding and Business Growth 13:23 - The Future of Talent Acquisition and Branding Challenges 15:00 - The Importance of Brand in Recruitment 18:53 - Navigating the ATS Landscape 22:00 - The Role of Social Media in Employer Branding 29:58 - Targeting and Brand Messaging in a Holistic World