Hiring has been called “broken” for decades, but is it actually? And if so, what does “fixed” even look like?
In this episode of Recruiting Is No Joke, Joel sits down with Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, author, and HR tech analyst, to explore what’s working, what’s failing, and how talent leaders can prepare for a future shaped by AI, automation, and shifting workforce expectations.
Ben shares his journey from HR practitioner to researcher, explains why rejection and discomfort are essential for growth, and challenges recruiters to rethink how they measure success in a world where technology is everywhere but humanity is irreplaceable.
During the conversation, Joel and Ben dive into AI hype vs. reality, candidate experience, automation’s hidden costs, and why empathy, creativity, and critical thinking may be the most valuable skills of all in the future of work.
Whether you’re a recruiter, TA leader, or HR pro wondering how to stay relevant in the age of AI, this conversation will leave you with fresh insights and practical takeaways.
In this episode:
[00:03] Podcast introduction
[01:05] Introduction to Ben Eubanks
[02:47] What does an analyst/researcher do?
[05:42] Is hiring really broken?
[09:30] Improving candidate experience
[10:36] Ben’s journey into HR & recruiting
[12:06] Transition to writing & speaking
[14:44] The human side of HR & tech
[16:17] Future of HR: Human skills vs. automation
[18:38] AI, echo chambers, and human connection
[20:17] Rejection, resilience, and growth
[23:34] AI’s impact on social interaction
[24:15] AI and grief: The limits of technology
[27:02] Adapting to AI: Mindsets and mistakes
[27:45] Candidates’ views on AI in hiring
[29:33] Automation: Value creation vs. efficiency
[33:26] Strategic HR: Building relationships
[35:02] Business value and changing mindsets
[36:28] Career growth: Getting out of your comfort zone
[39:37] Closing & where to find Ben
About Ben Eubanks
Ben Eubanks is Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, where he leads studies on HR, recruiting, and the future of work. A former HR leader and recruiter, he’s the author of Artificial Intelligence for HR and Talent Scarcity, and a globally recognized speaker on workplace technology and strategy. Ben blends data-driven insights with a human-first perspective, helping organizations navigate the intersection of people and technology.
About Joel Lalgee
Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.
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