Dotcom to GenAI: David Manaster Reflects on the TA Rollercoaster

In this episode, Denise Chaffin sits down with David Manaster, the longtime CEO and founder of ERE Media, to reflect on the past, present, and future of talent acquisition. With over 25 years at the forefront of recruiting media, David shares stories from the early internet days, the rise of job boards, and the massive shifts brought by AI. They dive into the evolution of sourcing, the changing nature of industry conferences, and how recruiters can adapt—or pivot—to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven field. From full-desk recruiting to competitive intelligence, David offers thoughtful insight into what remains timeless and what’s transforming rapidly in TA.

Key Episode Segments:

• Historical Perspective: David started ERE Media in 1998, originally creating an email discussion list for recruiters that evolved into a major media and events company.

• Tech Cycles & Parallels: He compares the current AI wave to the early internet revolution—both disruptive, both overhyped, and both ultimately transformative.

• Sourcing Evolution: While the term “sourcing” rose recently, the skillset is shifting from standalone roles to part of every recruiter’s toolkit thanks to advanced software.

• TA Conferences Have Changed: Conferences have exploded in number post-COVID, but many are now vendor-driven or pay-for-play, which shifts the learning environment.

• Futureproofing Talent: David sees early tech adopters in TA—especially sourcers—transitioning successfully to broader roles, including competitive intelligence and advisory positions.