In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Craig Kapper, Executive Vice President of Irvine Technology Corporation.

In this fascinating conversation, you'll learn how, in today’s rapidly evolving landscape, professionals and organizations alike face unprecedented challenges when it comes to evaluating talent. New technologies have changed how candidates present themselves, making it increasingly difficult to discern genuine skills from polished façades. This shift has forced hiring managers to rethink traditional interview methods and look deeper into the authenticity behind resumes and conversations.

Nicole and Craig explore the subtle signals that can reveal whether a candidate truly possesses the expertise they claim. From spotting delays or scripted answers during interviews to recognizing the telltale signs of AI-assisted responses, you'll discover practical strategies that can save valuable time and resources. The conversation also highlights how cultural fit and adaptability have become even more critical in an environment where artificial intelligence can level the playing field in unexpected ways.

This episode offers a nuanced perspective on balancing innovation with integrity, empowering those responsible for hiring to navigate this new terrain with confidence and discernment.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The impact of AI on recruitment and hiring, such as the fact that 75% of resumes are AI-enhanced, with 30-50% being misrepresentations or outright falsehoods.

• The issue of AI-enhanced resumes, and the difficulty of differentiating between genuine candidates and those using AI tools.

• How the use of real-time voice command tools that can generate answers for candidates can be a red flag.

• The importance of behavioral interview techniques and cultural fit in the AI hiring world.

• Why businesses should avoid relying solely on AI tools for information, as they may provide inaccurate data.

• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Craig Kapper is the Executive Vice President at Irvine Technology Corporation, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience in technology talent solutions and strategic operations. He began his career in 1995 as a District Sales and Operations Manager at Winston Tire Co., where he managed a \$60 million budget and led a team of nearly 400. In 2001, he joined Robert Half, where he spent nearly two decades as a District President and later as Managing Director of National Technology Accounts, partnering with top global companies to deliver technology and creative talent solutions. At Irvine Technology Corporation since 2023, Craig oversees consulting, contracting, direct placements, and project-based IT services. He studied Business Administration and Management at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Resources:

Craig's LinkedIn

Irvine Technology Corporation

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Elevate Your Career podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Susan Lindner.

In this fascinating conversation, Nicole and Susan explore a crucial skill that often gets overlooked in professional settings: the art of meaningful communication. They reveal how turning facts into stories—with real challenges and wins—makes messages stick. By focusing on the journey rather than just the destination, they reveal how stories create connection and stick in people’s minds far longer than typical resumes or elevator pitches ever could.

You'll discover the importance of tailoring messages to different audiences. Starting with clear, accessible language and gradually layering in complexity, they illustrate how to engage listeners at any level of understanding. This method ensures that even the most technical ideas become approachable and intriguing, sparking curiosity and opening doors for deeper conversations.

This episode invites you to rethink how you share your own stories, using them as bridges to connect with others and advance your ideas in more impactful, human ways.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Susan's initial interest in foreign languages, influenced by her ability to eavesdrop on conversations in different languages.
• Why she quit her job at Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital to pursue her dream of working in Thailand, inspired by Busta Rhymes' philosophy of always pursuing Plan A.
• The founding of her own PR firm and later a social media agency, working with startups to help them communicate their innovations effectively.
• The importance of understanding the audience's pain and gain, and framing stories in a way that resonates with them.
• Why job seekers need to focus on the impact of their work and the outcomes achieved, rather than just listing tasks and responsibilities.
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Susan Lindner is the Founder and CEO of Innovation Storytellers, a leading innovation storytelling consulting firm. She is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, workshop leader, messaging strategist, storytelling coach, and the world’s leading expert on innovation storytelling.

Susan draws from her initial experiences as an anthropologist and international aid worker in rural Thailand in the 1990s, where she shared stories that helped at-risk populations disproportionately affected by AIDS to slow the virus’ spread. Today, as a 20-year communications expert, she is committed to using those same storytelling skills to inspire innovation leaders everywhere to become incredible storytellers and ensure that their innovations get the resources, runway, and recognition they deserve.

Susan is the host of Innovation Storytellers, a weekly podcast that takes the mystery out of how to communicate breakthrough ideas to the people who matter most. Every week, Susan interviews top global innovation leaders from companies like Amazon, Bloomberg, Cisco, Corning, and Tesla about the stories that moved their innovations past the boardroom, lab, and production line and into our everyday lives.

Susan speaks at global conferences, consulates, and trade organizations. She has worked with C-level leaders and teams from over 60 countries at Fortune 100 companies like GE, Corning, Citi, AT&T, Arm & Hammer on their innovation storytelling strategies. The result? Those innovation leaders become incredible storytellers who go on to change the world. Susan is driven to ensure every breakthrough idea reaches its finish line through powerful stories that connect to every listener and power that brilliant idea...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Steve Heckler, Executive Coach and President of Steve Heckler Associates, as well as the author of So... You Want To Be A Manager: A Roadmap to Becoming a Great Manager.

In this fascinating conversation, Nicole and Steve explore the subtle yet powerful dynamics that shape how professionals connect, communicate, and evolve within their organizations. Steve offers a wealth of executive experience, sharing stories and insights from both high-stakes leadership roles and everyday workplace interactions.

You'll hear about moments in his own career where clarity, courage, and curiosity may have opened—or closed—the door to greater understanding. Through anecdotes and reflective commentary, Steve and Nicole examine what really happens beneath the surface of routine meetings, strategic decisions, and performance reviews.

Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this episode delivers thought-provoking takeaways that will stick with you long after the conversation ends.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Steve's career transition from IT to executive coaching, his experience as a former CIO, and his decision to pursue coaching due to difficulty finding another CIO job.
• The structure of his coaching business, including one-on-one coaching, team building, and communities of practice for various IT roles.
• The biggest misconceptions about becoming a manager, including the importance of desire and validation from others.
• The importance of creating a space for feedback and how to ask for and receive constructive feedback.
• The reluctance of employees to provide honest feedback to their supervisors and the need for managers to create an environment where feedback is welcomed.
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Steve Heckler is an accomplished Executive Coach and President of Steve Heckler Associates, bringing over 35 years of executive leadership experience to his coaching and consulting practice. He has held key management and CIO roles at major organizations, including IBM, Activision, Bank of America, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Health Net, and has been recognized for Outstanding People Management by IBM. Steve specializes in bridging the gap between IT and business leadership, mentoring senior executives across industries and global markets. His professional service includes leadership roles with the Professional Coaches and Mentors Association, the Southern California Society for Information Management, and Women in Technology International. Steve holds degrees from City College of New York and NYU, and is a Board-Certified Coach with certifications in DISC and Zenger Folkman 360 leadership assessments.

Resources:

Steve's LinkedIn

Steve Heckler Associates

So...You Want to Be a Manager: A Roadmap to Becoming a Great Manager