Leaders Unfiltered

Ep.13: Simplicity, Burnout & Belonging: Lou Holcomb’s Unfiltered

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, host Angela Alberty, CEO of myBasePay, sits down with Lou Holcomb, Global Director of Contingent Workforce at UKG, live from Dallas.

From her early days as a Russian linguist in the U.S. Army to building and leading global workforce programs, Lou shares how storytelling, data, and resilience shaped her leadership journey. She opens up about the realities of burnout, the importance of setting boundaries, and how rediscovering creativity became her turning point.

Angela and Lou dig into what’s next for the contingent workforce, from simplifying complex ecosystems to balancing vendor consolidation with diversification, and why trust and inclusion are the true foundations of scalable programs. Lou also reveals her approach to building culture across global teams, empowering contingent talent, and creating workplaces where people feel safe to fail, learn, and grow.

If you’re rethinking your workforce strategy or simply trying to bring more humanity into your leadership, this episode is a must-listen.

Ep. 12: Neha Malhotra and Kaden Elliott, BayOne Solutions, Make Tech Purple, Measurable Progress, and Closing Workforce Gaps

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:41:04 -0400

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, host Angela Alberty is joined by Neha Malhotra, Head of Recruiting Delivery and Make Tech Purple at BayOne, and Kaden Elliott, Business Development Account Manager at BayOne. Together, they unpack the realities of representation in tech, the impact of COVID on workforce participation, and the biases that keep qualified talent out of roles.

Neha shares how the Make Tech Purple initiative moved female placements from 26% to 46% in four years through targeted recruiting, upskilling, and systemic change. Kaden brings his perspective from healthcare and staffing, explaining how interview bias shows up in practice, why allyship matters, and how companies like Expedia and Levi’s proved that measurable progress is possible.

You’ll also hear how early engagement through schools and internships shapes the next generation, why STEM jobs create life-changing opportunities, and what leaders must do to build fairer, stronger, and more competitive teams.

Ep. 11: Ursula Williams, President at SIA, Collaboration, Technology, and the Future of Staffing

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 22:26:43 -0400

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, host Angela Alberty sits down with Ursula Williams, President of SIA, to discuss how collaboration and technology are reshaping the staffing industry. Ursula shares her journey from staffing practitioner to leading one of the industry’s most respected organizations, reflecting on how resilience, adaptability, and innovation have defined the past five years.

The conversation explores how AI and automation can eliminate inefficiencies while keeping recruitment human-centered, why rebranding and positioning are crucial in a crowded market, and how collaboration across providers is essential to the industry’s next chapter. Ursula also shares the vision behind CollaborationX, SIA’s newest event focused on the future of staffing, technology, and workforce solutions.

Ep. 10: Nicholas DiZoglio, Building Future-Proof Programs and Rethinking MSP Strategy

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, host Angela Alberty sits down with Nicholas DiZoglio, Global External Workforce Leader at Biogen, to discuss what it truly takes to design a future-proof workforce program.

From his early days in staffing to building and running enterprise-wide programs in biotech and pharma, Nick brings a rare mix of practical wisdom and strategic clarity.

They dig into the real conversations happening behind the scenes, including what to look for when bidding out new tech, when to lean on MSPs, and how to balance cost savings with long-term value. Nick also shares why cultural awareness is key when rebooting a workforce strategy, and how industry events and peer relationships play a critical role in staying relevant.
If you’re navigating program overhauls, compliance challenges, or just trying to do more with less, this one’s for you.

Ep.9: Art Zeile, Building the Future of Tech Hiring Through AI, Cybersecurity, & Skills-Based Talent

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, Angela Alberty sits down with Art Zeile, CEO of DHI Group, to explore the lessons and leadership philosophies that have defined his entrepreneurial journey across video conferencing, data centers, cloud computing, and now at the helm of DICE and ClearanceJobs.

They unpack how the tech hiring landscape has shifted dramatically since 2019, the importance of understanding economic cycles, and why AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are the macro forces reshaping workforce demand.

Art shares how DICE has evolved from a job board to a high-engagement hiring platform, embracing skills-based hiring as a response to the growing gap between job requirements and available talent.
From the significance of customer empathy to the role of optimism in leadership, Art outlines what it takes to lead through uncertainty, stay ahead of rapid technological change, and build solutions grounded in real-world pain points.

Ep.8: Joseph Postiglione Sr, VP of Procurement, How to Spot the Right Clients and Lead Real Change

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, host Angela Alberty sits down with Joseph Postiglione Sr. to explore a career that spans corporate procurement, Big Four consulting, and executive coaching.

Before his current role in financial services, Joe served as VP and Chief Procurement Officer at the NBA, where he built a global procurement function from the ground up.

Joe brings a rare perspective on how change truly happens within organizations, and why so many transformation efforts fail to deliver results. He shares how to assess a company's real capacity for change, the importance of mapping both current and future state processes, and how incomplete requirements gathering creates costly blind spots. Joe emphasizes the power of emotional intelligence in leadership, the value of getting clear before jumping into execution, and why trust is the foundation for both upselling and sustainable impact.

Whether you're navigating a significant transformation, building a pre-sales process, or just trying to lead with more clarity and self-awareness, this episode offers practical tools and hard-earned wisdom you can apply immediately.

Ep.7: Beau Billington, Founder of The Free Agent, Building Smarter Workforce with Fractional Talent

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, Angela Alberty talks with Beau Billington, Founder of The Free Agent, about the rise of fractional work and how it's reshaping both hiring and career paths.

Beau shares his journey from corporate life to building a platform for independent professionals and explains why more companies are turning to part-time executives to scale with flexibility. They dig into what makes fractional work successful, from setting clear expectations and managing risk tolerance to pricing models and the legal differences between 1099 and W-2 classifications. Beau also addresses compliance challenges, common myths about fractional talent, and the mistakes companies make when engaging part-time leaders.

Whether you're a company exploring fractional hiring or a professional considering the leap, this episode offers grounded insight from someone who’s been shaping the space for nearly a decade.

Ep.6: Carrie McDowell, How Relationships, Rebrands, and Real Talk Power Change

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, Carrie McDowell joins Angela Alberty live from ProcureCon to share how she went from fashion to staffing to leading Lyft’s contingent workforce program.

Carrie unpacks the work behind rebranding a legacy program at a household-name company, how change management happens, and the role of internal relationships in driving lasting impact. She speaks candidly about getting laid off while pregnant, landing her dream role, and what it means to lead while raising two young children.

From designing Lyft’s internal brand to building policies from scratch.

Carrie shows what it takes to build something that lasts and why joy, support, and honesty are essential in work and life.

Ep.5: Angela Westhead, From Layoffs to Leadership: Lessons in Grit and Growth

Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This one’s for anyone who's felt like they're carrying it all and still finding a way forward.

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, Angela Westhead shares her journey through the contingent workforce industry, from starting from the bottom to leading procurement at Zendesk.

Along the way, she opens up about navigating layoffs, managing career decisions as a single parent, and learning how to set boundaries without compromising growth. Angela doesn’t just talk about titles or job moves—she shares what it took emotionally, financially, and personally to get where she is today.

This episode reminds us that leadership isn’t linear and that fulfillment often stems from redefining success on your own terms.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating a layoff, or balancing career and caregiving, Angela’s story will hit home.

Ep.4: Flexibility & Safety in Dynamic Workforce with Patrick Ceant, a Leader in Oil & Gas Industry

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, host Angela Alberty sits down with Patrick Ceant a leader with over two decades of experience in the oil and gas industry to share insights from his career journey. From accountant to contingent labor expert, he highlights critical lessons in compliance, transparency, and safety.

We explore practical ways companies can integrate AI tools to streamline tasks, the importance of upskilling talent, and how flexibility helps retain a competitive workforce. Patrick also reflects on leadership principles learned through sports, fostering competitive mindsets in children, and why genuine human connection remains vital even in the age of AI.

Key Takeaways:
Patrick Ceant has 24+ years of experience in the oil and gas industry.He transitioned into contingent labor five years ago, focusing on compliance and safety.Transparency and safety are crucial in the oil and gas sector.Flexibility is essential for retaining top talent in a changing environment.AI can enhance efficiency by automating mundane tasks.

Upskilling is vital for adapting to future workforce needs.Leadership can be learned from sports and competition.Creating a competitive mindset in children prepares them for life.Human connection is irreplaceable in the workplace.Being a leader means taking initiative and moving forward despite challenges.

Ep.3: Lizzie Parnell, Extended Workforce Leader at RSM US LLP, Shaping the Global Workforce

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, host Angela Alberty sits down with Lizzie Parnell to explore the dynamic evolution of the contingent workforce, the rise of globalization, and the importance of fostering a unified company culture. They discuss how AI is transforming workforce management, the critical role of cultural sensitivity in global operations, and why partnerships are key to navigating new markets and ensuring compliance.

Lizzie shares her two decades of experience in the staffing industry, offering real-world insights into the challenges and opportunities leaders face in an increasingly globalized and AI-driven world. From redefining contingent labor terminology to championing skills-based hiring, Lizzie emphasizes the need for a human-centric approach to workforce strategy.

The conversation also touches on women's leadership, self-care in the workplace, and how leaders can create supportive environments for working mothers.

Key Takeaways:
The contingent workforce has evolved from temporary roles to critical business levers.
Global workforce management requires understanding and respecting cultural differences.
Building a unified company culture involves honoring diverse work practices.
AI can streamline talent acquisition, compliance, and skills-based hiring.
Partnerships are essential for navigating new markets and ensuring local compliance.
The term 'extended workforce' reflects the shift in contingent labor terminology.
Leaders must champion self-care and human-centric management practices.
Women's leadership includes advocating for supportive, flexible work environments.
Skills-based hiring improves engagement and helps future-proof organizations.
Companies must adapt to the changing landscape of labor laws and global workforce strategies.

For leaders navigating the complexities of global workforce management and AI integration, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical strategies.

Ep. 2: Pratik Patel, Director at Mastercard, Driving Workforce Transformation Through AI & Data

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, host Angela Alberty sits down with Pratik Patel of Mastercard to explore the evolving workforce landscape and the role of data, AI, and sustainability in shaping the future of work.

Pratik shares how organizations can move from basic data collection to advanced machine learning applications, ensuring they make informed decisions that optimize talent, streamline operations, and align with business goals.

The conversation covers key workforce strategies, including:
Leveraging AI and machine learning to transform workforce management and decision-making
Creating a strong business case for data-driven strategies, from initial buy-in to long-term implementation
Aligning sustainability goals with business objectives, ensuring real impact beyond surface-level initiatives
Bridging the gap between technology and talent for more effective stakeholder engagement and workforce planning
Understanding the role of governance and compliance in AI-driven workforce models

Pratik walks through how Mastercard built a scalable and sustainable talent strategy, from centralizing workforce data to implementing AI-driven supplier matching. He also highlights the company’s approach to sustainability, detailing how scope one, two, and three emissions factor into corporate responsibility and supplier partnerships.
In a special segment, an AI-generated question prompts a discussion on emerging technologies that will have the most significant impact on corporate sustainability initiatives.

The episode wraps up with actionable advice for leaders, emphasizing the importance of resilience, strategic storytelling, and data-backed decision-making to drive real change in workforce and talent management.
Tune in for a forward-thinking discussion on how AI, sustainability, and workforce innovation intersect to shape the future of enterprise talent strategy.

Ep. 1: Eric Osterhout, AI, Contract Labor, and the Workforce Trends That Matter in 2025

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leaders Unfiltered, Eric Osterhout joins the conversation to explore the Workforce Trends That Matter in 2025. Everything from the rise of agentive AI and how it’s reshaping hiring, compliance, and talent strategy to the future of contingent labor in the years ahead. Join us as we dive into the key trends shaping 2025 and beyond.

This episode covers how political shifts influence workforce policies, the challenges of managing flexible talent while ensuring compliance, and why DEI initiatives may evolve.
Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on workforce trends, talent strategy, and the forces shaping the next era of work.
Key takeaways:

Contract labor is rising – The percentage of contract workers is projected to grow significantly as companies increasingly recognize the benefits of managing flexible talent effectively.
AI is transforming the workforce – Agentive AI is becoming a key player in hiring, talent management, and workplace efficiency, acting as a 'new coworker' while also replacing certain skill sets and creating new opportunities.
Political and policy shifts impact labor markets – Changes in government administrations influence workforce regulations, contract work opportunities, and compliance policies, shaping how companies manage talent.
The future of work demands flexibility – Organizations must strike a balance between remote and in-office work while adapting to evolving expectations around hybrid models and workforce management.
DEI initiatives are evolving – Companies are reassessing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, with some scaling back traditional programs and others refining their approach to make DEI more impactful and widely accepted.
Aging workforce challenges talent pipelines – As experienced workers retire, companies must address knowledge gaps, improve succession planning, and leverage contract labor to maintain critical skills.
AI in hiring brings efficiency and risks – While AI can streamline recruitment and improve decision-making, companies must ensure proper implementation to avoid bias and compliance issues.