AI Is Breaking Hiring (Here’s What Smart Companies Do Instead)

In this episode of the Grownlearn Podcast, host Zorina Dimitrova speaks with Bryan Adams, CEO and founder of Happydance and a leading voice in employer branding, talent attraction, and candidate experience. As AI tools like ChatGPT transform how candidates apply for jobs, organizations are facing a new challenge: too many applications, inflated credentials, and weaker cultural alignment. Bryan explains why traditional employer branding tactics are now backfiring and how leading companies are shifting from “attraction” to filtering, self-selection, and truth-based storytelling. In this conversation, we explore: How AI and LLMs are changing recruitment at scale Why applicant volumes have exploded and what it breaks The limits of ATS and AI screening from a legal and compliance perspective How authentic storytelling helps candidates self-select out Why employer branding is moving from marketing to executive strategy How culture, leadership messaging, and transparency directly impact company value This episode is essential for founders, executives, investors, and HR leaders who want to understand how talent strategy, culture, and technology influence long-term performance and valuation. Bryan Adam's Business' Website: https://www.happydance.love/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📺 Take a peek at our curated playlist THE CAPITAL PLAYBOOK HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTJlaeHk03J3Csa1jytu1X1JKyZ_6qTQb --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Explore Strategic Growth & Investment-Ready Opportunities with GrowNLearn GrowNLearn, led by Zorina Dimitrova, connects select VCs, Family Offices, and Strategic Investors with precisely matched, high-growth ventures across Europe and the U.S. We also support founders with strategic growth advisory—helping you transform your business model, increase valuation, and prepare for investment or exit. 🎯 No random pitches. No wasted time. Just targeted growth and curated deal flow. 📌 Want Curated Investment Deals? 👉 Book Your Private Briefing: https://grownlearn.org/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎧 Listen to the GrowNLearn Podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/grownlearn/id1515759956 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bUIDGbSQl4BlHeNeeJfva Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grownlearn All platforms: https://grownlearn.onpodium.com/ 📲 Follow Us on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grownlearn X (Twitter): https://x.com/grownlearn1729 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healnlearn_grownlearn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healnlearn_grownlearn/ Success Mindset Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Healnlearn --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📈 Tools for Investors & Founders Tax Optimization for Real Estate Investors: https://mavencostseg.referralrock.com/l/ZORINA/ FREE LinkedIn Profile Audit: https://ps.linkedvanow.com/r5wgf AI-Powered Lead Generation for Dealmakers: https://ps.linkedvanow.com/tjnia9mrkt85 💬 Ready to connect with investor-ready ventures or expert advisors? Schedule your 1:1 session → https://grownlearn.org/ 🎬 Episode Chapters 00:00 – 01:15: Podcast Intro & AI’s Disruption of Hiring and Employer Branding 01:15 – 03:41: AI, LLMs & the Explosion of Job Applications 03:41 – 05:41: Happydance Explained: Building Career Platforms for Global Enterprises 05:41 – 07:56: ATS Limits & Pre-Application Talent Screening 07:56 – 09:15: Recording Break / Continuation 09:15 – 11:04: Filtering Talent Through Employer Branding & Storytelling 11:04 – 13:31: AI Recruitment Risks, Bias, and Legal Constraints 13:31 – 15:46: Employee Story Technology & Conversational Career Sites 15:46 – 17:23: Authentic Storytelling vs AI-Polished CVs 17:23 – 19:10: Culture, Character & Face-to-Face Hiring Decisions 19:10 – 21:40: Leadership Messaging, Culture & Company Value 21:40 – 23:55: Organizational Agility After COVID-19 23:55 – 26:10: “Sell the Truth” – Employer Branding as Competitive Advantage 26:10 – 28:30: The Maturation of Employer Branding as an Executive Strategy 28:30 – End: Final Insights, Future of Employer Branding & Where to Connect with Bryan