The Missing Variable: Timing & Alignment in Modern Talent Design
Most hiring conversations fixate on what skills an organization needs. But high‑performing companies increasingly prove that when those skills arrive—and how tightly they align to business inflection points—determines whether talent turns into measurable value. In this episode we unpack the three‑dimensional equation of capability × timing × strategic fit.
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7:13
The Hidden Costs of going Global: w/Masha Sutherlin x RemoFirst
From immigrating to the U.S. at 15 to scaling operations in 40+ countries, Masha Sutherlin has lived the complexities of global work—and now she’s solving them. In this episode, Masha joins us to unpack what it really takes to build people-first systems that scale across borders, currencies, and cultures.We open with Masha’s personal story and the operational lessons forged through her leadership at Deel and now the Global Director of Business Operations & People @ RemoFirst—a fast-growing HR tech company enabling global hiring in 185+ countries. She shares what "Freedom of Work" actually means in practice, and why understanding the why behind operations is the ultimate growth unlock.From there, we go macro:How do you balance legal compliance with cohesive culture?What makes a remote leader great in 2025—and what habits hold them back?Why are companies abandoning gig work for full-time global talent?What defines equity when benefits span 10+ countries?What mistakes cost companies millions when hiring abroad—and how to avoid them?Finally, we look ahead:What does the global workforce look like in 2030? And how is RemoFirst betting on that future right now?Whether you’re scaling a startup, rethinking remote operations, or guiding global people strategy—this episode will leave you with fresh questions, bold insights, and a clearer path forward.Lear more about RemoFirst here - https://www.remofirst.com/
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1:01:15
Bias Is Built Into the System—So Let’s Build Something Better
In this episode, I dig deep into the neuroscience of bias—pulling from the groundbreaking work of Dr. David Rock—to unpack why bias isn’t just a personal flaw, it’s a structural feature. We explore how unchecked systems, misaligned incentives, and a lack of accountability create the perfect storm for exclusion, underperformance, and cultural decay. But this isn’t just a critique—it’s a call to rewire. I share why building a better business means interrogating the defaults, measuring what matters, and designing for fairness at scale. Bias thrives in silence; progress starts when we make it visible.
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6:57
Reimagining Trust, Talent, and the Boomerang Effect
In this episode of The E1B2 Collective, I unpack the biggest signals from the 2025 Great Place to Work Summit—from trust as a business strategy to the rise of human-first AI—and connect them to a bold conversation about the boomerang employee. What if 15% of your best alumni came back stronger, sharper, and more aligned? We explore how forward-thinking companies are re-engaging former employees through authentic storytelling, high-frequency employer branding, and re-onboarding strategies built for growth—not nostalgia. If you believe in trust as a talent magnet and culture as a comeback story, this one’s for you.
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16:19
Next-Gen Disruptors: Redefining HR from the Inside Out
What’s up, E1B2 famToday’s episode is personal. I’m introducing a brand-new series we’re launching called Next-Gen Disruptors —and this one’s for the bold HR leaders out there who are tired of checking boxes and ready to challenge the way we actually build for people.This series is about those of us who are rethinking what HR can be—leaders who are innovating around talent, culture, L&D, and recruiting in ways that actually drive business and human outcomes. These aren’t theoretical frameworks. These are real operators doing real work, grounded in empathy, experimentation, and execution.So if you’ve ever felt like the traditional playbook doesn’t fit who you are or how you lead—this series is for you. We’re shining light on the next-gen disruptors who are building the future of work from the inside out.Let’s dig in. Let’s get honest. Let’s build better.
The E1B2 Collective Podcast: Where People-Centered Leadership Meets Bold Business Strategy
Hosted by Anthony “AJ” Vaughan, The E1B2 Collective Podcast flips the script on traditional workplace thinking. E1B2 stands for “Employee First, Business Second” — but don’t get it twisted. This isn’t about coddling. It’s about clarity. Culture. And building companies that actually work — for the humans inside them.
Every episode dives deep with trailblazing HR leaders, founders, and change agents who are reimagining leadership, people ops, DEI, and the soul of work itself.
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