Solving the People Puzzle

Why did you choose Candidate A over Candidate B? 🤔 Can you actually defend your last hiring choice if an upset applicant calls you out publicly on social media? Welcome to Chapter 3 of Wamly, broadcasting live from our brand-new, tranquil offices! 🚀 In Episode 78 of Solving the People Puzzle—the ultimate business leadership podcast and human resources podcast—Fran drops a truth bomb that challen...

Marko Stavrou, known across South Africa as the Gen Z Guy, is a dynamic young business leader. At 17, he became the youngest person accepted globally into Henley Business School. Today, aged 22, he is the founder of Genlink, an investor-backed consulting and insights firm focused on unlocking the potential of organisations' next-gen talent and customers. Over the past few years, Genlink has w...

Are you sure your last remote hiring decision was legitimate? In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we explore a terrifying shift in the global talent landscape: the rise of the fraudulent candidate. What was a fringe topic 12 months ago is now a central boardroom concern for HR leaders and executives worldwide. THE $5 MILLION ENGINEERING SCAM Imagine hiring a "perfect" remote en...

Stop betting on "vibes" and start hiring with certainty. In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we’re hosting a first-of-its-kind "Industrial Psych Panel." We’re stripping away the Metric Lie that speed is the only KPI that matters. If you can’t prove why you hired someone, you aren't using science—you're just following a workflow. We’re geeking out on how tech...

We've been led to believe that more tech means less human interaction in recruiting, but this episode challenges that notion. We explore how top recruitment teams optimize their time through technology, proving that the best hiring process uses automation to enhance, not replace, professional judgment. It’s about creating space for crucial "human moments" and allowing AI to be a cow...

Attracting talent has become increasingly complex and fast-paced, with more changes in the last three years than in the previous decade. Join Fran from Wamly in this solo episode of Solving the People Puzzle as he deep dives into five essential recruitment trends. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the recruitment industry looking to optimize their talent acquisition strategies and workfo...

Get ready for a masterclass in the messy middle of leadership with the phenomenal Stephanie Usher, Head of Talent Acquisition for Heineken Beverages. In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we’re ditching the corporate handbooks and HR fluff to talk about what company culture actually looks like when the cameras are off, and the pressure is on. Stephanie joins Francois to tackle the ultimate...

There is an overwhelming fear that AI will make human roles mundane or irrelevant. In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle , we challenge the "anti-human" misconception of technology. Automation is not a substitute for the human; it is a filter that exposes where judgment, meaning, and purpose have been missing all along.  We explore why top-tier JSE-listed corporates are demanding...

If you aren't aware of the top ten HR and hiring trends for 2026, you will not be hiring better people faster.  In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we unpack the 10 definitive trends shaping HR and talent acquisition this year. We explore how HR is graduating from a support function to becoming an "AI Era Strategist". 📅 JOIN OUR IN-PERSON EVENT Deep dive into these trends...

Is Artificial Intelligence coming for your job, or is it the key to finally becoming a strategic business partner? In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle , Francois sits down with Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief HR Scientist at the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR), to debunk the myths surrounding AI in the workplace. Dr. Dieter reveals why the narrative of "replacement" is wrong and why we...

Is the era of the "Wolf of Wall Street" salesperson finally over? In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we explore why the most effective salespeople in 2025 aren’t the loudest extroverts—they are the "nerds," the process engineers, and the data analysts. Learn how to hire for tech sales with expert JP Malherbe. Discover the importance of grit, analytics, and process in...

What if your company's greatest talent attraction tool isn't your perks package or your job specs... but your stories? In a competitive market, how does a global giant like Coca-Cola cut through the noise to attract, onboard, and keep top talent? The answer lies in a strategy that moves far beyond the traditional job ad. In this episode, we sit down with Kego Ntshe, Country Employer Bran...

In a world promising an easier life, why do so many of us feel like it's harder than ever to find authentic success? In this powerful conversation, Francois welcomes back entrepreneur and dear friend Mark Sham for a brutally honest discussion about what it truly takes to thrive. Mark shares his deeply personal journey of reinvention, explaining why he had to let go of his old identity to find...

This episode of Solving the People Puzzle tackles the silent identity crisis facing so many in the HR community. We explore why many practitioners feel they are going backwards, struggling to be seen as the strategic advisors they aspire to be. The conversation confronts a difficult reality: many organizations do not view their HR department as a game-changer. HR is often unfairly burdened with be...

🚀 Is your hiring process a bottleneck or a growth engine? In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we sit down with Rikus, the CPO and CMO behind WeBuyCars. He shares the incredible inside story of how they transformed their talent acquisition from a manual, time-consuming process into a strategic competitive advantage. Learn the exact mindset shift that occurred when they stopped viewing HR...

Ever sat in an interview and realised within 5 minutes that the candidate doesn't match their CV?. You're not alone. That single, time-wasting problem is what sparked the creation of Wamly back in 2018. In this special episode of Solving the People Puzzle, Wamly founder Francois de Wet takes you through the entire journey—from a simple one-way video interview tool to a revolutionary end-...

In this solo masterclass from Solving the People Puzzle, Our founder and CEO, Francois de Wet, gives you the ultimate guide to the five essential talent acquisition KPIs. Drawing on success stories and insights from Wamly's clients , Francois goes beyond definitions to provide practical tools, techniques, and next steps you can implement in your business right away. In this episode, you will...

From payroll to CPO at 32, Stiaan Pienaar of Ocean Basket shares his groundbreaking 'Good Recipe' and 'Catch' system. Learn how this human-centric HR approach is uplifting talent across the industry. Dive into a powerful and insightful conversation with Stiaan Pienaar, Chief People Officer at Ocean Basket, one of South Africa's most recognizable and beloved restaurant fran...

J oin us on Solving the People Puzzle for a captivating conversation with Vuyo, a passionate expert in financial services, HR, and talent acquisition. In this episode, Vuyo shares his unique perspective on the critical role of candidate experience in today's competitive talent landscape. Vuyo dives deep into how traditional HR information systems, often built with finance in mind, frequently...

Is your current hiring process built for the future? The world of recruitment is transforming rapidly, and leveraging the right HR technology is no longer optional—it's essential for success.  This episode is a must-listen for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone involved in talent acquisition who wants to stay ahead of the curve and stop losing candidates. Learn how to move beyond...

Is your HR approach truly cultivating success from the ground up? 🌱 In a world dominated by digital processes, how do you ensure the "human" in Human Resources not only survives but thrives? Learn valuable talent and culture strategies from the Executive Head of Human Capital at VKB Group. Discover how to enhance candidate experience, improve employer branding, and build a strong talent...

In Episode 57 of Solving the People Puzzle, we sit down with Penny Adams, a seasoned Industrial Psychologist and Human Capital leader. Looking to improve your hiring process? In this Episode, Penny Adams shares her expert advice on fixing your hiring process from job design to onboarding. Learn about talent acquisition, employee value proposition (EVP), and valuable tips and tricks to attract and...

Reaching every employee isn’t just about great messaging—it’s about accessibility. Learn how SMS can improve employee engagement! Grant Langton shares insights on employee engagement metrics and internal communications strategies for internal comms managers. In this episode of Solving the People Puzzle, we sit down with Grant Langton, from Connexa, to explore how SMS is quietly becoming one of the...

Dive deep into the transformative world of talent acquisition with Thembi Manyike, a passionate TA professional from Santam.  In this eye-opening episode, Thembi reframes talent acquisition as more than just recruitment—it's a calling that changes lives.  Discover how modern talent acquisition specialists have evolved from administrative recruiters to strategic business partners who understan...

Hey there, hiring fans and startup lovers! This latest Solving the People Puzzle episode brings Louis Neil from Bookt to the table, and it’s packed with insights.  Learn about the latest trends in talent acquisition and how AI-driven recruitment is revolutionizing the hiring process. Picture this: AI turning small teams into powerhouses, curiosity sparking the best hires, and Silicon Valley droppi...