Episode 70: The Challenges of Remote Work and Political Conversations in the Workplace with Devyn Mikell

Recruiting is No Joke

What if I told you that the future of recruitment isn't confined to office perks and flexible hours anymore? Picture a world where virtual reality interviews redefine the hiring process, where your next boss might be an AI, and where company culture thrives as a vibrant, evolving force. Welcome to a frontier where recruitment meets innovation, and corporate culture isn't just a buzzword—it's a dynamic, living ecosystem shaping the workplaces of tomorrow.

Today on 'Recruiting is No Joke,' we feature Devyn Mikell, President of QualiFI, to discuss current trends and challenges in the recruitment industry. QualiFI is a screening platform designed for high-volume recruiting. It assists in managing candidates from the initial phone screen through to the final interview, including scheduling and live video interactions with customers.

During the conversation, we delve into the impact of remote work, employee mandates, and the ongoing talent shortage in healthcare. Our conversation also touches on the ethical implications of political discussions in the workplace and the surprising decline in demand for software developers. Additionally, we react to news stories, including Wells Fargo's firing of employees/‘Mouse Jigglers’ for unethical practices. This episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of recruitment and corporate culture.

In this episode:

• [01:07] - Introduction to Devyn Mikell
• [01:13] -Introduction to QualiFI and what it does
• [01:41] - QualiFI's clientele base
• [02:05] - Challenges in healthcare recruitment
• [03:26] - Devyn's thoughts on the role of AI in healthcare jobs: supplementing or risky?
• [04:28] - Reaction to news story: Wells Fargo firing mouse jigglers
• [-6:13] - Ethical concerns in sales: Remote work trends and productivity
• [09:40] -Devyn's biggest challenge has been building a remote-first company
• [11:35] - Remote work mandate at Dell/Thecorporate escapee video
• [14:33] - Reaction to Dell's return to office policy
• [16:21] - Challenges of switching back to in-person work
• [17:57] - Remote work challenges
• [19:37] - Navigating political conversations at work
• [30:34] - Decline in software developer demand
• [34:22] - Gen Z's interest in skilled trades
• [36:23] - The ego and humility
• [37:28] - Events and networking

About Joel Lalgee

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• X (formerly Twitter

Devyn Mikell

• LinkedIn
• Qualifi Website

About Our Guest

Devyn Mikell is the President and Co-Founder of Qualifi, a startup transforming phone interviews into scalable business intelligence to enhance candidate experience. An entrepreneur and business leader from Indianapolis, IN, Devyn thrives on connecting with others and understanding their perspectives. He also started a food truck in his senior year of college, reflecting his passion for food and innovation. A 2017 graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor's in Operations and Supply Chain Management, Devyn excelled in Track & Field, winning several medals in the Long Jump. Devyn also coaches Track & Field, demonstrating his commitment to mentoring and development.