Employer Branding Unplugged

Hiring for heart: the reality of recruiting in Human Services

There’s arguably no sector that brings as many challenges, and as many rewards, as human services.
It’s a tough gig, let’s be honest. There’s no hiding that. But, as this week’s guests can attest, sharing the reality - warts and all - is critical to attracting the right people and deterring the wrong ones.
In this week's episode of Employer Branding Unplugged, Mark Puncher sits down with two heavyweights in human services HR - Katarina Elezovic (Head of Talent, Mercy Health) and Matthew Quinn (Talent Acquisition Manager, Anglicare Victoria).
Together, they dive deep into the unique challenges of recruiting in human services - the delicate balance between ‘noble purpose’ and ‘hard slog’ and dismantle the myth that moving into the non-profit sector is a ‘career step backwards’.
Kat and Matt share their organisation’s incredible EVP messaging, proving that a strong EVP is what connects thousands of employees to a shared mission.
 
Mercy Health: mercyhealth.com.au/our-organisation/careers/
Anglicare Victoria: www.anglicarevic.org.au/careers/
Employer Branding Australia: www.employerbrandingaustralia.com/

The ABC's of Great Employer Branding

In this episode of Employer Branding Unplugged, Employer Branding Australia’s Dave, Marci and Hannah explore what employer branding really means in practice: the long-term pursuit of being intentional, deliberate and consistent in how your organisation is perceived by current and future talent.
 
The conversation tackles one of the biggest challenges in employer branding today: differentiation. With so many career sites and EVPs sounding remarkably similar, how do you stand out in ways that actually matter? We dive into the critical importance of authenticity, ensuring your employer brand reflects the genuine employee experience.
 
The discussion also addresses a crucial workplace trend: the erosion of trust and its impact on employee connection and identity. Our hosts explain why employer branding is a long-term business solution, not a short-term campaign, and share actionable advice for building something that resonates.
 
Employer Branding Australia: www.employerbrandingaustralia.com

Curiosity, Collaboration and the Evolution of Employer Brand

In this episode of Employer Branding Unplugged, host Mark Puncher chats with Daniel Connelly, Head of Employee Brand and Employee Experience at Nine Entertainment (at the time of recording). 
Daniel shares his journey of building Nine’s employer brand over the past three years, starting with no EVP, no career site and no established employer brand team.
This conversation explores why EVPs should be “uncovered” rather than invented, as well as the healthy tension between reflecting current culture and aspiring to improve. Daniel also shares his perspective on the evolution of employer branding, the rise of real-time content creation, and navigating AI while maintaining authenticity.
Employer Branding Australia: www.employerbrandingaustralia.com

The Evolution of Work: Balancing Tech and the Human Element in Modern Organisations

In this episode of Employer Branding Unplugged, host Mark Puncher sits down with Melissa Toa, Talent Acquisition Manager at Kimberly-Clark, who brings a wealth of experience from brands like Campos Coffee and Sephora. 
 
You’ll discover how Kimberly-Clark is future-proofing its talent by building new skills and capabilities around AI and technology - not to replace human connection, but to enhance it. 
 
We explore Mel’s previous work at Campos Coffee, where developing an employer value proposition (EVP) helped capture the passion and purpose of employees, creating a profound connection to their work
 
Mel also shares her optimistic vision for the future of HR - one where human connection, empathy and meaningful work remain central, no matter how technology evolves.
 
Kimberly-Clark: www.kimberly-clark.com.au
Campos Coffee: www.camposcoffee.com
Employer Branding Australia: www.employerbrandingaustralia.com

The Nobility of Purpose: Authentic Employer Branding in Human Services

In this episode of Employer Branding Unplugged, host Mark Puncher talks with Aoife Brady, Talent Acquisition Manager at Fresh Hope Communities, a not-for-profit organisation working across aged care, retirement living, outdoor adventure and affordable housing. 
 
The conversation explores the unique challenges of recruiting in human services, the power of truly listening to what employees and hiring managers need, and why a service mindset is essential for talent acquisition professionals who want to make a real impact.
 
Fresh Hope Communities
The Benevolent Society
Employer Branding Australia

Culture in Motion: How Cuscal Stays Ahead of the Game

In this episode, host Mark Puncher sits down with Clare Robinson, Head of Internal Communications, and Melissa Norton, Talent Acquisition Manager, from Cuscal.
Clare and Mel share the story behind their transformative journey to create Cuscal's employee value proposition (EVP). They don’t sugarcoat it: gaining internal consensus was challenging, the professional risks were high, but the payoff was an EVP that “rang so inextricably true” to who they are.
You’ll discover why authenticity matters more than perfection, how storytelling builds both external attraction and internal pride, and why alignment between marketing, communications, talent acquisition, and people and culture is essential.
Cuscal Careers: https://www.cuscal.com/about-us/careers/
Employer Branding Australia: https://www.employerbrandingaustralia.com/

Authenticity Over Optics: Creating Inclusive EVP with Heart

In this episode, the team from Employer Branding Australia sits down with Belinda Leon, Employer Brand Specialist at Bendigo Bank, to explore the deeply personal and strategic layers of employer branding. From falling into talent acquisition by chance to leading one of the sector’s most thoughtful EVP projects, Belinda shares the realities of building inclusive workplaces—without the gloss.
 
Together with David Concannon and Hannah Brink, they unpack the power of listening to employees, championing diversity through storytelling, and how a values-driven EVP can act as both a beacon and a filter for future talent.
Key Topics and Themes
Falling into employer branding: Belinda’s unconventional entry into the field.
The importance of lived experience in shaping DEI narratives.
Avoiding tokenism in storytelling and employer brand campaigns.
Why inclusive employer branding is a business imperative, not a “nice to have”.
Navigating internal barriers, managing stakeholders, and partnering effectively.
The real power of authenticity and honesty in EVP.
Storytelling strategies that humanise rather than homogenise.
Emotional, practical, and strategic advice for both EB professionals and business leaders.
About Our Guest
Belinda Leon is an experienced Employer Brand Specialist currently shaping the EVP and talent narrative at Bendigo Bank. With a background spanning IT, publishing, government, and financial services, Belinda brings a uniquely strategic and human-centred lens to employer branding. A passionate advocate for neurodivergence and inclusion, her work champions authenticity and business-aligned storytelling.
Takeaways
You can’t fake inclusion: Real stories from real people create real trust.
Listen to understand, not to reply: Discovery is where the magic happens.
Don’t just market the glossy stuff: A strong EVP helps people opt out as much as in.
Lived experience is not one-size-fits-all: Respect nuance, avoid assumptions.
Employer branding is a change agent: It’s about connection, culture, and business transformation—not just recruitment.
Links and Resources
Bendigo Bank Careers: bendigobank.com.au/careers
Employer Branding Australia: employerbrandingaustralia.com
Neurodiversity in the workplace (article): Harvard Business Review – Neurodiversity as a Competitive Advantage
Produced by The Podcast Boss

What is Employer Branding, really? And why does it matter so much?

Welcome to Employer Branding Unplugged, where we show you how to win with and through your people.
In this episode, Employer Branding Australia legends Mark, Dave and Hannah kick us off by tackling the biggest, most misunderstood question in employer branding: What is it really? Join us as we explore the non-negotiables to successful employer branding, how breaking down silos is the key to your success and why it's essential to have your c-suite on board.
Produced by The Podcast Boss