Sometimes, life is all about taking leaps of faith. And when it comes to talent and talent management, a leap of faith can open doors that you never even considered walking through. Today we are joined by Kara Hughes, the VP, HR Business Partner of Tech & Digital, as well as the Head of Workforce Planning, People Insights, and Analytics at Northwestern Mutual – a financial firm focused on making their clients feel more confident and secure so that they can sleep better, breathe easier, and feel happier. Kara begins the conversation by answering an important recruiting question from one of Rob’s friends about how to approach problematic intake interviews. Then, we get to know more about Kara: how she ended up at Northwestern Mutual and what her job entails. We also discuss the importance of workforce planning, the departments that are responsible for it, and the role of recruiters in becoming part of business strategy and workforce planning conversations. To close off, we explore how the evolution of HR has added to the pains of the industry. Be sure to listen until the very end for some helpful advice on how to send an email in French.    Key Points From This Episode:   Welcoming Kara Hughes as she answers a recruiting question from one of Rob’s friends. Advice for candidates on how to approach intake interviews.  The leaps of faith that led Kara to Northwestern Mutual and what her title and role entails.   Exploring the role of recruiters in workforce planning.  The departments that initiate and prioritize workforce planning, according to Kara.  How recruiters can involve themselves in business strategy and planning conversations.  Why many people (incorrectly) believe that HR should not have a seat at the strategy table. How the evolution of HR helps to explain the modern challenges of the role.  Some multicultural advice to end today’s episode.    Quotes:   “Recruiters and hiring managers, you hope they have a really good intake meeting and are really, really clear on requirements but signals get crossed. So, advocate for yourself and cover all those important bases at the outset and don’t feel bad about doing it.” — Kara Hughes [0:03:51]   “Show gratitude and know who has gotten you to where you are and who’s helped you along the way because if you really sit back and take stock, [you’ll realize that] it’s many, many people.” — Kara Hughes [0:09:49]   “There’s been such a radical shift in the value that [HR] is expected to provide.” — Kara Hughes [0:28:28]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:   Kara Hughes on LinkedIn Northwestern Mutual  Talk Talent to Me Hired