In this episode of Talkin' Talent, host Sam McCarthy interviews Elizabeth Mashakas, an experienced HR leader, to explore strategies for supporting new hires during the critical "affirm phase," or the transition from job offer to their first day. Elizabeth shares how her team achieved a remarkable 97% offer acceptance rate, emphasizing the importance of trust, transparency and meaningful engagement during the hiring process. 

With the beginning of the year marking a peak time for new employees starting roles, this discussion offers actionable insights for HR professionals and leaders looking to set their teams up for success, regardless of company size. Listen for advice on bringing these insights to leadership and impacting your organization's onboarding. 

This episode covers: 

  • The impact of employee attrition and engagement on organizational success
  • Strategies for improving the "affirm phase" and onboarding when you have limited resources
  • The importance of asking the right questions in interviews
  • How cultural differences within organizations shape talent acquisition and HR strategies 

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Sam McCarthy

Recruiting & Staffing Services

Director, Cordia Resources by Cherry Bekaert

Past Episodes

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November 24, 2025

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Speakers: Jason Sturdevant, Blakeley Richard

Listen to expert insights on not-for-profit endowment accounting for effective fund management. Learn best practices, common misconceptions and more.