Ep. 134 Roxxann Sczepanik, Partner of JCP (Joseph Chris Partners)

Episode 134 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with Roxxann Sczepanik, Partner at JCP (Joseph Chris Partners).

Discover how marketing budgets can transform HR recruitment strategies
Explore the critical role of early career guidance in the data center industry
Uncover the truth behind the perceived talent shortage in tech
Navigate the challenges of community buy-in for data center construction
Master the art of personal branding for career advancement
Decode the future of HR innovation and talent acquisition
Leverage AI tools to enhance professional efficiency
Understand the importance of mentorship in talent retention
Identify key strategies for attracting younger professionals
Examine the evolving landscape of recruiting in the data center sector

Host:
Joshua Feinberg, CEO
DCSMI

Special Guest:
Roxxann Sczepanik, Partner
JCP (Joseph Chris Partners)

Roxxann Sczepanik, an executive recruiter at Joseph Chris Partners, discusses the importance of marketing in attracting talent to data centers. She emphasizes the need for companies to list staff benefits and entitlements on their websites to appeal to younger candidates.

Roxxann highlights the skills gap over the talent shortage, advocating for HR innovation to streamline hiring processes. She notes the high retention rate of mentorship programs and the value of community engagement in data center construction. Roxxann also stresses the importance of personal branding for both recruiters and candidates, leveraging AI tools for efficiency while maintaining human connections.

Action Items

Implement internship, apprenticeship, and training programs to build talent pipelines.
Restructure HR function to be under operations instead of finance to better manage labor budgets.
Utilize marketing budget towards HR team to showcase company benefits, entitlements, and culture.
Leverage AI and automation tools to increase efficiency and free up time for human connection.
Avoid working with clients that have poor retention rates and culture issues.

Outline

Marketing Budget and Candidate Attraction

Roxxann Sczepanik discusses the importance of marketing budget allocation towards HR to attract candidates.
Emphasizes the need for companies to list staff entitlements and benefits on their websites.
Highlights the younger generation's preference for self-driven information rather than lengthy conversations.
Introduces Roxxann Zaponik from Joseph Chris Partners and Joshua Feinberg, host of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast.

Roxxann's Career Journey

Roxxann shares her background in healthcare, facility services, and military family programs.
Discusses her transition into recruiting for construction and data center industries.
Highlights her experience in career services, counseling, and financial services for military families.
Joshua mentions the prevalence of military backgrounds in the data center industry.

Counseling Skills in Recruiting

Roxxann explains the importance of counseling skills in recruiting passive candidates.
Emphasizes the need to understand candidates' work-life balance and family needs.
Discusses the challenge of a talent shortage and the need for HR innovation.
Highlights the slow time-to-market for hiring in the data center industry compared to trades.

HR Innovation and Talent Acquisition

Roxxann argues against the notion of a talent shortage, emphasizing skills and mentorship gaps.
Discusses the slow hiring processes in the data center industry and the need for faster decision-making.
Highlights the importance of HR teams building pipelines and not just waiting for talent.
Joshua and Roxxann discuss the role of trade schools and apprenticeships in filling talent pipelines.

Consultant and Advisor Role in Recruiting

Roxxann positions herself as a consultant first and a recruiter second.
Discusses the importance of salary analysis and career progression advice for clients.
Emphasizes the need for HR teams to be trained and understand the roles' requirements.
Joshua and Roxxann discuss the importance of competitive salary structures and budgeting.

Career Advice for Young Professionals

Roxxann advises starting career guidance in junior high school to expose students to various career paths.
Discusses the importance of marketing jobs in construction, including financial, marketing, and sales roles.
Highlights the need for companies to get involved in school districts and career academies.
Joshua and Roxxann discuss the importance of early exposure to career opportunities.

Mid-Career Pivot and Burnout

Roxxann advises mid-career professionals to find their sense of purpose and consider career pivots.
Discusses the importance of mentorship and leadership roles in retaining talent.
Highlights the need for companies to value experienced professionals for their mentorship skills.
Joshua and Roxxann discuss the challenges of burnout and the importance of work-life balance.

Internship Programs and Entry-Level Roles

Roxxann emphasizes the importance of internship programs in attracting and retaining entry-level talent.
Discusses the need for companies to create training programs and apprenticeships.
Highlights the role of internship programs in building a strong talent pipeline.
Joshua and Roxxann discuss the benefits of early exposure to career opportunities.

Community Buy-In and Regulatory Challenges

Roxxann discusses the challenges of community buy-in and regulatory uncertainty in data center construction.
Highlights the financial burden of holding projects while waiting for utility sourcing.
Discusses the importance of community-focused architecture and design in data center construction.
Joshua and Roxxann discuss the role of community managers and affordable housing sectors in addressing these challenges.

Future of Recruiting and AI Integration

Roxxann predicts the future of recruiting will involve more personal branding and expert consulting.
Discusses the potential elimination of HR roles and the shift towards talent acquisition firms.
Highlights the importance of AI in creating efficiency and freeing up time for human connection.
Joshua and Roxxann discuss the balance between AI and human connection in recruiting.

Guest Resources

Resources

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Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast, Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast | Guest Interview

Ep. 134 Roxxann Sczepanik, Partner of JCP (Joseph Chris Partners) | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast