Perspectives | Opinions and Viewpoints

EVP Is Such a Terrible Name. Let’s Stop Using It.

EVP has become a corporate cliché. The name’s the problem, not the idea. It’s time to call it what it really is: your employer identity, a story that tells talent why you matter.

By Mike Parsons Nov 6, 2025 7 min read

Perspective

Your next employer branding hire: Creative Strategist

Creative strategists blend data, design, and storytelling. For TA leaders building lean, high-performing teams, this hybrid role could be the most powerful addition you haven’t made yet.

By Mark Conachan Oct 21, 2025 6 min read

Perspective

Employer Branding ROI Is Broken: Less Than 20% Can Prove It And That’s Sad.

Most employer brand teams still talk about engagement instead of business impact. Until they can prove how brand drives real business results, they’ll keep losing budgets... and credibility.

By Mike Parsons Oct 16, 2025 6 min read

Perspective

Clarity and Empathy: The Twin Engines of Employer Branding in 2025

Clarity cuts through complexity. Empathy builds trust. Together, they define the next era of employer branding and they might just be the only strategy that still works.

By Srimoyee Deymerwar Oct 15, 2025 5 min read

Perspective

Why Work Friendships Are the Untapped Superpower of Employer Branding

KPMG’s recent survey finds work friendships are central to engagement, wellbeing and performance - and that most employers are failing to nurture them.

By Mike Parsons Oct 9, 2025 8 min read

Perspective

The Hidden Cost of the Skills Promise

Employers love to promise growth. But very few can deliver. The moment you say “continuous learning” without proof, you set yourself up to lose credibility and trust.

By Mike Parsons Oct 2, 2025 7 min read

Future of Work

The End of Outlook Careers: How AI Exposes Useless Work

For decades, offices have been padded with jobs that produce more meetings than results. AI has called the bluff. Outlook careers are over, and the middle class is in the crosshairs.

By Mike Parsons Sep 11, 2025 6 min read

Perspective

EMBRAS 2025: Employer Branding at the Crossroads of Technology and Sustainability

On 10 October 2025, Tashkent will play host to one of the region’s most important gatherings of HR and employer branding leaders: the 8th International Employer Brand Award and Summit (EMBRAS).

By Mike Parsons Sep 4, 2025 4 min read

Future of Work

Employer Branding in the Age of Radical Honesty: Authenticity or Overexposure?

Radical honesty may be the flavour of the month, but does it have a place in employer branding? Get it right and you rebuild trust and win the branding Holy Grail, authenticity. Get it wrong and you’re left with nothing but egg on your face.

By Mike Parsons Aug 28, 2025 6 min read

Perspective

Nice Company. Shame About the CEO.

Once the crown jewel of career destinations, the tech industry is now facing a brand crisis - caused not by poor workplaces, but by the strange things its leaders keep saying in public. Here’s what it means for your employer brand.

By Mike Parsons Aug 14, 2025 6 min read

Perspective

Why Meta Can’t Buy Anthropic’s Talent ...and Why That Should Inspire You

When Meta offered Anthropic staff big money to jump ship, hardly anyone left. Why? Because mission matters. This is a must-read for any leader or HR pro who still thinks employer branding is optional.

By Mike Parsons Jul 24, 2025 4 min read

Perspective

Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal: Employer Branding Lessons

When your CEO’s mid-concert PDA with the Head of HR goes viral, what’s left of your carefully crafted employer brand? In this satirical deep-dive, we unpack the scandal, the fallout, and what it teaches us about reputation, culture, and the fine line between leadership and HR… literally.

By Mike Parsons Jul 21, 2025 5 min read