Revolutionizing Recruitment: The Passive Approach with Michael Wenning, Co-founder

In this episode we talk about job market friction, hiring bias, AI-driven matching, candidate experience, talent scarcity, and the launch of Passive. Everyone keeps saying it’s hard to find great people. At the same time, every job seeker is exhausted, confused, or straight up burned out by how the system works. The conversation breaks down what’s actually broken, why HR leaders need to rethink the entire hiring flow, and how new tools are stepping in to fix the pointless chaos that slows everyone down.

What We Cover
The broken job application loop
Why passive talent avoids the noise
How AI can fix resume fatigue
What HR gets wrong about culture and bias
Why companies complain about talent but still gatekeep
Where the Passive app fits into the hiring landscape
How job seekers can win in a messy market

Key Takeaways
Every company complains about finding good people
Candidates are tired of looking for companies worth their time
Applications feel random and discouraging
Passive talent needs better targeting
AI can help rewrite resumes for fit
Culture needs to be real, diverse, and inclusive
Passive aims to simplify the entire search process
Job hunting struggles hit every industry
HR needs to rethink how they attract talent
The hiring system is outdated and ready for a rebuild

Timestamps
00:00 The Job Market Dilemma
06:32 Innovative Solutions in Recruitment
12:50 The Launch of Passive App
18:57 Rethinking Hiring Practices
22:01 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Guest:

Michael Wenning, Co-founder, Passive 
LinkedIn:   / michael-wenning  
Website: https://www.thepassive.app/

Host
Hosts: Katie Van Horn and Jackye Clayton, Co-hosts Inclusive AF Podcast
Robin Schooling, Co-host DriveThru HR