Welcome Kim Lear, Writer, Researcher, and Founder of Inlay Insights to the Talent 2025 Main Stage!

Sessions

Breakout Session
Building a Premium Employer: Leveraging Smart Hire Calculators and Empathetic Leadership to Attract and Retain Top Talent
In-Person and Virtual Wednesday 03/26/2025 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM   Add to calendar
Intended Audience: Intermediate

With a lifelong background in operational improvement and talent development, Kat offers a unique perspective on the hiring challenges today’s employers face. From their early days improving training and processes on the railyard to leading a manufacturing company and consulting firm, Kat has seen firsthand the impact of effective hiring and leadership strategies across industries.

Kat will introduce the Smart Hire calculators, developed to solve critical gaps in understanding hiring costs, break-even timelines, and optimal pay structures. Attendees will gain insights into making data-driven hiring decisions that support sustainable growth. But success requires more than metrics—Kat will also cover the essential soft skills and EQ practices needed to foster a premium employer brand. Learn how to lead with empathy, empower teams, and cultivate an environment where talent thrives. This talk is a must for managers and leaders building high-performing teams in a competitive landscape.

Learning Objective 1: Participants will learn to use calculators to accurately assess hiring costs, break-even timelines, and set competitive pay rates relative to their organization, something rarely done. Optimize hiring that align with THIER goals and talent needs.

Learning Objective 2: Attendees will uncover ways to quantify aspects of workplace culture that most directly impact talent and retention. Identify key areas of culture that can be influenced most effectively, allowing them to address issues that are typically elusive.

Learning Objective 3: Participants will understand the elements that contribute to a premium employer reputation. They’ll leave with actionable strategies to strengthen their employer brand, enhance their ability to attract, retain, and develop talent in today's market.

Kat Frey-Johnson Photo
Presenter:
Kat Frey-Johnson, Founder/ CEO,
Oxygen Coaching