About this episode

Rokhaya Mané discusses what recruiters look for in candidates and the importance of lifelong learning for future-proofing careers.

Rokhaya Mané (linkedin.com/in/rokhayamane/ [https://linkedin.com/in/rokhayamane/]), a global talent acquisition advisor and leader with over 15 years of experience in talent acquisition and strategic HR, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com [https://contempusleadership.com]). Rokhaya shares what recruiters actually want to see in candidates today, from storytelling that clearly articulates value to evidence of agility, alignment, and future readiness. She explains how recruiters use LinkedIn and applicant tracking systems (ATS), and offers sharp advice on networking and outreach. For leaders, Rokhaya makes the case for lifelong learning as the top skill for navigating the future of work. She also unpacks the cost of values in leadership, as discussed on an episode of her podcast Rok On! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rok-on/id1810719082]. Recommended reading: "The Squiggly Caree [https://a.co/d/fxFKN2m]r [https://a.co/d/fxFKN2m]" by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis, "How to Find the Person Who Can Help You Get Ahead at Wor [https://www.ted.com/talks/carla_harris_how_to_find_the_person_who_can_help_you_get_ahead_at_work]k…

People in this episode

Host: Dan Freehling

Guest: Rokhaya Mané

Topics covered

• recruitment
• leadership skills
• career development
• networking
• lifelong learning

Keywords

• recruiters
• talent acquisition
• storytelling
• agility
• networking
• future readiness
• leadership
• values

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LinkedIn, Applicant Tracking Systems, Rok On!

Books & works: The Squiggly Career, How to Find the Person Who Can Help You Get Ahead at Work, The Power of Vulnerability

More episodes of Forward-Looking Leadership

• Eirik Gislason on Hard-Won Negotiation Lessons from NYC Real Estate, Outmaneuvering Hard Bargainers, and Getting Paid What You Deserve · April 21, 2026 · 1h 9m
• Jermaine Ee on Scaling an AI-Powered Startup, Designing for the 70%, and Not Getting to Choose Your Founder Story · April 7, 2026 · 37 min
• Ang Richard on Coaching Gen Z, Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice, and Reimagining the Campus-to-Career Playbook · December 16, 2025 · 57 min
• Roger Kastner on Next-Level OD, IFS-Informed Coaching, and Uncovering Your Superpower · December 9, 2025 · 55 min
• Amnesty CIO Paul Smith on AI Adoption Beyond the Hype and Developing Talent Others Overlook · October 7, 2025 · 47 min
• Peter Gray on Why Jobseekers Hate Recruiters, Hidden Hiring Biases, and How to Get Noticed · September 16, 2025 · 42 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Forward-Looking Leadership podcast page.