EP 200: What Most TA Leaders Get Wrong About Influence

EP 200: What Most TA Leaders Get Wrong About Influence

From The Breakthrough Hiring Show: Recruiting and Talent Acquisition Conversations by James Mackey

March 24, 2026 · 1h 5m

About this episode

Gabrielle Mellon discusses the challenges of influence in leadership roles within Talent Acquisition and HR Operations.

Gabrielle Mellon grew up in a big, competitive family that shaped her instinct to act, adapt, and figure things out fast. She carried that mindset into bold career moves and high-stakes roles, eventually leading Talent Acquisition and HR Operations at Axon through a period of rapid growth. In this conversation, she tackles what most leaders avoid: why being liked can hold you back, how to be direct without losing trust, and what it really means to develop people. Connect with host James Macke...

People in this episode

Host: James Mackey

Guest: Gabrielle Mellon

Topics covered

  • Talent Acquisition
  • Leadership
  • Influence
  • Career Development
  • HR Operations

Keywords

  • Talent Acquisition
  • Leadership
  • Influence
  • Career Growth
  • HR Operations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Axon

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