
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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