Gavin Stephens is the Talent and Engagement Director at Cleveland Cavaliers, a cornerstone franchise in the NBA and central entity within Rock Entertainment. Besides the Cavaliers, his purview extends to the Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, Cavs Legion Gaming Club, and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Starting his journey with the organization as a Merchandise Concession Manager, Gavin has since taken on numerous crucial responsibilities, notably overseeing the recruiting, onboarding, and employee engagement functions.
With a robust background in the sports industry, Gavin has showcased his prowess as a Training and Talent Acquisition Manager. His competencies include employee training, program coordination, leadership, and interviewing. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management from Post University.
Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:
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- [0:05] Introduction by Corinne and overview of Gavin’s role.
- [2:37] Gavin discusses the key to successful employee engagement—getting employees involved in the process.
- [4:08] The importance of community engagement in recruitment and how Rock Entertainment reaches out.
- [11:01] Gavin’s career journey from the Navy to retail and eventually into HR.
- [15:32] How Rock Entertainment approaches internal career growth and the importance of recognizing employees.
- [17:36] The importance of non-traditional candidates and how Gavin pushes for inclusive recruitment.
- [21:04] Conversations around diversity and inclusion within the organization.
- [24:53] How team member resource groups support diverse employees and create a collaborative environment.
- [28:16] How consistent effort and persistence in recruitment lead to success, even in challenging markets.
- [32:39] Gavin’s approach to learning and development, including training programs and employee engagement activities.
- [37:54] Lessons learned from mistakes and the need for flexibility in recruitment strategies.
- [39:53] The importance of mentors and advocates in career growth.
- [44:10] Tools and systems used to streamline talent acquisition and HR functions.
In This Episode…
Change is inevitable, but how we respond defines our journey. In an era where adaptability is more crucial than ever, the world of HR is being reshaped, putting emphasis not only on policies but also on human connections and advocacy. These elements play an integral role in career growth and organizational success.
Gavin Stephens, a seasoned professional with an extensive background in HR and talent acquisition, has witnessed firsthand the transformation of hiring practices. Gavin underscores the importance of community engagement, adaptability, and mentorship in navigating the complexities of the corporate realm.
In this episode of WRK and WIN, host Corinne Milien delves deep into the evolving world of HR with Gavin Stephens. They explore the changes and challenges brought about by the pandemic, emphasizing the significance of community engagement in the recruitment process. Next, they discuss the invaluable role of mentors in career growth, the art of advocacy, and the essence of staying consistent even in the face of adversity.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by WRK.
In the dynamic world of sports and entertainment, managing a successful business is about more than just the bottom line — it’s about the people who make it happen.
WRK is your go-to partner for people-powered HR and staffing solutions, designed to overcome your toughest workforce challenges.
From fostering employee engagement through positive employee relations to developing future leaders with their Leadership Development programs, WRK‘s services are designed to maximize the performance of your team and ensure a vibrant, inclusive work culture.
This isn’t just HR — it’s HR reimagined.
Go to www.letsdowrk.com to learn more.