Episode 104: Why Can't Restaurants Keep Staff? (And What Carl's Jr Is Doing About It) with Chrystal Gualtieri

Episode notes

Want to know how a global restaurant chain hires 1,500+ employees while battling an industry notorious for turnover? In this episode, Joel chats with Chrystal Gualtieri, the Global Talent Acquisition Leader at CKE Restaurants—the powerhouse behind Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. They dive into the ins and outs of recruiting in the fast-paced hospitality world and explore how recruiters can keep things human in an age dominated by technology and templates. Chrystal takes us through her fascinating journey, from handling high-volume nonprofit hiring to steering talent acquisition in a corporate setting. She breaks down the real reasons behind restaurant retention challenges and explains why even the smartest applicant tracking system can’t replace the warmth of genuine candidate care. Along the way, they discuss hot topics like the evolving role of hybrid work, AI’s place in the recruitment process, and even some resume red flags (yes, your email address might be giving you away!). With a mix of practical advice and real-world insights, Chrystal also reveals how she handles the pressure of managing multiple roles with just a spreadsheet, a smile, and a lot of grit.