Change is constant

(It's as true in recruiting and EB as it is anywhere, even if it doesn't always feel like it)

Folks!

It’s the week before most companies close up for the holidays, so let’s keep this light, okay?

1: For a lot of reasons, I’m going to close up my Substack account. It’s been great connecting with so many of you, but this is the right more. I’ve got lots of things planned for 2026, so if you’d like to keep hearing from me on a semi-regular basis, do me a favor and sign up over here (just put your email in the form at the top).

2: One of the things coming in 2026 if my next/maybe-last book Becoming Choosable. It’s an employer branding book that doesn’t say the words “employer brand” or “EVP” so it is a kind of stealth weapon to change your boss and leadership’s mind on what it’s going to take to recruit successfully in 2026. It comes out Jan 5. While you can pre-order the electronic copy now, the physical copy is going to be very cool.

3: One of the big things in the book is the Choosability Canvas (Think of it as a step-by-step map for building your employer brand… with out saying employer brand!). There are three case studies in the book, but I thought if you could see it in action, you’d get a lot out of it. So that’s going to be the next podcast: Me running through the Canvas for different companies. Want a sneak preview? Here you go.

4: Want to see exactly how EB research makes it easier to identify the right audience and speak to them in a more compelling way? It only takes 15 minutes, so here you go.

5: 2025 was tough. 2026 will not be any easier. So what will it take to hire in 2026? Find out here.

6: And just because I thought it was funny:

Anyway, have a great end of the year, however you celebrate. And I can’t wait to help you make 2026 amazing.

-James Ellis [LinkedIn]