ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.
Listen "Part 1: Rethinking Assessments: What Every HR Leader Needs to Know {Ep.73}"
Episode Synopsis
Most psychometric tools used today were built before the internet.
Yet we still expect them to find our future leaders?
In this episode, I sat down with David Jones, CEO and Partner at Mercer Talent Enterprise, to challenge everything we think we know about assessments.
We dig into the systems that drive hiring, development, and succession—and ask the big question:
Are our tools keeping up with our talent?
Here’s what we unpack:
✅ Why most assessments are stuck in the 20th century
✅ How the Thriving Index surfaces potential others miss
✅ The untapped power of combining strengths + personality
✅ What AI is (and isn’t) doing in psychometrics
✅ Why democratising access could uncover hidden gems
✅ How region-specific data can massively shift effectiveness
Quick stats that’ll make you rethink everything:
→ Most tools still benchmark Western, older norms
→ Over 60% of the Middle East population is under 30
→ Engagement spikes immediately after an assessment—yet we act days later
This isn’t a nice-to-know. It’s a leadership necessity.
Because the way we assess shapes the way we lead.
If you’re DONE using outdated tools to make critical people decisions—this episode is your wake-up call.
Books mentioned in this episode:
1. The future of assessment by David Jones:
The Future of Assessments - The Talent Enterprise
2. Game changers by David Jones, Radhika Punshi and Sophie Le Ray:
Game Changers | Book | Insights | The Talent Enterprise
3. Unlocking the paradox of plenty by David Jones and Radhika Punshi :
Unlocking The Paradox Of Plenty | Book | Mercer Talent Enterprise
Connect with our guest, David Jones
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-barrie-jones/
- Website: https://thetalententerprise.com/
➡️Learn more about Mercer Talent Enterprise: Streamline Talent & Leadership Development for Success
➡️Discover The Thriving Index®: Behavioral Assessment Tool: Precision with The Thriving Index®
https://thetalententerprise.com/behavior-and-personality
➡️Explore well-being with Element X: Element X® l Enhance Employee Wellbeing & Engagement
Element X® l Enhance Employee Wellbeing & Engagement
Are you a leader wondering how healthy your team really is?
Uncover the hidden dynamics holding your team back — in just a few clicks.
High-performing teams aren’t built on skill alone. They thrive on trust, clarity, and alignment.
Take the free Team Health Check — it’s fast, insightful, and gives you a clear starting point for better leadership.
🔍 Start the free assessment now
https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/team-health-check-assessment
Follow our Host, Leadership Coach & Learning & Development Expert, Andrea Ross
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/feed/
- Email: [email protected]
- Follow The Career Establishment
- Website: www.thecareerestablishment.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-care…iewAsMember=true
- Instagram: @TheCareerEstablishment
Want more insights like this?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive leadership content and updates:
www.thecareerestablishment.com/newsletter
Yet we still expect them to find our future leaders?
In this episode, I sat down with David Jones, CEO and Partner at Mercer Talent Enterprise, to challenge everything we think we know about assessments.
We dig into the systems that drive hiring, development, and succession—and ask the big question:
Are our tools keeping up with our talent?
Here’s what we unpack:
✅ Why most assessments are stuck in the 20th century
✅ How the Thriving Index surfaces potential others miss
✅ The untapped power of combining strengths + personality
✅ What AI is (and isn’t) doing in psychometrics
✅ Why democratising access could uncover hidden gems
✅ How region-specific data can massively shift effectiveness
Quick stats that’ll make you rethink everything:
→ Most tools still benchmark Western, older norms
→ Over 60% of the Middle East population is under 30
→ Engagement spikes immediately after an assessment—yet we act days later
This isn’t a nice-to-know. It’s a leadership necessity.
Because the way we assess shapes the way we lead.
If you’re DONE using outdated tools to make critical people decisions—this episode is your wake-up call.
Books mentioned in this episode:
1. The future of assessment by David Jones:
The Future of Assessments - The Talent Enterprise
2. Game changers by David Jones, Radhika Punshi and Sophie Le Ray:
Game Changers | Book | Insights | The Talent Enterprise
3. Unlocking the paradox of plenty by David Jones and Radhika Punshi :
Unlocking The Paradox Of Plenty | Book | Mercer Talent Enterprise
Connect with our guest, David Jones
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-barrie-jones/
- Website: https://thetalententerprise.com/
➡️Learn more about Mercer Talent Enterprise: Streamline Talent & Leadership Development for Success
➡️Discover The Thriving Index®: Behavioral Assessment Tool: Precision with The Thriving Index®
https://thetalententerprise.com/behavior-and-personality
➡️Explore well-being with Element X: Element X® l Enhance Employee Wellbeing & Engagement
Element X® l Enhance Employee Wellbeing & Engagement
Are you a leader wondering how healthy your team really is?
Uncover the hidden dynamics holding your team back — in just a few clicks.
High-performing teams aren’t built on skill alone. They thrive on trust, clarity, and alignment.
Take the free Team Health Check — it’s fast, insightful, and gives you a clear starting point for better leadership.
🔍 Start the free assessment now
https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/team-health-check-assessment
Follow our Host, Leadership Coach & Learning & Development Expert, Andrea Ross
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/feed/
- Email: [email protected]
- Follow The Career Establishment
- Website: www.thecareerestablishment.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-care…iewAsMember=true
- Instagram: @TheCareerEstablishment
Want more insights like this?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive leadership content and updates:
www.thecareerestablishment.com/newsletter
In God we trust