Bryan Caplan, BA '08 (business administration)

CEO, TalentLink

In this Alumni Career Spotlight, Megan McKinney, associate director of the Duck Career Network, interviews Bryan Caplan about his entrepreneurial journey, TalentLink's innovative People-as-a-Service model, and his commitment to giving back to the UO community.

 

How did your experience at the UO help shape your career path, and are there specific moments or skills from your time as a student that have influenced your entrepreneurial journey?

I’ve been a lifelong entrepreneur, starting in 1st grade by selling little chalk statues to my classmates for their lunch money. (That was a fun call home.) 

My time at UO was transformative in many ways, especially in fostering curiosity and resilience, which are both qualities that have defined my entrepreneurial path. The open culture at the Lundquist College of Business taught me the importance of diverse perspectives and the power of teamwork. Today at TalentLink, we ensure every voice matters in creating impactful people programs to propel growth, reflecting the collaborative spirit I learned at UO.

In your current role as CEO at TalentLink, you focus on helping growing companies with their people operations. What inspired you to start TalentLink, and how does it stand out from other consulting firms in the industry?

For years, I was deeply involved in marketing, running a successful agency and speaking at events for companies like Google. My brother-in-law, Jamie, often spoke about opportunities in the HR and People Operations industry, but I only realized the potential when I joined a startup in a multi-faceted role. There, I experienced the challenges of driving sales, drafting contracts,  managing projects, and struggling to build a strong team that could catapult our growth. I quickly recognized the need for a better approach to People Operations.

This led to TalentLink’s unique model: People as a Service. Our advisors are embedded within client organizations as on-demand team members who understand the culture, align with business needs, and handle People Ops across the entire employee lifecycle. From attracting talent with a strong employer brand to onboarding, engagement, and respectful off-boarding, we guide companies every step of the way. Whether for a solo startup or an established company with hundreds of employees, our embedded advisors ensure companies can attract, hire, evolve, and retain the right talent, providing a People Ops solution that scales with their needs.

Reflecting on your previous roles with Google and Constant Contact, where you trained and empowered small businesses, what are some of the most valuable lessons you took away from these experiences that you now apply to TalentLink?

Working with Google and Constant Contact taught me that growth starts with education and empowerment. I saw firsthand how small businesses could thrive with the right tools and knowledge, which has shaped TalentLink’s mission. At TalentLink, we don’t just provide People Ops services, we empower clients through our embedded advisory approach to understand the “why” behind each strategy or solution. This enables them to build a sustainable talent pipeline and an optimized workforce.

You’ve worked with both startups and established companies to help streamline processes and optimize their workforce. What are the most critical elements for building a successful team, especially for a growing business?

Building a successful team starts with alignment, ensuring each person is connected to the company’s mission and values. At TalentLink, our approach centers on People, Process, and Technology. If an employer is facing challenges in attracting top talent, we focus on building a strong employer brand with a well-defined Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and clear Mission, Vision, and Values. This storytelling element is essential, helping jobseekers understand what the company truly stands for.

We then help to streamline processes across the employee journey, from hiring to onboarding to continuous alignment and feedback loops. Fostering open communication is a key part of this, starting with a 30-60-90 day onboarding and feedback plan that seamlessly integrates new hires into the company culture. Once onboarded, we help employers consider learning and development programs to boost skillsets and overall performance.

 As advisors, we work with employers to implement and leverage technology, like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and innovative AI tools, to automate tasks and increase efficiencies. This empowers companies to build resilient, adaptive teams that can grow with the business.

What advice would you give to current UO students or recent graduates who are interested in starting their own business or building a career in digital marketing and technology?

For anyone interested in entrepreneurship or digital careers, I’d say start by embracing adaptability because being able to pivot and learn quickly is essential. Entrepreneurship and technology are ever-evolving fields, so staying curious and open to change will keep you ahead. 

Building a strong network is equally important. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you; they’ll become a key resource throughout your career. Also, push yourself to join clubs and attend events because you might meet a mentor or a future business connection while sharpening your skillset. Finally, aim to create genuine value. Whether in marketing, technology, or something like People Operations, focus on understanding what your audience or clients truly need, then work to meet those needs in an authentic way. At TalentLink, that commitment to authentic, value-driven service has been central to our approach.

As someone who has moved between corporate roles and entrepreneurship, what has been the most challenging—and most rewarding—aspect of running your own business, and how do you stay motivated through these challenges?

Growing up, I watched my dad work tirelessly in the shoe business, traveling to factories throughout Europe and Asia for most of the year. He sacrificed so much time that could have been spent with us to provide for our family. As I started my own career, I promised myself that I’d build a business-driven lifestyle that allowed me to be present for my family. Working for someone else, though it has its benefits, just wasn’t conducive to that vision. I needed the flexibility and autonomy that only entrepreneurship could offer.

Running a business comes with the weight of responsibility: every decision impacts not only the business but also our team, clients, and their families. Balancing that responsibility with the need for agility is a constant challenge, especially in People Operations. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding. Seeing the positive impact TalentLink has on our clients’ growth and their people keeps me motivated. Knowing we’re helping to build strong teams, streamline processes, and scale businesses authentically is incredibly fulfilling. That commitment to creating genuine value drives me through all the ups and downs.

As a former national trainer for Google, you led free Grow with Google workshops for the UO Alumni Association. What motivated you to give back to the UO community?

The University of Oregon played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Giving back is something I’ve always believed in. It’s about lifting others as you climb. Leading the Grow with Google workshops was a perfect opportunity to share what I’d learned, help empower fellow alumni, and give back to a community that gave so much to me. I wanted to ensure that the next generation of Ducks has access to the tools and insights they need to build fulfilling careers and Win The Day!