Hiring Matters – Details, episodes & analysis

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Key Takeaways:

Step Back to Step Up: Discover how empowering others can transform leadership dynamics and drive team success.

Hire for Attitude: Understand why a goal-oriented mindset is more valuable than traditional qualifications in today’s workforce.

Embrace Transparency: Learn how open communication fosters trust and a more productive workplace culture.

Create Space for Innovation: Find out how cultivating an environment that encourages creativity can lead to groundbreaking ideas.

Empower Ownership: Explore how giving employees autonomy boosts engagement and enhances performance.

About Our Guest:

Meet Jeff Werderman, the Marketing Yoda and Brand Whisperer. As the Director of Marketing at Pentel of America since March 2018, Jeff leads the marketing function for this venerable global writing instrument company. With over three decades of experience, he is known for awakening the force in brands through inspiring strategies.

His impressive career includes revitalizing Chex Cereal as Brand Manager at Nestlé Purina, where he reversed multi-year declines, and transforming Vistage Worldwide as Chief Marketing Officer, where he rebuilt a team of 35 professionals and drove significant increases in member acquisition and retention. At Boost Mobile, Jeff served as VP of Marketing, scaling the brand’s growth by targeting urban youth, which resulted in a remarkable increase in subscribers and revenue.

Before these roles, he spent nearly a decade at The Coca-Cola Company, where he expanded alliances with Disney and Universal Studios, enhancing Coke's presence in popular culture. Additionally, he contributed as a Consultant at Young's Market Company and held leadership positions at Armor All and Concentrus.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Jeff is an Adjunct Professor at California State University, Fullerton, shaping the future of marketing. With a unique blend of creativity and industry insight, Jeff is truly a force of nature in branding.

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of "The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points". Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. Ken is a seasoned expert with almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. "Hiring Matters" is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken's "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry's hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast.
Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

Got questions or a non-compete story of your own? We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a message or Join the conversation on LinkedIn—share your thoughts and experiences!

BONUS: Check out our infographic, Locked In or Locked Out: Non-competes by the Numbers, packed with insights that break down the numbers and reveal what they really mean for both employees and employers : https://turningpointexecsearch.com/non-competes-by-the-numbers/

Don’t miss out—subscribe now and share this episode with your network! Hiring matters — mess it up!

Takeaways:

• The enforcement and impact of non-competes vary wildly across industries and state lines.
• Lawmakers are pushing to reform non-compete laws, aiming to protect businesses while giving workers more freedom to change jobs.
• Businesses need to tread carefully, crafting non-competes that are both enforceable and fair—or risk backfiring.
• As legal norms evolve, companies must stay ahead of the curve, adapting to new expectations in the employer-employee relationship.
• Non-competes can trap employees, stifling their mobility and career growth.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

01:53 The Impact of Non-Competes on Businesses

04:43 Employee Perspective: Signing Non-Competes

07:07 The Harmful Effects of Broad Interpretations

09:57 Legislative Efforts to Reform Non-Compete Laws 1

0:54 Adapting to the Changing Norms and Legal Landscape

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is an industry veteran with nearly three decades of expertise in executive recruiting. He shares the wealth of knowledge gained from working with a large regional agency, the globally renowned Heidrick & Struggles, and founding TurningPoint Executive Search—a distinctive firm dedicated to fostering high-touch partnerships. With a wealth of experience and a passion for elevating the executive recruiting landscape, Ken brings a unique perspective that enriches every episode of "Hiring Matters."

Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

Hiring matters — mess it up!

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is an industry veteran with nearly three decades of expertise in executive recruiting. He shares the wealth of knowledge gained from working with a large regional agency, the globally renowned Heidrick & Struggles, and founding TurningPoint Executive Search—a distinctive firm dedicated to fostering high-touch partnerships. With a wealth of experience and a passion for elevating the executive recruiting landscape, Ken brings a unique perspective that enriches every episode of "Hiring Matters."

Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

Ever wondered how top leaders master the delicate dance between empathy and accountability, seamlessly weaving them into their leadership fabric to inspire, guide, and drive results? Today, we embark on a journey of discovery with our distinguished guest, Chelsea Grayson. With a rich tapestry of experience helming iconic brands like American Apparel, True Religion Jeans, and Spark Networks, while serving on multiple private and public boards, Chelsea has honed her expertise to navigate the intricate balance between empathy and accountability. As we delve into her insights, we'll uncover how she cultivates trust, fosters engagement, and harnesses the transformative power of executive coaching to shape a culture of success. Join us as we unravel the secrets and strategies essential for becoming not just a leader but a respected leader in today's dynamic business landscape.

Hiring matters — mess it up!

About our Guest:

Chelsea A. Grayson made history as the first female CEO of True Religion and chaired its Audit Committee. She also led American Apparel as CEO, a $650M apparel manufacturer with a 50-country footprint, overseeing significant operational improvements before its successful sale to Gildan Activewear Inc.

Currently, Chelsea serves as interim CEO and board member of Spark Networks, and on the boards of Xponential Fitness, Morphe Cosmetics, and Goodness Growth Holdings. She is also an Executive in Residence at Wunderkind.

With a background in law, Chelsea's expertise spans corporate governance and M&A. She holds Board Leadership and Corporate Governance Fellowships with the NACD and advises UCLA's Department of English. She is a recipient of the In-House Impact Award from The Recorder (The American Lawyer) and of the 40 Under 40 Recognition Award from the M&A Advisor. She was also named one of "L.A.'s Top 40 Dealmakers" in the Los Angeles Business Journal's "Who's Who in L.A. Law".

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of "The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points". Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. Ken is a seasoned expert with almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. "Hiring Matters" is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken's "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry's hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast.
Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

Chapters:

03:05 Introduction to Chelsea Grayson and her Leadership Journey

08:33 Challenges of Traditional Approaches to Marketing

10:19 Defining Innovation in Different Industries

13:01 Transition from Board Member to CEO

18:41 Training Leaders to Manage Vulnerability and Accountability

22:00 Imparting Leadership Style and Approach to Others

23:25 The Value of Executive Coaching for Leaders

24:21 The Importance of Effective Communication in Leadership and Crisis Management

32:16 Understanding Perspectives: Making Decisions on Social Issues

47:02 Advice for Up-and-Coming CEOs: Running Larger P&Ls and Engaging with the Board

48:22 Being Proactive, Decisive, and a Good Listener: Valuable Leadership Traits

36:23 The Role of Social Media in Communication and Brand Management

39:13 Consistency with Company Values and Brand in Communication

41:05 Building a Diverse Board for Different Perspectives

44:11 Making Difficult Decisions and Taking a Stand

45:05 Continuous Learning and Staying Informed

48:51 Empowering Employees as Brand Ambassadors

Keywords:

leadership, vulnerability, accountability, engagement, executive coaching, fresh perspectives, communication, leadership, crisis management, CEO, employees, board members, stakeholders, social issues

Ever felt the sting of a hiring decision gone awry? What if I told you the culprit might just be lurking in your inner circle? Strap in for a reality check as we uncover the dangerous allure of hiring friends over qualifications.

Prepare to uncover the hidden biases and pitfalls lurking in your hiring process as Ken navigates the treacherous terrain of hiring based on friendships instead of merit. Ken reveals the hard truth that unconscious bias often leads us to hire individuals who resemble ourselves, hindering diversity and innovation within teams.

Get ready to revolutionize your approach with Ken's practical insights. Discover actionable strategies you can implement in your hiring process right away, ensuring you're building teams that bring fresh perspectives to the table and driving success.

If you're ready to build stronger, more diverse, dynamic teams, tune in now.

Hiring matters — mess it up!

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is an industry veteran with nearly three decades of expertise in executive recruiting. He shares the wealth of knowledge gained from working with a large regional agency, the globally renowned Heidrick & Struggles, and founding TurningPoint Executive Search—a distinctive firm dedicated to fostering high-touch partnerships. With a wealth of experience and a passion for elevating the executive recruiting landscape, Ken brings a unique perspective that enriches every episode of "Hiring Matters."

Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

Are you tired of navigating the murky waters of leadership, constantly extinguishing fires as you strive to build your team and acquire new customers? If these challenges resonate with you, it's time to explore a different approach and consider the power of radical transparency. Join host Ken Schmitt and special guest Matt Dusa, VP of Innovative Practices for the Specialty Fire Rescue Division of Global Medical Response as we embark on a journey to revolutionize your leadership style and business strategy. In this episode, we delve into the philosophy of radical transparency, where honesty and openness reign supreme, fostering trust, accountability, and collaboration at every level of the organization. Tune in now and discover how embracing radical transparency could be the key to unlocking unprecedented success in your organization.

About our Guest:

Matt Dusa is the Vice President of Innovative Practices, overseeing business development, growth, and strategy for the Specialty Fire business, supporting Rural Metro and Capstone Fire & Safety Management. 

Matt's academic journey includes earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Western State College and a Master’s Degree from San Jose State University. Beyond academia, he is a published author, reflecting his dedication to sharing knowledge and insights within his field.

Matt's commitment to serving others traces back to his upbringing and family motto, "Men for Others," which he adopted from his Jesuit High School. This ethos has guided his diverse career path, which began with training as a firefighter and paramedic at the Fire Academy. His early aspirations to help people led him to work as a lifeguard, EMT, and certified Athletic Trainer in sports medicine.

Though he transitioned from the public safety sector, Matt's passion for making a positive impact on others has remained steadfast. Today, he channels this passion into coaching, mentoring, and leadership roles, striving to empower individuals to become the best versions of themselves. Drawing from his rich life experiences as an athlete, medical practitioner, business owner, and investor, Matt continues to embody the spirit of being a "man for others," shaping the lives of those around him with wisdom and compassion.

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of "The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points". Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. Ken is a seasoned expert with almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. "Hiring Matters" is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken's "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry's hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast.
Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

Fed up with companies asking irrelevant interview questions, Ken is dropping some truth bombs about interviews. He challenges the status quo and reveals that years of experience are about as useful as a paper umbrella in a hurricane when it comes to predicting performance. With nearly nine out of 10 new hires crashing and burning due to issues unrelated to their tenure, like motivation and emotional intelligence, Ken pulls no punches in calling out the obsession with irrelevant metrics. He shreds the myth that past experience is a golden ticket to success, emphasizing that it's not about what you did in your past job. Instead, companies should interview for experience within the context of the company's culture, rather than experience alone. In this fiery rant, Ken challenges companies to ditch the outdated interview questions and replace them with structured behavioral questions.

But don't worry, Ken has more than just a rant to share; he reveals common mistakes and some primetime solutions you can implement now. It's time to get real about hiring and stop scaring off potential rock stars with your archaic criteria.

Hiring matters — don't mess it up!

Ever feel like you've hired someone only to watch them vanish into the Bermuda Triangle of new hires? Well, the mystery of successful onboarding is about to be solved! Michelle Byers, a seasoned expert with 17 years of fine-tuning her craft in human capital management at top-tier organizations like Target and Cencora, is going to show you how to guide your new hire toward a smooth landing with air traffic controller expertise.  Michelle reveals how to use your team as your co-pilot and unveils the single most crucial activity every leader must undertake within the first 30 days of a new employee's journey. Get ready to glean insights on issues like navigating the multi-generational workforce and discover Michelle's three buckets of effective onboarding strategies firsthand. Tune in and fasten your seatbelts for a masterclass in setting your team up for success from day one!

About our Guest:

Michelle Byers is an accomplished HR and Learning & Development Leader with extensive experience across retail, distribution, technology, and pharmaceutical sectors. Currently serving as Senior Director of Learning & Development at Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), Michelle drives operational success by aligning learning programs with business objectives. With a master's degree in Management and a bachelor's in Marketing from Azusa Pacific University, Michelle excels in strategic planning, leadership development, and fostering strong business partnerships. Prior to her current role, she led HR initiatives at Target, achieving notable improvements in operations, talent management, and diversity leadership. Michelle's expertise lies in crafting tailored solutions that elevate organizational performance and drive growth.

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of "The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points". Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. With almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting, Ken is a seasoned expert. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. "Hiring Matters" is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken's "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry's hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast.
Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping businesses hire the right leaders. 

Are your job descriptions repelling potential rockstar employees faster than you can say "Monday morning meeting"? Do they read like a laundry list of demands or a cryptic puzzle that even Sherlock Holmes couldn't solve? In our latest Recruiter Rant, Ken challenges the status quo of job descriptions by diving headfirst into the absurdity of ridiculous requirements and outrageous expectations. (Read: degrees, specific industry experience, arbitrary skills such as "good communication skills" or proficiency in Word and Excel.)  He confronts the gaping chasm between these archaic job specs and the vibrant reality of the modern job market, where overly restrictive criteria act as a giant "KEEP OUT" sign for qualified candidates.

Don't worry, Ken's has more than a rant to share. He has some primetime solutions you can implement now to rewrite the job description rulebook and bring some sanity back to hiring!

Hiring matters — mess it up!

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is an industry veteran with nearly three decades of expertise in executive recruiting. He shares the wealth of knowledge gained from working with a large regional agency, the globally renowned Heidrick & Struggles, and founding TurningPoint Executive Search—a distinctive firm dedicated to fostering high-touch partnerships. With a wealth of experience and a passion for elevating the executive recruiting landscape, Ken brings a unique perspective that enriches every episode of "Hiring Matters."

Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

From the iconic halls of Nike to the dynamic landscape of Boost, our guest, Tim Mitchell, is sharing the secrets behind building global empires and the transformative power of passion-driven leadership.

Join host Ken as he delves into Tim's incredible journey, spanning from his early days in the Midwest with a journalism degree to leading Nike's matrix organization and overseeing the company's evolution from $5 billion to $40 billion. Tim shares insights on Nike's strategic shifts and the importance of adaptability as Nike transitioned from wholesale to a category-focused approach and later emphasized direct-to-consumer.  He talks lessons-learned from his observations on how different leaders approached transformation.

Tim's transition from the behemoth of Nike to the nimble tech company Boost offers unique insights into the power of hiring for passion and vision. Tim candidly shares how his exposure to diverse cultures and leadership styles shaped his approach, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and mentorship. From Nike's strategic shifts to the secrets of Tim's own culture playbook, this episode unpacks the challenges and rewards of personal and professional growth within a dynamic global brand.

Discover how stepping outside one's bubble and embracing change can lead to unparalleled success. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation that's sure to inspire and enlighten. Listen now!

About Our Guest:

Tim Mitchell is a seasoned professional with over two decades of diverse experience. Following 20+ years as a global Nike executive, Tim's "next flight" focuses on applying their Swoosh consumer, brand, product, and digital foundation to the IT Services & Consulting industry, with an emphasis on sports technology. Currently serving as the Chief Commercial Officer at BOOST since 2022, Tim's mission is to create the future of sport through AI, content, brand, e-commerce, and championship teams. Prior to this role, they excelled as an Executive Mentor at San Diego Sport Innovators.

Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Tim is dedicated to driving innovation and making a lasting impact in the sports technology industry.

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of "The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points". Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. With almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting, Ken is a seasoned expert. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. "Hiring Matters" is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken's "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry's hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast.
Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping businesses hire the right leaders.