Benjamin Mena

Need to hire? We can help! - Headhunter - Managing Partner

🎯 Having a tough time hiring for your Government Contracting Executive Team or GovCon AI teams?  There are way more openings than there are people to fill.  The top level talent your team needs are not even looking at your jobs ads. 🎯
** CLICK BELOW TO SEE MORE **

We understand how competitive the market is for top talent and how your career as a leader is impacted by the ability to attract and retain top talent.  

My name is Benjamin Mena, and for 15 years, I've built Data Science and Cyber Security teams for global Top Secret National Security programs.

Finding and attracting top-level people for our commercial sector is mission-critical. I know how right hire at the right time is vital for your team's growth and success.

SERVICES FOR CLIENTS AND CANIDATES 
💥 Executive Retained Search (C-Level, VP, Director)
💥 Direct Hire Search
💥 Employer/Candidate Value Proposition Development

Myself and my team are ready to help you 

🎯 To book a no-obligation, 15-minute Client Strategy or Candidate Career Call: https://calendly.com/benjaminmena
🎯 Email: Benjamin@selectsourcesolutions.com 
🎯 Phone: 703-297-8574

The Elite Recruiter Podcast Host

The Elite Recruiter Podcast is the number one podcast for recruiting professionals.

This is where the top recruiters share: How they got there. What kind of work did it take. Tips, Tools, and Tricks. The Mindset needed to get them to where they are. What they are doing with their success. Goals and visions for the future. So please join me on this journey as I interview some of the best in our industry

https://pod.co/the-elite-recruiter-podcast

In our first full year, we reached just 2,361 total downloads, a simple start that taught me the value of every single listener. 

Fast forward to 2025, and we crossed 212,000 downloads this year alone between Apple and Spotify (not including YT)

When I launched The Elite Recruiter Podcast, I never imagined how far it would come. In our first full year, we reached just 2,361 total downloads, a 

Open article: Reflecting on The Elite Recruiter Podcast’s Humble Beginnings by Benjamin Mena • 18 min read

Reflecting on The Elite Recruiter Podcast’s Humble Beginnings

It's time to find out who won The Elite Recruiter Awards!

Congrats to the Winners and the Finalists! 

Thank you, guys, for listening to The Elite Recruiter Podcast this year! 

2026 is going to be even bigger!!!

See you guys at the Recruiter Sales and BD Summit kicking off Jan 26th!

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Elite Recruiter Awards

2025 Elite Recruiter of The Year Awards.   
The Results are in! 

Before we dive in.   I can't wait to see you guys at the Sales and BD Recruiter Summit kicking off Jan 24-Feb 2nd.  Registration is FREE for all the live sessions to see 30+ Speakers. Links below.

Elite Recruiter of the Year
Winner: Mike Williams
Finalists: Brent Orsuga, Chris Relth

Most Impactful Recruiter
Winners: Chris Relth and Caitlin Burke
Finalist: Danny Cahill

Best Recruiting Leader/Founder
Winner: Dante Nino 
Finalist: Aaron Opalewski

Recruiter You’d Want on Your Team
Winner: Abby Creager 🌊 
Finalist: Danny Cahill

Recruiter Who Influenced Me the Most
Winners: Brent Orsuga, Matt Walsh, and Greg Benadiba 
Finalist: Danny Cahill

Recruiter I’d Want as a Mentor
Winners: Julia Arpag, Rich Rosen, and Randee Staats Jr. 
Finalist: Kortney Harmon, Brian Fink

Best Recruiting Team/Firm
Winners: Artemis, Carnegie Search, and Tiello 
Finalist: Coastal

Coach of the Year
Winner: Clark Willcox 
Finalists: Donnie Gupton 🦅, Keely Flood, Mark Whitby, Mike Anderson

Best Recruiting Tech Tool
Winner: LinkedIn 
Finalist: Pin.com - AI Recruiting

Elite Recruiter Podcast Episode of the Year
Winner: “The Art of Strategic Headhunting” featuring Chris Relth 
Finalist: “From Athlete to Top Recruiter: How Mindset, Grit, and Drive Helped Caitlin Burke Overcome Cancer and Paralysis”

Congrats everyone!!!

Recognition from your peers just hits different. In the recruiting world, the highest compliment isn’t a trophy on your shelf or a quota smashed – it’

Open article: Elite Recruiter Awards Winners & Finalists 2025 by Benjamin Mena • 7 min read

Elite Recruiter Awards Winners & Finalists 2025

I failed a podcast guest recently and had to cut the recording short.

The story was to good and I just wasn't pulling it out them and that is my fault.  

I knew that if I did it right.  

It not only would change someone's life.

But it could actually save it.

Yeah... I honestly believe that with a recruiting podcast.  Make fun of me, I don't care.

But that story would have.

Its been bugging me every day on how I failed that guest...

I have not been as good with returning guest as I have with a laying out the origin story with a new guest.

With a new guest.  Its the origin story...  The Arc..  The Breakthroughs.  But its hard to do the second time back...   (Maybe I am just constantly to hard on myself)

But I think I finally figured it out tonight. 

And it was alot of homework to try to make it good...

Had a returning guest today...  

Mike Anderson

I think you guys will like the episode when it comes out.

Not going to lie...

Having a returning guest is much harder than a first time guest.

But I keep on learning..

I keep trying to be better...

What a FREAKING AWESOME WEEK!!!!!!!!!   We ARE NOW ON DAY 5!!!!!
Sales and BD Recruiter Summit is under way! 

Jordan Taylor and Sarah Chester-Nelson sharing AI secrets for Executive and Retained Search.

Greg Fischer, CPP sharing how to hit $1 Million in profit for your recruiting desk.

Josh Kirkham on building your pipeline with AI.

Diane Prince is wrapping up the week with the Keynote How to create irresistible content that converts to new customers.

Don't miss today!!!

Going out of my comfort zone is attending a conference in a language I don't know. Hoping that AI will get me through the day.

And wow!!!  It did.

Apple's new AI translations through the AirPods....

I was able to understand abour 90% of what was spoken from each stage...

The only time I really couldn't hear anything.  

Was when there was energetic back and forth in the crowd and when it was loud in the lunch area.

A few months ago I saw Adrien Moulias share about a recruitment event he was hosting...

I thought.... That would be a cool group to learn from! 

You never know where you can pick up an idea that can change the game.

I told my wife... well its in Paris.  

Do you want to go to Paris for the weekend so I can go to this conference and learn?

Well, that was a simple answer....

Who would turn down a weekend in Paris, she said...

Anyways it was such a great event with about 150 other people.

Adrien Moulias and Kemra JAAFAR did an amazing job putting it together.

It was also cool to see some people that I really respect in the recruiting industry in person.   Nicolas Greppo, Gavin Johnston, Laurent Brouat, Dorothée de Calan, David Kieffer, and so many more.

Even with the language barrier...  

It's cool to sit back and see what's happening in another country and how those recruiters are crushing it!

Today is going to be LEGENDARY!!!! 

Sharon Hulce is sharing her playbook so you can level up and be a million-dollar biller just like her by learning how to sell at a higher level.

Steven Farrell, CSP is going to share how they have added TENS OF MILLIONS to their firm while many others are going backwards.

Rob Reznick is teaching you how to tap into your network.

And the OG Snoop Dog of the Industry himself.  David Stephen Patterson is going to explain to you why your pipeline is empty and how to change that.

You can still join us for any session.  All the live sessions are FREE.

20 years ago to this day.... I got my offer letter to become a recruiter... 

I really think we underestimate.

The decisions early in life have on you..

And where that career can take you.

Tons of downs...

But even more ups! 

Time has felt slow...

But looking back its gone by so fast!!!

Ready to elevate your Sales & BD Recruiting game in 2026? Join 36+ top experts live for free insights, strategies, and systems that will transform how you win clients, build pipeline, and scale your business. Register now to secure your spot! 👇 

⭐ Featured Speakers & Sessions: 
 📍 Jan 26
 • Julia Arpag — 7-Figure BD Sales Strategies
 • Jon Davis & Dawson Merry — Sell Contract Staffing to Current Clients
 • Sarah Englade — Build a 7-Figure Recruiting Biz w/ Small Tech Stack
 • Sharon Bondurant 🔎 The Finders — Own the Room & Your Feed
 • Clark Willcox — LinkedIn Inbound: Automation + Content
📍 Jan 27
 • Jordan Shlosberg CFA — AI + BD: Win More Work in 2026
 • Mike Mello — High-Intent Buyer Lists (Live Demo)
 • Conor Kline & Jacob Price — Blueprint to $1M
 • Tom Erb — 4 Mindsets for Sales Success
 • Keely Flood — 3-Phase System for Territory Growth
📍 Jan 28
 • Rob Reznick — Why Referrals Beat AI
 • Steven Farrell, CSP — Scaling Staffing Firms by Tens of Millions
 • Sharon Hulce — Selling Retained
 • David Stephen Patterson — Close the Execution Gap
📍 Jan 29
 • Sam Kuehnle — Predictable Pipeline w/ ABM Prospecting
 • Kortney Harmon — Sell Less, Win More Revenue
 • Brad Bialy — Sell When No One Responds
 • Alexis Albright Meschi — Stop Relying on Legacy Clients
📍 Jan 30
 • Jordan Taylor, Sarah Chester-Nelson & Louise Archer — AI BD for Retained Search
 • Greg Fischer, CPP — Generating 7-Figure Profits Internationally
 • Josh Kirkham — Predictable Recruiting Pipeline w/ AI
 • Diane Prince — Create Sales Content That Converts
📍 Feb 2
 • Laurie Guillodo — Predictable Client Acquisition Systems
 • Steve Gipson & Emily Blattel — Same Day. Different Outcome
 • Rebekah Brown - Scaling Your Book
 • Josh Nix, Matt Miller- Systems for Top Producers
 • Tom Rauch - Build Your AI Tools
🤝 Sponsored by:
 Atlas - the Recruitment Platform · Crelate · SourceWhale · Pin.com - AI Recruiting · Signature Back Office Solutions · Juicebox · SeekOut · Zyve 
👉 Register now and get ready to finish Q1 strong 💥
https://lnkd.in/erupSzN5

This has gotta be one of the best quotes from Isaac James!

Talk about an incredible first day of the Sales and BD Recruiter Summit! 

The speakers just crushed it!!!!

She went 6 months without a paycheck.
In two weeks, she’ll be on stage teaching recruiters how she built a 7-Figure firm.

When Sarah Englade started her recruiting business, she had:
 • No book of business
 • No real BD experience
 • A pandemic market
 • And zero guarantees

So instead of doing what most recruiters do…
She stopped chasing clients.

She focused on candidates.
Resume help.

 LinkedIn clean-ups.
 Interview prep.
Offer coaching.

No invoices.
No shortcuts.
Just showing up.

Six months in? Still nothing.

Then the flywheel kicked in.

Those candidates landed roles.
They became Controllers, HR leaders, hiring managers.

And guess who they called first?
One former candidate alone turned into nearly $200K in fees.
That pattern repeated.

Sarah went from $0 to $1.5M in 18 months, not by pitching harder, but by playing the long game.

Her line that stuck with me:
“People will never forget how you made them feel.”

If business development feels heavier than it used to…

This episode will completely change how you think about growth.

🎧 New episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast is live.
 🎤 And in two weeks, Sarah breaks this down live at the Sales & BD Recruiter Summit.

Comment SUMMIT or DM me and I’ll send you the episode + registration link.

Thank you Atlas - the Recruitment Platform for sponsoring this episode!

Honest question for agency recruiters 👇

Which excuse do you hear the most?
1️⃣ “There are no new clients”
 2️⃣ “Clients won’t pay retainers”
 3️⃣ “BD is dead”
 4️⃣ “AI doesn’t apply to recruiting”
 5️⃣ “Personal brand doesn’t matter”
 6️⃣ “I’m stuck where I am”

I smashed all six on camera today.
Because none of them are true —

 and every one of them is holding recruiters back.

That’s exactly why I built the Sales & BD Recruiter Summit.
Free. Virtual. Built for agency recruiters who want leverage, not excuses.

👇 Watch the video + grab your spot
 https://lnkd.in/erupSzN5

Don't miss Brian Fink, Sarah Englade, Clark Willcox and soooo many more today and later this week!

Days 1, 2, and 3 have been Epic!!!!  You don't want to miss the rest of this week.

Over 1100 Recruiters have signed up for this week because they know that 2026 is THEIR YEAR!!!!

We are about to start day 4! 

Sam Kuehnle has seen behind the scenes for thousands of recruiting firms and shares the playbook of building a predictable pipeline.

 Kortney Harmon is sharing how to build more intentional revenue in 2026

Brad Bialy is helping you sell when no one wants to talk to you.

Alexis Albright Meschi is helping you stop relying on just referrals and legacy clients.  

You don't want to miss this....  

2026 is your year!!!!

graphical user interface, text, application

What do Julia Arpag, Sarah Englade, Sharon Bondurant 🔎 The Finders, Clark Willcox, Dawson Merry, CPC, and Jon Davis all have in common?

They’re not teaching theory.

They’re teaching what’s working right now to win business as a recruiter.
And that’s exactly why Day 1 of the Sales & BD Recruiter Summit looks different this year.

Each of these speakers is attacking a problem recruiters are quietly struggling with:
 • Clients pushing back on fees
 • Slower deal velocity
 • Over-reliance on direct hire
 • BD tactics that worked in 2021… and don’t anymore

So instead of “motivation” or “top of funnel noise,” Day 1 is built around revenue decisions.

How to:
 • Sell contract staffing to existing clients
 • Build a 7-figure desk without a bloated tech stack
 • Turn LinkedIn into inbound conversations
 • Position yourself so clients think of you first

Here’s the part that matters:
Most recruiters don’t need more information.
They need better positioning and better conversations.

That’s what Day 1 sets up.

The summit starts in 2 weeks.

If you’re serious about how you sell and grow in 2026, Day 1 is where you should be.

What’s one BD tactic you’re questioning heading into this year?
👇👇👇

Most recruiters think business development means selling.

Katharine Wilcox never bought that.

She’ll tell you straight up:
“If I had to sell widgets, I’d be terrible at this job.”

And yet…
She’s been a top biller year after year.
Built deep client relationships.
And eventually bought the firm she helped build.

Not by pitching.
Not by scripts.
Not by grinding cold calls all day.

But by doing something most recruiters overlook 👇

She treats every conversation as a relationship, not a transaction.

Candidate calls.
Catch-up conversations.
Career check-ins that don’t turn into placements.

She shows up curious.
She listens.
She gives real advice, even when there’s no deal on the table.

And months (sometimes years) later?

Those same candidates become hiring managers.
Those casual conversations turn into retained searches.
Those relationships turn into full team builds.

On this week’s episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, I sat down with Katharine Wilcox to unpack:
• Why “selling harder” actually hurts most recruiters
 • How recruiting is business development when done right
 • The mindset shift that turns candidate calls into future clients
 • Why thinking like a talent agent changes everything

This episode is a reminder that the best BD strategy isn’t louder…
It’s more human.

🎧 Why Top Recruiters Win Clients Without Selling
 (Link in comments)

Curious — what’s been your best client relationship that didn’t start as a sales call?

Thank you Atlas - the Recruitment Platform for helping this episode come together.

Make sure to also sign up for the Sales and BD Recruiter Summit kicking off Jan 26, Registration is FREE! 

This is YOUR Year!

What does it take to build a $20M recruiting firm AND be the leader others want to follow?

First of all have you subscribed to the The Pinnacle Society Podcast?  
If not do that now! 

David Bradley could have coasted, but instead, he chose to be the “standard bearer” for his 60-person team, showing up every day and leading by example.

Some keys from this episode:
- Culture isn’t an afterthought: Incentive trips, tournaments, and real camaraderie are the glue for high performers.
- Team-first mindset: 70% of their placements are split deals—everyone wins when the whole team gets involved.
- Consistency is king: “You can’t pay someone to do your push-ups.” David’s mantra for staying at the top year after year.

Want practical strategies and a shot of inspiration from someone who’s scaled and sustained success? 

This is the episode for you.

Ready to raise the bar for yourself or your team? 

Hit play below.

I get asked a lot....  Do you every see a recruiter doing something so different from everyone else it has surprised you?     Yes.... Yes I have...  

And his episode is dropping tomorrow....  

Stay tuned.

Sarah Englade explains how consistently showing up for candidates, even when there is nothing to gain, builds trust, reputation, and long-term impact.

Tune in to the latest episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, sponsored by Atlas - the Recruitment Platform!
Now streaming on all podcast platforms! Links are in the comments!

Adam Posner

The Recruiter your Company needs Now for the Top Marketing & Tech talent. 2x TA Agency Founder, Host: Top 1% Global Careers Podcast @ #thePOZcast, Global Speaker & Moderator, Career Coach ->GET FREE CAREER STORY GUIDE ↴

✳️ CURRENT JOB OPENINGS: https://www.nhptalentgroup.com/openings

GET IT: https://linktr.ee/ajposner

NEWSLETTER: https://read.letterhead.email/the-poz-pulse

WHO I AM: A Creative & Digital Marketing Recruiter by trade, A Power Connector as my superpower, and Founder and President of NHP Talent Group, Co-Founder @ Probably Nothing Talent & Host of #ThePozCast podcast, top 1% Global Careers Podcast.

WHAT WE DO @ NHP TALENT GROUP:

We are a Talent Access Consultancy, specializing in recruitment strategy, talent process and operations and employer branding solutions @ Hyper-Growth Start-ups, Marketing Agencies and Innovative Brands. We partner with in-house recruitment teams to scale and accelerate the hiring process. We focus on networking with experts within Marketing, Performance Media, Creative, eCommerce, Product & Content Creation.

WHERE TO FIND ME:

www.nhptalentgroup.com  
info@nhptalentgroup.com 

THE SHOW: (Please Subscribe!) 
🎧 www.thePOZcast.com 
🎥 YouTube:  youtube.com/c/ThePOZcast

MY BACKGROUND: 

I identify opportunities, synergies, and connect the dots. That is what I do best. I have built a strong reputation by always putting my Clients and Candidates first. I lead with empathy as I put candidates in the best possible position to succeed. 

Prior to pivoting into recruiting, I spent 15 years in the ad/marketing industry, leading account management & digital/social strategy at American Express, SIRIUS XM & digital ad agencies in NYC, including VaynerMedia and EP+Co.

This gives me a unique perspective when working with candidates to truly understand their Career DNA and ensure a good fit on both sides of the recruiting equation. Pro in TA process, employer branding & operations.

CURRENT & PAST CLIENTS:

Influential (Publicis)
Loeb.NYC: Penrose Hill/First Leaf Wine, Finexio, Thnks, Mercato & Rocket Fuel Labs
IPG: Reprise Digital, UM, MediaBrands, Helix, Magna, Initiative & Hill Holiday
Omnicom: RAPP, sparks & honey
Dentsu: Merkle & DWA
BOLD Worldwide
Props
Adorama
Tinybeans
Within
Invisible North/Noun
& More!

How can I bring you value? LET'S CONNECT!

Founder & President

We connect world-class, innovative Start-Ups, Brands, and Agencies in the marketing world with the best talent. Our team has a passion and reputation for building strong, long-term relationships and creating synergies.

As a consultancy, we specialize in developing and executing Talent Access Strategies for Digital Marketing, Media, Technology, Product and Creative/Content opportunities for Start-ups, Creative Agencies, and Brands, including the following functions: 

– C-level and Executive Management (Marketing, HR/Talent, Operations) 
- E-Commerce 
– Digital/Social Strategy & Account Management
– Digital Media & Programmatic 
– Brand Marketing & Communication
– Product Design, UI/UX
– Product Management/Marketing
– Program/Project Management
– Performance Marketing & User Acquisition/Customer Growth
– Technology 

Current and Previous Clients include: 
Loeb.NYC, Penrose Hill/First Leaf, Finexio, Rocket Fuel, Thnks
IPG: Reprise Digital, UM, MediaBrands, Helix, Magna & Initiative, Hill Holiday
Omnicom: RAPP, sparks & honey
Dentsu: Merkle & DWA
WPP: Mediacom/GroupM
BOLD Worldwide
Influential, Invisible North, Noun, Simply Business, Sproutward 
Ready Set Rocket
Serhant Ventures 
Luquire
Adorama
Brother
Within

I can best be reached at Adam@NHPTalentGroup.com Thanks

Cancer brought out the worst in me.

And for all the good I share about my Cancer journey, there was a dark side.

Yes, I shared about all of the silver linings that made me "better" for going through this. But it also brought many of my dark traits to the surface.

The impatience at times when I was tired, stressed, and not feeling my best.
Indecisiveness and sometimes rash decision-making. And while it's medically related, I was trying to overcompensate when my energy was too low by pushing myself past my limits.

And the worst, being short-tempered. There is no excuse. 

Not even Cancer.

It brought out my worst. Bad. And I took it out on those closest to me.

The loss of short-term memory (not counting the results of my college years) certainly exacerbated many of these traits. 

Yes, to an extent, and I do give myself some grace, but this is not who I am or want to be.

I am a Work In Progress. Aren't we all?

And I am taking the steps to improve and getting the help that I need so that I can be the best version of myself, for them, those who matter most to me.

So I urge two things

1. When you are going through something traumatic, try to find those moments of clarity and self-reflection to ask yourself, "even while I am dealing with this $hit, am I still really trying to be my best self?

2. If not, find whatever help is necessary to get as close to center as possible.

You owe it to yourself. You owe it to them.

🫶

Your Recruiter for Top Marketing, Product & Tech Talent | 2x TA Agency Founder | Host: Top 1% Global Careers Podcast @ #thePOZcast | Global Speaker & Moderator | Cancer Survivor

🚨 BREAKING #thePOZcast NEWS 🚨

I am proud to be part of the UNLEASH America 2026 speaker lineup, taking place this March in Vegas! 

I will be moderating the panel, "Creating Future Skills Pathways That Evolve With Technology and the Workforce", featuring : 

Tina Kao Mylon
Ankit Saxena, MBA
Tina Gupta


🏆 UNLEASH America is where the HR community comes together to challenge
assumptions, explore what’s next, and share practical insights — all while
reinventing HR together.

I’ll be bringing my perspective to the stage and look forward to meeting the incredible voices pushing our industry forward.


👉 WHEN: Las Vegas | March 17–19, 2026

👉 Secure your pass: https://bit.ly/491jFrZ


🔥 THIS IS #THEPOZCAST > GET INVOLVED 🔥

Whose shoulders do you stand upon?

Who steered you in the right direction with mentorship, tough love and opened up doors for you?

And how do you honor them?

The best way is by proving them RIGHT for believing in you.

I was incredibly lucky to attend the Wurman Shoulders Weekend here in Miami the past couple of days (thanks, Chris 🫶 Adamo), where I experienced a "conference" like no other.

If the name "Wurman" rings a bell, that's Richard Saul Wurman, aka the Founder of TED Conferences. "Legend" isnt even close to an appropriate title.
Since 1984, he has curated real conversations with a cross-section of luminaries and defined "curiosity."

At the age of 90 he continues to reinvent what a "conference" could be. I went in with zero expectations aside from knowing the speaker lineup (link below) and that I would be a sponge to absorb their wisdom.

The theme was "shoulders"- with each guest being paired up with another and prompted by Richard to share who and how influenced them and their success. 

It was magic. It was organic. It was from the heart and soul. 

It was inspirational.  

It was intentional.

Full of intellect, deep conversations, connections, and warmth. 

Now its my job to implement the learnings into all aspects of my life as I define this next chapter in my life and career. 

My brain is percolating with possibilities and optimism. ✅

The bar has been raised!

🫶

"Contgrats on your engagement!!!", I said.

*then I immediately ran downstairs to slam my head against a wall and chain smoke an entire pack of cigarettes.

👆 That's just part of the story behind "my craziest deal collapse" ever!

We all have them as recruiters, it comes with the territory. We take a lot more L's than W's and its just part of the business. 

But its about HOW you recover and move forward after! 

My recruiting mentor told me that you can be mad AF all day until you wake up the next morning, then MOVE ON. Because there is nothing you can do about it!

I took that to heart (or at least tried to!)

I sat down with my man Jordan Gaspari, founder of Exclusent, Inc. on episode 485 of #thePOZcast#thePOZcast where we unpacked his journey and war stories.

This is a good one folks! 

* If you’re in the people business, this one will hit different.

👉 🎧 LISTEN UP: https://lnkd.in/emNdJFb4

🔥 THIS IS #THEPOZCAST > GET INVOLVED 🔥

🏆 Thank you to our friends at Fountain for their continued support. Fountain, your frontline workforce management platform.

❌ Stop hiring for “culture fit.” ❌

Seriously.

On episode #486 of #thePOZcast, Kelly McGinnis drops a take every hiring manager needs to hear:

“I never hire for 100% perfect cultural fit… because it’s kind of bullshit.”

Why?

Because perfect fit creates groupthink.

👉 And groupthink kills innovation, growth, and the future.

What you actually want:

 ✅ Values alignment
 ✅ Diversity of mindset
 ✅ People who challenge you, not just echo you

As Kelly puts it, leaders who only surround themselves with “yes people” aren’t building teams… they’re protecting their own comfort.

And that’s just one of the many mic-drop moments in this episode.

In this conversation, Kelly, President of Business Operations at Thermo Fisher Scientific,  breaks down: ↴

→ Why hiring for values beats culture fit every time
→ The myth of the 100-hour workweek
→ What “mental marination” really means for better decisions
→ How trust and delegation unlock real scale
→ Why success isn’t about titles, it’s about legacy

This episode is a masterclass in modern leadership, blending sharp strategy with a deeply human perspective.

If you’re a founder, hiring manager, or leader trying to build teams that actually move the business forward (without burning everyone out)… this one’s for you.

👉🎧 LISTEN UP: https://lnkd.in/g7d6dvJi

🔥 THIS IS #THEPOZCAST > GET INVOLVED 🔥

🏆 #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.

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