Hiring Matters

About Hiring Matters

Welcome to 'Hiring Matters,' the podcast where Hiring and Human Resources transform from a tactical process into a collaborative art form! Join Ken, a seasoned expert with nearly three decades in executive recruiting, and his executive guests as they unveil the secrets of Recruiting, Retention, and Real HR Strategies, sharing their 'secret sauce' for building and retaining top-performing teams. They'll dissect the art and science of building exceptional teams, retaining top talent, and implementing effective HR strategies that work in today's competitive landscape. But that's not all – brace yourself for our "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where Ken unveils the industry's hidden secrets, sharing unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations. Get ready to gain more than expected as he delivers authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. This isn't just another run-of-the-mill podcast about hiring; it's a refreshing exploration, offering a unique blend of expertise, humor, and real-world anecdotes. Tune in twice a month for tactical advice and industry insights, empowering you to confidently navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting. 'Hiring Matters' is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game, providing you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Hiring matters — don't mess it up! ABOUT OUR HOST: Ken Schmitt is an industry veteran boasting nearly three decades of expertise in executive recruiting. Ken shares the wealth of knowledge he 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." Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping businesses hire the right people. Visit turningpointrecruiting.com

Publisher

Ken Schmitt

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Jul 2023

Latest episode

11 Nov 2024

Latest episodes

40 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Nov 2024

   Lights, Camera, Leadership: Managing Teams Like a Movie Set

   What do a classical pianist, a filmmaker, and a CEO have in common? In this week's episode of Hiring Matters, Ken Schmitt dives into the fascinating mind of Jieho Lee—CEO, Chief People Officer, and movie director. From ivory keys to boardrooms, Jieho takes us on a wild ride, showing us how the skills he developed on the movie set translate directly to leading a diverse and dynamic workforce. Cue the drama! Ken and Jieho hash out the great debate: Should company culture be more "work hard, play hard" à la Netflix, or should we strive for something a little more, dare we say, fun? Jieho argues that a workplace should spark joy, not dread, while Ken questions if the tough-love, performance-driven environment is a necessary evil. Expect a few verbal eye rolls and some serious food for thought. Together, they dig into managing a multi-generational workforce. Spoiler alert: Boomers, Gen Z, and everyone in between don't all want the same things from their jobs (shocking, we know). So, how do you balance these diverse expectations without losing your sanity? Jieho and Ken tackle it head-on, offering insights, laughs, and even a few leadership facepalms along the way. Whether you're managing egos on a movie set or in a boardroom, creating a safe, collaborative space is essential. And Jieho's secret sauce? Humility, reflection, and realizing that even CEOs (and directors) are only as good as the teams they lead. Tune in for a conversation packed with humor, hard truths, and a fresh perspective on how to lead, hire, and retain top talent—whether you're running a company or filming the next blockbuster. Key Takeaways: Artsy types make great CEOs (who knew?). Classical music taught Jieho the importance of harmony—literally and figuratively. Is fun the new productivity? Multi-generational management: It's like herding cats but with more Slack messages. Cultural fit or diversity of thought? Hint: You need both. A good leader knows how to adapt and evolve. The best leader? Knows how to laugh through it. Have questions or personal experiences? Drop us a message or Join the conversation on LinkedIn.—share your own hiring and retention horror stories, tips, and even your craziest leadership moments. We'd love to hear what’s happening on your workplace “movie set”! About Our Guest: Jieho Lee (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jieholee/) is a visionary filmmaker and entrepreneur best known for writing and directing The Air I Breathe (2007), featuring a star-studded cast that includes Forest Whitaker, Andy Garcia, Brendan Fraser, Kevin Bacon, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Lee's cinematic portfolio also includes A Nursery Tale (1999) and the highly anticipated Kane & Lynch. Before making his mark in the film industry, Lee directed high-profile commercials for brands such as Ralph Lauren, Victoria’s Secret, and Tommy Hilfiger. Beyond filmmaking, Jieho co-founded Knighted Ventures, a specialized company serving the casino industries in California and Florida. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to Blue Horizon Capital, where he co-led an investment strategy team focusing on business acquisitions. Prior to that, Lee oversaw business development and marketing in Asia for POM Wonderful. His career began in the entertainment field as a classical music producer, collaborating with legends like Yo-Yo Ma and Isaac Stern, and producing a best-selling album for soprano Sumi Jo, earning him the South Korean Presidential Award for Excellence. A graduate of Wesleyan University with degrees in Letters and Cinema Studies, Lee also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. About Your Host: Ken Schmitt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmittexecutiverecruiter/) 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmittexecutiverecruiter/) Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

2. 

   28 Oct 2024

   Stop the Exodus: Ken Schmitt’s No-Nonsense Guide to Retention

   Ken is back with another fiery “Recruiter Rant,” this time he's taking on employee retention—and trust us, it's not your typical corporate pep talk. He pulls no punches, breaking down why your employees are fleeing faster than your Wi-Fi during an important Zoom call.  Ken dives into the real reasons behind the great employee escape, and spoiler—it’s not because your office snacks are subpar. He takes aim at outdated engagement programs that haven’t evolved since the fax machine, stale career development boxes that get checked but rarely fulfilled, and the assumption that offering “perks” is enough to keep people around. In this no-holds-barred episode, Ken tackles the multigenerational workforce, explaining why Gen Z craves flexibility, Millennials demand work-life balance, Gen Xers seek autonomy, and Boomers—well, they just want to be heard. Tune in for hard-hitting, no-nonsense advice on how to stop treating employees like numbers and start treating them like the humans they are. If you’re serious about retention and keeping your team from sprinting toward the exits, this episode is your wake-up call! Ready to overhaul your approach?  Have questions or personal experiences? Drop us a message or Join the conversation on LinkedIn.—share your own succession planning horror stories and tips. Don’t miss out—subscribe now and share this episode with your network! Hiring matters — mess it up! What you will learn: Uncover the Real Reasons: Learn why your employees are leaving faster than ever and what you can do about it. Generational Insights: Discover what each generation—Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers—really want from their employers. Effective Engagement Strategies: Find out why employee engagement is the secret sauce for retention and productivity. Career Development Matters: Explore how strong career development programs can significantly improve retention rates. The Power of Recognition: Understand how appreciation and recognition can enhance employee loyalty. Work-Life Balance Essentials: Learn why promoting work-life balance can be a game-changer in reducing turnover. Expert Advice: Get hard-hitting, no-nonsense insights from Ken Schmitt that can transform your approach to retention. About Your Host: Ken Schmitt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmittexecutiverecruiter/) 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmittexecutiverecruiter/) Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

3. 

   14 Oct 2024

   Coca-Cola, ArmorAll, and Pens?! Why CMO Jeff Werderman Says Your Leadership Style Needs a Refresh

   If you think pens, soda, and car wax sound like the most boring things ever—think again. Our guest, marketing powerhouse Jeff Werderman, has spent 30 years leading at brands like Coca-Cola, Boost Mobile, and ArmorAll, and now he’s running the show at Pentel of America (yes, the pen company). But this isn’t about writing instruments—it’s about writing the new rules for leadership. Jeff’s got some seriously controversial takes on what’s wrong with today’s workforce, and why your leadership style is probably driving your best people straight out the door. From leading teams of 80 to navigating the Gen Z takeover, Jeff digs into why creating a learning culture—where even the most junior employees act like CEOs of their own desks—is the only way forward. He doesn’t hold back on why hiring for attitude (and the occasional ego bruising) is more important than skill sets and how letting your team think for themselves could be your secret weapon. The episode is loaded with controversy and wisdom. Ready for the hard truth? According to Jeff, you need to embrace the chaos and hand over the reins. And if your team isn’t roasting your “lame” social media content, well... they might already be eyeing the exit. This episode will leave you rethinking everything from your hiring strategy to how you manage your teams. Takeaways: hire for opinions, embrace transparency, and if your employees aren’t calling you out—ask yourself why! Have questions or personal experiences? Drop us a message or join the conversation on LinkedIn —share your own hiring and retention horror stories and tips. Don’t miss out—subscribe now and share this episode with your network! Hiring matters—mess it up, and your best talent will be gone before you know it! 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwerderman/), 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmittexecutiverecruiter/) 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmittexecutiverecruiter/) Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

13 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings