Hot Tea with Umo & Bri

EPISODE 8: How to Spot an A-Player

Umo Callins and Briana Butler

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0:00 | 27:15

What if one hire could either grow your business or slow everything down? In this episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, Umo and Bri spill the real tea on hiring A players for your sports nutrition, fitness, or wellness business. They share why the best team members take ownership, ask smart questions, communicate clearly, and care about your mission beyond the paycheck. They also talk about hiring mistakes they’ve made, like rushing the process, ignoring red flags, and choosing skill over character. From spotting strong initiative in interviews to keeping your standards high, this conversation is a must-listen for founders ready to protect their time, culture, and client experience while building a team that can truly grow with them.

Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitian
Bri's Instagram: @theathletitian

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Episode highlights:
(1:21) Why hiring A players matters for business growth
(5:07) What makes someone an A player
(10:45) How to spot green flags during interviews
(14:40) Why energy, presence, and empathy matter
(16:50) Virtual interview red flags and professionalism
(20:48) Common hiring mistakes founders make
(21:36) Why character matters more than skill
(24:33) Being honest about expectations from the start
(25:49) Final advice: hire slow, lead well, and build for growth