Candid With Candidates
If you’ve ever wondered how people actually build careers inside major organizations, not just what they post on LinkedIn, this podcast is for you.
Candid with Candidates is hosted by Jenn Hahn, founder and CEO of J Recruiting Services, a national recruitment firm specializing in retail, wholesale, and distribution.
In each episode, Jenn sits down with corporate leaders, from CMOs and senior executives to rising directors, to talk through the real decisions, setbacks, and moments that shaped their careers.
This isn’t a highlight reel. These are thoughtful, honest conversations about what it takes to grow inside the corporate world, and how the people leading those organizations actually got there.
Whether you’re just starting out, managing a team, or already established in your career, you’ll hear stories that help you feel informed, encouraged, and more connected to your own professional path.
This podcast also serves as a space for leaders to share their perspectives and showcase their organizations, making it a valuable tool for both talent attraction and industry insight.
What you’ll learn from each episode:
- How real people move from entry-level to executive roles
- What leadership looks like behind the scenes
- The soft skills and mindset shifts that matter most
- How companies grow and retain top talent
- Honest advice from people who’ve done the work
New episodes drop every second Tuesday, starting June 3rd.
Make sure to follow Candid with Candidates wherever you get your podcasts, and get ready to hear the stories that don’t make it to the company bio.
Candid With Candidates
Latest Episodes
Why Doing Everything Yourself Will Kill Your Leadership Career | Brian Anderson
After more than 15 years in retail leadership, Brian Anderson learned that long-term success is not built by doing everything yourself—it is built by developing people, challenging outdated thinking, and staying adaptable in rapidly changing en...
From Cashier to Category Boss: Natasha Brinegar on Leadership, Growth & the Future of Grocery Retail
What does it take to lead one of the most critical categories in grocery retail—and how do you build a lasting, evolving career within the same organization?In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Natasha Brinegar, Vice Presi...
How Amy Niemetscheck Became CEO of Certco: Career Growth, Leadership, and Business Acumen
Wondering what it takes to lead a billion-dollar, retailer-owned grocery wholesaler—and how does someone go from public accounting to the CEO seat without following a traditional executive path?In this episode of Candid with Candidat...
How To Stay Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Industry With Aaron Gottlieb of Advantage Solutions
After 24 Years in Retail, Aaron Gottlieb Says Career Growth Starts in the Field—Not the Office.In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Aaron Gottlieb, Executive Vice President of New Business Developm...
From Pet Industry Executive to Private Equity CEO: How Kristi Ross Scales Growth
What does it truly take to step into a CEO role—and how do you build a career that prepares you for that level of leadership?In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Kristi Ross, CEO of Three Dog Brands, joins Jenn Hahn for a ...