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
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 ...
From Box-Boy to President and CEO—An Interview with Ryan Adams of Gelson's Markets
What does it take to build a long-term career in grocery retail—and ultimately step into the President & CEO role?In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Ryan Adams, President & CEO of Gelson'...
Why Food Safety Is No Longer a Department: Ann Visser-Depp on Her Journey to Advising Top Retailers on Compliance Strategy and Supply Chain Accountability
Behind every compliant supplier file and traceable product movement is a disciplined system—and a leader ensuring it works.In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn speaks with Ann Visser-Depp, Food Industry Leade...
How Larree Renda Built a 40-Year Career at Safeway — From Store Associate to EVP
What does it take to build a four-decade leadership career in one of the most complex and competitive industries in retail—without a traditional corporate path?In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Larree Re...