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
From a Part-time Job at Sixteen, to Divisional VP. Curiosity, Courage, and Career Pivots with Kathy Sweigert of Giant
In this very first episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Kathy Sweigert, Mid-Atlantic Division Vice President at The Giant Company, for an unfiltered conversation about where she started, navigating career pivots, and building a team in a culture of CARE.
Kathy shares how she went from bagging groceries at 16 to overseeing 100+ stores across multiple banners in her DVP role today.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever wondered how to grow in their career without waiting for permission.
What You'll Learn:
- How to lead with both care and accountability
- The power of curiosity and courage in career transitions (Kathy has worked in both HR and Store Operations)
- The power of Business Resource Groups in her growth
Mentorship done right, from both sides
How to stand out in interviews with real, measurable leadership
The mission that keeps Kathy inspired after decades in the grocery industry
If you're a leader, a mentor, or someone trying to break through to the next level, this conversation is full of real-world insights that will stick with you.
Guest Links:
- Connect with Kathy Sweigert on LinkedIn
- Explore careers at The Giant Company: thegiantcompany.com/careers
Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? We would love if you would hit the "follow" button, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.
Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.
For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn