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 Banking to Ecomm Boss: Roadmapping & Real Leadership with Brooke Chambers
What does it take to break into digital commerce and lead one of the fastest-moving segments in retail without a traditional background?
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Brooke Chambers—Ecommerce Director, Kroger —to unpack her unconventional path into retail, and the lessons that have defined her leadership ever since.
What You’ll Learn:
- What it truly means to lead a digital marketplace for a national retailer
- How to roadmap your career by anchoring to your “why”
- The importance of self-reflection and career stamina
- Practical advice for candidates—especially internal ones—on how to prepare for interviews
- How to build influence across cross-functional teams
- What to look for when hiring beyond the resume
- Why vulnerability and preparation are critical to career growth
Whether you’re navigating a career shift, building a high-performing team, or interviewing for your next move, Brooke’s insights will leave you with practical takeaways and a renewed sense of direction.
Connect with Brooke:
- Connect with Brooke Chambers on LinkedIn
- Explore careers at Kroger: thekrogerco.com/careers
For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn Hahn on:
- Instagram: @candidwithcandidates
- LinkedIn: Jenn Hahn
- Website: www.candidwithcandidates.com
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