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 Mopping Café Floors to Leading National Brands: How Candace Pappas Built a Bold Career in Beverage, Retail, and CPG
Ever wonder how someone goes from mopping café floors to leading at the executive level for two powerhouse brands?
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Candace Pappas, SVP of Marketing at Blake’s Beverage Company and Blake Farms, for a no-fluff, straight-talking conversation about rising through the ranks, leading in two dynamic industries, and what happens when you stop waiting for permission.
Candace’s story is full of game-changing pivots—from starting as an AGM at Argo Tea to becoming its President & COO, leading the brand’s expansion across the U.S. and internationally. She shares how she navigated her "what’s next?" moment when she stepped away from Argo and landed at Blake’s, and now leads a high-performing marketing team across agritainment, retail, hospitality and CPG.
If you're figuring out your next move or rethinking your leadership style, this episode is packed with takeaways.
What You’ll Learn:
- How “cans in hands” and “liquid to lips” became a brand-driving strategy
- What it really looks like to grow from the ground up inside an organization
- The story behind a cold LinkedIn message that led to a senior executive role
- Key mindset shifts for navigating acquisitions, pivots, and high-growth seasons
- How to lead with authenticity—and why it matters
- The power of curiosity in interviews, leadership, and career transitions
Whether you're leading a brand, building your own career, or just trying to figure out what’s next, Candace’s journey is a blueprint for what’s possible when you stay curious, bold, and honest about your value.
Guest Links:
Connect with Candace Pappas on LinkedIn
Learn more about Blake's Beverage Company
Next Steps:
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For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn