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
Embracing Tech in Retail: Parag Shah of Think Blue on AI, E-Commerce & Customer Experience
What does it take to transform legacy retail systems into future-ready strategies—without losing sight of what matters most?
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Parag Shah, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Think Blue, to explore his journey from grocery store aisles to executive boardrooms—and now to reimagining how the industry uses data, technology, and good old-fashioned merchant instinct to drive smarter growth.
Parag shares how his 25-year corporate career—from buyer to VP at Wakefern and then head of merchandising and digital at The Giant Company—shaped his belief that innovation doesn’t start with a tool or system. It starts with people who are willing to experiment, evolve, and execute with courage.
Now leading Think Blue, Parag partners with CPGs and retailers to reimagine the merchant function, transform space planning, and move beyond outdated joint business planning to unlock shared value between brands and retailers.
What You'll Learn:
- Why the merchant mindset still matters in the age of AI
- How Parag and his team led a transformation, guiding 48 board meetings over a 24-month period—with patience and persistence
- The power of inspiration and experimentation when introducing new technologies
- What retailers and CPGs need to rethink about joint business planning
- How to avoid shiny object syndrome in tech adoption
- What every professional—regardless of role—can do to stay relevant in the age of AI
With real-world stories, practical advice, and a few lessons from 48 board meetings, this episode is a must-listen for anyone leading through transformation—or hoping to. Listen now!
Guest Links:
Connect with Parag Shah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omnigrowthparag/
Explore Think Blue: Think Blue
Next Steps:
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For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn