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
Energy Management as a Key Leadership Principle with Pat Mooney, VP at Wakefern
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn speaks with Pat Mooney, Vice President of Health & Beauty Care and Non-Foods at Wakefern Food Corp.—the $21B retailer many consumers haven’t heard of, but whose unique business model has shaped regional retail in the Northeast for decades.
Pat shares insights from his 16-year career journey, starting from a rotational “leader in training” role to leading complex merchandising, logistics, and replenishment strategies. He explains how Wakefern’s cooperative structure empowers small businesses with the scale and resources of a large enterprise, while keeping local ownership and customer intimacy at the forefront.
In this episode:
- Wakefern’s member-owned cooperative model and how it drives operational excellence and community engagement
- Career development in the retail industry: how to recognize the right opportunities, build trust, and grow quickly
- The difference between time management and energy management, and how focusing on what you control can accelerate professional growth
- The evolving landscape of the retail industry and how to continue to evolve to stay competitive
- What Pat looks for in future leaders—and how candidates can stand out in today’s competitive environment
With a balance of strategic thinking, practical advice, and leadership wisdom, Pat Mooney offers a compelling view into what it takes to succeed in modern retail—while staying grounded in purpose, community, and accountability.
👉 Listen now and learn how to grow your impact, lead with intention, and navigate the future of retail.
Guest Links:
Connect with Pat Mooney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-mooney/
Explore Wakefern Food Corp.: https://www2.wakefern.com/
Next Steps:
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For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn