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
Inside Retail Media: Rapid Growth & Building Calm in Chaos with Claire Wyatt, The Trade Desk
What does it take to lead in one of the fastest-growing, high margin areas of advertising and retail?
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn sits down with Claire Wyatt, GM of Client Services & Retail at The Trade Desk, to discuss her career path from would-be NASA engineer to retail media leadership and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Claire shares how she:
- Transitioned from an equity analyst to retail media in what we call a “slingshot move”
- Scaled Albertsons’ retail media team from 6 to 50+ while creating stability in an “always sprinting” area of the business
- Has built an incredibly recognizable personal brand and professional network in an authentic way
- Found the best job she’s ever had at The Trade Desk - hint, it wasn’t by applying for the job online
- Uses conferences and community building as powerful tools for industry connection and mentorship
Whether you’re interested in retail media, executive leadership, or navigating bold career transitions, Claire’s insights offer a clear look into how to grow, adapt, and lead in a dynamic industry.
🎧 Listen now to learn how strategic leadership, authentic networking, and brand-building can shape both a business and a career.
Guest Links:
Connect with Claire Wyatt : https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairewyatt/
Explore The Trade Desk: https://www.thetradedesk.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