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
How NOT Fitting the Mold Has Led Her to Success, with PepsiCo Executive Leader Jackie LaPointe
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What does it take to lead one of the largest retail markets at PepsiCo while staying grounded, authentic, and energized?
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Jackie LaPointe, Director of Retail for PepsiCo’s Southwest Market, to explore her career journey and leadership approach behind a $500M+ business spanning Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas.
Jackie shares how her career began with hands-on sales roles at Boston Beer Company, why leaving a company she loved was one of the most difficult—but necessary—decisions she made, and how embracing opportunities before feeling fully ready helped accelerate her growth. She also reflects on how her mindset as an endurance athlete translates directly into her leadership style: consistency, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Throughout the conversation, Jackie offers thoughtful insight into:
- What leading commercial strategy at scale truly looks like day to day
- Why authenticity is a leadership advantage, not a buzzword
- Building high-performing teams while strengthening customer partnerships
- The importance of industry involvement, mentorship, and professional networks
- How to balance ambition, people development, and business results
Whether you’re an emerging leader, a CPG or retail professional, or someone navigating the next stage of career growth, this episode delivers practical perspective on leadership, career mobility, and long-term success.
🎧 Listen now to learn how intentional leadership, strong relationships, and staying true to yourself can shape both a business and a career.
Guest Links:
Connect with Jackie LaPointe : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackielapointe/
Explore PepsiCo : https://www.pepsico.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