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 Larree Renda Built a 40-Year Career at Safeway — From Store Associate to EVP
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What does it take to build a four-decade leadership career in one of the most complex and competitive industries in retail—without a traditional corporate path?
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Larree Renda, retired Executive Vice President of Safeway, Inc., to discuss her remarkable career journey—from starting as a grocery bagger at age 16 to ultimately overseeing major corporate functions supporting nearly 4,000 stores across North America.
Larree shares how resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning helped her rise through the ranks of a Fortune 500 company during a time when executive leadership in grocery retail was overwhelmingly male-dominated. Along the way, she led critical areas including retail operations, human resources, manufacturing, distribution, labor relations, and public affairs.
Throughout the conversation, Larree reflects on pivotal leadership moments—from stepping into roles outside her comfort zone to launching the Safeway Foundation, an initiative that ultimately generated hundreds of millions of dollars annually for community causes and cancer research.
With 40 years of executive experience, Larree offers a thoughtful perspective on leadership, career development, and the mindset required to grow into increasingly complex roles.
In this episode, Larree shares insight into:
- Building a career at Safeway that began with a part-time job at age 16
- Leading operations across 4,000+ stores in North America
- Why curiosity and continuous learning are essential leadership traits
- The creation and long-term impact of the Safeway Foundation
- Navigating executive leadership while raising a family
- A practical framework for aligning personal strengths with organizational needs
- Why courage is often the defining trait separating strong leaders from the rest
Whether you are an emerging leader, a retail professional, or someone navigating the transition into more senior roles, this episode provides practical insight into leadership growth, decision-making, and building a meaningful career over time.
🎧 Listen now to hear how resilience, curiosity, and courageous leadership can shape a lasting impact in both business and community.
Guest Links:
Connect with Larree Renda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larree-renda-33998799/
Explore Safeway, Inc.:https://www.safeway.com/
Next Steps:
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For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn