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
From Pet Industry Executive to Private Equity CEO: How Kristi Ross Scales Growth
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What does it truly take to step into a CEO role—and how do you build a career that prepares you for that level of leadership?
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Kristi Ross, CEO of Three Dog Brands, joins Jenn Hahn for a thoughtful conversation on executive leadership, career progression, and driving growth within a private equity-backed organization.
As CEO of Three Dog Brands, Kristi shares her journey from marketing and sales leadership to her first CEO role, offering insight into how diverse experiences, strategic decision-making, and strong networks contributed to her career advancement. She also provides a clear view into the realities of leading a scaling business—balancing long-term vision with operational execution.
In this episode, Kristi discusses:
- What the CEO role looks like in practice, including operational and strategic responsibilities
- How to transition from functional leadership into enterprise-wide decision-making
- The differences between large, structured organizations and private equity-backed companies
- Why speed and adaptability are critical in high-growth environments
- The value of cross-functional experience in preparing for executive leadership
- How to assess opportunities based on strengths, values, and long-term goals
- The role of mentorship and networking in career development
- Building a culture that supports both performance and sustainability
Kristi also reflects on the importance of trusting your instincts, making intentional career moves, and developing the confidence to pursue leadership opportunities—even when the path is not linear.
Whether you are an emerging leader, a seasoned professional considering your next step, or someone interested in the dynamics of executive leadership within private equity, this episode offers practical insights and actionable guidance.
🎧 Listen now and gain insight into leadership, growth, and building a career with lasting impact.
Guest Links:
Connect with Kristi Ross: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristidross/
Explore Three Dog Brands: https://threedog.com/
Next Steps:
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For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn