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 To Stay Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Industry With Aaron Gottlieb of Advantage Solutions
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After 24 Years in Retail, Aaron Gottlieb Says Career Growth Starts in the Field—Not the Office.
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Aaron Gottlieb, Executive Vice President of New Business Development for Retailer & Experiential Services at Advantage Solutions and President of Daymon Japan, to explore a career shaped by intentional moves, cross-functional experience, and a commitment to understanding how businesses truly operate.
Aaron shares how an early piece of advice—to leave corporate headquarters and gain field experience—fundamentally changed his perspective and accelerated his career. He also reflects on the importance of taking ownership, building a strong professional brand, and continuously seeking opportunities to grow.
Drawing on decades of experience across global retail, brands, and service organizations, Aaron offers thoughtful insight into:
- Why career ownership is essential for long-term growth and leadership development
- The value of cross-functional experience in building effective, empathetic leaders
- How to navigate change and uncertainty with agility and resilience
- The importance of aligning strategy with in-store execution to drive real results
- How to approach difficult decisions and learn from leadership missteps
- What differentiates high-performing candidates in today’s competitive environment
- Why curiosity, preparation, and mindset matter as much as experience in interviews
- The growing role of AI as a tool for accelerating insight and decision-making
Aaron also shares his perspective on the evolving retail landscape, including the continued importance of the in-store experience and the opportunity for organizations to better connect strategy with execution.
Whether you’re an emerging leader, experienced professional, or navigating your next career move, this episode offers practical guidance on leadership, adaptability, and building a meaningful career.
🎧 Listen now and gain insight into leadership, growth, and building a career with lasting impact.
Guest Links:
Connect with Aaron Gottlieb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajgottlieb/
Explore Advantage Solutions: https://youradv.com/
Explore Daymon Japan: https://daymon.com/
Next Steps:
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For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn