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
MISSION Founder Josh Shaw on Entrepreneurship, Private Equity, AI, and Executive Leadership
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What does it take to build successful companies, navigate uncertainty, and turn decades of entrepreneurial experience into an opportunity to help other businesses grow?
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn speaks with Josh Shaw, founder and Executive Chairman of MISSION and Operating Partner at Topspin Consumer Partners. Josh shares his journey from launching Student Advantage in college to building Go Smile and founding MISSION, along with the lessons that shaped his transition from entrepreneur to private equity.
Throughout the conversation, Josh discusses the realities behind building and scaling businesses, why people and culture remain essential to long-term growth, and what professionals should understand before pursuing opportunities in private equity. He also shares his perspective on AI, executive hiring, and what separates strong candidates in today's interview process.
Throughout the episode, Josh shares insights on:
- How his entrepreneurial career evolved from Student Advantage to Go Smile and MISSION
- Why entrepreneurship requires grit, persistence, and comfort with uncertainty
- How MISSION evolved into a company focused on cooling technology
- Why people and culture remain critical to sustainable business growth
- How he transitioned from entrepreneurship into private equity
- A four-stage approach for executives interested in exploring private equity
- Three areas where AI can create meaningful value for businesses
- What he looks for when evaluating executive candidates
- Why preparation, authenticity, and honesty matter during interviews
- How candidates can leverage AI without allowing it to replace their own thinking
Josh also explains why career growth is rarely about having every answer from the beginning. Whether building a company, entering private equity, or preparing for an executive opportunity, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the value you bring, surrounding yourself with the right people, and being willing to adapt when circumstances change.
🎧 Listen now to hear Josh Shaw's perspective on building businesses, developing strong teams, navigating career transitions, and staying prepared for what comes next.
Guest Links:
Connect with Josh Shaw: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-shaw-7840b814/
Explore MISSION: https://www.mission.com/
Explore Topspin Consumer Partners: https://topspincp.com/
Next Steps:
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For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn