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
Latest Episodes
You Asked, We Answered: What Recruiters Really Look for in Candidates with Cheri Jackman, Lead Recruiter at J Recruiting Services
What are recruiters really evaluating throughout the hiring process—and what can candidates do to position themselves more effectively?In this special “You Asked, We Answered” episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn is ...
Why Career Development Matters More Than the Next Title—An Interview with Jason Nichol of Gordon Food Service
What does it take to prepare yourself for executive leadership without becoming overly focused on the next title?In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Jason Nichol, Executive Vice President & Pr...
Building Career Velocity: Lateral Moves, Executive Presence & Climbing That Ladder Towards Your Dream Role
What actually moves a career forward?It would be convenient if the answer were simply: work hard, do great work, get promoted, repeat. But anyone who has spent enough time in corporate life knows the ladder has a funny habit of turning s...
Leadership Under Pressure: Culture, Courage & Transformation
Leadership is often tested most when the path forward is least certain. Organizational change, business turnarounds, rapid growth, and industry disruption require leaders to make difficult decisions while keeping their teams aligned, engaged, a...
From Walmart to the Arizona Cardinals: Shaun Mayo on Building Teams, Careers, and Modern HR
What does it take to build a successful executive career across industries—and ultimately become Chief People Officer for an NFL organization?In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn speaks with Shaun Mayo, Chief People Offic...