Summary:
In this episode of The Breakout Podcast, Jake and Gareth discuss trends and changes in the job market, primarily focusing on the aftermath of recent layoffs and the subsequent adjustment of job seekers and companies. They delve into the return-to-office debates, AI's role in recruitment, and the shifting dynamics between employees and employers. With a sector-specific approach, the episode explores the market's gradual recovery, the implications of major companies enforcing in-office work, and how AI might shape talent acquisition. Additionally, the hosts provide insights into enhancing individual marketability amidst these evolving trends.
Timestamps:
02:19 Layoffs and Talent Management
04:42 Return to Office Mandates
12:10 The Return to Office Dilemma
17:12 Employer's Market Myth
22:55 Advice to Candidates
29:36 Overcoming Hesitations and Misconceptions About Recruiters
30:41 The Harsh Realities of Job Market Competition
33:46 Strategic Job Search: Planning Ahead
40:14 AI’s Role in Hiring
48:09 Final Thoughts and Predictions
Resources:
Global AI Skills Outlook
https://lightcast.io/resources/research/the-lightcast-global-ai-skills-outlook
AI as a New Labor Market
Future of Recruiting 2024
RTO: How to Lose Your Best Performers
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/return-to-office-mandates-how-to-lose-your-best-performers/
RTO Drives Out Talent
Amazon RTO Letter from Andy Jassy
Top Talent Hard to Find, Harder to Keep from Workday
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/ Connect with Jake - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-gorgol/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
Summary:
In this episode of The Breakout Podcast, Jake and Gareth discuss the evolution of their podcast and introduce a new methodology called 'Best Fit First.' This process focuses on a proactive approach to talent acquisition, emphasizing the importance of defining clear job criteria and targeting perfect-fit candidates from the start, rather than relying on inbound applications. They explain how this method can save time, reduce noise, and improve hiring outcomes by focusing on quality over quantity. The episode covers topics like the importance of preparation, the significance of targeted outreach, and the use of various tools to streamline the process. Gareth also shares real-world examples and practical tips for implementing this approach in any organization.
Timestamps:
00:55 Evolving Podcast Format and Episode Overview
03:06 Introducing the 'Best Fit First' Framework
05:40 Defining the Role and Calibration Process
08:02 Flipping the Funnel: A New Approach to Talent Search
14:10 Ensuring Diversity and Eliminating Bias
19:54 The Importance of Metrics and Response Rates
23:54 Engaging the Marketplace and Follow-Up Actions
26:47 Key Responsibilities and Company Size
27:35 Interpreting Profiles and Customer Excitement
28:50 Challenges in Hiring and Interviewing
30:44 Remote Work and Location Preferences
33:46 The Importance of Outreach
34:26 Effective Tools and Techniques for Outreach
37:48 Ethics and Challenges in Outbound Recruiting
42:58 Best Fit First Approach
47:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Jake - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-gorgol/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
In this episode of the Breakout Podcast, Gareth converses with Sam Hart, founder of AI startup Hathr. Sam discusses his diverse career path from being a pilot in the U.S. Air Force to his work in government consulting, dealing with multimillion-dollar acquisition programs, and finally founding Hathr to provide privacy-focused AI solutions. The conversation delves into the challenges and virtues of bootstrapping a startup, the value of an MBA, and the importance of maintaining a balanced mindset amidst the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Sam's mission is to offer secure AI tools that protect privacy, aiming to disrupt Big Tech’s monopolistic hold on data. The episode also reflects on the benefits of military discipline in entrepreneurial ventures and provides insights into future plans and visions for Hathr.
Timestamps:
00:00 Is the MBA Worth It?
00:40 Introducing Sam Hart and Heather AI
01:24 Sam's Career Journey
04:09 The Value of an MBA
10:25 Building a Privacy-Focused AI Startup
14:20 Bootstrapping and Funding Challenges
18:51 Reflecting on Sales and Traction
19:39 Navigating Regulatory Changes in AI
20:19 Staying Informed in the Industry
21:25 The All-In Podcast and Business Insights
23:58 Balancing Privacy and Usability
27:41 Remote Work and Building Culture
29:11 Military Lessons in Entrepreneurship
32:14 Challenges and Highs of Entrepreneurship
35:11 Quarterly Goals and Team Meetups
36:52 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Sam - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-e-hart/
Visit Hathr’s Website - https://hathr.ai/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
Summary:
In this episode of the Breakout Podcast, the hosts discuss the dynamic tech hiring market with Dan Jackson, OutScout's Director of Client Engagement and Investor Partnerships. The conversation covers the challenges of recruiting in a fluctuating market, key hiring trends for 2023, and predictions for the rest of the year. They delve into the performance and expectations for product marketing and sales roles, the impact of recent layoffs on talent acquisition, and the evolving demands of executive leadership hires. Dan also shares insights on how the external recruitment landscape is adjusting, and they both address the effects of company culture on attracting top talent. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the necessity of continuous market assessment and adapting to new technologies like AI to stay ahead.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:40 Welcome to Breakout Podcast
01:07 Introducing Dan Jackson
01:21 State of Hiring: Mid-Year Review
02:41 Dan Jackson's Background
04:12 Key Hiring Data Points for 2023
07:10 Trends in Go-to-Market Hiring
12:07 Challenges in the Hiring Market
29:03 Market Predictions and Trends
32:24 Conclusion and Future Episodes
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Dan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-jackson-1a99b366/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
SUMMARY
In this episode of the Breakout Podcast, Ernie Hu, who holds a hybrid role of CRO and COO at CAST, shares his extensive experience in the software industry spanning three decades, including 20 years at IBM.
Hu discusses CAST's journey to become the go-to name in software intelligence, referring to it as the MRI for software. He elaborates on the challenges and strategies of transitioning to a SaaS subscription model and the importance of specialization in sales. Hu emphasizes the need for alignment within teams and clear communication from leadership for successful execution. He also reflects on the fresh perspectives brought by private equity ownership and offers advice for aspiring Chief Revenue Officers.
The conversation highlights the evolving sales culture and operational dynamics within a fast-growing, private equity-backed software company.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Defining and Leading a New Category [Cold Open]
[00:00:45] Welcome to the Breakout Podcast
[00:01:17] Meet Ernie Hu: Career and Role at CAST
[00:01:52] Understanding CAST: The MRI for Software
[00:04:57] Sales and Market Dynamics in the SaaS World
[00:05:20] Specialization and Sales Strategy at CAST
[00:13:09] Evolving Sales Culture and Compensation Plans
[00:20:22] Private Equity Influence and Business Evolution
[00:27:12] Leadership Insights and Final Thoughts
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Ernie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernie-hu-6b06a4129/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
In this episode, Gareth Webb sits down with Taylor Robinson - President of Searchworks LLC, an executive search company. Tune in for insights on ways you can increase your efficiency in attracting top talent, AI’s place in recruitment, and creating a white glove post-hire onboarding experience.
TIME STAMPS
02:00 Taylor’s background at Searchworks
04:00 Market conditions in 2023 and its impact on search
06:00 What lies ahead in 2024
09:00 Ways to differentiate yourself when reaching out to top talent
13:00 What you can do upfront to increase candidate attraction with a role
15:30 Why you should consider video when crafting JDs
18:30 Are you clearly answering “Why would someone want to work here?”
21:10 AI’s place in recruiting
28:30 Ensuring candidates have a successful first 90 days
32:15 Acting as a logical partner with hiring managers to make the best decision
36:00 What’s next for search/TA/staffing and how it fits into the future of work?
40:30 Final note on AI
42:00 Advice to those setting up a recruitment firm or team
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Taylor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorsrobinson
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
In this episode, Gareth Webb sits down with Dan Wang - VP, Finance & Operations at Iterative Health. Tune in for insights on challenges faced when scaling rapidly, talent acquisition strategies, and advice for aspiring leaders.
1:53 Dan’s background and growth at Iterative Health
5:13 The 3 key benefits you get from business school and how that can impact your career
7:53 Business school downsides
9:03 Insights into the product and tech behind Iterative Health
11:27 How business needs and employee skill set needs change when businesses grow headcount
12:38 Executive level changes at below and above 80 employees
14:28 Everyone’s a generalist - when should this change and the need for higher levels/managers come up?
17:23 Three lessons learned as Iterative went through rapid growth
21:28 Why a chief of staff should be considered in your business as early as Series A
25:08 What tools and frameworks are used in MBA education
27:53 What have you done well to attract top-tier senior talent?
30:15 What do you do when you decide networks don’t cut it and you need to go outside help?
32:23 When should you decide to build out an internal TA team?
33:23 How to build out successful onboarding when you 3X headcount
34:43 How junior do you typically hire and how does that change as the company grows
37:23 Making hybrid work models meaningful for in-person interactions
43:38 Advice to ICs aspiring to get to VP
47:23 Recommended resources for continuous learning
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Dan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danwang11/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
Exploring Today's Startup Landscape: Fundraising, Labor Markets, and Strategic Advice from Monica Driscoll @ SVB
In this episode, Gareth Webb sits down with Monica Driscoll to discuss the current startup fundraising landscape, labor market, and advice for founders looking to raise.
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Monica
https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-driscoll-83b850a2/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
In this episode of Breakout's mini-series, "Scout This," Gareth and Jake dive into a company's open position for an engineering manager. They discuss the importance of understanding the current problems and future goals of the business, as well as effectively communicating these to potential candidates. The hosts also touch on the market's improvement and the need to build teams confidently. Tune in to gain insights on best practices for hiring and building successful teams.
[00:02:00] AI-powered legal tech company.
[00:04:11] Technology for justice and equality.
[00:09:21] Data-heavy generative AI infrastructure.
[00:12:08] Open roles and team information.
[00:17:29] Years in company and qualifications.
[00:22:23] A well-constrained search.
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - LinkedIn
Connect with Jake - LinkedIn
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
In this episode of Breakout, Gareth Webb and Jake Gorgol discuss the importance of considering years in the current company when evaluating potential candidates. He shares his approach of looking at candidates who have been with their company for two or more years, narrowing down the pool to 144 individuals. Gareth then dives into a specific job opening for a senior product manager position at Mendel AI, a company focused on using AI to parse complex patient data. They provide insights into the company's recent funding and expansion plans. Tune in to get valuable tips on building teams more confidently in the early growth stages of a company.
[00:00:53] Scouting Potential Product Managers
[00:05:39] Complex healthcare data experience.
[00:08:00] In-office work limitations.
[00:09:43] Remote work and top talent.
[00:14:44] Senior PMs at data-heavy companies.
[00:17:27] Hiring for niche healthcare data.
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - LinkedIn
Connect with Jake - LinkedIn
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
In this episode of Breakout Podcast on their 2nd Mini Series of Scout this. Jake Gorgol and Gareth Webb discuss the challenges of hiring designers and shared strategies for attracting top talent. Gareth emphasizes the importance of not limiting candidates based on specific experience but considering a range of skills and backgrounds.
This episode also highlights the value of consistency in hiring practices. Tune in to gain insights on building teams confidently in early and growth-stage companies.
[00:03:58] Low volume of applicants.
[00:06:32] Lead the design strategy.
[00:09:19] Addressing compensation and job requirements.
[00:15:01] A good profile for targeting.
[00:15:41] Inconsistency in sourcing methodology.
[00:20:46] A focused list.
[00:23:02] tips for average LinkedIn Users
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - LinkedIn
Connect with Jake - LinkedIn
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
Welcome to Scout this - The first of our mini-series where we break down open positions and build out rough searches for growing early-stage companies that are currently hiring.
In this episode, they discuss the challenges of sourcing and hiring for early-stage companies. They explore the difficulties companies face without a dedicated sourcing team and the importance of understanding the hiring process and attracting and retaining the right talent. Tune in to gain insights and best practices for building teams confidently in a startup environment.
Want an open position scouted for your business? Send an email to contact@outscout.io for a chance to be featured! We’ll help to break down where you may not be getting traction and build out an initial search.
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - LinkedIn
Connect with Jake - LinkedIn
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
In this episode, Gareth Webb sits down with Jenn Gardner to talk everything about building successful teams - creating effective position definition & evaluation, promoting DEI in hiring, enhancing interviewing & assessment practices, and driving salary transparency and compensation alignment.
CHAPTERS
[01:20] Jenn’s background at CharterUp and prior experience
[03:15] CharterUp’s unique value prop in the transportation market
[07:06] Bringing people together - defining as culture vs community
[10:00] What has Jenn done to counter “feeling on an island”
[16:26] Defining and building out positions for critical hires
[17:51] Every role gets a scorecard
[21:07] The problem with job specs
[22:33] Combating those opposed to setting up scorecards & putting in the upfront work
[24:51] DEI - making the position more accessible to all types of talent
[27:37] DEI - interview & assessment
[31:02] Maintaining a consistent interview process to avoid biases
[35:07] Live interview training
[36:04] How to dig out actual performance from good interviewers
[42:09] Salary/compensation transparency
[45:01] Tools to help benchmark comp
[54:37] Leading as an example and being clear with communications
[01:01:23] Advice to founders regarding salary compensation and transparency
[01:08.27] What is more difficult than it needs to be when it comes to hiring
[01:10:19] Where to Connect with Jenn
[01:11:12] Closing Remarks
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Pave - real-time compensation data - https://www.pave.com/
Carta - equity benchmarking - https://carta.com/
Gravie - benefits platform - https://www.gravie.com/
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Jenn - LinkedIn
Connect with Gareth - LinkedIn
Connect with Jake - LinkedIn
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
In this episode, Gareth Webb sits down with Gordon Smith to talk about how to successfully navigate remote and hybrid work preferences, creating in-office time employees will value, and advice for early stage founders and team leaders in the remote work era.
CHAPTERS
[01:11] Gordon’s background responsibilities @ Hubble
[02:40] Why Gordon joined - future of work
[06:25] Companies working with Hubble
[07:30] Hubble's "office" offering
[09:29] Various trends & solutions
[11:41] Differing views on hybrid company & executives.
[14:23] Common theme among companies doing it well?
[18:33] Do you think companies still like a “branded up” environment that is theirs?
[22:01] What trends are you seeing?
[23:56] Trends - mismatch in companies thinking they can get a good deal
[27:53] What advice do you have for founders on office space
[36:57] Making companies understand their data and its usage for an efficient solution
[39:21] Has power shifted back to the employer?
[40:46] What’s more difficult than it needs to be
[47:07] Anyone we should have on the podcast?
[48:47] Where to Connect with Gordon
[49:29] Closing Remarks
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gordon - LinkedIn
Connect with Gareth - LinkedIn
Connect with Jake - LinkedIn
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
In this episode, Gareth Webb sits down with Jamie Pagan on The Sales Syndicate Podcast to break down five strategies you can use to help craft your career and your resume as you look for your next opportunity.
TIMESTAMPS
[04:24] Current market conditions (the negatives)
[06:30] Current market conditions (the positives)
[07:50] Companies overindulged
[10:00] Why companies avoid hiring laid-off candidates & why it’s a mistake
[14:00] Viewing interviews as pattern recognition
[17:00] #1 - Importance of showcasing grit
[23:30] Career strategy 101
[26:30] #2 - Importance of documenting your success from day 1
[33:00] How can you combat showing proof or evidence of success
[37:10] #3 - Showcasing impact
[48:00] #4 - Self-investment
[59:00] Recap of resume builders
Link to the Sales Syndicate Podcast: Spotify|Apple
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - LinkedIn
Connect with Jake - LinkedIn
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
Join Gareth as he sits down with Adii Pienaar, a successful 3x founder who is currently building Cogsy, a cutting-edge e-commerce inventory and demand planning tool. Adii opens up about his incredible journey, sharing valuable insights and experiences in various aspects of entrepreneurship, including hiring and screening for top talent, building a remote team, and cultivating a strong and healthy culture.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:58] Adii’s background in e-commerce
[00:05:53] Building a successful remote team pre-pandemic
[00:09:53] Automatic’s acquisition of WooCommerce
[00:13:11] Get intentional about culture and values from day one
[00:15:37] Why a hybrid work model is hard to pull off
[00:20:27] Why you should over-index on soft skills when hiring
[00:27:54] The Cogsy team background
[00:29:13] How to compete for talent outside of salary
[00:31:55] The desire to keep building companies - when ego can be channeled positively
[00:36:27] Advice for founders currently building
[00:40:11] What’s harder than it needs to be when it comes to hiring?
Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Adii - LinkedIn
Connect with Gareth - LinkedIn
Connect with Jake - LinkedIn
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
In this episode, Stefanie Sher, Director of Talent Acquisition at Replicated, shares her insights on how to lead with credibility in a technical recruiting space, advice for hiring managers to avoid "bad practices," and how to influence them with data and cost-benefit analysis. She also discusses the current market landscape and the challenges of finding the ideal profile for hiring, especially in the context of diversity hiring. Stefanie also shares her favorite HR tech stack tools and discusses the role of AI in recruiting.
Joining us today is Jonas Boli, Chief Product Officer @ Phil - a Series D startup streamlining access to medications.
In today’s episode, we dive into Jonas’ background at Zillow, his journey to CPO, what traits he looks for when hiring product managers and advice for aspiring CPOs.
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