Ashby’s $50M Series D marks a shift in how the company is thinking about product, customers, and the future of recruiting.

In this episode, CEO Benji Encz returns to share what led to Ashby’s latest milestone. He and Shannon talk about the strategic timing of the fundraise, the growing role of AI in recruiting, and how to balance tech with a human touch. They also unpack why quality of hire matters more than ever and how teams are linking recruiting data to long-term success. Benji reflects on lessons from building with patience—and why that mindset leads to stronger, more resilient teams.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI should solve real problems: The best tools improve workflows already in place.
2. Quality of hire is rising: Executives want to understand impact beyond time to fill.
3. Adaptability is strategy: Recruiting teams need to flex hiring models based on business needs.
4. Culture is compounding: Strong internal practices create better experiences for both customers and candidates.

Timestamps: 
(00:00) Introduction

(01:24) Ashby Raises $50M Series D to Power Next Chapter

(04:09) How AI Is Moving From Nice to Have to Business Imperative

(05:44) Using AI to Surface Talent You’d Normally Miss

(06:29) The Rise of Quality of Hire as a Board Level Priority

(08:33) Real Customer Wins With Quality of Hire Metrics

(10:05) Helping TA Teams Adapt Faster to Market Volatility

(12:37) How Ashby’s Hiring Excellence Framework Guides TA Focus

(13:18) Making Candidate Experience a Differentiator With AI

(15:56) Scaling Customer Success Without Losing the Human Touch

(18:18) Why Community Building Is a Strategic Bet at Ashby

(20:22) Long-Term Culture Design and Operating Principles in Action

(22:40) How Thoughtful Communication Shapes Ashby’s Internal Ops

(26:04) How AI Has Reshaped Hiring Excellence in the Last Two Years

(27:21) The Product Bet Benji Would Make Again Even If It Failed