BreakOut Podcast

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

https://www.nfx.com/post/ai-workforce-is-here?fbclid=IwY2xjawE6bxdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHecTIBhACR395oyPLmn44YLg9zsAn4Y_sfZBie9vpqxkICrhGScGEa5P5g_aem_qZBeic_s3sKJ1XxYJKJqrA

Future of Recruiting 2024

https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/future-of-recruiting?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email 

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

https://www.hrdive.com/news/despite-driving-out-talent-companies-continue-rto-mandates/717561/#:~:text=Experts%20on%20labor%20and%20workplace,after%20mandating%20on%2Dsite%20work. 

Amazon RTO Letter from Andy Jassy

https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/ceo-andy-jassy-latest-update-on-amazon-return-to-office-manager-team-ratio 

Top Talent Hard to Find, Harder to Keep from Workday

https://blog.workday.com/en-us/workday-global-workforce-report-1H24.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email 

Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify

Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Connect with Gareth - LinkedIn

Connect with Jake - LinkedIn 

See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/