Candid With Candidates

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:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

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 joined by Cheri Jackman, Lead Recruiter at J Recruiting Services, to answer real questions from candidates about interviews, compensation, offer negotiations, and the decisions recruiters make throughout the hiring process.

Drawing from their experience working closely with both candidates and hiring leaders, Jennifer and Cheri provide an inside look at what recruiters consider beyond qualifications and experience. They explain why a strong interview does not always lead to the next round, how recruiters assess alignment between a candidate and an organization, and why communication, preparation, professionalism, and initiative can significantly influence the process.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• How to approach compensation expectations with a recruiter
• Navigating salary and offer negotiations professionally
• What happens when your compensation expectations exceed the stated range
• Why a strong interview may still result in a turndown
• What recruiters evaluate beyond experience and qualifications
• Common interview behaviors that can raise concerns
• How to strengthen a résumé with measurable accomplishments and results
• Discussing a difficult departure from a previous employer professionally
• The difference between prepared and overly rehearsed interview answers
• How to recover when an interview is not going as expected
• Why communication, research, initiative, and professionalism matter throughout the hiring process

Whether you are actively pursuing a new opportunity, preparing for an upcoming interview, or looking to better understand how hiring decisions are made, this episode offers practical insight into the recruitment process from professionals who work closely with candidates and employers every day.

🎧 Listen now for practical guidance on navigating interviews, compensation conversations, and job offers with greater clarity and confidence!

Guest Links:

Connect with Cheri Jackman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheri-jackman-6a6b341b/
Explore J Recruiting Services: https://jrecruitingservices.com/ 

Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

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 & President of Specialty Companies and Strategic Ventures at Gordon Food Service, to discuss the experiences, decisions, and leadership lessons that shaped his career.

Jason shares his journey from early roles at Nabisco through leadership at Tyson Foods and ultimately Gordon Food Service, including why getting comfortable with discomfort, staying curious, and developing an enterprise mindset have been critical to his growth.

Throughout the conversation, Jason shares insights on:

• Why career development matters more than career progression
• How lateral moves and challenging assignments can prepare you for greater responsibility
• Why leaders must understand how the entire organization creates value
• How executive leadership shifts from having the answers to asking the right questions
• Why curiosity and continuous learning remain essential at every career level
• How an overplayed leadership strength can become a weakness
• What he looks for when interviewing candidates for leadership roles

Jason also explains why he encourages professionals to think of their careers as a pyramid rather than a ladder, building a broad foundation of experiences, relationships, capabilities, and lessons that can support greater responsibility over time.

Whether you're developing as a leader or working toward an executive role, this episode offers practical guidance on building the experience and perspective needed to lead at the next level.

🎧 Listen now for Jason Nichol’s candid advice on career growth, leadership development, and preparing yourself for what comes next.

Guest Links:

Jason Nichol on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-nichol-3881946/
Gordon Food Service Website: https://gfs.com/en-us/ 

Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

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 sideways when you least expect it.

Back with another special mashup episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn brings together career advice from five executives who have navigated the moves, pivots, and leadership transitions that shape long-term career growth. The focus is career velocity: building the skills, confidence, executive presence, and reputation that can move you toward your next opportunity.

This episode features perspectives from:

• Andrea Wasserman, Executive Coach and former C-suite Retail Leader
• Rebecca Lupfer, Chief Merchant at The GIANT Company
• Natasha Brinegar, Vice President of Category Management for Meat and Seafood at Food Lion
• Mark Heitke, Head of Commerce Media Strategy at Symbiosis
• Aaron Gottlieb, Executive Vice President at Advantage Solutions

What You’ll Learn

• Why Andrea Wasserman believes your career can be made in meetings and how preparation builds confidence.
• How Rebecca Lupfer adapts executive presence to different audiences and environments.
• Why targeting skills instead of titles can open unexpected career opportunities.
• How Natasha Brinegar used lateral moves to build the experience that supported her career growth.
• What Mark Heitke’s corporate-to-startup transition can teach you about finding the environment where you thrive.
• Why Aaron Gottlieb recommends seeking difficult meetings to build your leadership skills and personal brand.

Whether you’re working toward your first leadership role, eyeing the C-suite, considering a lateral move, or wondering what needs to change to get your career moving again, this episode offers practical advice from leaders who have already navigated those decisions themselves.

Listen now, stay curious, bring the energy, and keep taking ownership of your career journey.

Guest Links:

Connect with Andrea Wasserman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawasserman/
Check out Executive Express at https://www.theexecutiveexpress.com/

Connect with Rebecca Lupfer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccalupfer/
Explore The GIANT Company: https://giantfoodstores.com/

Connect with Natasha Brinegar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-brinegar-071b853/
Food Lion: https://www.foodlion.com/ 

Connect with Mark Heitke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markheitke/
Explore DoorDash: https://careersatdoordash.com/ 

Connect with Aaron Gottlieb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajgottlieb/
Explore Advantage Solutions: https://youradv.com/
Explore Daymon Japan: https://daymon.com/ 

Listen to their full episodes:

Andrea Wasserman: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5dk57JYQrhxW4UBct4QWJR?si=916e7056757c4422

Rebecca Lupfer: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3fVcAlUt3XAZynCNn9LGuh?si=0023fd95e4034701

Natasha Brinegar: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3oQ1JEF2h9r1dG89yflLLt?si=p1HfNHiCQQqcgVtBku1yLg

Mark Heitke: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dRE4qaxRKexHyU3BokG1u?si=6eab6b80043d48d9 

Aaron Gottlieb: https://open.spotify.com/episode/156l24qt8Ra0lT47E9L8Mt?si=Dyvbiop_QnqucsnctIpSdA 

Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

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, and moving forward.

In this special expanded mashup episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn brings together standout insights from some of the best leadership conversations featured on the podcast. Drawing from more than 30 executive interviews, this episode highlights practical lessons from leaders who have successfully navigated transformation at some of the industry’s most recognized organizations.

This episode features perspectives from:

• James D. White, former CEO of Jamba Juice
• Gabe Disbrow, President & CEO of Leever’s Supermarkets
• Larree Renda, former Executive Vice President at Safeway
• Kathy Sweigert, Mid-Atlantic Divisional Vice President at The Giant Company
• Sheila Muniz, Head of Large Store Division at The Coca-Cola Company

From leading Jamba Juice through the Great Recession to building an ownership mindset within a growing organization, these conversations demonstrate that successful transformation extends beyond strategy. It requires strong culture, courageous decision-making, accountability, and the ability to give people a clear sense of purpose.

What You’ll Learn:

• What James D. White learned about leadership while navigating one of the most challenging periods in Jamba Juice’s history.
• How Gabe Disbrow adapted his leadership approach while transitioning from military service into the civilian workforce.
• The leadership quality Larree Renda identifies as a key differentiator between those who advance and those who remain at the management level.
• How Kathy Sweigert approaches one of the most difficult balancing acts leaders face when managing high-performing teams.
• How Sheila Muniz believes leadership must evolve as your responsibilities, influence, and organizational reach expand

Whether you are leading through a major organizational transition, managing a growing team, or preparing for greater leadership responsibility, this episode offers a concentrated collection of experience-backed insights from executives who have led through significant change themselves.

Rather than revisiting each conversation individually, this special mashup brings some of the strongest leadership lessons from Candid with Candidates together in one episode, providing a practical resource for leaders navigating change, growth, and disruption.

Ready for more candid conversations with industry leaders?

Subscribe to Candid with Candidates and join Jenn Hahn every other Tuesday for candid career advice, leadership insights, and firsthand stories from executives across the industry.

Listen now!

Guest Links:

Connect with James D. White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-d-white-086ab2153/
Explore The Honest Company: https://www.honest.com/ 

Connect with Gabe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-disbrow-6aa7035a/ 

 Explore  Leever’s Supermarkets: https://www.leevers.com/ 

Connect with Larree Renda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larree-renda-33998799/
Explore Safeway, Inc.:https://www.safeway.com/ 

Connect with Kathy Sweigert: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2497434/episodes/17186424/edit# 

Explore careers at The Giant Company: thegiantcompany.com/careers

Connect with Sheila Muniz Ebanks : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-muniz-ebanks-mba-ma-41523a63/
Explore  Coca-Cola Company: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/ 

Listen to their full episodes:

James D. White: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0L11ca8hti50e8jiyyONtC?si=iByjInfISBu_At6knP3aVQ 

Gabe Disbrow: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5JKUONv6Uk0b8o4Pvz3Y9B?si=ac8xbh1vSne9P-_UMqLIFA 

Larree Renda: https://open.spotify.com/episode/28rUOkNZhynV850WM1PDac?si=zUwMjyrsQW6lcs5h_7gUQw 

Kathy Sweigert:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Oq0KxcuO79dpv5Qt74UXM?si=Q4RNeK3SSx-UXPqcgIi8ag 

Sheila Muniz: https://open.spotify.com/episode/28rUOkNZhynV850WM1PDac?si=zUwMjyrsQW6lcs5h_7gUQw 

Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

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 Officer for the Arizona Cardinals, about his career journey from leading human resources initiatives in major retail organizations to overseeing people strategy for one of the NFL's most recognized franchises. Drawing on more than two decades of leadership experience, Shaun shares the principles that have guided his career and the lessons he's learned while helping organizations build stronger teams and more effective cultures.

Throughout the conversation, Shaun explains how the role of Human Resources has evolved beyond administrative responsibilities into a strategic business function that drives organizational performance. He also reflects on his transition from retail to professional sports, discussing why transferable leadership skills, curiosity, and a strong understanding of business can create opportunities across industries.

Throughout the episode, Shaun shares insights on:

• What the Chief People Officer role looks like within an NFL organization
• Why effective HR leaders must first understand the business they support
• How his experience in retail prepared him to lead people strategy in professional sports
• The leadership qualities he consistently looks for when hiring executives
• Why storytelling and authenticity can set candidates apart during interviews
• Lessons learned from leading organizational transformation and large-scale change initiatives
• The importance of balancing policy with business objectives
• How professional communities and continuous learning contribute to long-term career success
• Why curiosity, resilience, humility, and empathy remain essential leadership qualities

Shaun also offers practical advice for professionals pursuing executive leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding your personal leadership style, communicating your value beyond your résumé, and approaching interviews as opportunities to demonstrate character, not just qualifications. He shares the interview framework that has helped him throughout his career and explains why the most successful candidates focus on helping organizations understand who they are as leaders.

Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, hiring executive, or someone looking to advance your career, this episode provides practical leadership insights on navigating career transitions, building high-performing teams, and creating lasting organizational impact.

🎧 Listen now to learn how strategic leadership, authentic communication, and a people-first mindset can create opportunities across industries and prepare you for executive success.

Guest Links:

Connect with Shaun Mayo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-mayo-mba-sphr-a6b5b01b/
Arizona Cardinals: https://www.azcardinals.com/
National Society of Retail Professionals: https://retailprofessionalsociety.com/ 

Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

What does it take to build a lasting leadership career in grocery retail—and continue growing through decades of industry change, organizational transformation, and evolving customer expectations?

In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Ralph Woodward, Senior Vice President of Retail Operations, to discuss the leadership principles, career decisions, and defining experiences that have shaped his more than 43-year career in grocery retail. Beginning as a high school carryout clerk before advancing through store operations and executive leadership, Ralph shares the lessons that helped him navigate career transitions, organizational change, and some of the most challenging moments of his professional journey.

Drawing from his experience leading multiple retail brands, Ralph offers practical insights into executive leadership, operational excellence, and the importance of building strong relationships throughout every stage of a career.

Throughout the conversation, he discusses:

• What the role of Senior Vice President of Retail Operations looks like on a day-to-day basis
• Why adopting an ownership mindset leads to stronger decision-making and accountability
• The leadership lessons he learned from receiving difficult feedback early in his executive career
• How leading through bankruptcy strengthened his resilience and leadership approach
• Why successful leaders welcome constructive disagreement and encourage open communication
• The value of taking on unfamiliar roles to accelerate professional growth
• How credibility is built through consistency, integrity, and delivering on commitments
• The evolving role of technology, AI, and e-commerce in the future of grocery retail

Ralph also reflects on the relationships that have influenced his career—from mentors who challenged his thinking to the colleagues and communities he has served throughout Arizona. His perspective demonstrates that leadership is built through consistent actions, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace both challenges and opportunities with humility and purpose.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, an experienced retail professional, or someone looking to advance into executive leadership, this conversation offers practical guidance on developing resilience, leading through change, and building a career defined by trust, accountability, and long-term impact.

🎧 Listen now to gain practical leadership insights from more than four decades of executive experience in retail operations.

Guest Links:

Connect with Ralph Woodward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-woodward-6978871a/
Bashas': https://pty.bashas.com/ 

Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

What does it take to build a resilient leadership career when the path is anything but linear?

In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn sits down with Shannon Clark, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications for Houchens Food Group, Inc., to discuss a career journey shaped by adaptability, operational depth, and strategic growth. From apparel design and store operations to e-commerce and enterprise marketing leadership, Shannon shares how each chapter of her career prepared her to lead marketing across more than 400 locations spanning grocery, convenience, hardware, and QSR formats.

Shannon offers a candid perspective on navigating two major layoffs, reframing setbacks as opportunities, and why prioritizing organizational stability over job title proved pivotal in her long-term success. She also explores the realities of leading lean teams at scale, balancing creativity with data-driven decision-making, and staying current in an ever-evolving marketing landscape.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Rebuilding momentum and confidence after layoffs
• Identifying and leveraging transferable skills across industries
• Leading marketing strategy and execution across complex retail organizations
• The importance of organization, prioritization, and calendar discipline in executive roles
• Building career momentum through mentors, investors, and advocates
• Practical advice for candidates seeking their next role or promotion
  
  
  

Whether you are an emerging leader, a marketing professional, or navigating a career transition, this episode provides thoughtful insight into leadership development, career resilience, and the strategic demands of modern retail marketing.

🎧 Listen now to gain a practical perspective on building a durable career through change—and subscribe to Candid with Candidates for more executive insights and candid career conversations.

Guest Links:

Connect with Shannon Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-clark-44225857/
Explore Houchens Food Group, Inc.: https://www.hfginc.com/ 

Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

After more than 15 years in retail leadership, Brian Anderson learned that long-term success is not built by doing everything yourself—it is built by developing people, challenging outdated thinking, and staying adaptable in rapidly changing environments.

In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Brian Anderson, Senior Vice President of Operations, Supply Chain & Distribution at Continental Services, for a conversation about leadership evolution, operational strategy, career growth, and the future of retail.

Brian reflects on his leadership journey from Michigan State University into a successful career with Aldi before transitioning into the fast-growing world of unattended retail and customer experience solutions. Throughout the conversation, he shares how early leadership failures, high-pressure opportunities, and difficult transitions shaped his approach to building high-performing teams and leading through uncertainty.

Jenn and Brian discuss:

• Why leadership growth requires moving beyond individual execution
• The importance of developing and empowering strong teams
• How taking professional risks accelerates long-term career growth
• What frictionless customer experience means in modern retail
• The growing role of AI and data analytics in supply chain and operations
• Why organizations must continuously challenge the status quo
• How hybrid work environments are changing consumer behavior
• The importance of adaptability in leadership and business strategy
• What candidates can do to stand out in interviews today
• Why authentic conversation matters more than rehearsed answers
• How failures and setbacks often create the strongest leadership lessons

Brian also shares practical insight into scaling operations across diverse client environments, balancing customization with operational efficiency, and creating workplace cultures where employees feel empowered to contribute ideas and challenge assumptions.

Whether you are an emerging leader, experienced operator, or professional navigating career growth, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on leadership, innovation, and building a career that evolves alongside changing industries.

🎧 Listen now to hear candid insights on leadership, operational excellence, career development, and the mindset required to stay relevant in a rapidly changing business world.

Guest Links:

Connect with Brian Anderson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-anderson-msu/
Explore Continental Services: https://www.continentalserves.com/ 

Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

What does it take to lead one of the most critical categories in grocery retail—and how do you build a lasting, evolving career within the same organization?

In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Natasha Brinegar, Vice President of Category Management,  Meat & Seafood at Food Lion, joins Jenn Hahn to share her 34-year journey from store-level cashier to executive leadership.

Natasha offers a clear and practical view of her current role, including overseeing assortment, pricing, supplier partnerships, and merchandising strategy across more than 1,100 stores. She emphasizes that while category management is often viewed through a technical lens, success ultimately depends on strong relationships, effective collaboration, and people-centered leadership.

She also reflects on the key decisions that shaped her career—choosing to remain in the grocery industry, pursuing cross-functional experience through lateral moves, and stepping into leadership roles without waiting for complete readiness. Her perspective highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and confidence built through action.

In addition, Natasha shares insights into the evolving grocery landscape, including the rapid growth of digital capabilities, changing customer expectations, and the increasing importance of personalization and convenience in retail strategy.

In this episode, we explore:

• The scope and responsibilities of a Vice President in category management
• Why relationship-building is essential in a data-driven retail environment
• The long-term value of lateral career moves and cross-functional experience
• How to approach new roles without prior category expertise
• The role of calculated risk-taking in driving innovation and growth
• Key shifts in grocery retail, including digital transformation and delivery expectations
• What hiring leaders look for in candidates, including clarity of purpose and adaptability
• How to identify and overcome self-imposed limitations in career progression

This episode provides valuable insight for professionals at all stages of their careers—particularly those navigating leadership development, career transitions, or growth within complex organizations.

🎧 Listen now to gain a practical perspective on leadership, career progression, and how to build a meaningful career that evolves with both the individual and the business.

Guest Links:

Connect with Natasha Brinegar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-brinegar-071b853/
Food Lion: https://www.foodlion.com/ 

Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn