Recruiting used to be about finding great talent. Now it feels like applying for a mortgage, joining a secret society, and surviving a reality show — all at once.

In Episode 1 of Hero to Zero, host Ken Pearson is joined by Dean Trimble (Managing Director at Jackson Stevens Global) to unpack why the modern hiring is so frustrating — and what to do about it.

From job descriptions that read like horoscopes to interview loops that never end, this episode is both a reality check and a roadmap. Plus: a powerful closing story from listener Sean Gibbons about walking away from an opportunity — and choosing empathy over explanation.

🎯 Real stories. Real red flags. And no, pizza parties don’t replace performance bonuses.

💌 Send us your HR fails: [email protected]

[Hero to Zero is hosted by Ken Pearson, Executive Coach and Founder of ShadeTree Consulting.]

🎙️ Thanks for listening to Hero to Zero — where the real stories of HR, leadership, and corporate life get told (finally).

📩 Got a wild workplace story? We want to hear it:
[email protected]

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Because in HR... it only takes one email to go from hero to zero.