In this episode of Who Hired This Person?, host Kaitlyn sits down with Tarnesha Miller, Human Resources Manager at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Carrollton, Texas. With a background in performing arts and more than a decade of HR experience, Tarnesha brings a fresh and deeply human perspective to hiring. She opens up about learning to trust her gut, advocate for culture-first candidates, and why transparency is her secret weapon.

Whether you’re hiring in faith-based spaces, nonprofits, or high-trust teams, Tarnesha shares stories and insights that remind us how much HR can shape the soul of an organization.

Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:

🔹 From the Stage to HR:

Tarnesha didn’t set out to be in HR—but when an HR Director saw something in her, she leaned in, learned fast, and never looked back. Now, she advocates for people with purpose and leads hiring with compassion.

🔹 The Myth of “Most Qualified”:

Early in her career, Tarnesha believed the most polished resume always wins. Now, she knows better. Soft skills like emotional intelligence, humility, and adaptability often predict success more than credentials ever could.

🔹 Speak Up About Red Flags:

She shares a tough lesson about staying silent in a hiring decision despite sensing disrespectful behavior. When that hire later hurt team morale, she realized the cost of not trusting her instincts—and now speaks up every time.

🔹 When “Call Me Spirit” Sets the Tone:

In one unforgettable screening call, a candidate insisted on being called “Spirit” because their name was just something given by their parents. It was a moment that tested Tarnesha’s adaptability—and her poker face.

🔹 Hiring in Nonprofit & Faith-Based Environments:

Bent Tree isn’t just hiring for skills—it’s about alignment with mission, community, and purpose. Tarnesha looks for people who know their “why” and can roll with the many hats that nonprofit roles require.

🔹 Potential Over Perfection:

One of her proudest hires was a candidate with no traditional experience—but with passion, humility, and growth mindset. That person is now a leader. Tarnesha reminds us: potential is powerful.

🔹 Radical Transparency in Interviews:

She’s upfront with candidates—about red flags, expectations, and culture. If that honesty scares someone off, she believes, “What’s for you is for you.” The right people will lean in, not out.

🔹 The Fail Question Still Works:

Tarnesha stands by one of HR’s classic interview questions—“Tell me about a time you failed.” It’s how she uncovers self-awareness, accountability, and real growth.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Don’t ignore your gut—especially when it comes to culture fit.

✅ Transparency builds trust from the very first call.

✅ Hiring for values and purpose creates long-term wins for mission-driven teams.

✅ A “perfect resume” doesn’t mean a perfect hire.

✅ You’re in your role for a reason—own it, speak up, and lead confidently.

Links & Resources:

🔗 Connect with Tarnesha Miller on LinkedIn: Tarnesha Miller

🔗 Explore opportunities at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship: www.benttree.org