For years, founders have been told to just hire a contractor—it’s cheaper, faster, and easier. But in 2025? Misclassifying talent could cost you way more than you think.

In this re-released episode of The Hire Breakthrough Podcast, I’m breaking down one of the most common (and costly) mistakes founders make: hiring without understanding the legal difference between W2 employees and 1099 contractors.

Whether you’re growing your team or hiring your first support role, this episode covers: 

✔️ The key differences between contractors and employees (and why it matters)

✔️ Common hiring mistakes that lead to audits, fines, or worse 

✔️ How to make the right hire based on your business stage 

✔️ Why “flexibility” isn’t a good enough reason to choose a contractor

This is your crash course in compliance, clarity, and confident hiring—so you can scale without second-guessing.

Grab the Hire Breakthrough Calculator: https://hirebreakthrough.com/calculator

Ready to take the next step?
Scale Hire is our done-for-you hiring solution, handling the entire process from start to finish. From sourcing and screening to delivering a curated list of top candidates, we take the stress out of hiring so you can focus on scaling your business. 👉 Learn More Here


Looking for Talent & Workforce Development Solutions?
At Hire Breakthrough, we design and deliver workforce development programs that equip professionals and organizations for the future of work. Whether you need customized training, leadership development, or career readiness programs, we create solutions that drive real impact. 👉 Learn More Here

🎤 Need a speaker or trainer? Kimone Napier brings expert insights on hiring, DEI, leadership, talent and workforce trends to organizations looking to elevate their teams. 👉 Learn More Here 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to The Hire Breakthrough Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to:

• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

• Leave a review to help more leaders discover the show.

• Share this episode with someone who’s ready to build their dream team.

Connect with me:

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Let's build the future of work - one breakthrough at a time.

For years, DEI was treated as the solution for workplace equity—but now, companies are rolling it back, budgets are shrinking, and the conversation is shifting. So if DEI wasn’t the revolution, what should leaders be building now?

In this episode of The Hire Breakthrough Podcast, I sit down with Chrysta Wilson, a powerhouse in equity-driven leadership, to break down:
✔️ Why DEI was never enough—and what comes next.
✔️ How to lead equitably even when the system is working against you.
✔️ The biggest mistakes leaders make when they think they’re being “inclusive.”
✔️ What founders, CEOs, and HR leaders need to do right now to create sustainable workplace equity.

This is not another check-the-box DEI conversation. It’s about what’s next—and how leaders can take action now.

🔗 Resources & Links:

Connect with Chrysta Wilson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrystawilson/
Chrysta's Podcast: https://www.getyourtransformation.com
Website: https://www.wilson-and-associates.com/
Link to free resource: www.greatcultureguide.com

Grab the Hire Breakthrough Calculator: https://hirebreakthrough.com/calculator

Ready to take the next step?
Scale Hire is our done-for-you hiring solution, handling the entire process from start to finish. From sourcing and screening to delivering a curated list of top candidates, we take the stress out of hiring so you can focus on scaling your business. 👉 Learn More Here


Looking for Talent & Workforce Development Solutions?
At Hire Breakthrough, we design and deliver workforce development programs that equip professionals and organizations for the future of work. Whether you need customized training, leadership development, or career readiness programs, we create solutions that drive real impact. 👉 Learn More Here

🎤 Need a speaker or trainer? Kimone Napier brings expert insights on hiring, DEI, leadership, talent and workforce trends to organizations looking to elevate their teams. 👉 Learn More Here 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to The Hire Breakthrough Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to:

• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

• Leave a review to help more leaders discover the show.

• Share this episode with someone who’s ready to build their dream team.

Connect with me:

• Website: Hire Breakthrough

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Let's build the future of work - one breakthrough at a time.

What if the remote worker you just hired… wasn’t real?

AI deepfake technology is making it easier than ever for fraudsters to fake their way into jobs—and companies are falling for it. From stolen identities to AI-generated interviews, businesses are unknowingly onboarding fake remote workers, putting their security, finances, and reputation at risk.

In this episode of The Hire Breakthrough Podcast, Kimone Napier sits down with Aarti Samani, an expert in AI-driven fraud prevention, to uncover:

✅ How AI deepfakes are being used to scam hiring processes
✅ The shocking true story of a security company that unknowingly hired a fake employee from a sanctioned nation
✅ Why hiring fraud is a growing risk—and how business culture plays a role
✅ The steps HR and leadership teams must take to protect their organizations
✅ How fraud awareness training can help prevent hiring scams

HR leaders, recruiters, and hiring managers—this is your wake-up call. If you’re hiring remotely, you need to be prepared. Listen now to learn what you can do to protect your team.

🔗 Resources & Links:

Connect with Aarti Samani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aartisamani/

Grab the Hire Breakthrough Calculator: https://hirebreakthrough.com/calculator

Ready to take the next step?
Scale Hire is our done-for-you hiring solution, handling the entire process from start to finish. From sourcing and screening to delivering a curated list of top candidates, we take the stress out of hiring so you can focus on scaling your business. 👉 Learn More Here


Looking for Talent & Workforce Development Solutions?
At Hire Breakthrough, we design and deliver workforce development programs that equip professionals and organizations for the future of work. Whether you need customized training, leadership development, or career readiness programs, we create solutions that drive real impact. 👉 Learn More Here

🎤 Need a speaker or trainer? Kimone Napier brings expert insights on hiring, DEI, leadership, talent and workforce trends to organizations looking to elevate their teams. 👉 Learn More Here 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to The Hire Breakthrough Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to:

• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

• Leave a review to help more leaders discover the show.

• Share this episode with someone who’s ready to build their dream team.

Connect with me:

• Website: Hire Breakthrough

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Let's build the future of work - one breakthrough at a time.

She’s only here because of DEI.”

I’ve heard it whispered in boardrooms. I’ve seen it in comment sections. And let’s be real—if you’ve ever been a woman, a person of color, LGBTQ+, or from any marginalized background, you’ve probably heard it too.

But here’s the truth: I didn’t need DEI to be qualified. I needed DEI to be SEEN.

In this episode, I’m diving deep into the DEI hiring debate—the myth of “meritocracy,” the reality of hiring bias, and why perception, not qualifications, has always dictated who gets access to leadership and opportunity.

We’ll cover:

• The research-backed truth about bias in hiring and promotions
• The weaponization of DEI backlash in corporate America
• What leaders, HR professionals, and decision-makers can do to level the playing field
• Real comments from my viral LinkedIn post—and my unfiltered responses 

📌 If you’ve ever been told you’re only in the room because of DEI, this episode is for you.

LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kimonenapier_dei-deib-activity-7292310205118238721-BWFY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAA5FsA0BeDWD-UVieX08MMcsbHKfcMkGnLg

Ready to take the next step?
Scale Hire is our done-for-you hiring solution, handling the entire process from start to finish. From sourcing and screening to delivering a curated list of top candidates, we take the stress out of hiring so you can focus on scaling your business. 👉 Learn More Here


Looking for Talent & Workforce Development Solutions?
At Hire Breakthrough, we design and deliver workforce development programs that equip professionals and organizations for the future of work. Whether you need customized training, leadership development, or career readiness programs, we create solutions that drive real impact. 👉 Learn More Here

🎤 Need a speaker or trainer? Kimone Napier brings expert insights on hiring, DEI, leadership, talent and workforce trends to organizations looking to elevate their teams. 👉 Learn More Here 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to The Hire Breakthrough Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to:

• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

• Leave a review to help more leaders discover the show.

• Share this episode with someone who’s ready to build their dream team.

Connect with me:

• Website: Hire Breakthrough

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Let's build the future of work - one breakthrough at a time.

Big news! The Hire Breakthrough Podcast is officially back, and we’re leveling up in 2025. In this quick teaser episode, Kimone Napier gives you a sneak peek at what’s coming, including exciting new topics, incredible guests, and fresh strategies to help you hire and scale with ease.

Whether you’re a founder, business owner, or leader, this podcast is here to help you stop chasing unicorns and start building game-changing teams. Get ready for bold conversations, actionable insights, and no-BS advice to make hiring the easiest part of your growth journey.

Mark your calendars for February 11, 2025—the first full episode for Season 3 drops then, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

Ready to take the next step?
Scale Hire is our done-for-you hiring solution, handling the entire process from start to finish. From sourcing and screening to delivering a curated list of top candidates, we take the stress out of hiring so you can focus on scaling your business. 👉 Learn More Here

Looking for Talent & Workforce Development Solutions?
At Hire Breakthrough, we design and deliver workforce development programs that equip professionals and organizations for the future of work. Whether you need customized training, leadership development, or career readiness programs, we create solutions that drive real impact. 👉 Learn More Here

🎤 Need a speaker or trainer? Kimone Napier brings expert insights on hiring, DEI, leadership, talent and workforce trends to organizations looking to elevate their teams. 👉 Learn More Here 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to The Hire Breakthrough Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to:

• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

• Leave a review to help more leaders discover the show.

• Share this episode with someone who’s ready to build their dream team.

Connect with me:

• Website: Hire Breakthrough

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Youtube

Let's build the future of work - one breakthrough at a time.

In the ever-changing world of business, economic uncertainty can strike at any moment. Economic uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's an opportunity to showcase your leadership prowess. In this episode, I'll explore the core attributes of effective leadership in times of financial turbulence, featuring real-life examples to motivate your team and adapt your business strategy. 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to The Hire Breakthrough Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to:

• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

• Leave a review to help more leaders discover the show.

• Share this episode with someone who’s ready to build their dream team.

Connect with me:

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Let's build the future of work - one breakthrough at a time.

Crafting an organizational chart that aligns with your growth strategy is a strategic imperative. In this episode, we'll delve into the crucial considerations and adaptable approaches essential for every growth phase. Tune in to learn how to construct an organizational chart that's not just a static blueprint but a dynamic tool propelling your organization toward sustainable success.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to The Hire Breakthrough Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to:

• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

• Leave a review to help more leaders discover the show.

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Connect with me:

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Let's build the future of work - one breakthrough at a time.

Pay transparency is a legal precedent that has taken our country by storm. It's estimated that eventually 50% of the U.S. will be covered by pay transparency laws.  In this episode, we'll explore the pros and cons of pay transparency and how you can be best prepared to implement the policy in your own companies.

Important Links:
Hire Breakthrough
Work with Kimone and team 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to The Hire Breakthrough Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to:

• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

• Leave a review to help more leaders discover the show.

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Let's build the future of work - one breakthrough at a time.

There are a lot of common mistakes made when it comes to hiring and building a team. In this episode, I’ll discuss the seven mistakes to avoid when it comes to hiring and recruiting team members for longevity.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to The Hire Breakthrough Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to:

• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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Let's build the future of work - one breakthrough at a time.

Artificial Intelligence refers to systems or machines that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks and can iteratively improve themselves based on the information they collect. Should this be used in hiring? In this episode, I'll discuss the benefits and implications of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the hiring process. 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to The Hire Breakthrough Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to:

• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

• Leave a review to help more leaders discover the show.

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Let's build the future of work - one breakthrough at a time.