In this episode of Hire Learning, Oz Rashid sits down with Lily Benjamin, an expert in organizational optimization, talent strategy, and leadership development, to uncover the hidden flaws in hiring processes that drive top candidates away.

Lily shares her fascinating career journey—from Cardiothoracic ICU nurse to HR executive in Fortune 500 companies—and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, culture, and hiring along the way.

🚀 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

🔹 Why the way companies hire is broken—and how we got here.

🔹 The "sweet spot" for interviews—how many rounds is too many?

🔹 How hiring managers unknowingly repel great candidates.

🔹 The importance of hiring for potential, not just experience.

🔹 How leadership shapes culture—and why relational leadership wins.

🔹 The hiring mistake that cost Lily a job—and changed her approach forever.

⏳ Timestamps:

• [00:02:12] Lily Benjamin’s incredible career journey—from healthcare to HR leadership.
• [00:10:45] The history of hiring: How we went from credentials-based to competency-based interviewing.
• [00:18:30] The hidden cost of drawn-out hiring processes—how they drive candidates away.
• [00:26:50] The right number of interview rounds (and why more isn't always better).
• [00:34:15] Why top companies hire for potential, not just experience.
• [00:42:05] The one interview question that changed Lily’s life.
• [00:50:30] How leaders can create a culture where employees thrive.

💡 If you’ve ever been frustrated by long hiring processes or struggled to attract the right talent, this episode is a must-listen.

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 In this episode of Hire Learning, Oz Rashid sits down with Meghan Wilkinson, Oracle's former VP of Strategic Client Groups (now at PwC), to explore the leadership qualities that drive success in high-stakes industries.

Meghan shares her unconventional journey from event planning to telecom leadership, insights on managing multimillion-dollar client accounts, and her take on what it means to be a "quarterback" for her team.

What you’ll learn:

🔹 How to build confidence and find your voice as a leader.

🔹 Meghan's transformative approach to managing complex accounts.

🔹 Tips for showing up like the executive in the room—even if you’re not.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Meghan Wilkinson’s diverse career journey

05:45 – What it takes to lead at Oracle

11:20 – Leadership lessons from combining confidence with humility

17:30 – The quarterback analogy: Finding your leadership style

23:10 – Advice for early-career professionals

28:40 – Meghan’s tips on building trust with your team

🎙 Don’t miss this conversation with a leader who’s rewriting the playbook for success. Listen now!

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In this episode of Hire Learning, Oz Rashid sits down with Lori Marcus, a marketing visionary and boardroom powerhouse.

From her immigrant roots to leading iconic brands like PepsiCo, Keurig, and Peloton, Lori shares how channelling strengths—not fixing every weakness—was her game-changer.

As a Band of Sisters co-founder, she dives into dismantling gender bias, fostering inclusive workplaces, and what it really takes to excel in today’s corporate world.

🔹 Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Lori’s Immigrant Story

07:15 - Wharton Days & Discovering Marketing

15:45 - Lessons on Stretching Talent Early

25:20 - “You Should Smile More” and Tackling Bias

40:10 - Advice to Her 20-Year-Old Self

50:00 - Lori’s Secrets to Building Strong Teams

🎙️ Don’t miss Lori’s advice on leadership, bias, and why leaning into strengths matters. Listen now!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a seasoned CEO decides to go head-to-head with a tech giant?

Meet Derek Steer, the founder of Superframe and former CEO of Mode Analytics, who is taking on Salesforce in the CRM space with a bold vision for a simpler, smarter future.

In this episode, Derek shares his fascinating journey through tech leadership, the lessons he’s learned from building and scaling startups, and his take on hiring talent that truly fits.

From a hilarious job interview story that taught him a game-changing lesson about hiring to the intricacies of how AI is reshaping business operations, this episode dives deep into the mindset of a leader willing to disrupt the status quo.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Why Derek left Mode Analytics to build Superframe.
• The importance of aligning talent with roles that match their mindset.
• How AI is transforming CRM and business operations.
• Why bold focus and niche targeting are essential in startup success.

🎯 Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction: Meet Derek Steer and his bold vision for Superframe.

3:12 - Taking on Salesforce: Why Superframe is redefining CRM for SaaS companies.

8:45 - The Hiring Lesson: A brain-teaser question that went from worst to best interview answer.

14:30 - AI in CRM: How Superframe is leveraging AI to streamline business operations.

19:55 - Why Niche Matters: The value of hyper-focused market targeting.

25:10 - Derek’s Leadership Philosophy: Insights from working with industry giants like Mode and Superframe.

30:45 - Lessons from Basketball: How the Golden State Warriors inspired Derek’s hiring approach.

35:22 - Advice for Founders: Lessons from Mode Analytics and starting Superframe.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a startup founder, or someone fascinated by bold leadership, this episode is packed with actionable insights and engaging stories you won’t want to miss.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hire Learning, Oz Rashid sits down with Chris Boever, CEO of Stryve Foods and one of the most accomplished leaders in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.

With a track record of creating over $5 billion in market cap growth, Chris shares the leadership philosophy that’s powered his success: Be an ACE — a mindset built on Attitude, Choices, and Effort.

From humble beginnings working at a Wisconsin country club at age 12 to leading iconic brands like Birds Eye and driving multimillion-dollar transformations, Chris offers actionable insights into leadership, hiring top talent, and building high-performing teams that thrive.

If you're looking for game-changing leadership lessons, team-building strategies, and inspiration to lead with purpose, this episode is a must-listen.

• [00:03:00] Chris’ start at Hormel Foods and his rise through the CPG ranks.
• [00:09:30] How Chris transitioned from “best manager” to a transformative leader—thanks to candid feedback.
• [00:15:40] The philosophy of “Be an ACE” — Attitude, Choices, and Effort—and how it drives success.
• [00:21:15] Why fit matters more than capability when hiring for small vs. large companies.
• [00:28:00] The dangers of “renting results” vs. earning them through consistency and growth.
• [00:34:20] Stryve Foods’ mission to redefine healthy snacking and deliver “no junk, just protein.”
• [00:40:15] Chris’ advice to his younger self: Make your target bigger to open more opportunities.
• 
  

🚀 Tune in now for lessons on leadership, resilience, and creating a culture of excellence from one of the industry’s best.

🗓️ New episodes every Wednesday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 15 years old, Lee Bushell was selling Calvin Klein shirts out of his brother's car. Now, he’s the founder and CEO of Bushell Investment Group, a company that thrives on buying “ugly businesses”—the unsexy, overlooked small businesses that still hold immense potential.

In this episode of Hire Learning, Oz Rashid sits down with Lee to explore his philosophy of turning underappreciated businesses into cash-generating assets, why he targets distressed or succession-less companies, and what he looks for when managing talent—whether it's boxers or business leaders.

Lee shares stories of his entrepreneurial journey, from nightclub promotions in his teens to running scaffolding companies, swimming pool businesses, and more.

Along the way, you’ll learn:

🔑 Why “unsexy” businesses are often untapped gold mines.

🔑 The exact traits Lee looks for when hiring talent (and what turns him off).

🔑 How gut instinct, grit, and cash flow drive smart investment decisions.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or someone looking for a fresh perspective on building sustainable success, this episode is packed with insights and actionable lessons you don’t want to miss.

0:00 – Intro and the story behind Lee’s British stately home

4:20 – What is Bushell Investment Group? Buying “ugly businesses”

10:45 – How Lee approaches founders of retiring or distressed businesses

14:00 – The impact of businesses with no succession plans

16:40 – Lee’s entrepreneurial start: selling clothes and running nightclubs at 15

21:10 – What makes a business attractive to Lee: cash flow, barriers to entry, and “inertia”

42:00 – Traits Lee looks for when hiring talent (and the goldfish bowl story!)

53:10 – Why execution, not ideas, makes a business successful

1:01:00 – Final thoughts: Fun, profits, and the value of compounding success

🎧 Tune in now for a fresh take on finding opportunities where others aren’t looking!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hire Learning, host Oz Rashid sits down with Duncan Kreeger, the founder and CEO of TAB, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, innovations in real estate investment, and lessons in leadership.

Duncan’s career spans building and selling a £120M business, managing over £400M of private capital, and founding TAB to revolutionize property finance through technology and accessibility.

Duncan shares his take on timing, adaptability, and how mindset is the foundation for entrepreneurial success. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a real estate enthusiast, or looking to sharpen your leadership skills, this episode has actionable insights for everyone.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• [03:12] Duncan’s early entrepreneurial journey: starting his first company at 17
• [06:45] How TAB is democratizing real estate investment with fractional ownership
• [12:30] Why timing is everything in business—and how to adapt when it’s not on your side
• [18:20] Navigating new legislation and playing by the rules to win
• [23:10] How to identify top talent and Duncan’s hiring philosophy
• [30:15] Balancing family and entrepreneurship: Duncan’s tips for staying present
• [38:50] Why mindset and positivity are non-negotiables for success
• [45:00] Duncan’s advice for his 20-year-old self
• 
  

📌 Listen now and transform your perspective on entrepreneurship, hiring, and innovation in real estate!

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Hire Learning on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more inspiring conversations with leaders transforming their industries.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hire Learning, host Oz Rashid sits down with Stephanie Perry, Head of Finance and Administration at Project Equity, to talk about the art and science of investing in talent.

Stephanie shares her approach to ensuring employees are set up for success from day one, and the critical role leaders play in creating an environment where people can thrive.

From her trailblazing career in media with Essence, Fortune, and Dictionary.com to her mission-driven work at Project Equity, Stephanie brings a wealth of insights on leadership, work-life balance, and why every hire is an investment worth making.

💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why it’s on leaders to ensure their teams succeed.
• How Stephanie's "invest upfront" philosophy transforms teams.
• The surprising connection between Oklahoma City and great Thai food.
• Practical tips for managing work-life balance (even during budget season!).

🎙️ Episode Breakdown:

• [00:00] Intro: Who is Stephanie Perry?
• [05:45] From New York to Oklahoma City: Finding work-life balance.
• [10:30] Why setting employees up for success starts on day one.
• [15:20] Investing in talent: Stephanie’s leadership philosophy.
• [21:00] Navigating change: From media to nonprofits.
• [26:15] The power of real-time feedback and honest conversations.
• [33:00] Work-life balance tips that actually work.
• [40:00] Why leaders need to promote vacation as a right.
• [48:10] Stephanie’s journey from hard work to transformative leadership.

📢 Don’t miss this episode—it’s packed with actionable advice and candid stories that will inspire leaders, managers, and anyone passionate about team success.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you build a technology team that not only delivers results but also drives innovation?

Corey Benish, Group VP and COO of Technology at JM Family Enterprises, joins Oz Rashid on this episode of Hire Learning to share how he’s transforming one of South Florida’s most iconic companies through cutting-edge tech and a people-first approach.

With over 20 years of experience navigating change, Corey dives into how AI is shaping the future of work, his hiring philosophy of “110% roles,” and why bridging the gap between IT and business is critical for long-term success.

If you’re a leader, technologist, or just curious about how to create impact in today’s digital age, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

• Why AI isn’t just the future—it’s already revolutionizing the workplace.
• How Corey’s “three A’s of hiring” build resilient, high-performing teams.
• The art of balancing innovation with operational excellence.

[0:00] Intro: Meet Corey Benish and the story behind JM Family Enterprises

[3:15] Corey’s journey from private equity to JM Family Enterprises

[6:45] The culture of JM Family: A unique approach to talent and innovation

[10:30] Transforming legacy systems: Why modernization matters

[14:20] AI at work: From proof of concept to delivering business value

[19:05] Corey’s “110% philosophy”: Why the right role should stretch you

[24:30] The three A’s of hiring: Ability, attitude, and aptitude

[28:50] Bridging IT and business: Building trust and alignment

[33:00] Advice for leaders: The balance between culture and results

[36:15] Corey’s career wisdom: Lessons from a seasoned leader

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of tech’s most innovative minds. Hit play to level up your hiring and leadership game!

Also on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@HireLearningPodcast

👉 Listen to the full episode now, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights from today’s top leaders!

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In this episode of Hire Learning, host Oz Rashid sits down with Kevin Bailey, CEO and co-founder of Dreamfuel, to explore the untapped power of mental performance coaching.

Kevin shares how neuroscience-based tools can help founders, executives, and teams thrive under pressure. From practical hiring advice to unlocking flow state, Kevin reveals the secrets to building resilient, high-performing teams.

If you’re a leader looking to elevate your mindset or a hiring manager searching for game-changing talent, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can’t afford to miss.

• [0:00] Kevin’s journey from burnout to building Dreamfuel.
• [6:25] What is mental performance coaching, and why is it critical for leaders?
• [12:45] The difference between mental health and mental fitness.
• [18:30] How flow state boosts productivity by 5x—and how to tap into it.
• [24:00] Hiring hacks: The surprising question to gauge a candidate's focus.
• [31:15] The "Six Pillars of Mental Fitness" every great hire needs.
• [38:50] How to create a culture that fosters resilience and performance.
• [45:30] Visualization techniques used by elite athletes and CEOs.
• [52:10] Kevin’s advice to his 20-year-old self and his powerful philosophy on chasing dreams.

Mental performance isn’t just for athletes—it’s the edge every leader needs in today’s high-pressure environment.

Kevin breaks down the science and strategies that help you choose your state of mind, build high-performing teams, and turn adversity into opportunity.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.