What do a classical pianist, a filmmaker, and a CEO have in common? In this week's episode of Hiring Matters, Ken Schmitt dives into the fascinating mind of Jieho Lee—CEO, Chief People Officer, and movie director. From ivory keys to boardrooms, Jieho takes us on a wild ride, showing us how the skills he developed on the movie set translate directly to leading a diverse and dynamic workforce.

Cue the drama! Ken and Jieho hash out the great debate: Should company culture be more "work hard, play hard" à la Netflix, or should we strive for something a little more, dare we say, fun? Jieho argues that a workplace should spark joy, not dread, while Ken questions if the tough-love, performance-driven environment is a necessary evil. Expect a few verbal eye rolls and some serious food for thought.

Together, they dig into managing a multi-generational workforce. Spoiler alert: Boomers, Gen Z, and everyone in between don't all want the same things from their jobs (shocking, we know). So, how do you balance these diverse expectations without losing your sanity? Jieho and Ken tackle it head-on, offering insights, laughs, and even a few leadership facepalms along the way. Whether you're managing egos on a movie set or in a boardroom, creating a safe, collaborative space is essential. And Jieho's secret sauce? Humility, reflection, and realizing that even CEOs (and directors) are only as good as the teams they lead.

Tune in for a conversation packed with humor, hard truths, and a fresh perspective on how to lead, hire, and retain top talent—whether you're running a company or filming the next blockbuster.

Key Takeaways:

• Artsy types make great CEOs (who knew?). Classical music taught Jieho the importance of harmony—literally and figuratively.
• Is fun the new productivity?
• Multi-generational management: It's like herding cats but with more Slack messages.
• Cultural fit or diversity of thought? Hint: You need both.

A good leader knows how to adapt and evolve. The best leader? Knows how to laugh through it.

Have questions or personal experiences? Drop us a message or Join the conversation on LinkedIn.—share your own hiring and retention horror stories, tips, and even your craziest leadership moments. We'd love to hear what’s happening on your workplace “movie set”!

About Our Guest:

Jieho Lee is a visionary filmmaker and entrepreneur best known for writing and directing The Air I Breathe (2007), featuring a star-studded cast that includes Forest Whitaker, Andy Garcia, Brendan Fraser, Kevin Bacon, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Lee's cinematic portfolio also includes A Nursery Tale (1999) and the highly anticipated Kane & Lynch. Before making his mark in the film industry, Lee directed high-profile commercials for brands such as Ralph Lauren, Victoria’s Secret, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Beyond filmmaking, Jieho co-founded Knighted Ventures, a specialized company serving the casino industries in California and Florida. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to Blue Horizon Capital, where he co-led an investment strategy team focusing on business acquisitions. Prior to that, Lee oversaw business development and marketing in Asia for POM Wonderful. His career began in the entertainment field as a classical music producer, collaborating with legends like Yo-Yo Ma and Isaac Stern, and producing a best-selling album for soprano Sumi Jo, earning him the South Korean Presidential Award for Excellence.

A graduate of Wesleyan University with degrees in Letters and Cinema Studies, Lee also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of "The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points". Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. Ken is a seasoned expert with almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. "Hiring Matters" is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken's "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry's hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast. Follow Ken on LinkedIn

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Ken is back with another fiery “Recruiter Rant,” this time he's taking on employee retention—and trust us, it's not your typical corporate pep talk. He pulls no punches, breaking down why your employees are fleeing faster than your Wi-Fi during an important Zoom call.  Ken dives into the real reasons behind the great employee escape, and spoiler—it’s not because your office snacks are subpar. He takes aim at outdated engagement programs that haven’t evolved since the fax machine, stale career development boxes that get checked but rarely fulfilled, and the assumption that offering “perks” is enough to keep people around.   In this no-holds-barred episode, Ken tackles the multigenerational workforce, explaining why Gen Z craves flexibility, Millennials demand work-life balance, Gen Xers seek autonomy, and Boomers—well, they just want to be heard.   Tune in for hard-hitting, no-nonsense advice on how to stop treating employees like numbers and start treating them like the humans they are. If you’re serious about retention and keeping your team from sprinting toward the exits, this episode is your wake-up call!

Ready to overhaul your approach?  Have questions or personal experiences? Drop us a message or Join the conversation on LinkedIn.—share your own succession planning horror stories and tips.

Don’t miss out—subscribe now and share this episode with your network! Hiring matters — mess it up!

What you will learn:

• Uncover the Real Reasons: Learn why your employees are leaving faster than ever and what you can do about it.
• Generational Insights: Discover what each generation—Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers—really want from their employers.
• Effective Engagement Strategies: Find out why employee engagement is the secret sauce for retention and productivity.
• Career Development Matters: Explore how strong career development programs can significantly improve retention rates.
• The Power of Recognition: Understand how appreciation and recognition can enhance employee loyalty.
• Work-Life Balance Essentials: Learn why promoting work-life balance can be a game-changer in reducing turnover.
• Expert Advice: Get hard-hitting, no-nonsense insights from Ken Schmitt that can transform your approach to retention.

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is an industry veteran with nearly three decades of expertise in executive recruiting. He shares the wealth of knowledge gained from working with a large regional agency, the globally renowned Heidrick & Struggles, and founding TurningPoint Executive Search—a distinctive firm dedicated to fostering high-touch partnerships. With a wealth of experience and a passion for elevating the executive recruiting landscape, Ken brings a unique perspective that enriches every episode of "Hiring Matters."

Follow Ken on LinkedIn

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If you think pens, soda, and car wax sound like the most boring things ever—think again. Our guest, marketing powerhouse Jeff Werderman, has spent 30 years leading at brands like Coca-Cola, Boost Mobile, and ArmorAll, and now he’s running the show at Pentel of America (yes, the pen company). But this isn’t about writing instruments—it’s about writing the new rules for leadership.   Jeff’s got some seriously controversial takes on what’s wrong with today’s workforce, and why your leadership style is probably driving your best people straight out the door. From leading teams of 80 to navigating the Gen Z takeover, Jeff digs into why creating a learning culture—where even the most junior employees act like CEOs of their own desks—is the only way forward.   He doesn’t hold back on why hiring for attitude (and the occasional ego bruising) is more important than skill sets and how letting your team think for themselves could be your secret weapon. The episode is loaded with controversy and wisdom. Ready for the hard truth? According to Jeff, you need to embrace the chaos and hand over the reins. And if your team isn’t roasting your “lame” social media content, well... they might already be eyeing the exit.   This episode will leave you rethinking everything from your hiring strategy to how you manage your teams. Takeaways: hire for opinions, embrace transparency, and if your employees aren’t calling you out—ask yourself why!   Have questions or personal experiences? Drop us a message or join the conversation on LinkedIn —share your own hiring and retention horror stories and tips.

Don’t miss out—subscribe now and share this episode with your network! Hiring matters—mess it up, and your best talent will be gone before you know it!

Key Takeaways:

Step Back to Step Up: Discover how empowering others can transform leadership dynamics and drive team success.

Hire for Attitude: Understand why a goal-oriented mindset is more valuable than traditional qualifications in today’s workforce.

Embrace Transparency: Learn how open communication fosters trust and a more productive workplace culture.

Create Space for Innovation: Find out how cultivating an environment that encourages creativity can lead to groundbreaking ideas.

Empower Ownership: Explore how giving employees autonomy boosts engagement and enhances performance.

About Our Guest:

Meet Jeff Werderman, the Marketing Yoda and Brand Whisperer. As the Director of Marketing at Pentel of America since March 2018, Jeff leads the marketing function for this venerable global writing instrument company. With over three decades of experience, he is known for awakening the force in brands through inspiring strategies.

His impressive career includes revitalizing Chex Cereal as Brand Manager at Nestlé Purina, where he reversed multi-year declines, and transforming Vistage Worldwide as Chief Marketing Officer, where he rebuilt a team of 35 professionals and drove significant increases in member acquisition and retention. At Boost Mobile, Jeff served as VP of Marketing, scaling the brand’s growth by targeting urban youth, which resulted in a remarkable increase in subscribers and revenue.

Before these roles, he spent nearly a decade at The Coca-Cola Company, where he expanded alliances with Disney and Universal Studios, enhancing Coke's presence in popular culture. Additionally, he contributed as a Consultant at Young's Market Company and held leadership positions at Armor All and Concentrus.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Jeff is an Adjunct Professor at California State University, Fullerton, shaping the future of marketing. With a unique blend of creativity and industry insight, Jeff is truly a force of nature in branding.

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of "The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points". Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. Ken is a seasoned expert with almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. "Hiring Matters" is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken's "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry's hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast. Follow Ken on LinkedIn

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In this Recruiter Rant Ken takes a sledgehammer to the sacred cow of corporate contracts: non-competes. Are they protecting businesses or just handcuffing employees? Ken dives into the murky waters of non-compete agreements—unpacking their morality, legality, and the head-scratching ways they’re enforced across industries. Using real-world examples, Ken explores how these agreements impact employee freedom, stifle innovation, and whether businesses might be shooting themselves in the foot. Are non-competes a necessary evil or just plain evil? Tune in to find out! Spoiler alert: Ken’s taking sides.

Got questions or a non-compete story of your own? We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a message or Join the conversation on LinkedIn—share your thoughts and experiences!

BONUS: Check out our infographic, Locked In or Locked Out: Non-competes by the Numbers, packed with insights that break down the numbers and reveal what they really mean for both employees and employers : https://turningpointexecsearch.com/non-competes-by-the-numbers/

Don’t miss out—subscribe now and share this episode with your network! Hiring matters — mess it up!

Takeaways:

• The enforcement and impact of non-competes vary wildly across industries and state lines.
• Lawmakers are pushing to reform non-compete laws, aiming to protect businesses while giving workers more freedom to change jobs.
• Businesses need to tread carefully, crafting non-competes that are both enforceable and fair—or risk backfiring.
• As legal norms evolve, companies must stay ahead of the curve, adapting to new expectations in the employer-employee relationship.
• Non-competes can trap employees, stifling their mobility and career growth.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

01:53 The Impact of Non-Competes on Businesses

04:43 Employee Perspective: Signing Non-Competes

07:07 The Harmful Effects of Broad Interpretations

09:57 Legislative Efforts to Reform Non-Compete Laws 1

0:54 Adapting to the Changing Norms and Legal Landscape

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is an industry veteran with nearly three decades of expertise in executive recruiting. He shares the wealth of knowledge gained from working with a large regional agency, the globally renowned Heidrick & Struggles, and founding TurningPoint Executive Search—a distinctive firm dedicated to fostering high-touch partnerships. With a wealth of experience and a passion for elevating the executive recruiting landscape, Ken brings a unique perspective that enriches every episode of "Hiring Matters."

Follow Ken on LinkedIn

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Welcome to 2050—where we still don’t have flying cars, but we’re finally getting our hiring practices right. Host Ken is joined by the formidable Lisa Gable, former Presidential appointee, U.S. Ambassador, UN Delegate, and advisor to Fortune 500 companies. Lisa is here to shake up your future and maybe your present, too. With her wealth of experience at the highest levels of government and business, Lisa predicts a world where degrees collect dust and skills steal the show, where AI is the superhero women need to get back into the game, and where universities might want to start updating their résumés. They also dive headfirst into the messy stuff—workplace conflicts, mental health, and the quest for diverse leadership. Tune in if you’re ready to trade in the status quo for something a little more exciting—like a workplace where passion trumps paychecks, and every generation can finally play nice.

BONUS: Elevate your hiring game with our comprehensive playbook on skill-based hiring - a practical guide designed to help you modernize your strategies, tap into diverse talent, reduce hiring biases, and build teams ready to tackle today’s challenges and tomorrow’s disruptions. Download it here: https://turningpointexecsearch.com/skills-over-degrees-a-modern-hiring-playbook/

Ready to overhaul your approach?  Have questions or personal experiences? Drop us a message or Join the conversation on LinkedIn.—share your own succession planning horror stories and tips.

Don’t miss out—subscribe now and share this episode with your network! Hiring matters — mess it up!

Key Takeaways:

Skills Over Degrees: Lisa Gable predicts a future where skills will matter more than degrees, prompting a potential market correction in the university system.

AI Empowerment: AI is seen as a crucial tool in helping women reenter the workforce, offering new opportunities and support.

Workplace Challenges: Addressing conflicts, mental health, and transparency are vital for building a healthy and engaged workforce.

Diverse Leadership: The discussion highlights the importance of breaking down barriers to achieve true diversity in leadership roles.

Intergenerational Collaboration: A focus on collaboration across generations is key to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

Passion vs. Paychecks: Encouraging employees to follow their passion rather than chasing a paycheck is essential for long-term success and satisfaction.

About Our Guest:

Lisa Gable is the WSJ and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of the book, Turnaround: How to Change Course When Things are Going South and is recognized worldwide as a turnaround mastermind. As CEO of several organizations, and as a former Presidential appointee, US Ambassador, UN Delegate, and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, Lisa has orchestrated and executed the successful turnarounds of well-known private and public organizations. She is highly regarded in business, political, and philanthropic circles for her ability to tackle difficult issues directly and with discipline and diplomacy.

Lisa is the Chairperson of World in 2050, the futuristic think tank of the Diplomatic Courier Global Affairs Media Network and a Distinguished Fellow at the Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity, at SMU Lyle School of Engineering in Dallas, Texas. 

Most recently Lisa served as the CEO of FARE, the world’s largest funder of food allergy research where she secured $100M in commitments over 3 years. Prior to leading FARE, she was a senior advisor at PepsiCo and President of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, a CEO-driven national initiative aimed at helping to reduce obesity.

In 2004, she was appointed by President George W. Bush as US Ambassador and Commissioner General to the 2005 Aichi World EXPO. Gable is the first woman in World’s Fair’s 170-year history to direct the U.S. Pavilion, a 100 percent non-federally funded $33.7 million operation.

Lisa was named one of the 10 Most Influential Business Leaders in 2022 by CXO Magazine. An entrepreneur and mentor, Lisa acts deliberately to move organizations and individuals toward their full potential. In the past, she served as the founding chair of the board of directors for the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World; has been a national trustee of the Boys and Girls Club of America and on the board of directors of Girls Scouts of the USA; a board of trustee of Thunderbird School of Management; a member of the National Academy of Medicine IOM Roundtable on Obesity Solutions; and board member of the Independent Women’s Forum. She is also a mentor in organizations such as Rare as One project, a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and serves on the advisory boards of startups in the health and wellness space.

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of "The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points". Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. Ken is a seasoned expert with almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. "Hiring Matters" is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken's "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry's hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast. Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

Think your succession plan is solid? Think again! In this episode, we’re ripping the lid off a topic companies often avoid talking about—succession planning. If your strategy is simply crossing your fingers and hoping for the best, prepare for a wake-up call. With just 35% of organizations having a formal plan, most leadership transitions are a high-stakes game of hot potato. Ken’s exposing why your company's future could be hanging by a thread if you haven’t properly prepped your successor. Spoiler alert: That “ready-to-go” leader might turn out to be a disaster in disguise. Get ready for a no-holds-barred look at why every position has an expiration date, how failing to plan could throw your shareholders into a panic, and why fostering a culture of continuous learning and diversity might just be your ticket to avoiding chaos when change comes knocking. Sit down and hold on as we uncover why so many companies are just one leadership exit away from utter mayhem.

BONUS: Download our Succession Planning Checklist - a practical guide to ensuring a smooth leadership transition and safeguarding your organization’s future: https://turningpointexecsearch.com/succession-planning-checklist-2/

Ready to overhaul your approach?  Have questions or personal experiences? Drop us a message or Join the conversation on LinkedIn.—share your own succession planning horror stories and tips.

Don’t miss out—subscribe now and share this episode with your network! Hiring matters — mess it up!

Takeaways:

• Succession planning is crucial for the future of any organization.
• Companies with well-executed succession plans see a 20% higher return on investment.
• Embracing change and using it as a catalyst for innovation is crucial for organizational success.
• Creating a culture where succession planning is seen as a sign of strength is important.
• Considering diverse candidates and fostering a culture of continuous learning are key elements of effective succession planning.

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is an industry veteran with nearly three decades of expertise in executive recruiting. He shares the wealth of knowledge gained from working with a large regional agency, the globally renowned Heidrick & Struggles, and founding TurningPoint Executive Search—a distinctive firm dedicated to fostering high-touch partnerships. With a wealth of experience and a passion for elevating the executive recruiting landscape, Ken brings a unique perspective that enriches every episode of "Hiring Matters."

Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

Gen Z’s entry into the workforce is shaking things up with their high expectations and progressive ideals. From flexible schedules and remote work to instant recognition and a strong focus on social justice, this generation is challenging the status quo. Ken sits down with TurningPoint's own Gen Zers, Cory and Katherine, to explore various topics related to job searching, leadership, and work expectations. Cory and Katherine share their perspectives on the desire for feedback, growth opportunities, and engaging workplaces while also considering the effects of social media and AI on career prospects. Are these expectations a necessary transformation or an unrealistic overreach that could lead to disillusionment? Tune in as we debate whether Gen Z’s ideals will drive positive change or spark a new set of challenges in the world of work.

BONUS: Download "Leading the Gen Z Workforce: A Guide for CEOs and HR Leaders," packed with real strategies you can implement right away to understand and manage this transformative generation: https://turningpointexecsearch.com/leading-the-gen-z-workforce-a-guide-for-ceos-and-hr-leaders/

About our Guests:

Cory Schmitt is a recent graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with a Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering and Sound Production. He has been the Head Engineer at Recording Services at Indiana University since August 2023, leading a team of engineers. In this role, Cory ensures high standards for media content and delivers precise recordings of professional recitals, leveraging his expertise in audio mixing and comprehensive knowledge of audio and visual systems.   Beyond his work at Indiana University, Cory has enhanced audio and visual experiences as a Director, Audio Engineer, and Camera Operator with the university's Radio and Television Services since 2021. He also contributes as a Podcast Production Associate at Hiring Matters, where he is responsible for building, editing, and publishing podcast episodes.   Cory is actively involved in the local music scene with his band Syzygy and serves as a Concert Attendant for TGIF Concerts at the Park. He has also previously worked as a Content Producer for the Playhard Podcast.  Instagram, LinkedIn   Katherine Rosen is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Digital Communication and Media at the University of Sydney, Australia. She has a strong background in social media management and content creation, having served as a Digital Marketing Associate at TurningPoint Executive Search, where she specialized in social media strategy, design, and video editing.

During her time at UC Davis, Katherine was the Social Media Manager for the Video Game Orchestra, where she combined her passion for music and digital media to enhance the group’s online presence. She also demonstrated her commitment to student development and academic success as a Peer Mentor, providing academic mentoring to freshman students.

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, with a double major in Cinema & Digital Media and a minor in Music from the University of California, Davis. LinkedIn

 

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of "The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points". Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. Ken is a seasoned expert with almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. "Hiring Matters" is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken's "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry's hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast. Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

Is your compensation strategy secretly sabotaging your business? For decades, Ken has witnessed companies cling to outdated pay structures that not only fail to attract top talent but actively drive it away. In this episode, he challenges conventional wisdom on compensation, revealing startling insights—from how penny-pinching risks losing your best employees to why many candidates fail to negotiate effectively. Ken exposes the hidden pitfalls of outdated approaches and offers a bold new perspective on how to rethink your compensation strategy.

Buckle up as he explores why transparency and market alignment could be the keys to unlocking a more equitable and motivated workforce. Whether you're an employer striving to attract top talent or an employee aiming to secure your worth, this episode is packed with insights that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about compensation.   Ready to overhaul your approach? After listening, head over to our website to download the newly updated 2024 Compensation Guide, refreshed with mid-year insights. Have questions or personal experiences with compensation you’d like to share? Drop us a message or join the conversation on LinkedIn.

Hiring matters — mess it up!

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is an industry veteran with nearly three decades of expertise in executive recruiting. He shares the wealth of knowledge gained from working with a large regional agency, the globally renowned Heidrick & Struggles, and founding TurningPoint Executive Search—a distinctive firm dedicated to fostering high-touch partnerships. With a wealth of experience and a passion for elevating the executive recruiting landscape, Ken brings a unique perspective that enriches every episode of "Hiring Matters."

Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.

We're thrilled to announce that the third season of Hiring Matters is officially in the books!  Over the last 18 months, we've hosted over 40 incredible guest interviews with leaders from Global Medical Response, Sancora, Boost, Spark Networks, and many more. 

We've tackled hot topics like bad interviewing practices, the pitfalls of hiring based on potential friendships, and the importance of solid job descriptions. Now, we're gearing up for an even more exciting fourth season! 🎙️

Our listener base has grown thanks to YOU, with more comments and five-star reviews than ever before. We even have a waiting list of leaders eager to join us on the show! This next season promises to be our best yet, featuring leaders from all walks of life sharing their insights on hiring and retaining top talent.

Join Ken, a seasoned expert with nearly three decades in executive recruiting, and his executive guests as they unveil the secrets of Recruiting, Retention, and Real HR Strategies, sharing their ‘secret sauce’ for building and retaining top-performing teams. They’ll dissect the art and science of building exceptional teams, retaining top talent, and implementing effective HR strategies that work in today’s competitive landscape.

But that’s not all – brace yourself for our “Recruiter Rant” episodes, where Ken unveils the industry’s hidden secrets, sharing unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations. Get ready to gain more than expected as he delivers authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable.

Join Ken twice a month for tactical advice and industry insights, empowering you to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. ‘Hiring Matters’ is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game, providing you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams.

Renowned for his exceptional ability to inspire and uplift, Venture Builder Capitalist Terrance Orr shares profound insights on the transformative power of humility and the invaluable lessons of mentorship.   In this best-of-episode, we're revisiting one of our favourite guest interviews. Terrance delves into the depths of his personal odyssey — from conquering adversities to emerging as a trailblazer of innovation in the business realm. Explore the transformative landscape sculpted by AI, unravel the art of compelling narrative in fundraising endeavors, and delve into the pivotal significance of customer insights in propelling innovation forward.   Terrance openly discusses pivotal mistakes from his early career, highlighting the importance of humility and resilience in navigating setbacks. His perspective on mentorship as a catalyst for personal and professional growth is equally enlightening.   Explore the significance of fostering workplace environments that prioritize employee purpose and fulfillment for sustained organizational success. Terrance’s dedication to creating opportunities and fostering change will leave you motivated and equipped with actionable insights.   Tune in to Hiring Matters with Terrance Orr for a journey filled with inspiration, wisdom, and practical advice.   

About our Guest:

Terrance Orr is a dynamic operator and startup coach with expertise in venture building, product management, fundraising, and business development across both startups and large corporations. Propelled by his passion for mentoring entrepreneurs, Terrance brings energy and focus to the teams he leads. He is an active advisor at multiple venture firms, studios, and accelerators, including Antler, Visible Hands, and High Alpha Innovation. He is also a member of Nex Cubed’s Investor Advisory Board, a Startup Mentor at Forum Ventures and WEVE Acceleration, and an emerging leader in venture capital as recognized by HBCUvc. Prior to joining Mach49, Terrance spent time as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at SAP.iO — SAP’s venture fund and studio — where he developed solutions for enterprise software pains related to supply chain and logistics. He also served as a Venture Partner at Republic, the full-stack investment platform spun out of AngelList, and advised early stage companies on business development and growth at seed accelerator Techstars Chicago. Before he worked with founders, Terrance was known as an intrapreneur at Dell Technologies, where he helped launch new business functions and conceptualize novel business models, and drove post-merger integration projects during the largest technology acquisition in history (between Dell and EMC). Terrance is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law, Johnson & Wales University, and Claflin University.  

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of "The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points". Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. Ken is a seasoned expert with almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. "Hiring Matters" is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken's "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry's hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast. Follow Ken on LinkedIn

Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping business hire right.