In this episode, I dive into a question every business should be asking: Are we genuinely hiring the best possible person for the job—or just the most familiar, comfortable, or non-threatening option?
From small service businesses to major franchises, I’ve been noticing a growing trend: we’re choosing friends, family, or “our own kind” over talent. And while culture and community are part of every workplace, hiring only from the same circle limits growth, weakens service standards, and ultimately hurts the customer experience.
I talk about what I’ve seen across different industries, why so many owners avoid hiring people who might outperform them, and how fear—especially in today’s high cost-of-living era—is driving employers to make safe choices instead of smart ones.
This episode challenges the idea of “good enough” and pushes for a return to hiring based on skill, value, and merit. Because if we want strong businesses, great service, and a thriving economy, we need to stop being afraid of great people.