In this episode, Nathan Deily shares his journey from Fortune 500 HR executive to startup builder and executive recruiter. But more than a resume walk-through, this is a masterclass in decoding what really matters when building high-performing teams.

Nathan reveals:

Why the most successful teams aren’t just talented—but aligned

The overlooked magic of listening as a hiring skill

How to surface true values and thinking patterns through well-crafted questions

Why hiring should be more about philosophy than pedigree

The pitfalls of relying on surface-level heuristics—and how curiosity and humility help you see deeper

He also shares some of his favorite interview techniques, like the seemingly odd “Polar Bear vs. Samurai” question—and why it reveals far more than candidates expect.

Whether you’re building your next team or trying to find the right fit yourself, this conversation is full of transformational insights that make the invisible visible—and unlock better alignment for all.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hirealigned.substack.com