What do poker and recruiting have in common? More than you'd think—just ask Joe Sebok. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of a former pro poker player who turned his ability to read people at the table into a powerhouse career in tech recruiting. From bluffing his way to millions to building teams for some of the most ambitious startups, Joe brings a fresh—and surprisingly transferable—perspective on decision-making, risk, and intuition.

After walking away from a high-stakes poker career in 2010, Joe faced what he calls his biggest gamble yet: starting over. But the same instincts that helped him calculate odds and call bluffs now help him identify the right candidates, predict cultural fit, and make hiring decisions with long-term impact. In this conversation, he breaks down how poker psychology maps perfectly onto the hiring process—and why casinos might actually show more loyalty than startups.

We also dig into the deeper life lessons Joe’s learned from both tables—the felt and the boardroom. He shares the exact moment he knew it was time to fold his poker career, his top strategies for job seekers looking to take control of their path, and the one trait that trumps skills in startup hiring (you might be surprised). Whether you're navigating your own career pivot or just love a good underdog story, this episode delivers insight, motivation, and a healthy dose of real talk.

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Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/

Connect with Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joesebok/