EPISODE · Aug 12, 2025 · 1H 12M
#11: Be Kaler Pilgrim on Executive Search, Walk And Talk Meetings, And Starting a New Business
from UX Fika Podcast · host Anna Dahlström
In this episode of UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Be Kaler Pilgrim – founder of Smithfield Search and long-time leader in the digital recruitment world. When we last spoke in 2021, Be was still running Futureheads Recruitment, navigating a pandemic and a shifting job market. Four years later, we catch up on what’s changed, not the least in recruitment.We talk about why she launched a new business focused on executive search, what lies ahead for design leaders, and hiring over all. We talk about the similarities between the early days of digital and right now with AI, how AI is shaping the skills companies are looking for, and why building relationships still matters more than anything else.It’s also a conversation about life post 40, motherhood and the constant juggle between work and home life, parenting in this day and age, and about learning to drive later in life. And last but not least, how small rituals – from gardening to wellness drinks – help her stay grounded.Plus:☕️ Why wellness drinks is now her go-to fika⭐ Why give it a go is her adviceWhat we cover:01:46 Life Changes and New Beginnings03:42 Market Trends and Business Insights07:35 Navigating Job Market Challenges10:31 Personal Experiences and Parenting Challenges18:05 Navigating Motherhood and Career Challenges21:12 Launching a New Business: Smithfield Search24:42 The Role of AI in Upskilling and Job Security33:45 Reflections on Age and Personal Growth40:48 Navigating the Hiring Landscape43:25 The Role of Freelancers and Consultants44:49 Career Transitions for Experienced Designers47:21 The Impact of COVID on Junior Talent51:17 Advice for Job Seekers in a Competitive Market53:18 Understanding Executive Search Dynamics56:00 Building a Personal Brand and Business57:06 Executive Search58:18 Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges01:01:24 Personal Growth Through Life ExperiencesWhere you’ll find Be:LinkedInSmithfield Search WebsiteFutureheads WebsiteWhere you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramIf you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#recruitment #futureheads #uxdesign #agencies #business #technology #careeradvice #productdesign #tech #scaleups #empathy #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #bekalerpilgrim #smithfieldsearch
What this episode covers
In this episode of UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Be Kaler Pilgrim – founder of Smithfield Search and long-time leader in the digital recruitment world. When we last spoke in 2021, Be was still running Futureheads Recruitment, navigating a pandemic and a shifting job market. Four years later, we catch up on what’s changed, not the least in recruitment.We talk about why she launched a new business focused on executive search, what lies ahead for design leaders, and hiring over all. We talk about the similarities between the early days of digital and right now with AI, how AI is shaping the skills companies are looking for, and why building relationships still matters more than anything else.It’s also a conversation about life post 40, motherhood and the constant juggle between work and home life, parenting in this day and age, and about learning to drive later in life. And last but not least, how small rituals – from gardening to wellness drinks – help her stay grounded.Plus:☕️ Why wellness drinks is now her go-to fika⭐ Why give it a go is her adviceWhat we cover:01:46 Life Changes and New Beginnings03:42 Market Trends and Business Insights07:35 Navigating Job Market Challenges10:31 Personal Experiences and Parenting Challenges18:05 Navigating Motherhood and Career Challenges21:12 Launching a New Business: Smithfield Search24:42 The Role of AI in Upskilling and Job Security33:45 Reflections on Age and Personal Growth40:48 Navigating the Hiring Landscape43:25 The Role of Freelancers and Consultants44:49 Career Transitions for Experienced Designers47:21 The Impact of COVID on Junior Talent51:17 Advice for Job Seekers in a Competitive Market53:18 Understanding Executive Search Dynamics56:00 Building a Personal Brand and Business57:06 Executive Search58:18 Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges01:01:24 Personal Growth Through Life ExperiencesWhere you’ll find Be:LinkedInSmithfield Search WebsiteFutureheads WebsiteWhere you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramIf you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#recruitment #futureheads #uxdesign #agencies #business #technology #careeradvice #productdesign #tech #scaleups #empathy #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #bekalerpilgrim #smithfieldsearch
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#11: Be Kaler Pilgrim on Executive Search, Walk And Talk Meetings, And Starting a New Business
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