[AUDIO only] The Corner Office Podcast by AROYA: Bryan Passman on Leadership, Culture, and Careers

Welcome to another episode of AROYA Office Hours Special Edition, where we sit down with the movers and shakers who shape the industry from behind the scenes. In today’s episode, hosts Greg Dunaway and Bryan Passman—co-founder and CEO of Hunter Esquire, one of the leading talent acquisition firms in cannabis—pull back the curtain on the real state of hiring, leadership, and culture in the cannabis space.Bryan shares his unique perspective as an industry insider trusted with sensitive executive decisions, discussing everything from the turbulence of hiring MSOs (Multi-State Operators) to why turnover is such an expensive—and yet common—problem. The conversation covers shifting trends, like the rise in demand for finance and operations leaders, and explores what positions are fading into the background, especially in HR. Bryan also delivers candid advice for job seekers, breaks down common hiring mistakes cannabis CEOs make, and shares his hopes for a smoother path forward in this challenging business.00:00 Effective Executive Search Strategies04:41 Advisement Challenges: Energizing and Unorthodox08:13 Rapid Hiring and Turnover Norms13:12 Finance and Operations Leadership Focus14:57 HR Cuts Impact Company Culture19:56 Cultural Shift in Corporate Hiring23:08 Transparent Recruiting Practices26:52 Misfit Talent from Top Corporations29:37 Industry Caution: Choose Stability31:57 Acquisition Challenges and Leadership Uncertainty37:47 Accountability and Perseverance39:57 A Compassionate World for All41:56 Diversifying Beyond Industry45:23 Grateful and Enjoyed Our TimeLinks:Bryan PassmanHunter-EsquireGreg DunawayMaple Creek ConsultingAROYA by Addium