BB: How to Hire High-Impact Startup Talent: The Traits That Separate Multipliers from Mis-Hires

Why do so many startup hires fail — even when they look perfect on paper?In this Best Bits episode of What Makes You Tick, Alina Vandenberghe (Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Chili Piper) breaks down the real reason most hiring decisions go wrong — and what separates high-impact “multiplier” talent from costly mis-hires.Most companies hire based on experience, CVs, and past success.But as Alina explains, that’s not what actually drives performance inside startups.👉 The real difference comes down to ownership, mindset, and behaviour under pressure.🔍 What You’ll LearnWhy most startup hires fail due to attitude, not experienceThe difference between multipliers, adders, subtractors, and dividersWhy “blame is a cancer” in high-performing teamsHow to identify extreme ownership vs victim mentalityThe core traits every startup should hire for:OwnershipCollaborationResourcefulnessExecutionWhy psychological safety drives performance (not weakens it)⚠️ The Hidden Hiring ProblemMost founders think they have a hiring problem.In reality, they have an evaluation problem.They optimise for:ExperienceBackgroundPast resultsBut miss:Behaviourmindsetcultural impactThat’s how you end up with:High performers who break teams“Great hires” who fail in 6 monthsCultures destroyed by blame and misalignment🧠 The Tick Talent PerspectiveAt Tick Talent, we call this:👉 The Multiplier MatrixThe best hires don’t just perform.They multiply the impact of everyone around them.This episode shows you how to spot them — before you hire.🎧 Who This Is ForStartup founders hiring their first teamCROs and revenue leaders scaling teamsAnyone struggling with mis-hiresLeaders who want high-performance cultures (without burnout or politics)💬 Join the ConversationAre you hiring for experience — or impact?Comment below:👉 What’s been your biggest hiring mistake?🔗 Connect & Learn MoreFollow Alina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinav/Follow Richard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwash/Read the Growth Magnet newsletter for weekly insights on hiring, leadership, and scaling revenue teams.🔔 Subscribe to What Makes You TickConversations with founders and operators on:HiringLeadershipStartup growthWhat actually drives high performance#StartupHiring #HiringStrategy #SaaSGrowth #Leadership #StartupCulture #TickTalent #WMYT