How a People-First CEO Hires, Handles Crises, And Owns Mistakes W/Ben Sesser

What does it really look like when a CEO leads with people first?In this episode, Ben Sesser — CEO & co-founder of BrightHire — sits down with Roxanne Petraeus and Melanie Naranjo to unpack the realities of modern leadership. From navigating PR crises and taking ownership of mistakes, to staying calm under pressure and hiring with intention, Ben shares candid insights from building a company used by 600+ organizations worldwide.The conversation touches on vulnerability, accountability, and the hidden weight of being a CEO — while also digging into practical hiring strategies, structured interviews, and the future of AI in recruiting. Whether you’re scaling a startup or leading a team through uncertainty, this episode delivers both human perspective and tactical takeaways.