S02E02 | From Boots to Boardroom with Tony Hazen | Building Management Teams for Private Equity Companies | KYRO AI

In this episode of Boots to Boardroom we talk to Tony Hazen — Managing Partner at DHR Global. We dig into the high-stakes world of executive search and how to build leadership teams that help companies scale. Tony shares his "bloody knuckles" approach to finding top talent, explaining why grit often outweighs a pedigree resume. He discusses the emotional challenge entrepreneurs face when "letting go" of control, and why the CFO is often the most critical hire for private equity-backed companies. We also break down how to assess "culture fit" to ensure a new leader doesn't just look good on paper but thrives in your specific environment. What you'll learn - The difference between a "Rolodex" recruiter and a true partner - Why entrepreneurs struggle to "let go" and how to fix it - The "Bloody Knuckles" method for spotting grit in candidates - Why the CFO is the secret weapon for scaling a business - How to assess true culture fit beyond the resume About the Guest Tony Hazen is a Managing Partner in the Houston office of DHR Global, where he brings over two decades of experience in executive search. Specializing in the industrial and private equity sectors, Tony focuses on placing senior leaders who drive operational excellence and value creation. Known for his "blue-collar" work ethic and ability to relate to everyone from the shop floor to the C-suite, he helps founder-led businesses professionalize their leadership teams. Before entering search, Tony built his career through grit and tenacity, giving him a unique eye for identifying resilience in top-tier candidates. Follow Tony Hazen on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-hazen-a694883/ About the Show: From Boots to Boardroom is a podcast that shines a light on the people who keep America running. Not every leader sits in a corner office — leadership is found on job sites, in the field, and in the boardroom. In each episode, we share the journeys of those who build, restore, and power our nation. From linemen and builders to entrepreneurs and executives, these are stories of grit, tenacity, empathy, and vision. Subscribe for episodes featuring the leaders who power America's infrastructure! Like this episode? Hit the thumbs up and let us know what leadership topic you'd like us to explore next! Follow Hari Vasudevan, Founder and CEO of KYRO AI here LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harivasudevan/ Follow us on our socials:Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/from-boots-to-boardroom/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frombootstoboardroom/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FromBootsToBoardroomPodcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@frombootstoboardroomFor more information, visit - https://www.frombootstoboardroom.com/Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, policies, or positions of KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, or the host. Any appearance by a guest on this program does not constitute an endorsement of the guest’s views, products, services, or affiliations. KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, and the host disclaims any liability relating to the content discussed and makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information shared. #TalentAcquisition #FounderLife #CFOinsights #BlueCollarLeadership #GrowthMindset #RecruitingTips #ScaleUp #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #OperationalExcellence #PrivateEquity