TTP - The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting

In this episode, Craig sits down with Jordan Shlosberg, Founder of Atlas, to explore the evolving intersection between recruitment and artificial intelligence. From his early days in expert networks to building a cutting-edge AI-powered recruitment platform, Jordan shares his journey, lessons learned, and bold predictions for the next three years of the industry.Jordan explains how Atlas is redefining what a recruitment CRM can be — eliminating admin, boosting recruiter performance, and offering unique tools powered by real-time data and AI. The conversation also covers the broader changes happening across recruitment, candidate behavior, and why agency recruiters may be more important than ever in an AI-driven world.Whether you're a recruiter, hiring manager, or tech founder, this episode offers fresh insights into how technology is reshaping recruitment — and why the human touch still matters.🎙 Key Topics:🔹 The rise of AI-powered recruitment platforms🔹 Why traditional CRMs are falling behind🔹 How Atlas removes admin and empowers recruiters🔹 The changing expectations of hiring managers and candidates🔹 Why great recruiters will thrive in the age of AIShow Notes & Timestamps[00:00] – Opening & Nutrition TalkFasting, yogurt, kimchi, and cottage cheese? Craig and Jordan kick off on a health tangent.[02:00] – Jordan’s Background & Building AtlasFrom expert networks to AI-driven recruitmentWhy he chose to enter the recruitment space with a tech-first mindset[06:00] – What Makes Atlas DifferentAtlas vs. traditional CRMsUsing AI to streamline recruiter workflows“Do less admin, do better recruitment”[12:00] – AI’s Impact on RecruitmentWhy the next 3 years will change recruitment foreverHow candidate outreach and client engagement are evolvingThe “magic message” feature that changes outreach forever[20:00] – Human vs. AI in RecruitmentWhy the best recruiters still win — and how AI supports themThe danger of over-relying on automationThe importance of human relationships in hiring[30:00] – Rethinking What Makes a Great CandidateFrom skills to outcomes: what clients really want nowThe rise of the “full-stack employee”How Atlas can help recruiters assess and present top talent[40:00] – Training, Templates & Building Better RecruitersBenchmarking interviews and upskilling teams using AIGamifying the training processUsing feedback loops to create elite recruitment teams[46:00] – Final Thoughts & Vision for the FutureWhy legacy CRMs won’t keep upThe opportunity for Atlas to lead the next generationHow AI will elevate — not replace — great recruiters

In this episode of The Top 10% Podcast, host Craig Whiting sits down with Remi Bernal, a global recruitment leader with a career spanning multiple industries and continents. From starting out in Paris and carving his path through New York and London, to building teams and advising top-tier financial institutions, Remi shares his journey and the lessons learned along the way.They discuss the realities of moving countries to chase opportunity, how resilience and adaptability shaped his career, and what it takes to thrive in today’s competitive talent market. From cultural challenges to leadership insights, Remi’s story offers a candid look at building a career without borders.Whether you’re a recruiter, an aspiring leader, or someone interested in international careers, this episode is full of practical lessons and inspiring takeaways.🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 How Remi built a career across Paris, New York, and London 🔹 The role of resilience and adaptability in global recruitment 🔹 Lessons from advising top-tier banks and financial institutions 🔹 The cultural challenges of moving countries for work 🔹 Why mentorship and curiosity fuel long-term growth 🔹 Building teams and careers without borders📄 Show Notes & Timestamps[00:00] – Introduction & Early Career Craig introduces Remi Bernal and his journey from Paris into recruitment. First steps into financial services and early lessons.[07:00] – Moving Abroad & Building Resilience Why Remi chose to move to New York and later London. Adapting to new markets, cultures, and client expectations.[15:00] – Recruitment at a Global Scale Working with major banks and financial institutions. How recruitment dynamics shift across regions.[25:00] – Leadership & Building Teams What Remi looks for in top talent. How to balance cultural awareness with business demands.[35:00] – Lessons in Growth & Adaptability The role of mentorship, curiosity, and continuous learning. Why resilience defines long-term success in recruitment.[45:00] – Final Takeaways Advice for recruiters looking to build international careers. Why careers without borders are more possible than ever.

In this episode, Craig sits down with Lara Carty, former Team GB athlete, PhD in psychology, and seasoned financial services leader, to explore how organizations can unlock true performance through people and culture. With over 20 years of experience across the sell-side, buy-side, and now as founder of her own performance coaching consultancy, Lara brings a unique perspective on the intersection of psychology, business, and high performance.Lara shares her journey from elite sport to psychology to leading people functions in global financial institutions. She dives into why performance reviews are often broken, how organizations lose talent by failing to see people as individuals, and what companies can do to create cultures that attract, retain, and empower their top performers.Whether you’re a leader, recruiter, or professional striving to unlock your full potential, this episode offers deep insights into performance, motivation, and the future of people strategy.🎙 Key Topics:🔹 How elite sport shaped Lara’s views on performance and feedback 🔹 Why most performance management systems miss the mark 🔹 The challenges of scale in large corporates vs. smaller environments 🔹 What truly motivates people to stay, grow, and succeed 🔹 Practical steps for leaders to create high-performance culturesShow Notes & Timestamps[00:00] Opening & IntroductionCraig introduces Lara and her background in psychology, financial services, and Team GB athletics.[03:00] From Sports to Psychology to Financial ServicesHow Lara’s experience in high-performance sport sparked her interest in psychology.The importance of feedback and mindset in performance.[06:00] The Reality of Corporate Performance ReviewsWhy traditional performance management often fails employees.How Lara’s early experiences highlighted the flaws in large organizations’ people practices.[11:00] Scaling People Strategies vs. Individual NeedsThe tension between scale and personalization in large corporates.Why “one-size-fits-all” approaches don’t work.[15:00] Shifting to the Buy-Side and Smaller EnvironmentsWhy Lara made the transition from sell-side to buy-side.The difference in creativity, speed, and impact.[20:00] What Motivates Top TalentThe importance of mastery and proximity to the end user.Why some people thrive in smaller environments while others succeed in large corporates.[27:00] The Role of Companies vs. IndividualsWho is responsible for performance: the company or the individual?How high performers use “performance data” to grow.[32:00] Building Effective Talent FunctionsLara’s advice to CEOs on rethinking talent acquisition and people practices.Why defining “what good looks like” is essential before building processes.[45:00] Final Thoughts & TakeawaysThe future of performance, culture, and leadership.Why organizations must move beyond box-ticking to truly unlock potential.

In this episode of the TTP Podcast, Craig Whiting interviews Dr. Ewelina Kurtys, a PhD in Neuroscience with extensive experience in brain imaging and biocomputing. Dr. Smith discusses her journey from academia to becoming a tech commercialization advisor and co-founding Sync, a mental wellness app. The focus of the conversation is on Final Spark, a company working to commercialize a neuro-platform for remote living neuron computation. They delve into the challenges, goals, and ethical considerations of biocomputing, and how it could revolutionize computing by being significantly more energy-efficient than traditional methods. Key topics include the potential applications of biocomputing, the complexities of programming neurons, and the future of AI and general intelligence.00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:38 Journey into Neuroscience and AI04:46 Introduction to Biocomputing06:45 Stem Cells and Neuron Programming09:20 Challenges and Future of Biocomputing13:23 Final Spark's Mission and Vision17:11 Combining Biology and Engineering19:14 Potential Impact of Biocomputing23:12 Digital to Analog Conversion in Neurons23:49 Commercializing Biocomputing24:16 Client Interest and Use Cases26:25 Ethical Considerations in Biocomputing29:22 Future Implications and Challenges38:32 Technological and Societal Impact41:58 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the TTP Podcast, Craig Whiting sits down with Adri Purkayastha, AI risk expert, product strategist, and former big four data scientist for a deep conversation about the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence, governance, and business value.Adri shares his unconventional journey from building early ML products as a student entrepreneur to overseeing AI technology risk across financial services, wealth management, and investment banking. The conversation dives deep into how institutions can responsibly adopt AI, what they often get wrong, and why speed, structure, and talent will separate the winners from the rest.If you work in tech, hiring, engineering leadership, or innovation strategy, this episode offers a rare look at the infrastructure and human decisions behind AI adoption. Plus the risks no one talks about.🎙 Key Topics:🔹 What AI “hallucination” means—and why it’s more dangerous than most realize🔹 The future of engineering teams in an AI-native environment🔹 Why curiosity and speed of learning will define top tech talent🔹 The shift from cost centers to value centers in enterprise technology🔹 How AI changes org design, governance, and product ownership🔹 The rise of the modern IC (individual contributor) as a key strategic asset🔹 What financial institutions can learn from product-led tech orgs🔹 Why failing fast is essential—and why waiting to act is the bigger risk📄 Show Notes & Timestamps[00:00] – Adri’s BackgroundEntrepreneurial beginnings → AI in education → big four → enterprise risk & governance[08:00] – What AI Risk Really MeansHow hallucination, uncertainty, and infrastructure gaps create business risk[16:00] – Cost vs. ROI of AI AdoptionWhy the expense of AI infrastructure changes how businesses scale[22:00] – The Human Layer of AI DeploymentImpact on job design, talent strategy, and upskilling across tech teams[30:00] – Tech as a Value Driver, Not a Cost CenterWhere banks, hedge funds, and tech firms differ—and what they’re getting right[36:00] – Structural Shifts in Tech TeamsThe rise of the IC, shortening the distance between tech and revenue, and rebuilding orgs to move faster[41:00] – What to Look for in Modern Tech TalentCuriosity, adaptability, and evidence of experimentation[44:00] – What’s Next in AI GovernanceWhere Adri sees the biggest risks—and the most potential—over the next 2–3 years

In this episode of the TTP Podcast, Craig Whiting sits down with Nirav Shah, engineering leader at JP Morgan Asset Management, for a deep dive into how AI is fundamentally changing the life of a developer, and what the next generation of engineering talent needs to thrive.Nirav shares his journey from hands-on coder to global team leader, and explains why staying close to the code still matters in a leadership role. They explore the rise of T-shaped engineers, the evolving expectations around communication, and the critical mindset shift required to succeed in an AI-augmented tech world.Whether you're a senior engineer, hiring manager, or tech leader navigating change. This episode is full of sharp insights on staying relevant, building hybrid skillsets, and leading with both strategic and technical depth.🎙 Key Topics:🔹 Why AI is the most foundational shift in 20+ years of software engineering🔹 What “batteries-included” developers really look like in an AI-native future🔹 The T-shaped skillset: balancing deep technical roots with broad leadership scope🔹 How to stay hands-on as you scale up in leadership🔹 Communication as a key differentiator: with colleagues and with AI🔹 Why org structures must evolve if they want tech leaders to thrive🔹 Coding as creativity and why output still matters at every level📄 Show Notes & Timestamps[00:00] – Introduction & Nirav’s BackgroundCareer journey from developer to global engineering leaderThe art of translating business needs into code[06:00] – Staying Technical While LeadingWhy Nirav still codes every week — and how to make time for itThe importance of staying close to the product[10:00] – AI as a Paradigm ShiftWhy co-pilot and agentic tools are changing how engineers workDelegation, oversight, and new ways of thinking[16:00] – The T-Shaped Engineer ModelWhy you need both breadth and depth to scale in techHow technical leaders lose their edge—and how to get it back[22:00] – Adaptability, Learning & Talent StrategyWhat Nirav looks for when hiring engineers in an AI-native worldThe traits that matter more than specific languages or tools[29:00] – Engineering Growth Inside Large OrgsWhy “coding leadership” still matters at enterprise scaleThe problem with paper titles and fake technical progression[36:00] – Changing the Culture of Tech LeadershipCreating space for creativity and codeWhy business still misunderstands tech—and how leaders can fix it[40:00] – Career Advice & LinkedIn StrategyCraig shares 5 tactical tips for building a recruiter-proof LinkedInWhy outcomes, clarity, and recruiter-friendly language matter[46:00] – Final ThoughtsThe role of curiosity, communication, and partnership in thriving as an engineer today

In this episode, Craig Whiting sits down with Connor White, veteran technologist and hedge fund leader, for a deep dive into the evolution of engineering within financial services and what it really takes to succeed in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of hedge funds.With nearly 30 years of experience, Connor shares how he went from coding in risk systems to leading global teams at elite hedge funds. They discuss the striking differences between sell-side and buy-side tech cultures, why many engineers struggle with the transition, and how the hedge fund environment shapes sharper, more well-rounded developers. The conversation also explores what hiring managers really look for, the traits that separate the top 10%, and how AI is already reshaping the job of the software engineer.Whether you're an engineer thinking about making the leap to the buy side or a founder trying to build a top-tier team, this is an unmissable masterclass in modern technical leadership.🎙️ Key Topics🔹 The sell-side vs. buy-side tech culture shock🔹 Why traders don’t care about your code, they care about delivery🔹 The hiring red flags and green flags Connor looks for in interviews🔹 Why domain curiosity beats academic perfection every time🔹 How AI is transforming software engineering today and in the near futureShow Notes & Timestamps[00:00] – Opening & IntroductionsConnor’s journey from quant developer to hedge fund tech leader“Your money is the byproduct of success.”[03:00] – Life Inside the BankFrom giant tech teams to rigid frameworksHow institutional structure limits learning[07:00] – Transition to the Hedge Fund WorldCulture shock, speed, and personal accountabilityIterative development in the real world[12:00] – Leadership by DeliveryHow Connor organically stepped into leadership rolesWhy performance beats politics[17:00] – The Buy-Side MindsetUnderstanding the business problem is not optionalWhy good tech = business value, not cool tools[23:00] – Hiring the Right PeopleThe “tell me about a project you’re proud of” litmus testHow depth, curiosity, and communication separate top candidates[30:00] – The Role of RecruitersWhat good recruiters do—and what most get wrongWhy less is more when it comes to CVs[36:00] – Breaking In from the OutsideAdvice for candidates in banks looking to pivotHow to show curiosity, research, and long-term mindset[38:00] – AI’s Impact on EngineeringProductivity boosts, hidden risks, and future shiftsCould developers become the next business analysts?[45:00] – Final ThoughtsWhy the top 10% mindset is about delivery, not ego“You focus on being really good at your job—and the rewards follow.”

In this episode, Craig sits down with Richard Jacobs, Head of Engineering at Thinkfolio (S&P Global), to discuss the evolving landscape of hiring, recruitment, and leadership in financial technology. With over 25 years in tech and deep experience in financial services, Richard shares his journey from hands-on development to leading high-performing teams.They explore why being a great technologist doesn’t always translate to great leadership, how hiring processes can be refined to identify true talent, and the challenges of technical assessments in recruitment. Richard also shares insights on hiring in buy-side vs. sell-side finance, building teams that thrive, and how hybrid work is reshaping company culture.Whether you're a hiring manager, recruiter, or tech professional, this episode dives into the nuances of tech hiring, leadership, and how companies can attract and retain top talent.🎙 Key Topics:🔹 The transition from software engineer to engineering leader🔹 Why hiring for finance requires a different approach🔹 How to refine technical assessments & avoid hiring bias🔹 The impact of remote & hybrid work on career growth🔹 Retention strategies: What keeps top talent engaged?Tune in for a deep dive into recruitment, leadership, and the future of hiring in financial technology.Show Notes & Timestamps[00:00] – Opening & IntroductionRichard’s background in software engineering & leadership.The evolution from technologist to Head of Engineering.[05:00] – What Makes a Great Tech Leader?Why technical expertise doesn’t always equal strong leadership.The shift from problem-solving to team empowerment.How leaders can create environments where teams thrive.[12:00] – The Challenges of Hiring in Financial ServicesThe differences between hiring for buy-side vs. sell-side firms.Why the best engineers don’t always come from finance backgrounds.How to identify potential in candidates beyond their resume.[20:00] – The Role of Technical Assessments in HiringWhy companies use coding tests like HackerRank & Codility.The challenge of balancing real-world assessments vs. standardized tests.How to minimize hiring bias through structured evaluations.[30:00] – Remote & Hybrid Work: Pros & ConsWhy hybrid work benefits senior engineers but challenges juniors.The impact of remote setups on mentorship & career growth.How companies can balance flexibility with team cohesion.[40:00] – Talent Retention & Employee GrowthWhy most people leave jobs: money vs. role progression.How leaders can offer growth without constant promotions.The importance of clear career paths in retaining top talent.[50:00] – Final Thoughts & Key TakeawaysThe future of hiring in tech & financial services.How leaders can foster long-term career success.Why recruitment needs to evolve beyond just skills matching.

Ep. 3: Donal McCarthy on Recruitment, Tech Hiring & TeamsIn this episode, Craig sits down with Donal McCarthy, a seasoned leader in the tech financial industry, to explore the recruitment landscape from a hiring manager’s perspective. They discuss why hiring should be about more than just checking boxes on a CV, how recruiters can add real value, and the importance of understanding company culture when making hiring decisions.Donal, who has led hiring at energy trading firms, buy-side institutions, and sell-side banks, shares his candid thoughts on the state of recruitment today. He discusses the common pitfalls in tech hiring, why recruiters often miss the mark, and what companies can do to improve their talent acquisition strategies.Whether you’re a hiring manager, recruiter, or candidate, this episode will challenge your thinking on recruitment, candidate engagement, and building high-performing teams.🎙 Key Topics:🔹 Why most recruiters fail to understand hiring managers' needs🔹 The importance of deep recruiter-hiring manager relationships🔹 How centralized recruitment can slow down hiring🔹 Why hiring for culture is just as important as technical skills🔹 How candidates can stand out in the hiring processTune in for an insightful discussion on the future of hiring, how recruitment should evolve, and what really makes a great hire.Show Notes & Timestamps[00:00] – Opening & IntroductionDonal’s first thought when hearing the word “recruiter.”[01:00] – The Role of Recruiters in Tech HiringWhy hiring is about more than just filling a role.The biggest mistakes recruiters make when engaging with hiring managers.Why relationship-building is key to successful recruitment.[06:00] – Why Recruitment is BrokenThe low barrier to entry in recruitment and its consequences.Why cold calls and irrelevant CVs frustrate hiring managers.The disconnect between recruiters and hiring managers.[10:00] – The Importance of Culture in HiringWhy hiring should focus on long-term fit, not just technical skills.How companies can communicate their culture to recruiters.Why culture impacts employee retention and job satisfaction.[18:00] – The Downsides of Centralized RecruitmentWhy limiting agency access can slow down hiring.The problem with rigid hiring processes.How businesses should balance internal hiring vs. agency partnerships.[27:00] – The Candidate Experience: How to Stand OutWhy job hunting should be about more than just salary.How recruiters can help candidates position themselves better.The role of personal projects and open-source contributions in hiring.[37:00] – Rethinking Hiring & The Role of RecruitersWhy recruiters should focus on understanding the industries they serve.How recruiters can add real value beyond just sending CVs.The importance of proactive career conversations.[50:00] – Final Thoughts & Key TakeawaysWhy companies need to rethink their approach to hiring.How hiring managers and recruiters can work together more effectively.The future of recruitment and its impact on the tech industry.

In this episode, Craig sits down with Alexander Unterrainer, a seasoned KDB developer, to discuss the complexities of tech hiring, the role of recruiters, and what it takes to succeed in the finance industry. Alex shares his journey from a graduate at Citigroup to working with major investment banks, highlighting the challenges of breaking into the field and the importance of networking and specialization.They dive into the common frustrations with recruitment, how companies filter candidates, and why hiring managers often struggle to find the right talent. Alex also explains why niche expertise can be both a blessing and a challenge in today’s competitive job market.Whether you're a developer, recruiter, or hiring manager, this episode offers insights into career growth, hiring practices, and the evolving nature of tech roles in finance.🎙 Key Topics:🔹 The reality of tech hiring in finance & investment banking🔹 Why recruiters and hiring managers often misunderstand each other🔹 How candidates can stand out in competitive job markets🔹 The value of specialization vs. general skills in tech🔹 How the finance industry is adapting to AI and automationTune in for a deep dive into recruitment, hiring challenges, and the skills needed to thrive in financial technology.Show Notes & Timestamps[00:00] – Opening & IntroductionAlexander’s background in finance and tech hiring.The competitive nature of investment banking graduate programs.[01:00] – The Challenges of Breaking into FinanceWhy investment banks filter heavily based on university prestige.How candidates can improve their chances of landing top jobs.The role of networking and personal projects in career growth.[06:00] – Common Issues with Recruiters & Hiring ManagersWhy recruiters often fail to understand technical roles.The frustration of irrelevant job pitches.The importance of recruiter-candidate relationships.[12:00] – The Candidate Experience & Feedback ProblemThe impact of ghosting in recruitment.Why detailed feedback matters for candidates.How better recruiter communication improves hiring outcomes.[20:00] – Specialization vs. Generalization in Tech CareersThe advantages and risks of being a niche specialist.Why KDB is highly valuable but has limited opportunities.How developers can future-proof their careers.[30:00] – The Role of AI & Automation in Tech HiringHow AI is changing recruitment and candidate evaluation.Why banks struggle to implement AI due to security concerns.The future of AI in financial technology roles.[40:00] – Final Thoughts & Key TakeawaysWhy companies need to rethink hiring strategies.The importance of fair recruiter-candidate relationships.How to navigate career growth in a competitive job market.Connect with Alexander Unterrainer:🔗 Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderunterrainer/🔗 DefconQ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/defconqBlog: https://www.defconq.tech/ 📩 Free Newsletter: https://defconq.substack.com/

In this episode, Craig sits down with Greg Osinaike to dive deep into the hiring process from a hiring manager’s perspective. They discuss why recruitment is more than just a transactional process, the importance of understanding company culture, and how recruiters can truly add value beyond just sending CVs.Greg, who has led hiring across various financial institutions and trading firms, shares his candid thoughts on the relationship between hiring managers and recruiters. He explains the common pitfalls in hiring, why culture should be a top priority, and what companies get wrong when they centralize recruitment.Whether you’re a hiring manager, recruiter, or candidate, this episode will give you valuable insights into hiring strategies, candidate engagement, and why the best hires aren’t always the most obvious ones on paper.🎙 Key Topics:🔹 Why recruiters often struggle to understand hiring managers' needs🔹 The importance of culture fit over technical skills🔹 How centralizing recruitment can hurt hiring outcomes🔹 Why relationships between hiring managers and recruiters matter🔹 How candidates can stand out and transition to new industriesTune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of hiring, company culture, and how recruitment should evolve to meet modern challenges.Show Notes & Timestamps[00:00] – Opening & IntroductionWhat Greg looks for when hiring: "Conscientiousness and batteries included."[01:00] – The Recruiter’s Role in HiringWhy hiring is more than just filling roles.The challenges recruiters face in understanding company needs.How recruiters can add value beyond matching keywords on CVs.[06:00] – The Disconnect Between Recruiters & Hiring ManagersWhy most recruiters don’t understand company culture.The risks of poor recruiter relationships.Why hiring should be about potential, not just skills.[10:00] – Culture Beats Strategy in HiringWhy culture is the most critical factor in hiring decisions.How companies should communicate their culture to recruiters.The impact of poor cultural alignment on long-term success.[18:00] – The Problem with Centralized RecruitmentWhy large companies limit recruiter access—and why that backfires.How internal recruitment teams often create more hiring friction.The unintended consequences of talent acquisition centralization.[27:00] – The Candidate Experience: Finding the Right FitWhy moving jobs is more than just a salary decision.How recruiters can help (or hurt) a candidate’s career progression.The importance of proactive career development.[37:00] – Rethinking Hiring & The Problem with Job DescriptionsWhy rigid job specs don’t work in a fast-changing market.How hiring for adaptability leads to better long-term success.The role of recruiters in shaping better hiring strategies.[50:00] – Final Thoughts & Key TakeawaysWhy companies need to rethink how they engage with recruiters.How hiring managers and recruiters can work better together.The importance of hiring great people and letting them grow.

Ep. 1: Jon Hammant on Hiring, Recruitment & Building TeamsIn this episode, Craig sits down with Jon Hammant, UKI Head of Technology at Amazon, to explore the evolving relationship between tech professionals and recruiters. We discuss why hiring is more than just matching skills to job descriptions, how high-performing teams are built, and why companies should rethink their approach to talent acquisition.Jon shares his unique perspective on recruitment, drawing from years of experience in leadership roles at Accenture, Deutsche Bank, and AWS. He sheds light on common hiring mistakes, the future of work, and why trust between recruiters and hiring managers is critical.Whether you're a tech leader, recruiter, or candidate, this conversation will challenge your thinking on hiring strategies, company culture, and the role of recruitment in driving business success.🎙 Key Topics:🔹 Tech hiring challenges & the recruiter’s role🔹 The rise (and risks) of internal referrals🔹 The future of remote work & its impact on hiring🔹 Why culture beats strategy in hiring decisions🔹 How job descriptions fail and what to do insteadTune in for an insightful discussion on recruitment, career growth, and building high-performance teams.  Show Notes & Timestamps[00:00] – Opening & Introduction- Quickfire word association: What does Jon think of recruiters?[01:00] – The Recruiter’s Role in Tech Hiring- Why tech professionals often misunderstand recruiters.- The real value that good recruiters bring.- How Jon’s early experience in recruitment shaped his views.[06:00] – Why Hiring is Broken- The disconnect between recruiters & hiring managers.- The low barrier to entry in recruitment and how it affects the industry.- How bad recruiters damage the industry’s reputation.[10:00] – Building Better Relationships Between Recruiters & Tech Leaders- Why long-term recruiter relationships matter.- The dangers of overly transactional hiring.- The importance of recruiters understanding technology.[18:00] – The Problem with Centralized Recruitment- Why large companies restrict agency access—and why that’s a mistake.- The shift towards internal recruitment teams and its downsides.- How businesses should balance internal hiring vs. agency partnerships.[27:00] – The Human Side of Hiring- Why hiring is about people, not just skills.- The psychology behind counteroffers & job decisions.- How hiring impacts happiness, career growth & even mortality rates.[37:00] – The Future of Work & Remote Hiring- Why companies are pulling people back to the office.- How virtual hiring processes are leading to more counteroffers & dropouts.- The unintended consequences of remote work on career progression.[50:00] – Rethinking Hiring & The Problem with Job Descriptions- Why over-reliance on referrals can hurt diversity.- The risks of hiring only from specific companies (e.g., Goldman Sachs bias).- Why hiring should be about potential, not just past experience.[1:00:00] – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways- The importance of hiring great people & letting them grow.- Why companies need to think beyond traditional job descriptions.- The role of recruiters in shaping the future of work.