Candid with Candidates
CONVERSATIONS WITH TOP EXECUTIVES
A peek behind the curtain to how they made it and candid advice for anyone looking to do the same.
FROM THE FIELD
A listen inside retail leadership.
We pull back the curtain with top executives in and around the retail industry.
Through candid conversations with top executives, we explore the paths behind their success—what shaped them, what they’ve learned, and what they’d do differently. While many podcasts focus on entrepreneurship, this series highlights the often overlooked journey of leaders who have built their careers within complex, high-performing organizations.
Hosted by our CEO and founder, Jenn Hahn, and backed by J Recruiting’s deep roots in the talent space and a network of 65,000+ retail professionals, the podcast serves as a trusted resource for leaders, candidates, and brands navigating the industry.
TUNE IN:
Featured conversations
From CPA to CEO: Amy Niemetscheck’s Nontraditional Path to Executive Leadership
Amy Niemetscheck, President and CEO of Certco Inc., joins Candid with Candidates to share how her career evolved from public accounting to leading a $1B+ retailer-owned grocery wholesaler. She discusses strategic leadership, board service, building empowered teams, and balancing executive responsibility with family life.
Leading Through Change: How Aaron Gottlieb Built a Career at the Intersection of Retail, Strategy, and Execution
Aaron Gottlieb, EVP of New Business Development for Retailer & Experiential Services at Advantage Solutions and President of Damon Japan, shares insights on leadership, career growth, retail transformation, and why execution remains critical in today’s evolving retail landscape.
Leading with Perspective and Purpose: How Ryan Adams Built a Career from Store Floors to CEO at Gelson’s Markets
Ryan Adams, President & CEO of Gelson’s Markets, joins Candid with Candidates to share how he built a decades-long career from entry-level store roles to the C-suite. He discusses leadership, career growth, and why embracing discomfort is essential for long-term success.
Scaling with Speed and Purpose: How Kristi Ross Became CEO of Three Dog Brands
Kristi Ross, CEO of Three Dog Brands, joins Candid with Candidates to share her non-linear career journey, leadership philosophy, and insights on leading a private equity-backed business with speed, clarity, and operational focus.
