Aspire Hire Conversations

A candidate can seem great and still be the WRONG hire. That’s why I wanted to record this episode. I’m certified in Lou Adler’s Performance-based Hiring™ methodology, and one of the best rules from that framework is incredibly simple: On a scale of 1-5: No 2s. Not in motivation. Not in fit. Not in comparable results. Not in the areas your team absolutely needs to win. In this episode, I walk thro...

Take the Ick Out of Networking: How to Reconnect Without Making It Weird Have you ever wanted to reach out to a former mentor, manager, or colleague but stopped yourself because it felt… awkward? In this episode of Aspire Hire Conversations , we unpack why reconnecting often feels uncomfortable and how to do it in a way that’s authentic, respectful, and not transactional . You’ll learn: • Why we t...

In Episode 7 of Aspire Hire Conversations , “ Hiring for Potential: How Startups Win With Smart Bets ,” I break down the hiring mistake I see early-stage CPG brands make constantly: They hire “big-brand resumes” for a startup environment… and then wonder why the hire struggles in the chaos. In this episode, we talk about: 🌀 Why “hiring for potential” is not hiring for hope (or vibes) 📈 The achie...

Episode 8 | Inside the Interview: The Questions That Separate Good from Great | Aspire Hire Conversations If you’ve ever walked out of an interview thinking “…did I actually learn anything?” …this episode is your new playbook. In today’s conversation, we’re going inside the interview to break down the questions, strategies, and mindset that separate good candidates from great ones. Whether you’re...

How to Attract A-Players (Without Competing on Salary Alone) If your job post sounds like every other job post… you’re fishing in the same pond as everyone else and wondering why you keep catching the same fish. In this episode of Aspire Hire Conversations , I’m pulling back the curtain on what actually catches the attention of high-performing, passive CPG talent: the ones who are not scrolling jo...

If you’ve been ghosted by a candidate lately… pause. It’s not personal. But it IS a signal. In this episode of Aspire Hire Conversations , I break down what candidate ghosting actually means, why it’s happening more often, and what top talent is really communicating when they quietly disappear. You’ll learn: ✅ The real reasons candidates disengage (it’s not because they’re flaky) ✅ What ghosting...

🎙 What Recruiters Actually Do (…and how Aspire Hire is different) I’ve talked to a few hiring managers recently who admitted something surprisingly common: 👉 They’re not actually sure what recruiters do. And honestly? That’s fair. Most of what happens behind the scenes is a complete mystery — especially if your only experience is those “Hey, saw your profile…” mass DMs. So in Episode 4 of Aspire...

Podcast Ep 03: 🔥 Why Q4 Is the Secret Weapon for Smart Hiring in CPG | Aspire Hire Conversations with Chelsea Leon Q4 isn’t a slow season for hiring—it’s your secret weapon. 💥 While most companies hit pause for the holidays, smart CPG brands are quietly securing top talent before the new-year rush. In this episode, I break down: ✅ Why end-of-year hiring gives you an edge ✅ How to attract passi...

Ever felt the sting of a mis-hire on the team? We’ve all been there. The new hire that looked great on paper… but wasn’t the right fit. In CPG, those mistakes don’t just sting... they’re expensive. It’s not just wasted payroll. It’s: ⚠️ Slowed growth ⚠️ Damaged culture ⚠️ Lost market opportunities In fast-moving CPG, the wrong person in the wrong seat can derail everything. We're sharing what ever...

CPG is transforming. So is hiring. ✨You’re not imagining it. In 2025, the rules of hiring are changing. The best candidates? They’re not scrolling job boards - they’re busy building iconic brands. That’s why it isn't about waiting for talent. It’s about FINDING them. We're highlighting how smart CPG companies will win the talent race this year.