Hire Power Radio Show

Latest Episodes:

Proactive vs Reactive Hiring with Kurt Wilkin Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Higher Power Radio Show, host Rick Gerard and guest Kurt Wilkin, Chairman of Hire Better and Managing Partner of B Cave Capital, discuss the pitfalls of reactive hiring and the importance of having a strong, proactive hiring strategy. They delve into techniques for assessing team needs, creating a talent roadmap, and the importance of having the right people in the right roles. Key insights include the necessity of planning hires well in advance, building a virtual bench of potential candidates, and the significance of asking the right questions to evaluate your current team. They also explore the challenges entrepreneurs face when growing their companies and how to navigate hiring executives and other key roles effectively. Tune in to learn how to build a game-changing team for your high-growth company.

00:00 Introduction to Higher Power Radio Show
00:13 The Entrepreneur's Hiring Dilemma
01:28 Meet Our Guest: Kurt Wilkin
02:59 Proactive vs Reactive Hiring
04:37 Understanding Your Team's Needs
07:52 Who's Your Mike?
10:46 Building a Talent Roadmap
20:49 Executing the Hiring Strategy
22:59 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

Guest Links:

LinkedIn: Kurt Wilkin

Web: Who's Your Mike

Host Links:

LinkedIn: Rick Girard

Company: Intertru, Inc.

Podcast: Hire Power Radio Show & Podcast

Book: Healing Career Wounds (Amazon)

How AI is Hacking Your Recruiting Process with Rick Girard Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

We’re living in a wild hiring market—and AI is making it even wilder! In this solo episode, host Rick Gerard—founder of HireOS and author of Healing Career Wounds—dives deep into how generative AI and resume hacking disrupt recruiting like never before.

Rick breaks down real-world stories from the front lines of recruiting. ChatGPT-style resume reengineering is fooling traditional ATS software, allowing bad actors through and leaving high-quality candidates behind. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Rick also shares actionable strategies companies (and candidates!) can use to adapt and thrive.

🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How AI tools are being used to “game” the resume screening process

Why traditional applicant tracking systems are becoming obsolete

Real-life case studies of fake candidates making it to interviews

The hidden dangers of prompt-engineered resumes

Why focusing on quality over quantity is key for job seekers

What hiring leaders must do NOW to avoid hiring disasters

Pro tips on spotting resume red flags and aligning with core values

🧠 Key Takeaways:

AI ≠ Magic Bullet: Generative AI can create polished resumes, but it also enables fraud and increases false positives.

Behavior & Values Matter: Companies must go beyond skills and align candidates with core values and culture.

Smart Screening Tactics: From verifying LinkedIn connections to structured interviews, Rick offers tools to improve your hiring process.

🔧 Solutions Discussed:

Narrowing candidate focus for better fits

Leveraging behavioral interview techniques

Spotting patterns in falsified resumes

Creating AI-resilient recruiting strategies

Tips for ethical and effective AI usage in hiring

👤 About the Host:
Rick Gerard is a recovering headhunter turned AI startup founder, creator of HireOS, and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who’s not afraid to call out outdated hiring methods. His mission? Help companies hire with precision and purpose—every time.

🔗 Links & Resources:

LinkedIn: Rick Girard
Company: Intertru, Inc.
Podcast: Hire Power Radio Show & Podcast
Book: Healing Career Wounds (Amazon)

🎯 Perfect For:

Entrepreneurs & hiring managers

Recruiters & HR professionals

Job seekers navigating AI-enhanced hiring

Anyone curious about the future of work

👍 Enjoyed this episode?
Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more insights on winning the war for top talent!

How to Avoid Hiring Blame Birds with Michael Houlihan Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

Join host Rick Gerard as he speaks with Michael Houlahan, co-founder of Barefoot Wine Brand, about the transformative power of hiring A players for every role in your business. Learn from Michael's journey, spanning over 10 years of business growth, and his realization that effective personnel management is crucial to success. Discover practical strategies for interviewing, hiring, and fostering a positive company culture, and learn why focusing on soft skills and cultivating exceptional talent can lead to remarkable outcomes. Don't miss this insightful episode of the Higher Power Radio Show!

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of A Players
00:41 Meet Michael Houlahan: Co-Founder of Barefoot Wine
02:14 The Early Years: Challenges and Realizations
04:04 The Turning Point: Focusing on Company Culture
08:01 Hiring Strategies: Avoiding Blame Birds and Like What Birds
11:09 Developing a People Strategy
22:46 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
24:16 Conclusion and Contact Information

Guset Links:

Web: https://thebarefootspirit.com/
Business Audio Theatre - https://www.businessaudiotheatre.com/

Host Links:

LinkedIn: Rick Girard
Company: Intertru, Inc.
Podcast: Hire Power Radio Show & Podcast
Book: Healing Career Wounds (Amazon)

Leveraging Social Media to Attract A-Players: Insights from Matt Plapp Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Imagine a world where you never have to pay a job board for candidates ever again. In this episode of the Higher Power Radio Show, host Rick Gerard is joined by Matt Plapp, CEO of Restaurant Marketing That Works, to explore how leveraging social media can help CEOs and entrepreneurs attract top talent. Matt shares his journey from hiring a business coach to becoming a Facebook influencer, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and personal branding. He offers actionable tips on creating authentic content, developing a posting schedule, and building a recognizable brand. Join us to learn how you can transform your hiring process and attract high-performing employees.

00:00 Introduction to the Problem with Job Boards

00:43 Welcome to Higher Power Radio Show

00:56 Meet Matt Plap: Restaurant Marketing Expert

01:43 The Power of Social Media for Recruitment

01:58 Becoming a Facebook Influencer

02:51 The Importance of Personal Branding

04:51 Real-Life Success Stories

06:21 Building a Culture Through Social Media

07:40 The Impact of Core Values on Hiring

13:10 Leveraging Social Media Platforms

18:37 Embrace Authenticity in Content Creation

19:06 Learning from Feedback and Self-Editing

19:33 Encouraging Social Media Engagement

21:06 The Importance of Consistency and Practice

24:41 Creating Engaging Content Plans

28:34 Building a Recognizable Brand

29:27 Key Takeaways for Business Success

32:19 Conclusion and Contact Information+

Guest Links:

Website: https://mattplapp.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattplapp/

Host Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-girard-07722/
Podcast: https://pod.link/1267738283
Book: Healing Career Wounds (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Career-Wounds-Ridiculously-Successful/dp/173580360X/
Powered by Intertru - https://intertru.ai/

Why Radical Honesty is the Secret to Unstoppable Business Growth w/ Ken Bogard Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Higher Power Radio Show, host Rick Gerard sits down with Ken Bogard, Founder & CEO of NOHONESTY, to uncover how radical honesty can transform your business from the inside out. They dive deep into the communication breakdowns that cause high turnover, how leaders can foster trust, and why being real is the key to unlocking engagement, productivity, and profit.

🚀 Ken shares insights from his newly released book and his experience working with over 300 owners and thousands of employees, driving organizational clarity and leadership transformation.

If you’re tired of the “Oh shit” moments when key employees quit unexpectedly, and you’re ready to create a workplace built on truth and transparency—this episode is for you!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes that help you hire and retain top talent!

00:00 - Welcome to Higher Power Radio Show
01:12 - Why “Surprise Resignations” Should Never Happen
04:27 - The Communication Breakdown Killing Your Team’s Trust
08:15 - Ken’s Radical Approach to Honesty in Leadership
12:34 - Why Most Companies Are Focused on “Me, Myself & I”
16:55 - How Ego and Pride Block Meaningful Conversations
20:48 - Creating a Culture of Truth & Transparency
24:30 - Ken’s New Book: Launching a Movement of Organizational Honesty
28:10 - Rick’s Insights: Core Values and Leadership Alignment
32:00 - Ken’s Advice for Leaders Ready to Level Up Communication
35:18 - Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Ken
36:40 - Wrap Up: Honesty as a Business Growth Strategy

🔗 Guest & Host Links:

Ken Bogard - Guest
🌐 Website: NOHONESTY
🔗 LinkedIn: Ken Bogard LinkedIn

Rick Gerard - Host
🌐 Website: Higher Power Radio
🔗 LinkedIn: Rick Gerard LinkedIn

Hiring Right: Clear Expectations, Better People with Melissa Ortiz Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the art of setting clear expectations before you hire—a critical step to attracting and retaining top talent that truly fits your mission.

Our guest, Melissa Ortiz, CEO of Activate Human Capital, is a seasoned expert in talent optimization and employee engagement. Melissa helps businesses match the right people to the right seats by aligning talent strategies with business goals. 🌱

Together, Rick and Melissa explore how entrepreneurs often create hiring problems by skipping crucial steps in expectation setting. They offer actionable strategies to prevent costly mis-hires and ensure new hires thrive in your company culture.

👉 If you’re struggling with retention or making reactive hires, this episode is for you!

00:00 – Intro: Why Hiring Strong People is a Game-Changer

02:30 – Meet Melissa Ortiz: CEO of Activate Human Capital

05:45 – The Problem is... Us! Why Visionaries Fail at Setting Expectations

10:15 – The GWC Rule Isn’t Enough (Get it, Want it, Capacity)

14:50 – Why You Need to Re-Evaluate the Role Every Time You Hire

20:10 – Hiring Reactively? Stop!

25:00 – Melissa’s Story: Taking the Lowest Paying Job (On Purpose!)

30:45 – Action Steps: Setting Clear, Measurable Expectations Before Hiring

35:00 – Final Takeaways: Aligning Talent Strategy with Business Strategy

37:20 – Outro & Where to Find Melissa & Rick

🔗 Guest Links:

🌐 Website: Activate Human Capital
💼 LinkedIn: Melissa Ortiz
📧 Contact: info@activatehumancapital.com

🔗 Host Links:

🌐 Podcast Hub: Higher Power Radio Show
💼 LinkedIn: Rick Gerard

Scaling Success: Hiring Strategies and Leadership Insights with Randy Wootton Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Higher Power Radio Show, host Rick Gerard discusses essential hiring techniques and leadership strategies with Randy Wootton, the CEO of Maxo. They delve into the importance of frequent team communication, the value of planned and celebrated resignations, and the various stages of company growth from Series A to scaling up. Randy shares his vast experience transitioning companies through critical inflection points and highlights the importance of setting effective company operating systems, such as the V2MOM framework. They underscore the significance of having a clear vision, mission, and values, and how these principles can drive organizational success. Randy also talks about the importance of coaching, mentoring, and peer groups for CEOs to navigate the complexities of leadership effectively.

00:00 Introduction to Higher Power Radio Show
00:14 The Importance of Team Communication
00:46 Guest Introduction: Randy Wooten
01:13 Maxo's Vision and Mission
02:21 Scaling Challenges and Solutions
04:06 Assessing and Addressing Company Problems
05:08 Leadership and Management in Startups
11:16 Company Operating System: V2MOM Framework
16:01 Transforming Microsoft: Satya Nadella's Impact
16:59 The Importance of CEO-Sponsored Values
17:10 Creating Memorable Company Values
20:47 The Role of Trust and Integrity in Business
23:37 Objectives and Metrics: Translating Vision into Action
27:04 Key Takeaways for Business Success
28:35 Connecting with Randy Wooten

Links
Randy Wootton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-wootton-910/

Host Links:

LinkedIn: Rick Girard
Company: Intertru, Inc.
Podcast: Hire Power Radio Show & Podcast
Book: Healing Career Wounds (Amazon)

How Red Light, Green Light Fuels Company Growth with Bryan Neale Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Proactive Hiring: Avoiding Surprises & Building Stronger Teams
A resignation should never be a surprise—it should be a planned and supported event within an organization. Yet, when leaders are caught off guard, they scramble to fill a role, often making reactive hiring mistakes that hurt company culture.

In this episode, Bryan Neale, founder of Blind Zebra, shares his Red Light, Green Light framework—a simple yet powerful tool to enhance employee engagement, productivity, and planned exits. Host Rick Girard and Bryan discuss how embedding open, honest conversations into company culture ensures smooth transitions, stronger hires, and long-term business growth.

Key Takeaways:

03:10 – Why employee exits should never be a surprise
08:35 – The dangers of reactive hiring and rushed decisions
14:20 – The Tour of Duty concept: Aligning company goals with employee aspirations
21:50 – How the Red Light, Green Light system improves engagement and retention
28:45 – Creating a culture where employees feel safe discussing career moves
35:10 – The power of an abundance mindset in hiring
42:30 – How to schedule and structure quarterly Tour of Duty conversations

Guest Links:

🔗 Bryan Neale: LinkedIn
🔗 Blind Zebra: Website

Host Links:

LinkedIn: Rick Girard
Company: Intertru, Inc.
Podcast: Hire Power Radio Show & Podcast
Book: Healing Career Wounds (Amazon)

When Not Vetting Leads to a Lawsuit with Jonathan Hard Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

Hiring in a Hurry? Beware of the Hidden Costs
What happens when you rush to fill a role without properly vetting a candidate? The consequences can be costly—both financially and legally. Many business owners have learned this lesson the hard way, including today's guest, Jonathan Hard, CEO of H2L Solutions.

In this episode, Jonathan shares a real-life hiring horror story that led to a lawsuit, exposing the dangers of transactional interviews and skipping reference checks. He and host Rick Girard break down how to properly vet candidates, avoid bad hires, and implement a hiring process that protects your business.

Key Takeaways:

03:15 – The risks of rushing to fill a position
08:45 – Red flags to watch for during the hiring process
14:30 – The costly mistake of skipping reference checks
22:50 – How a bad hire led to a lawsuit
29:10 – The importance of a structured vetting process
35:40 – Lessons learned: why hiring slow saves money and headaches
42:20 – Strategies to ensure new hires align with company values

Guest Links:

🔗 Jonathan Hard: LinkedIn
🔗 H2L Solutions: Website

Host Links:

LinkedIn: Rick Girard
Company: Intertru, Inc.
Podcast: Hire Power Radio Show & Podcast
Book: Healing Career Wounds (Amazon)

Beyond the Paycheck: Building a Culture That Attracts and Retains Talent with Bonni Pomush Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

Monetary compensation is no longer the primary reason people accept job offers. Career growth, learning opportunities, company culture, and meaningful work now take center stage. To hire and retain the strongest people, businesses must understand and align with what truly drives employees.

In this episode, Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes, joins Rick Girard to discuss how she transformed Working Wardrobes' retention and employee satisfaction. Bonni shares the key strategies she implemented to enhance workplace culture, increase engagement, and drive loyalty—without relying on big paychecks.

Key Takeaways:

03:10 – Why money isn’t the top factor in hiring anymore
07:45 – The biggest challenges Working Wardrobes faced in retention
14:15 – How core value alignment transforms hiring and retention
21:30 – The power of feedback loops: skip-level & stay interviews
28:50 – Creating a culture of learning and development for employees
35:10 – The impact of the 9/80 work schedule on retention
42:25 – How a peer-led culture committee enhances engagement

Guest Links:

🔗 Bonni Pomush: LinkedIn
🔗 Working Wardrobes: Website
🎁 Donate & Get Involved: Ways to Help

Host Links:

LinkedIn: Rick Girard
Company: Intertru, Inc.
Podcast: Hire Power Radio Show & Podcast
Book: Healing Career Wounds (Amazon)

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