“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies

Hidden Job Market: Exec Hiring 2025 with Adam Ward

Feb 4, 2025

Adam Ward, founding partner at Growth by Design, dives into the hidden job market and trends shaping executive hiring for 2025. He reveals how 'pocket listings' are overtaking traditional job postings and what CEOs truly seek in talent leaders—business acumen and operational excellence. Adam emphasizes the power of authentic networking and structured hiring processes to improve candidate experiences. He also discusses the role of AI in recruitment and how talent leaders can better align with CEOs to navigate this evolving landscape.

45:43

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Episode guests

Adam Ward

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The prevalence of 'pocket listings' in executive hiring highlights the importance of networking over traditional job postings for talent roles.

CEOs seek candidates with operational excellence and business acumen, valuing those who effectively link people strategies to organizational success.

Deep dives

Current Talent Market Dynamics

The talent market currently experiences significant changes, with a backlog of hiring for heads of talent and people roles beginning to unlock. Many positions are filled through informal networks, resembling real estate pocket listings, which complicates how external observers view the market. Consequently, individuals looking for new opportunities may find it frustrating, as traditional job postings and external recruiters do not adequately reflect available roles. The situation highlights the importance of networking and personal connections, as many executive positions are filled without public postings.

Intro

3min

Shifts in Job Market Dynamics and Candidate Perceptions

2min

Building Authentic Networks

5min

Rethinking Talent Leadership

5min

Navigating Executive Hiring and AI's Impact on Recruitment

4min

The CPO's Role in Executive Hiring Dynamics

12min

Navigating Executive Hiring Dynamics

15min

Adam Ward (founding partner, Growth by Design) discusses the current landscape of executive hiring in people/talent roles, particularly the prevalence of "pocket listings" - positions filled through private networks rather than public postings. He offers insights into what CEOs value in people leaders (business-driven mindset, operational excellence), how candidates can effectively navigate professional networks, and the importance of structured hiring processes.

*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.co

For coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/

HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.

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LINKS:

Growth By Talent: https://www.gbdtalent.com/

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KEEP UP WITH ADAM, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adampward/

Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/

Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/

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REFERENCE:

“Give and Take” by Adam Grant:

https://adamgrant.net/book/give-and-take/

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:57) The "Pocket Listing" Phenomenon in Executive Hiring

(02:22) Unpacking the Reasons Behind Covert Hiring Practices

(03:59) Practical Strategies for Candidates to Expand Their Networks and Access Hidden Opportunities

(05:03) Cultivating a Personal "Board of Advisors" for Career Guidance and Opportunity Awareness

(08:41) The Importance of "Give and Take" in Networking and Building Mutually Beneficial Relationships

(09:43) Defining the Qualities of a Successful Head of People/Talent: The CEO's Perspective

(11:10) A "Business-Driven" Approach to HR Leadership

(13:04) Moving Beyond Quantity to Focus on Quality

(16:04) Sponsor: Metaview

(18:07) Identifying Must-Have Skills and Experiences for a Head of People Role

(19:14) The "CEO Whisperer" Role: Balancing Support and Independent Counsel

(21:57) Identifying Traits That May Hinder a People Leader's Job Search Success

(23:08) Addressing Polarities and Calibrating Expectations Within Hiring Teams

(26:48) The Resurgence of Candidate Experience as a Differentiator in a Competitive Market

(28:53) Why Top Talent Approaches Job Opportunities with Caution

(31:24) Defining the Scope and Focus of the Head of Talent Role in Today's Environment

(36:04) How Candidates Should Effectively Interact with Executive Search Firms

(41:52) Values Alignment: How To Find a Successful Values Match For Company Culture

(42:05) What Causes Executive Placements to Fail?

(44:55) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

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