Hidden Job Market: Exec Hiring 2025 with Adam Ward

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