Overcoming Epilepsy & How to Hire with Michael King - Ep. 46
Mar 17, 2025
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Michael King, a leading marketing executive recruiter and author of "Be There When I Return," shares his inspiring journey of battling epilepsy while navigating a successful career. He discusses the importance of chasing the right companies over titles and the need for relevant experience in hiring. Michael also sheds light on how job seekers should consider company culture and growth potential. Additionally, he addresses the evolving tech recruiting landscape and emphasizes storytelling as a powerful tool for raising epilepsy awareness.
Michael King's personal journey with epilepsy highlights the resilience required to overcome health challenges and achieve personal success.
In recruiting, hiring candidates with relevant experience to the company’s stage is vital for achieving organizational goals and growth.
The importance of addressing stigma surrounding epilepsy fosters community support and challenges societal perceptions of those living with medical conditions.
Deep dives
Diagnosis and Journey with Epilepsy
The individual shares their experience of being diagnosed with epilepsy after an intervention by friends. Initially, they struggled to manage their seizures, which sometimes occurred multiple times a day. After trying various medications that proved ineffective, they explored surgical options, eventually undergoing two surgeries, including a groundbreaking procedure. This journey illustrates the challenges faced during their condition and the triumph of becoming seizure-free since 1999, despite the uncertainty and fear accompanying the diagnosis.
Transition into Recruiting
After overcoming their medical challenges, the individual describes how an unexpected meeting with a former bartender led them to a career in recruiting. Initially unaware of the recruiting industry, they learned about matching candidates with tech companies in Silicon Valley. This career shift proved timely, as they sought stable employment following their surgeries and financial struggles. The narrative highlights how a chance encounter can alter life's trajectory, leading to significant professional success.
Lessons from Startup Experiences
Throughout their recruiting career, the individual emphasizes the importance of hiring the right leaders in startups, particularly in early-stage companies. They recount instances where founders hired individuals without the necessary experience, leading to failure in meeting company goals. The individual stresses that startup leaders should prioritize candidates with relevant experience in startups over those with notable backgrounds in bigger companies. This insight underscores the critical nature of good leadership hiring in shaping company futures.
The Importance of Marketing Strategy
The person discusses the evolving landscape of marketing in the tech industry, particularly how companies should approach hiring marketing leaders. They detail encounters with CEOs who often fail to recognize the difference between role titles and actual competencies necessary for their startups. Successful marketing requires understanding the needs of the business, and hiring the right talent is crucial to achieving growth. The conversation highlights the impact that strategic marketing leadership can have on a company's success.
Social Impact and Advocacy
Towards the end of the discussion, there is a strong emphasis on raising awareness about epilepsy and supporting those diagnosed. Personal anecdotes illustrate the stigma surrounding epilepsy and the importance of sharing personal stories to foster understanding. The individual expresses a desire to leverage their experiences to help others with similar journeys, highlighting the need for societal change in perceptions of medical conditions. This advocacy aims to create a supportive community and challenge the silence that often surrounds epilepsy.
Michael King is one of the leading marketing executive recruiters working today and is also the author of a new book, Be There When I Return, a memoir of epilepsy, love, and success. Michael joins co-hosts Craig Rosenberg and Matt Amundson to discuss his personal journey with both epilepsy and his career, along with crucial career advice for marketing leaders looking for their next roles. Michael shares how the CEO should factor into your job search, why you shouldn’t chase titles, and the state of the job market for B2B marketing executives.
Also, Craig tries out a new look and Matt relives an epic beach party in Vegas.
Critical Takeaways
Ensure the people you hire have relevant experience at companies similar in size and stage to your own. Avoid hiring someone just because they’ve been part of a larger company’s success unless their role aligns directly with what your company needs now.
Chase companies over titles. Titles shouldn't be the defining factor when considering new positions. Joining a strong, growing company should be the priority as it offers career growth opportunities in the long run. Focus on the company's potential rather than the initial title, as the ultimate career growth lies in sustainable company success.
Sponsored Segment
The Transaction is sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through Branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/