
BreakOut Podcast
Welcome to the BreakOut Podcast. Tune in to stay up to date on all things tech talent, teams and trends through discussions with breakout technology leaders.
Latest episodes

Oct 15, 2024 • 51min
43 | Q3 Talent Trends - The employer’s market myth, return-to-office dilemma, role of AI in TA
Summary:
In this episode of The Breakout Podcast, Jake and Gareth discuss trends and changes in the job market, primarily focusing on the aftermath of recent layoffs and the subsequent adjustment of job seekers and companies. They delve into the return-to-office debates, AI's role in recruitment, and the shifting dynamics between employees and employers. With a sector-specific approach, the episode explores the market's gradual recovery, the implications of major companies enforcing in-office work, and how AI might shape talent acquisition. Additionally, the hosts provide insights into enhancing individual marketability amidst these evolving trends.
Timestamps:
02:19 Layoffs and Talent Management
04:42 Return to Office Mandates
12:10 The Return to Office Dilemma
17:12 Employer's Market Myth
22:55 Advice to Candidates
29:36 Overcoming Hesitations and Misconceptions About Recruiters
30:41 The Harsh Realities of Job Market Competition
33:46 Strategic Job Search: Planning Ahead
40:14 AI’s Role in Hiring
48:09 Final Thoughts and Predictions
Resources:
Global AI Skills Outlook
https://lightcast.io/resources/research/the-lightcast-global-ai-skills-outlook
AI as a New Labor Market
https://www.nfx.com/post/ai-workforce-is-here?fbclid=IwY2xjawE6bxdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHecTIBhACR395oyPLmn44YLg9zsAn4Y_sfZBie9vpqxkICrhGScGEa5P5g_aem_qZBeic_s3sKJ1XxYJKJqrA
Future of Recruiting 2024
https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/future-of-recruiting?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
RTO: How to Lose Your Best Performers
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/return-to-office-mandates-how-to-lose-your-best-performers/
RTO Drives Out Talent
https://www.hrdive.com/news/despite-driving-out-talent-companies-continue-rto-mandates/717561/#:~:text=Experts%20on%20labor%20and%20workplace,after%20mandating%20on%2Dsite%20work.
Amazon RTO Letter from Andy Jassy
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/ceo-andy-jassy-latest-update-on-amazon-return-to-office-manager-team-ratio
Top Talent Hard to Find, Harder to Keep from Workday
https://blog.workday.com/en-us/workday-global-workforce-report-1H24.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/ Connect with Jake - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-gorgol/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/

Sep 10, 2024 • 51min
42 | Best Fit First - Steal our Framework for Finding Top Senior Level Tech Talent
Summary:
In this episode of The Breakout Podcast, Jake and Gareth discuss the evolution of their podcast and introduce a new methodology called 'Best Fit First.' This process focuses on a proactive approach to talent acquisition, emphasizing the importance of defining clear job criteria and targeting perfect-fit candidates from the start, rather than relying on inbound applications. They explain how this method can save time, reduce noise, and improve hiring outcomes by focusing on quality over quantity. The episode covers topics like the importance of preparation, the significance of targeted outreach, and the use of various tools to streamline the process. Gareth also shares real-world examples and practical tips for implementing this approach in any organization.
Timestamps:
00:55 Evolving Podcast Format and Episode Overview
03:06 Introducing the 'Best Fit First' Framework
05:40 Defining the Role and Calibration Process
08:02 Flipping the Funnel: A New Approach to Talent Search
14:10 Ensuring Diversity and Eliminating Bias
19:54 The Importance of Metrics and Response Rates
23:54 Engaging the Marketplace and Follow-Up Actions
26:47 Key Responsibilities and Company Size
27:35 Interpreting Profiles and Customer Excitement
28:50 Challenges in Hiring and Interviewing
30:44 Remote Work and Location Preferences
33:46 The Importance of Outreach
34:26 Effective Tools and Techniques for Outreach
37:48 Ethics and Challenges in Outbound Recruiting
42:58 Best Fit First Approach
47:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Jake - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-gorgol/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/

Aug 13, 2024 • 38min
41 | Developing Privacy-Focused AI for Regulated Industries with Sam Hart @ Hathr
In this episode of the Breakout Podcast, Gareth converses with Sam Hart, founder of AI startup Hathr. Sam discusses his diverse career path from being a pilot in the U.S. Air Force to his work in government consulting, dealing with multimillion-dollar acquisition programs, and finally founding Hathr to provide privacy-focused AI solutions. The conversation delves into the challenges and virtues of bootstrapping a startup, the value of an MBA, and the importance of maintaining a balanced mindset amidst the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Sam's mission is to offer secure AI tools that protect privacy, aiming to disrupt Big Tech’s monopolistic hold on data. The episode also reflects on the benefits of military discipline in entrepreneurial ventures and provides insights into future plans and visions for Hathr.
Timestamps:
00:00 Is the MBA Worth It?
00:40 Introducing Sam Hart and Heather AI
01:24 Sam's Career Journey
04:09 The Value of an MBA
10:25 Building a Privacy-Focused AI Startup
14:20 Bootstrapping and Funding Challenges
18:51 Reflecting on Sales and Traction
19:39 Navigating Regulatory Changes in AI
20:19 Staying Informed in the Industry
21:25 The All-In Podcast and Business Insights
23:58 Balancing Privacy and Usability
27:41 Remote Work and Building Culture
29:11 Military Lessons in Entrepreneurship
32:14 Challenges and Highs of Entrepreneurship
35:11 Quarterly Goals and Team Meetups
36:52 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Sam - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-e-hart/
Visit Hathr’s Website - https://hathr.ai/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/

Jul 30, 2024 • 33min
40 | State of Hiring in 2024 with Dan Jackson @ OutScout
Summary:
In this episode of the Breakout Podcast, the hosts discuss the dynamic tech hiring market with Dan Jackson, OutScout's Director of Client Engagement and Investor Partnerships. The conversation covers the challenges of recruiting in a fluctuating market, key hiring trends for 2023, and predictions for the rest of the year. They delve into the performance and expectations for product marketing and sales roles, the impact of recent layoffs on talent acquisition, and the evolving demands of executive leadership hires. Dan also shares insights on how the external recruitment landscape is adjusting, and they both address the effects of company culture on attracting top talent. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the necessity of continuous market assessment and adapting to new technologies like AI to stay ahead.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:40 Welcome to Breakout Podcast
01:07 Introducing Dan Jackson
01:21 State of Hiring: Mid-Year Review
02:41 Dan Jackson's Background
04:12 Key Hiring Data Points for 2023
07:10 Trends in Go-to-Market Hiring
12:07 Challenges in the Hiring Market
29:03 Market Predictions and Trends
32:24 Conclusion and Future Episodes
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Dan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-jackson-1a99b366/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/

Jul 16, 2024 • 36min
39 | Adapting GTM for SaaS Transformation - Ernie Hu @ CAST Software
SUMMARY
In this episode of the Breakout Podcast, Ernie Hu, who holds a hybrid role of CRO and COO at CAST, shares his extensive experience in the software industry spanning three decades, including 20 years at IBM.
Hu discusses CAST's journey to become the go-to name in software intelligence, referring to it as the MRI for software. He elaborates on the challenges and strategies of transitioning to a SaaS subscription model and the importance of specialization in sales. Hu emphasizes the need for alignment within teams and clear communication from leadership for successful execution. He also reflects on the fresh perspectives brought by private equity ownership and offers advice for aspiring Chief Revenue Officers.
The conversation highlights the evolving sales culture and operational dynamics within a fast-growing, private equity-backed software company.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Defining and Leading a New Category [Cold Open]
[00:00:45] Welcome to the Breakout Podcast
[00:01:17] Meet Ernie Hu: Career and Role at CAST
[00:01:52] Understanding CAST: The MRI for Software
[00:04:57] Sales and Market Dynamics in the SaaS World
[00:05:20] Specialization and Sales Strategy at CAST
[00:13:09] Evolving Sales Culture and Compensation Plans
[00:20:22] Private Equity Influence and Business Evolution
[00:27:12] Leadership Insights and Final Thoughts
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Ernie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernie-hu-6b06a4129/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/

Dec 12, 2023 • 45min
38 | A-Player Attraction: Stand-out Tactics with Taylor Robinson @ Searchworks LLC
In this episode, Gareth Webb sits down with Taylor Robinson - President of Searchworks LLC, an executive search company. Tune in for insights on ways you can increase your efficiency in attracting top talent, AI’s place in recruitment, and creating a white glove post-hire onboarding experience.
TIME STAMPS
02:00 Taylor’s background at Searchworks
04:00 Market conditions in 2023 and its impact on search
06:00 What lies ahead in 2024
09:00 Ways to differentiate yourself when reaching out to top talent
13:00 What you can do upfront to increase candidate attraction with a role
15:30 Why you should consider video when crafting JDs
18:30 Are you clearly answering “Why would someone want to work here?”
21:10 AI’s place in recruiting
28:30 Ensuring candidates have a successful first 90 days
32:15 Acting as a logical partner with hiring managers to make the best decision
36:00 What’s next for search/TA/staffing and how it fits into the future of work?
40:30 Final note on AI
42:00 Advice to those setting up a recruitment firm or team
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Taylor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorsrobinson
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/

Nov 28, 2023 • 50min
37 | Navigating Hyper-Growth: Insights on Scaling from 10 to 160 - Dan Wang @ Iterative Health
Dan Wang, VP at Iterative Health, shares insights on scaling challenges, talent acquisition, and leadership advice. Topics include business school benefits, product tech insights, organizational changes with growth, hiring strategies, onboarding for rapid growth, and tips for aspiring leaders.

Nov 22, 2023 • 43min
36 | Exploring Today's Startup Landscape: Fundraising, Labor Markets, and Strategic Advice from Monica Driscoll @ SVB
Exploring Today's Startup Landscape: Fundraising, Labor Markets, and Strategic Advice from Monica Driscoll @ SVB
In this episode, Gareth Webb sits down with Monica Driscoll to discuss the current startup fundraising landscape, labor market, and advice for founders looking to raise.
Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|Spotify
Let us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.io
Connect with Gareth
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-webb-outscout/
Connect with Monica
https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-driscoll-83b850a2/
See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/

Oct 3, 2023 • 25min
35 | Scout this: Engineering Manager @ Growth Stage LegalTech Startup
In this episode of Breakout's mini-series, "Scout This," Gareth and Jake dive into a company's open position for an engineering manager. They discuss the importance of understanding the current problems and future goals of the business, as well as effectively communicating these to potential candidates. The hosts also touch on the market's improvement and the need to build teams confidently. Tune in to gain insights on best practices for hiring and building successful teams.[00:02:00] AI-powered legal tech company.[00:04:11] Technology for justice and equality.[00:09:21] Data-heavy generative AI infrastructure.[00:12:08] Open roles and team information.[00:17:29] Years in company and qualifications.[00:22:23] A well-constrained search.Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|SpotifyLet us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.ioConnect with Gareth - LinkedInConnect with Jake - LinkedIn See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/

Aug 29, 2023 • 19min
34 | Scout this - Senior Product Manager @ Series B AI Healthtech
In this episode of Breakout, Gareth Webb and Jake Gorgol discuss the importance of considering years in the current company when evaluating potential candidates. He shares his approach of looking at candidates who have been with their company for two or more years, narrowing down the pool to 144 individuals. Gareth then dives into a specific job opening for a senior product manager position at Mendel AI, a company focused on using AI to parse complex patient data. They provide insights into the company's recent funding and expansion plans. Tune in to get valuable tips on building teams more confidently in the early growth stages of a company.[00:00:53] Scouting Potential Product Managers[00:05:39] Complex healthcare data experience.[00:08:00] In-office work limitations.[00:09:43] Remote work and top talent.[00:14:44] Senior PMs at data-heavy companies.[00:17:27] Hiring for niche healthcare data.Listen to the Breakout Podcast: Apple|SpotifyLet us know what else you’d like to hear & see covered: contact@outscout.ioConnect with Gareth - LinkedInConnect with Jake - LinkedIn See how OutScout can help you smash your hiring goals - https://www.outscout.io/
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