In this episode of the Durable Entrepreneur Show, host Sean O’Hara welcomes EA Clark, founder of Pivot and Edge, to discuss the critical importance of hiring the right talent for early-stage companies. With decades of experience in recruitment and a successful entrepreneurial journey of his own, EA shares insights on how to attract, hire, and retain team members who align with a company’s culture and vision. He emphasizes the need for a marketing-first approach in recruitment, highlighting the significance of storytelling in attracting candidates who are genuinely passionate about the mission of the organization. EA also introduces the innovative “hub” technology that amplifies a company’s message and engages potential hires, ultimately leading to a stronger foundation for sustainable growth. Tune in to learn valuable lessons on perseverance, the role of culture in hiring, and how to build a team that drives success beyond the critical early years.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Early-stage companies should prioritise hiring individuals who not only possess the necessary skills but also align with the company’s mission and culture. This cultural fit is crucial for long-term success and retention.

Traditional recruitment often overlooks the importance of storytelling and marketing in attracting candidates. By amplifying the company’s vision and culture through marketing strategies, organisations can attract candidates who are genuinely interested in their mission.

Engaging potential candidates with compelling stories about the company’s vision, mission, and culture can create a stronger connection. This approach helps candidates understand the organisation better and fosters a sense of belonging.

Implementing tools like AI can enhance the recruitment process by streamlining tasks such as interview summaries. However, it’s essential to ensure that technology adds value without replacing the personal touch that storytelling provides.

Retaining talent is closely tied to employees’ motivation and curiosity about the company’s mission. When employees feel connected to the organisation’s goals, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed, even during challenging times.

BEST MOMENTS

“I think the term durable… all of us had to have that kind of component piece to it before we would have gone to that step.”

“If you find those people, those are the people that are going to work tirelessly to solve it. They’re going to be the ones that wake up thinking about the organization.”

“You’re looking for the people that have the same fire in their belly that the founder has.”

“I think AI has a place. I think it will continue to have more places. But the question needs to get asked, is that going to provide more value to us?”

“Don’t you want to work for a company that… you know, maybe you don’t want to work for a company that does certain things against what you like?”

HOST BIO

Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist.

With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it.

Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need.

If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/