Candid With Candidates

Jenn Hahn
  • 5.0 (23)
  • CAREERS

If you’ve ever wondered how people actually build careers inside major organizations, not just what they post on LinkedIn, this podcast is for you. Candid with Candidates is hosted by Jenn Hahn, founder and CEO of J Recruiting Services, a national recruitment firm specializing in retail, wholesale, and distribution.  In each episode, Jenn sits down with corporate leaders, from CMOs and senior executives to rising directors, to talk through the real decisions, setbacks, and moments that shaped their careers. This isn’t a highlight reel. These are thoughtful, honest conversations about what it takes to grow inside the corporate world, and how the people leading those organizations actually got there. Whether you’re just starting out, managing a team, or already established in your career, you’ll hear stories that help you feel informed, encouraged, and more connected to your own professional path. This podcast also serves as a space for leaders to share their perspectives and showcase their organizations, making it a valuable tool for both talent attraction and industry insight. What you’ll learn from each episode: -  How real people move from entry-level to executive roles -  What leadership looks like behind the scenes -  The soft skills and mindset shifts that matter most -  How companies grow and retain top talent -  Honest advice from people who’ve done the work New episodes drop every second Tuesday, starting June 3rd.  Make sure to follow Candid with Candidates wherever you get your podcasts, and get ready to hear the stories that don’t make it to the company bio.

  1. 3D AGO

    How NOT Fitting the Mold Has Led Her to Success, with PepsiCo Executive Leader Jackie LaPointe

    What does it take to lead one of the largest retail markets at PepsiCo while staying grounded, authentic, and energized? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Jackie LaPointe, Director of Retail for PepsiCo’s Southwest Market, to explore her career journey and leadership approach behind a $500M+ business spanning Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas. Jackie shares how her career began with hands-on sales roles at Boston Beer Company, why leaving a company she loved was one of the most difficult—but necessary—decisions she made, and how embracing opportunities before feeling fully ready helped accelerate her growth. She also reflects on how her mindset as an endurance athlete translates directly into her leadership style: consistency, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Throughout the conversation, Jackie offers thoughtful insight into: What leading commercial strategy at scale truly looks like day to day Why authenticity is a leadership advantage, not a buzzword Building high-performing teams while strengthening customer partnerships The importance of industry involvement, mentorship, and professional networks How to balance ambition, people development, and business results Whether you’re an emerging leader, a CPG or retail professional, or someone navigating the next stage of career growth, this episode delivers practical perspective on leadership, career mobility, and long-term success. 🎧 Listen now to learn how intentional leadership, strong relationships, and staying true to yourself can shape both a business and a career. Guest Links: Connect with Jackie LaPointe : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackielapointe/ Explore PepsiCo : https://www.pepsico.com/  Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

    33 min

  2. JAN 20

    From Fortune 500 to Startup: How Mark Heitke of DoorDash’s Symbiosys Learned to Win in Both

    What does it take to build a successful career in an industry that didn’t even exist when you started—and to continue evolving as the business scales, transforms, and accelerates? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn sits down with Mark Heitke, Head of Commerce Media Strategy at Symbiosis, a DoorDash company, to explore his unconventional career journey and the leadership lessons gained along the way. From studying film and learning to code, to helping build Best Buy Ads into a leading retail media organization, to joining a 17-person startup that was ultimately acquired by DoorDash, Mark shares how adaptability, curiosity, and honest self-assessment shaped his path. Mark offers a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of retail and commerce media, the realities of leading through constant change, and the personal shifts required when moving from large-scale corporate environments to fast-moving startups—and back into a global tech organization. Key topics include: How retail media emerged and scaled before it had a formal identity Leading teams through ambiguity, pressure, and organizational change Navigating the transition from enterprise environments to early-stage startups The difference between ownership, influence, and leadership at scale Redefining work-life balance as alignment across career and family Why honesty—about what you want and how you work—matters in interviews and leadership Whether you are an executive, emerging leader, or professional considering your next career move, this episode delivers thoughtful insights on leadership, growth, and building a career aligned with both ambition and reality. 🎧 Listen now to learn how clarity, adaptability, and purpose can drive both career success and organizational impact. Guest Links: Connect with Mark Heitke : https://www.linkedin.com/in/markheitke/ Explore DoorDash : https://careersatdoordash.com/  Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

    41 min

  3. JAN 6

    Executive Leadership in Grocery Retail: Kristin Popp on Strategy, Growth, and Career Development

    What does it truly take to lead at the executive level in grocery retail—and how do you build a career that grows alongside the business? To launch Season 2 of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn sits down with Kristin Popp, Executive Vice President of Woodman’s Food Market, Inc., for an in-depth conversation on leadership, career development, and long-term impact in an ever-evolving industry. With nearly 30 years at Woodman’s, Kristin shares her journey from working in accounting and HR while in college to overseeing company-wide operations, corporate functions, and strategic planning for a 20-store, employee-owned retailer serving communities across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. She offers candid insight into what the EVP role really entails, how she prepares her organization for the future, and why effective leadership requires both accountability and trust. In this episode, Kristin discusses: What executive leadership looks like beyond the title How to prepare for long-term success without waiting for “the right time” The value of cross-functional experience in career advancement Transitioning from HR into enterprise-wide leadership Building strategic roadmaps while empowering leaders to own their plans Balancing professional growth, industry involvement, and family life Why grocery retail plays a vital role as the heartbeat of local communities Her candid advice for candidates on making strong first impressions Kristin also reflects on her role as President of Women Grocers of America (WGA) and how she became involved after recognizing a critical opportunity within the industry: to help women build confidence, embrace their talents, and take their place at the table alongside their male peers. Her passion for developing future leaders is rooted in creating access, visibility, and support for navigating leadership paths in grocery retail and ensuring the next generation feels empowered to lead boldly. Whether you’re an emerging leader, an experienced professional navigating career growth, or someone looking to better understand executive leadership in grocery retail, this Season 2 premiere offers thoughtful perspective and practical guidance from one of the industry’s most respected leaders. 🎧 Listen now to kick off Season 2 of Candid with Candidates and gain insight into leadership, growth, and building a career with lasting impact. Guest Links: Connect with Kristin Popp : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-popp/ Explore Woodman's Food Market, Inc.: http://www.woodmans-food.com/  Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

    34 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    Best of Leadership: Real Strategies from Real Leaders

    Leadership looks polished from the outside—but the real lessons come from the unfiltered, in-the-trenches experiences of those who’ve lived it. This episode brings you those lessons directly. Jenn Hahn brings together the most valuable, most practical, and most resonant leadership moments from six distinguished executives across retail, CPG, e-commerce, merchandising, operations, and retail media. This episode features perspectives from: Rebecca Lupfer, Chief Merchant, The Giant CompanyPat Mooney, VP of HBC & Non-Foods, WakefernGabe Disbrow, President & CEO, LeeversSheila Ebanks, Head of Retail, North America, Coca-ColaBrooke Chambers, E-Commerce Leader, KrogerClaire Wyatt, Retail Media Executive, The Trade DeskEach leader offers candid, experience-backed advice on what leadership requires today—from presence and communication to hiring, accountability, culture, and energy management. These are the lessons rarely shared publicly, but crucial for anyone looking to advance, influence, or elevate their leadership impact. Whether you are preparing for a leadership role, already managing teams, or refining how you lead at scale, this episode brings together the insights that matter most. Season two is on the horizon—this is the perfect moment to strengthen your leadership foundation. Guest Links: Connect with Claire Wyatt Connect with Sheila Muniz Ebanks Connect with Rebecca Lupfer  Connect with Pat Mooney  Connect with Brooke Chambers Connect with Gabe Disbrow Listen to their full episodes: Gabe Disbrow - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-military-background-to-president-ceo-gabe-disbrow/id1814044313?i=1000710995094  Pat Mooney - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/energy-management-as-a-key-leadership-principle-with/id1814044313?i=1000728020135  Sheila Ebanks - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-sheila-ebanks-leads-coca-colas-large-store-division/id1814044313?i=1000732791442  Rebecca Lupfer - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-chat-with-chief-merchant-rebecca-lupfer-on-taking/id1814044313?i=1000730589885  Brooke Chambers - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-banking-to-ecomm-boss-roadmapping-real-leadership/id1814044313?i=1000713223752  and Claire Wyatt - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-retail-media-rapid-growth-building-calm-in-chaos/id1814044313?i=1000735190794  Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

    39 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    Best of Candid Advice for Candidates: What Top Leaders Want Candidates to Know

    Season one delivered more insight, practical advice, and behind-the-scenes truth than we could possibly contain in individual episodes. So in this special mash-up episode, we pulled together the most valuable, most actionable, and most candid moments from four standout leaders across the retail, CPG, supply chain, and marketing sectors. These are the insights leaders rarely get to say out loud in a formal interview setting—but absolutely wish candidates knew. This episode features advice from: Julian Semer, Director of In-Store Retail Media at Albertsons Parag Shah, Co-Founder of Think Blue and former merchant-side executive at Wakefern and Giant Jackie Doyle, VP of Supply Chain Transformation at fairlife Candace Pappas, SVP of Marketing at Blake’s Beverage Co. Across backgrounds and industries, all four leaders share the candid truths that help candidates stand out, grow their careers, and make a meaningful impact once they’re in the role. What You’ll Learn How to stand out by using curiosity to show how you think and what you notice.How to accelerate your career by taking action before you're asked.How to demonstrate leadership by making complex ideas simple.The relationships you build will shape more opportunities than any résumé line.How to thrive in high-growth environments by embracing ambiguity and fast-paced change.How to prove your value by sharing clear, measurable results.How to tell your story by highlighting experiences that reveal adaptability and problem-solving.Whether you're preparing for your next interview, navigating a career pivot, or developing as a leader, this episode is for you. Season two is right around the corner—stay curious and stay connected. Guest Links:  Connect with Julian Semer on LinkedIn  Explore Albertsons Companies: albertsonscompanies.com/  Connect with Parag Shah on LinkedIn Explore Think Blue: Think Blue Connect with Jackie Doyle on LinkedIn Explore fairlife, LLC: https://fairlife.com/  Connect with Candace Pappas on LinkedIn Learn more about Blake's Beverage Company  Listen to their full episodes: Julian Semer –https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-julian-semer-went-from-finance-to-shaping-the/id1814044313?i=1000717321902  Parag Shah – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/embracing-tech-in-retail-parag-shah-of-think-blue-on/id1814044313?i=1000723588668  Jackie Doyle – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-finance-aspirations-to-supply-chain-transformation/id1814044313?i=1000725681703  Candace Pappas – https://podcasts.appl Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

    18 min

  6. 11/04/2025

    Inside Retail Media: Rapid Growth & Building Calm in Chaos with Claire Wyatt, The Trade Desk

    What does it take to lead in one of the fastest-growing, high margin areas of advertising and retail? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn sits down with Claire Wyatt, GM of Client Services & Retail at The Trade Desk, to discuss her career path from would-be NASA engineer to retail media leadership and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Claire shares how she: Transitioned from an equity analyst to retail media in what we call a “slingshot move” Scaled Albertsons’ retail media team from 6 to 50+ while creating stability in an “always sprinting” area of the business Has built an incredibly recognizable personal brand and professional network in an authentic way Found the best job she’s ever had at The Trade Desk - hint, it wasn’t by applying for the job online Uses conferences and community building as powerful tools for industry connection and mentorship Whether you’re interested in retail media, executive leadership, or navigating bold career transitions, Claire’s insights offer a clear look into how to grow, adapt, and lead in a dynamic industry. 🎧 Listen now to learn how strategic leadership, authentic networking, and brand-building can shape both a business and a career. Guest Links: Connect with Claire Wyatt :  https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairewyatt/ Explore The Trade Desk: https://www.thetradedesk.com/  Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

    39 min

  7. 10/21/2025

    How Sheila Ebanks Leads Coca-Cola’s Large Store Division Across North America with Authentic, Inspirational Leadership and Two Core Beliefs About Her Own Career

    In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn speaks with Sheila Muniz Ebanks, Head of the Large Store Division for Coca-Cola North America, about her leadership journey from driving truck in the industry to reporting directly to the Chief Customer Officer in all of North America.  Sheila reflects on the pivotal career transitions that shaped her path—from her early days at Frito-Lay, to leadership roles at Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, and now driving national retail partnerships at The Coca-Cola Company. She outlines how her leadership philosophy has evolved from tactical, to strategic, to inspirational, and why creating a strong culture is the foundation for lasting performance. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Sheila believes her role is all about stretching her team to do more than they believe they’re capable of. How Sheila’s leadership encourages the team to approach partnerships with major retailers as more than sales relationshipsThe importance of owning your career and building a challenge network to accelerate growthWhy culture, people, and performance (in that order) drives sustainable leadership impactHow calculated risk, resilience, and curiosity have guided her career decisionsHow she manages to show up for her family at home AND in her career through infrastructure on both sidesPractical advice for candidates on telling their professional story and standing out in interviews With over 15 years of leadership experience across the CPG industry, Sheila offers clear and actionable insights for anyone aspiring to grow their career, lead with purpose, and inspire teams at scale. 👉 Listen now to learn how to own your career, lead with intention, and create meaningful partnerships in today’s retail environment. Guest Links: Connect with Sheila Muniz Ebanks : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-muniz-ebanks-mba-ma-41523a63/ Explore  Coca-Cola Company: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/  Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

    39 min

  8. 10/07/2025

    A Chat With Chief Merchant: Rebecca Lupfer on Taking Your Career by the Horns and Growing From Internal Audit to the C-Suite

    What does it take to lead one of the most critical functions in grocery retail—especially when your path didn’t begin in the aisle? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn sits down with Rebecca Lupfer, Senior Vice President and Chief Merchant at The GIANT Company, to unpack her uniquely well-rounded career journey—from internal audit and strategy to merchandising, operations, CFO and now Chief Merchant. Rebecca shares how she developed her leadership approach across functions, the pivotal moment she stepped away from the familiar, and why effective merchandising today demands both strategic vision and operational discipline. With nearly two decades at Ahold Delhaize and a portfolio that spans 194 stores and 35,000 employees, Rebecca offers actionable insight into: What the Chief Merchant role truly entails—and why it can be misunderstoodHow to lead leaders, not just teams, by setting clear strategic altitudeBalancing short-term execution with long-term strategy by flying at different levelsThe importance of cross-functional experience in executive growthHow to manage complex roles while raising a family and serving on multiple boardsThe mindset shift required when stepping into new territoryWhether you're an emerging leader, retail professional, or someone navigating cross-functional growth, this episode offers thoughtful insight into executive leadership, career mobility, and the evolving demands of modern merchandising. 🎧 Listen now to explore how strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the right team can shape not just a company—but a career. Guest Links: Connect with Rebecca Lupfer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccalupfer/ Explore The GIANT Company: https://giantfoodstores.com/  Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn

    37 min
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Trailer

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About

If you’ve ever wondered how people actually build careers inside major organizations, not just what they post on LinkedIn, this podcast is for you. Candid with Candidates is hosted by Jenn Hahn, founder and CEO of J Recruiting Services, a national recruitment firm specializing in retail, wholesale, and distribution.  In each episode, Jenn sits down with corporate leaders, from CMOs and senior executives to rising directors, to talk through the real decisions, setbacks, and moments that shaped their careers. This isn’t a highlight reel. These are thoughtful, honest conversations about what it takes to grow inside the corporate world, and how the people leading those organizations actually got there. Whether you’re just starting out, managing a team, or already established in your career, you’ll hear stories that help you feel informed, encouraged, and more connected to your own professional path. This podcast also serves as a space for leaders to share their perspectives and showcase their organizations, making it a valuable tool for both talent attraction and industry insight. What you’ll learn from each episode: -  How real people move from entry-level to executive roles -  What leadership looks like behind the scenes -  The soft skills and mindset shifts that matter most -  How companies grow and retain top talent -  Honest advice from people who’ve done the work New episodes drop every second Tuesday, starting June 3rd.  Make sure to follow Candid with Candidates wherever you get your podcasts, and get ready to hear the stories that don’t make it to the company bio.

Information

  • Creator
    Jenn Hahn
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Candid With Candidates
  • Show Website
    Candid With Candidates