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. 2D AGO

    Why Food Safety Is No Longer a Department: Ann Visser-Depp on Her Journey to Advising Top Retailers on Compliance Strategy and Supply Chain Accountability

    Behind every compliant supplier file and traceable product movement is a disciplined system—and a leader ensuring it works. In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn speaks with Ann Visser-Depp, Food Industry Leader and Partner at ReposiTrak, about a professional journey that spans hospitality, accounting, procurement, executive leadership, and now food safety and compliance strategy across the grocery supply chain. Ann reflects on her unconventional path from high school cashier to vice president, and ultimately to the vendor side of the industry. Rather than following a linear trajectory, her growth was shaped by curiosity, mentorship, operational rigor, and a willingness to pursue opportunity over title. Jenn and Ann explore several critical themes relevant to today’s retail and wholesale leaders: The strategic value of early career experiences in hospitality and operations The importance of securing entry into an organization and building credibility from within How internal reputation and cross-functional visibility influence promotion decisions Why food safety must be treated as an enterprise-wide discipline, not a siloed function The cultural role executive leadership plays in establishing accountability around compliance Lessons in leadership development, including the need to slow down, ask better questions, and create space for dialogue Practical advice for candidates on preparation, strategic thinking, and professional follow-up Ann also provides thoughtful insight into the growing complexity of regulatory environments, including traceability and supply chain compliance. She emphasizes that food safety is not merely a regulatory requirement, but a foundational business responsibility that affects procurement, operations, information technology, merchandising, and executive leadership alike. For professionals seeking advancement, this episode offers clear guidance: understand how the business makes money, think beyond task execution, prepare rigorously, and demonstrate alignment with organizational culture and purpose. Whether you are an emerging leader, an executive navigating cross-functional complexity, or a candidate preparing for your next opportunity, this episode is for you. 🎧Listen now to gain practical insight into building influence, leading with intention, and positioning yourself for long-term impact in the grocery industry. Guest Links: Connect with Ann Visser-Depp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-visser-depp-633b39163/ Explore ReposiTrak: http://www.repositrak.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

    38 min

  2. MAR 17

    How Larree Renda Built a 40-Year Career at Safeway — From Store Associate to EVP

    What does it take to build a four-decade leadership career in one of the most complex and competitive industries in retail—without a traditional corporate path? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Larree Renda, retired Executive Vice President of Safeway, Inc., to discuss her remarkable career journey—from starting as a grocery bagger at age 16 to ultimately overseeing major corporate functions supporting nearly 4,000 stores across North America. Larree shares how resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning helped her rise through the ranks of a Fortune 500 company during a time when executive leadership in grocery retail was overwhelmingly male-dominated. Along the way, she led critical areas including retail operations, human resources, manufacturing, distribution, labor relations, and public affairs. Throughout the conversation, Larree reflects on pivotal leadership moments—from stepping into roles outside her comfort zone to launching the Safeway Foundation, an initiative that ultimately generated hundreds of millions of dollars annually for community causes and cancer research. With 40 years of executive experience, Larree offers a thoughtful perspective on leadership, career development, and the mindset required to grow into increasingly complex roles. In this episode, Larree shares insight into: Building a career at Safeway that began with a part-time job at age 16 Leading operations across 4,000+ stores in North America Why curiosity and continuous learning are essential leadership traits The creation and long-term impact of the Safeway Foundation Navigating executive leadership while raising a family A practical framework for aligning personal strengths with organizational needs Why courage is often the defining trait separating strong leaders from the rest Whether you are an emerging leader, a retail professional, or someone navigating the transition into more senior roles, this episode provides practical insight into leadership growth, decision-making, and building a meaningful career over time. 🎧 Listen now to hear how resilience, curiosity, and courageous leadership can shape a lasting impact in both business and community. Guest Links: Connect with Larree Renda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larree-renda-33998799/ Explore Safeway, Inc.:https://www.safeway.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

    58 min

  3. MAR 3

    30 Years of Leadership and the Culture Lessons That Still Win Today with James D. White

    Sustainable success in business rarely comes down to strategy alone. More often, it is culture—the behaviors, expectations, and leadership standards inside an organization—that determines long-term performance. In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn speaks with James D. White, a 30-year operating executive whose career spans consumer packaged goods, retail, restaurants, and more than two decades in the boardroom. James has held leadership roles at organizations including The Coca-Cola Company, Nestlé Purina PetCare, Gillette, and Safeway. He later became CEO of Jamba Juice in 2008—during the Great Recession—where he led a successful turnaround that resulted in a 500% increase in market capitalization during his tenure. In this conversation, James discusses: Transitioning from senior executive to first-time CEO in a turnaround environment How culture drives measurable financial performance Why curiosity and leadership capacity outweigh narrow technical expertise How to successfully navigate cross-industry career transitions The role empathy plays in modern executive leadership Practical steps to prepare for a board career Why continuous learning is essential for executive longevity How AI will reshape leadership—and why human empathy remains critical Candid advice for candidates preparing for their next step Today, James serves on six public and private company boards, chairs one, and leads a nonprofit Directors Academy focused on preparing the next generation of board leaders. He is also the co-author of Culture Design: How to Build High-Performing, Resilient Organizations with Purpose, written alongside his daughter, Krista. Whether you are aspiring to executive leadership, exploring board opportunities, or seeking to strengthen your organization’s culture, this episode offers practical, experience-backed guidance on building teams that perform—and careers that endure. 🎧 Listen now to learn how intentional culture, continuous learning, and authentic leadership can transform not just companies—but the leaders behind them. Guest Links: Connect with James D White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-d-white-086ab2153/ Explore The Honest Company: https://www.honest.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

    35 min

  4. FEB 17

    The Smart Way to Scale a CPG Brand: Fractional Sales and Retail Strategy with Robert Fascia & Tommy Renda of Vandelay Strategies

    What does it take to successfully scale a CPG brand in today’s complex retail environment—without overspending on talent or sacrificing strategy? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn sits down with Robert Fascia, Owner of Vandelay Strategies, and Tommy Renda, President of TCR Consulting and Partner at Vandelay Strategies, to discuss how fractional sales and strategy leadership can deliver an outsized impact for emerging and growing CPG brands. Drawing from decades of combined experience across retail, merchandising, finance, and vendor leadership, Robert and Tommy shared how they partner with brands as fractional VPs of Sales and Strategy—bringing structure, clarity, and execution to companies navigating retail expansion, turnaround situations, and category placement decisions. They explore the realities of modern retail, the importance of broker and buyer relationships, and why thoughtful strategy must precede scale. Robert and Tommy also reflect on their own non-linear career paths, the lessons learned from working on both sides of the table, and how strong leadership, humility, and work ethic continue to shape long-term success. Key topics include: Why strategy is the foundation of every successful CPG brand How fractional leadership can reduce cost while increasing effectiveness The risks of short-term retail decisions and their long-term implications Scaling legacy and emerging brands across regional and national footprints Career lessons from transitioning between retail, finance, and vendor roles What hiring leaders truly look for in candidates entering the industry Whether you’re a CPG founder, retail professional, or leader navigating growth and change, this episode offers practical insight into building sustainable strategies—and careers—in an evolving industry. 🎧 Listen now to gain a clearer perspective on CPG growth, strategic leadership, and the career decisions that drive lasting impact. Guest Links: Connect with Robert Fascia on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-fascia-6b503a11 Email: robert.fascia@vandelaystrategies.com  Connect with Tommy Renda on:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-renda-8714652a/ Email: tommy@tcrconsulting.info  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

  5. FEB 3

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (24)

Trailer

5
out of 5
23 Ratings

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
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Candid With Candidates
  • Show Website
    Candid With Candidates