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. DEC 16

    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

  2. DEC 2

    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

  3. NOV 4

    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

  4. OCT 21

    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

  5. OCT 7

    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

  6. SEP 23

    Energy Management as a Key Leadership Principle with Pat Mooney, VP at Wakefern

    In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn speaks with Pat Mooney, Vice President of Health & Beauty Care and Non-Foods at Wakefern Food Corp.—the $21B retailer many consumers haven’t heard of, but whose unique business model has shaped regional retail in the Northeast for decades. Pat shares insights from his 16-year career journey, starting from a rotational “leader in training” role to leading complex merchandising, logistics, and replenishment strategies. He explains how Wakefern’s cooperative structure empowers small businesses with the scale and resources of a large enterprise, while keeping local ownership and customer intimacy at the forefront. In this episode: Wakefern’s member-owned cooperative model and how it drives operational excellence and community engagementCareer development in the retail industry: how to recognize the right opportunities, build trust, and grow quicklyThe difference between time management and energy management, and how focusing on what you control can accelerate professional growthThe evolving landscape of the retail industry and how to continue to evolve to stay competitiveWhat Pat looks for in future leaders—and how candidates can stand out in today’s competitive environment With a balance of strategic thinking, practical advice, and leadership wisdom, Pat Mooney offers a compelling view into what it takes to succeed in modern retail—while staying grounded in purpose, community, and accountability. 👉 Listen now and learn how to grow your impact, lead with intention, and navigate the future of retail. Guest Links: Connect with Pat Mooney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-mooney/ Explore Wakefern Food Corp.: https://www2.wakefern.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

    46 min

  7. SEP 9

    From Finance Aspirations to Supply Chain Transformation: How Jackie Doyle is Driving Strategic Growth at fairlife, LLC

    When your company is growing fast—and your supply chain needs to grow faster—how do you build the structure, strategy, and team to keep up? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn speaks with Jackie Doyle, Vice President of Supply Chain Strategy and Transformation at fairlife, about what it really means to future-proof operations while scaling a business at speed. Jackie shares her journey from a 15-year career in industrial manufacturing to leading strategic transformation in the CPG space. She opens up about building a new team from scratch, accelerating her own career from Director to VP in just two years, and why building relationships across the business and delivering results quickly got her here.  What You’ll Learn: How to build a scalable supply chain strategy that supports long-term growthWhy early impact and strong cross-functional relationships are key to advancementNavigating fast-paced, high-growth environments with lean teamsThe importance of mentors, sponsors, and relationship-building—especially in male-dominated industriesExactly how to ask for mentorship and find those sponsors that will help grow your careerWhy company culture may be even more important than the job descriptionWhat Jackie looks for in candidates—beyond just technical skillsWhether you're a supply chain leader, a transformation executive, or an aspiring operations professional, this episode offers valuable takeaways for building impactful careers and teams in today’s evolving CPG landscape. 🎧 Tune in now—and don’t forget to follow, review, and share with peers who are driving transformation. Guest Links: Jackie Doyle in LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-doyle-84a43141/ Explore fairlife, LLC: https://fairlife.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

    31 min

  8. AUG 26

    Embracing Tech in Retail: Parag Shah of Think Blue on AI, E-Commerce & Customer Experience

    What does it take to transform legacy retail systems into future-ready strategies—without losing sight of what matters most? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Parag Shah, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Think Blue, to explore his journey from grocery store aisles to executive boardrooms—and now to reimagining how the industry uses data, technology, and good old-fashioned merchant instinct to drive smarter growth. Parag shares how his 25-year corporate career—from buyer to VP at Wakefern and then head of merchandising and digital at The Giant Company—shaped his belief that innovation doesn’t start with a tool or system. It starts with people who are willing to experiment, evolve, and execute with courage. Now leading Think Blue, Parag partners with CPGs and retailers to reimagine the merchant function, transform space planning, and move beyond outdated joint business planning to unlock shared value between brands and retailers. What You'll Learn: Why the merchant mindset still matters in the age of AIHow Parag and his team led a transformation, guiding 48 board meetings over a 24-month period—with patience and persistenceThe power of inspiration and experimentation when introducing new technologiesWhat retailers and CPGs need to rethink about joint business planningHow to avoid shiny object syndrome in tech adoptionWhat every professional—regardless of role—can do to stay relevant in the age of AI With real-world stories, practical advice, and a few lessons from 48 board meetings, this episode is a must-listen for anyone leading through transformation—or hoping to. Listen now! Guest Links: Connect with Parag Shah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omnigrowthparag/ Explore Think Blue: Think Blue 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

    43 min
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Trailer

5
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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Candid With Candidates
  • Show Website
    Candid With Candidates