TTP - The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting

Craig Whiting

TTP - The Top 10% Podcast TTP - The Top 10% Podcast is a deep dive into the world of hiring, recruitment, and career growth, exploring the strategies, challenges, and trends that shape how companies attract, hire, and retain top talent. Hosted by Craig Whiting, this series brings together tech leaders, recruiters, and industry experts to share their insights on what it really takes to build high-performing teams in today’s evolving job market. What to Expect in Each Episode: 🔹 The Hiring Landscape – How companies find, assess, and secure top talent.🔹 Recruitment & Industry Insights – The evolving role of recruiters, agencies, and internal hiring teams.🔹 Leadership & Culture – How company culture and leadership styles impact hiring and retention.🔹 Career Growth & Development – How candidates can stand out and advance in their careers.🔹 Future of Work – The impact of remote work, AI, and new hiring trends on the job market. Whether you're a business leader, recruiter, or job seeker, The Top 10% Podcast will challenge your thinking and provide practical, real-world insights to help you navigate the ever-changing world of work.

Episodes

  1. The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting – Ep.12: Performance, Psychology & Potential with Lara Carty

    3D AGO

    The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting – Ep.12: Performance, Psychology & Potential with Lara Carty

    In this episode, Craig sits down with Lara Carty, former Team GB athlete, PhD in psychology, and seasoned financial services leader, to explore how organizations can unlock true performance through people and culture. With over 20 years of experience across the sell-side, buy-side, and now as founder of her own performance coaching consultancy, Lara brings a unique perspective on the intersection of psychology, business, and high performance. Lara shares her journey from elite sport to psychology to leading people functions in global financial institutions. She dives into why performance reviews are often broken, how organizations lose talent by failing to see people as individuals, and what companies can do to create cultures that attract, retain, and empower their top performers. Whether you’re a leader, recruiter, or professional striving to unlock your full potential, this episode offers deep insights into performance, motivation, and the future of people strategy. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 How elite sport shaped Lara’s views on performance and feedback  🔹 Why most performance management systems miss the mark  🔹 The challenges of scale in large corporates vs. smaller environments  🔹 What truly motivates people to stay, grow, and succeed  🔹 Practical steps for leaders to create high-performance cultures Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] Opening & Introduction Craig introduces Lara and her background in psychology, financial services, and Team GB athletics.[03:00] From Sports to Psychology to Financial Services How Lara’s experience in high-performance sport sparked her interest in psychology.The importance of feedback and mindset in performance.[06:00] The Reality of Corporate Performance Reviews Why traditional performance management often fails employees.How Lara’s early experiences highlighted the flaws in large organizations’ people practices.[11:00] Scaling People Strategies vs. Individual Needs The tension between scale and personalization in large corporates.Why “one-size-fits-all” approaches don’t work.[15:00] Shifting to the Buy-Side and Smaller Environments Why Lara made the transition from sell-side to buy-side.The difference in creativity, speed, and impact.[20:00] What Motivates Top Talent The importance of mastery and proximity to the end user.Why some people thrive in smaller environments while others succeed in large corporates.[27:00] The Role of Companies vs. Individuals Who is responsible for performance: the company or the individual?How high performers use “performance data” to grow.[32:00] Building Effective Talent Functions Lara’s advice to CEOs on rethinking talent acquisition and people practices.Why defining “what good looks like” is essential before building processes.[45:00] Final Thoughts & Takeaways The future of performance, culture, and leadership.Why organizations must move beyond box-ticking to truly unlock potential.

    47 min
  2. The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting – Ep.11: Exploring Biocomputing with Dr. Ewelina Kurtys

    AUG 14

    The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting – Ep.11: Exploring Biocomputing with Dr. Ewelina Kurtys

    In this episode of the TTP Podcast, Craig Whiting interviews Dr. Ewelina Kurtys, a PhD in Neuroscience with extensive experience in brain imaging and biocomputing. Dr. Smith discusses her journey from academia to becoming a tech commercialization advisor and co-founding Sync, a mental wellness app. The focus of the conversation is on Final Spark, a company working to commercialize a neuro-platform for remote living neuron computation. They delve into the challenges, goals, and ethical considerations of biocomputing, and how it could revolutionize computing by being significantly more energy-efficient than traditional methods. Key topics include the potential applications of biocomputing, the complexities of programming neurons, and the future of AI and general intelligence. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:38 Journey into Neuroscience and AI 04:46 Introduction to Biocomputing 06:45 Stem Cells and Neuron Programming 09:20 Challenges and Future of Biocomputing 13:23 Final Spark's Mission and Vision 17:11 Combining Biology and Engineering 19:14 Potential Impact of Biocomputing 23:12 Digital to Analog Conversion in Neurons 23:49 Commercializing Biocomputing 24:16 Client Interest and Use Cases 26:25 Ethical Considerations in Biocomputing 29:22 Future Implications and Challenges 38:32 Technological and Societal Impact 41:58 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    44 min
  3. The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting – Ep.9: Adri Purkayastha on AI Risk, Talent & Strategy

    JUL 31

    The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting – Ep.9: Adri Purkayastha on AI Risk, Talent & Strategy

    In this episode of the TTP Podcast, Craig Whiting sits down with Adri Purkayastha, AI risk expert, product strategist, and former big four data scientist for a deep conversation about the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence, governance, and business value. Adri shares his unconventional journey from building early ML products as a student entrepreneur to overseeing AI technology risk across financial services, wealth management, and investment banking. The conversation dives deep into how institutions can responsibly adopt AI, what they often get wrong, and why speed, structure, and talent will separate the winners from the rest. If you work in tech, hiring, engineering leadership, or innovation strategy, this episode offers a rare look at the infrastructure and human decisions behind AI adoption. Plus the risks no one talks about. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 What AI “hallucination” means—and why it’s more dangerous than most realize 🔹 The future of engineering teams in an AI-native environment 🔹 Why curiosity and speed of learning will define top tech talent 🔹 The shift from cost centers to value centers in enterprise technology 🔹 How AI changes org design, governance, and product ownership 🔹 The rise of the modern IC (individual contributor) as a key strategic asset 🔹 What financial institutions can learn from product-led tech orgs 🔹 Why failing fast is essential—and why waiting to act is the bigger risk 📄 Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Adri’s Background Entrepreneurial beginnings → AI in education → big four → enterprise risk & governance [08:00] – What AI Risk Really Means How hallucination, uncertainty, and infrastructure gaps create business risk [16:00] – Cost vs. ROI of AI Adoption Why the expense of AI infrastructure changes how businesses scale [22:00] – The Human Layer of AI Deployment Impact on job design, talent strategy, and upskilling across tech teams [30:00] – Tech as a Value Driver, Not a Cost Center Where banks, hedge funds, and tech firms differ—and what they’re getting right [36:00] – Structural Shifts in Tech Teams The rise of the IC, shortening the distance between tech and revenue, and rebuilding orgs to move faster [41:00] – What to Look for in Modern Tech Talent Curiosity, adaptability, and evidence of experimentation [44:00] – What’s Next in AI Governance Where Adri sees the biggest risks—and the most potential—over the next 2–3 years

    47 min
  4. The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 10: Nirav Shah on AI’s Impact on Developers.

    JUL 3

    The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 10: Nirav Shah on AI’s Impact on Developers.

    In this episode of the TTP Podcast, Craig Whiting sits down with Nirav Shah, engineering leader at JP Morgan Asset Management, for a deep dive into how AI is fundamentally changing the life of a developer, and what the next generation of engineering talent needs to thrive. Nirav shares his journey from hands-on coder to global team leader, and explains why staying close to the code still matters in a leadership role. They explore the rise of T-shaped engineers, the evolving expectations around communication, and the critical mindset shift required to succeed in an AI-augmented tech world. Whether you're a senior engineer, hiring manager, or tech leader navigating change. This episode is full of sharp insights on staying relevant, building hybrid skillsets, and leading with both strategic and technical depth. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 Why AI is the most foundational shift in 20+ years of software engineering 🔹 What “batteries-included” developers really look like in an AI-native future 🔹 The T-shaped skillset: balancing deep technical roots with broad leadership scope 🔹 How to stay hands-on as you scale up in leadership 🔹 Communication as a key differentiator: with colleagues and with AI 🔹 Why org structures must evolve if they want tech leaders to thrive 🔹 Coding as creativity and why output still matters at every level 📄 Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction & Nirav’s Background Career journey from developer to global engineering leader The art of translating business needs into code [06:00] – Staying Technical While Leading Why Nirav still codes every week — and how to make time for it The importance of staying close to the product [10:00] – AI as a Paradigm Shift Why co-pilot and agentic tools are changing how engineers work Delegation, oversight, and new ways of thinking [16:00] – The T-Shaped Engineer Model Why you need both breadth and depth to scale in tech How technical leaders lose their edge—and how to get it back [22:00] – Adaptability, Learning & Talent Strategy What Nirav looks for when hiring engineers in an AI-native world The traits that matter more than specific languages or tools [29:00] – Engineering Growth Inside Large Orgs Why “coding leadership” still matters at enterprise scale The problem with paper titles and fake technical progression [36:00] – Changing the Culture of Tech Leadership Creating space for creativity and code Why business still misunderstands tech—and how leaders can fix it [40:00] – Career Advice & LinkedIn Strategy Craig shares 5 tactical tips for building a recruiter-proof LinkedIn Why outcomes, clarity, and recruiter-friendly language matter [46:00] – Final Thoughts The role of curiosity, communication, and partnership in thriving as an engineer today

    48 min
  5. The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 8: Connor White on Hedge Funds & Tech's Future

    JUN 19

    The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 8: Connor White on Hedge Funds & Tech's Future

    In this episode, Craig Whiting sits down with Connor White, veteran technologist and hedge fund leader, for a deep dive into the evolution of engineering within financial services and what it really takes to succeed in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of hedge funds. With nearly 30 years of experience, Connor shares how he went from coding in risk systems to leading global teams at elite hedge funds. They discuss the striking differences between sell-side and buy-side tech cultures, why many engineers struggle with the transition, and how the hedge fund environment shapes sharper, more well-rounded developers. The conversation also explores what hiring managers really look for, the traits that separate the top 10%, and how AI is already reshaping the job of the software engineer. Whether you're an engineer thinking about making the leap to the buy side or a founder trying to build a top-tier team, this is an unmissable masterclass in modern technical leadership. 🎙️ Key Topics 🔹 The sell-side vs. buy-side tech culture shock 🔹 Why traders don’t care about your code, they care about delivery 🔹 The hiring red flags and green flags Connor looks for in interviews 🔹 Why domain curiosity beats academic perfection every time 🔹 How AI is transforming software engineering today and in the near future Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Opening & Introductions Connor’s journey from quant developer to hedge fund tech leader “Your money is the byproduct of success.” [03:00] – Life Inside the Bank From giant tech teams to rigid frameworks How institutional structure limits learning [07:00] – Transition to the Hedge Fund World Culture shock, speed, and personal accountability Iterative development in the real world [12:00] – Leadership by Delivery How Connor organically stepped into leadership roles Why performance beats politics [17:00] – The Buy-Side Mindset Understanding the business problem is not optional Why good tech = business value, not cool tools [23:00] – Hiring the Right People The “tell me about a project you’re proud of” litmus test How depth, curiosity, and communication separate top candidates [30:00] – The Role of Recruiters What good recruiters do—and what most get wrong Why less is more when it comes to CVs [36:00] – Breaking In from the Outside Advice for candidates in banks looking to pivot How to show curiosity, research, and long-term mindset [38:00] – AI’s Impact on Engineering Productivity boosts, hidden risks, and future shifts Could developers become the next business analysts? [45:00] – Final Thoughts Why the top 10% mindset is about delivery, not ego “You focus on being really good at your job—and the rewards follow.”

    47 min
  6. The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 6: Richard Jacobs on Tech Leadership, Hiring & Teams

    MAR 18

    The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 6: Richard Jacobs on Tech Leadership, Hiring & Teams

    In this episode, Craig sits down with Richard Jacobs, Head of Engineering at Thinkfolio (S&P Global), to discuss the evolving landscape of hiring, recruitment, and leadership in financial technology. With over 25 years in tech and deep experience in financial services, Richard shares his journey from hands-on development to leading high-performing teams. They explore why being a great technologist doesn’t always translate to great leadership, how hiring processes can be refined to identify true talent, and the challenges of technical assessments in recruitment. Richard also shares insights on hiring in buy-side vs. sell-side finance, building teams that thrive, and how hybrid work is reshaping company culture. Whether you're a hiring manager, recruiter, or tech professional, this episode dives into the nuances of tech hiring, leadership, and how companies can attract and retain top talent. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 The transition from software engineer to engineering leader 🔹 Why hiring for finance requires a different approach 🔹 How to refine technical assessments & avoid hiring bias 🔹 The impact of remote & hybrid work on career growth 🔹 Retention strategies: What keeps top talent engaged? Tune in for a deep dive into recruitment, leadership, and the future of hiring in financial technology. Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Opening & Introduction Richard’s background in software engineering & leadership.The evolution from technologist to Head of Engineering.[05:00] – What Makes a Great Tech Leader? Why technical expertise doesn’t always equal strong leadership.The shift from problem-solving to team empowerment.How leaders can create environments where teams thrive.[12:00] – The Challenges of Hiring in Financial Services The differences between hiring for buy-side vs. sell-side firms.Why the best engineers don’t always come from finance backgrounds.How to identify potential in candidates beyond their resume.[20:00] – The Role of Technical Assessments in Hiring Why companies use coding tests like HackerRank & Codility.The challenge of balancing real-world assessments vs. standardized tests.How to minimize hiring bias through structured evaluations.[30:00] – Remote & Hybrid Work: Pros & Cons Why hybrid work benefits senior engineers but challenges juniors.The impact of remote setups on mentorship & career growth.How companies can balance flexibility with team cohesion.[40:00] – Talent Retention & Employee Growth Why most people leave jobs: money vs. role progression.How leaders can offer growth without constant promotions.The importance of clear career paths in retaining top talent.[50:00] – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways The future of hiring in tech & financial services.How leaders can foster long-term career success.Why recruitment needs to evolve beyond just skills matching.

    48 min
  7. The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 3: Donal McCarthy on Recruitment, Tech Hiring & Teams

    MAR 11

    The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 3: Donal McCarthy on Recruitment, Tech Hiring & Teams

    Ep. 3: Donal McCarthy on Recruitment, Tech Hiring & Teams In this episode, Craig sits down with Donal McCarthy, a seasoned leader in the tech financial industry, to explore the recruitment landscape from a hiring manager’s perspective. They discuss why hiring should be about more than just checking boxes on a CV, how recruiters can add real value, and the importance of understanding company culture when making hiring decisions. Donal, who has led hiring at energy trading firms, buy-side institutions, and sell-side banks, shares his candid thoughts on the state of recruitment today. He discusses the common pitfalls in tech hiring, why recruiters often miss the mark, and what companies can do to improve their talent acquisition strategies. Whether you’re a hiring manager, recruiter, or candidate, this episode will challenge your thinking on recruitment, candidate engagement, and building high-performing teams. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 Why most recruiters fail to understand hiring managers' needs 🔹 The importance of deep recruiter-hiring manager relationships 🔹 How centralized recruitment can slow down hiring 🔹 Why hiring for culture is just as important as technical skills 🔹 How candidates can stand out in the hiring process Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of hiring, how recruitment should evolve, and what really makes a great hire. Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Opening & Introduction Donal’s first thought when hearing the word “recruiter.”[01:00] – The Role of Recruiters in Tech Hiring Why hiring is about more than just filling a role.The biggest mistakes recruiters make when engaging with hiring managers.Why relationship-building is key to successful recruitment.[06:00] – Why Recruitment is Broken The low barrier to entry in recruitment and its consequences.Why cold calls and irrelevant CVs frustrate hiring managers.The disconnect between recruiters and hiring managers.[10:00] – The Importance of Culture in Hiring Why hiring should focus on long-term fit, not just technical skills.How companies can communicate their culture to recruiters.Why culture impacts employee retention and job satisfaction.[18:00] – The Downsides of Centralized Recruitment Why limiting agency access can slow down hiring.The problem with rigid hiring processes.How businesses should balance internal hiring vs. agency partnerships.[27:00] – The Candidate Experience: How to Stand Out Why job hunting should be about more than just salary.How recruiters can help candidates position themselves better.The role of personal projects and open-source contributions in hiring.[37:00] – Rethinking Hiring & The Role of Recruiters Why recruiters should focus on understanding the industries they serve.How recruiters can add real value beyond just sending CVs.The importance of proactive career conversations.[50:00] – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways Why companies need to rethink their approach to hiring.How hiring managers and recruiters can work together more effectively.The future of recruitment and its impact on the tech industry.

    46 min
  8. The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting-Ep.4: Alexander Unterrainer on KDB, Tech Hiring & Recruitment

    MAR 10

    The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting-Ep.4: Alexander Unterrainer on KDB, Tech Hiring & Recruitment

    In this episode, Craig sits down with Alexander Unterrainer, a seasoned KDB developer, to discuss the complexities of tech hiring, the role of recruiters, and what it takes to succeed in the finance industry. Alex shares his journey from a graduate at Citigroup to working with major investment banks, highlighting the challenges of breaking into the field and the importance of networking and specialization. They dive into the common frustrations with recruitment, how companies filter candidates, and why hiring managers often struggle to find the right talent. Alex also explains why niche expertise can be both a blessing and a challenge in today’s competitive job market. Whether you're a developer, recruiter, or hiring manager, this episode offers insights into career growth, hiring practices, and the evolving nature of tech roles in finance. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 The reality of tech hiring in finance & investment banking 🔹 Why recruiters and hiring managers often misunderstand each other 🔹 How candidates can stand out in competitive job markets 🔹 The value of specialization vs. general skills in tech 🔹 How the finance industry is adapting to AI and automation Tune in for a deep dive into recruitment, hiring challenges, and the skills needed to thrive in financial technology. Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Opening & Introduction Alexander’s background in finance and tech hiring. The competitive nature of investment banking graduate programs. [01:00] – The Challenges of Breaking into Finance Why investment banks filter heavily based on university prestige. How candidates can improve their chances of landing top jobs. The role of networking and personal projects in career growth. [06:00] – Common Issues with Recruiters & Hiring Managers Why recruiters often fail to understand technical roles. The frustration of irrelevant job pitches. The importance of recruiter-candidate relationships. [12:00] – The Candidate Experience & Feedback Problem The impact of ghosting in recruitment. Why detailed feedback matters for candidates. How better recruiter communication improves hiring outcomes. [20:00] – Specialization vs. Generalization in Tech Careers The advantages and risks of being a niche specialist. Why KDB is highly valuable but has limited opportunities. How developers can future-proof their careers. [30:00] – The Role of AI & Automation in Tech Hiring How AI is changing recruitment and candidate evaluation. Why banks struggle to implement AI due to security concerns. The future of AI in financial technology roles. [40:00] – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways Why companies need to rethink hiring strategies. The importance of fair recruiter-candidate relationships. How to navigate career growth in a competitive job market. Connect with Alexander Unterrainer: 🔗 Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderunterrainer/ 🔗 DefconQ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/defconq Blog: https://www.defconq.tech/  📩 Free Newsletter: https://defconq.substack.com/

    46 min
  9. The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 2: Greg Osinaike on Culture, Hiring Challenges & The Role of Recruiters

    FEB 10

    The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 2: Greg Osinaike on Culture, Hiring Challenges & The Role of Recruiters

    In this episode, Craig sits down with Greg Osinaike to dive deep into the hiring process from a hiring manager’s perspective. They discuss why recruitment is more than just a transactional process, the importance of understanding company culture, and how recruiters can truly add value beyond just sending CVs. Greg, who has led hiring across various financial institutions and trading firms, shares his candid thoughts on the relationship between hiring managers and recruiters. He explains the common pitfalls in hiring, why culture should be a top priority, and what companies get wrong when they centralize recruitment. Whether you’re a hiring manager, recruiter, or candidate, this episode will give you valuable insights into hiring strategies, candidate engagement, and why the best hires aren’t always the most obvious ones on paper. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 Why recruiters often struggle to understand hiring managers' needs 🔹 The importance of culture fit over technical skills 🔹 How centralizing recruitment can hurt hiring outcomes 🔹 Why relationships between hiring managers and recruiters matter 🔹 How candidates can stand out and transition to new industries Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of hiring, company culture, and how recruitment should evolve to meet modern challenges. Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Opening & Introduction What Greg looks for when hiring: "Conscientiousness and batteries included."[01:00] – The Recruiter’s Role in Hiring Why hiring is more than just filling roles.The challenges recruiters face in understanding company needs.How recruiters can add value beyond matching keywords on CVs.[06:00] – The Disconnect Between Recruiters & Hiring Managers Why most recruiters don’t understand company culture.The risks of poor recruiter relationships.Why hiring should be about potential, not just skills.[10:00] – Culture Beats Strategy in Hiring Why culture is the most critical factor in hiring decisions.How companies should communicate their culture to recruiters.The impact of poor cultural alignment on long-term success.[18:00] – The Problem with Centralized Recruitment Why large companies limit recruiter access—and why that backfires.How internal recruitment teams often create more hiring friction.The unintended consequences of talent acquisition centralization.[27:00] – The Candidate Experience: Finding the Right Fit Why moving jobs is more than just a salary decision.How recruiters can help (or hurt) a candidate’s career progression.The importance of proactive career development.[37:00] – Rethinking Hiring & The Problem with Job Descriptions Why rigid job specs don’t work in a fast-changing market.How hiring for adaptability leads to better long-term success.The role of recruiters in shaping better hiring strategies.[50:00] – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways Why companies need to rethink how they engage with recruiters.How hiring managers and recruiters can work better together.The importance of hiring great people and letting them grow.

    1h 16m
  10. The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 1: Jon Hammant on Hiring, Recruitment & Building Teams

    FEB 4

    The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 1: Jon Hammant on Hiring, Recruitment & Building Teams

    Ep. 1: Jon Hammant on Hiring, Recruitment & Building Teams In this episode, Craig sits down with Jon Hammant, UKI Head of Technology at Amazon, to explore the evolving relationship between tech professionals and recruiters. We discuss why hiring is more than just matching skills to job descriptions, how high-performing teams are built, and why companies should rethink their approach to talent acquisition. Jon shares his unique perspective on recruitment, drawing from years of experience in leadership roles at Accenture, Deutsche Bank, and AWS. He sheds light on common hiring mistakes, the future of work, and why trust between recruiters and hiring managers is critical. Whether you're a tech leader, recruiter, or candidate, this conversation will challenge your thinking on hiring strategies, company culture, and the role of recruitment in driving business success. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 Tech hiring challenges & the recruiter’s role 🔹 The rise (and risks) of internal referrals 🔹 The future of remote work & its impact on hiring 🔹 Why culture beats strategy in hiring decisions 🔹 How job descriptions fail and what to do instead Tune in for an insightful discussion on recruitment, career growth, and building high-performance teams.   Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Opening & Introduction - Quickfire word association: What does Jon think of recruiters? [01:00] – The Recruiter’s Role in Tech Hiring - Why tech professionals often misunderstand recruiters. - The real value that good recruiters bring. - How Jon’s early experience in recruitment shaped his views. [06:00] – Why Hiring is Broken - The disconnect between recruiters & hiring managers. - The low barrier to entry in recruitment and how it affects the industry. - How bad recruiters damage the industry’s reputation. [10:00] – Building Better Relationships Between Recruiters & Tech Leaders - Why long-term recruiter relationships matter. - The dangers of overly transactional hiring. - The importance of recruiters understanding technology. [18:00] – The Problem with Centralized Recruitment - Why large companies restrict agency access—and why that’s a mistake. - The shift towards internal recruitment teams and its downsides. - How businesses should balance internal hiring vs. agency partnerships. [27:00] – The Human Side of Hiring - Why hiring is about people, not just skills. - The psychology behind counteroffers & job decisions. - How hiring impacts happiness, career growth & even mortality rates. [37:00] – The Future of Work & Remote Hiring - Why companies are pulling people back to the office. - How virtual hiring processes are leading to more counteroffers & dropouts. - The unintended consequences of remote work on career progression. [50:00] – Rethinking Hiring & The Problem with Job Descriptions - Why over-reliance on referrals can hurt diversity. - The risks of hiring only from specific companies (e.g., Goldman Sachs bias). - Why hiring should be about potential, not just past experience. [1:00:00] – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways - The importance of hiring great people & letting them grow. - Why companies need to think beyond traditional job descriptions. - The role of recruiters in shaping the future of work.

    1h 7m

About

TTP - The Top 10% Podcast TTP - The Top 10% Podcast is a deep dive into the world of hiring, recruitment, and career growth, exploring the strategies, challenges, and trends that shape how companies attract, hire, and retain top talent. Hosted by Craig Whiting, this series brings together tech leaders, recruiters, and industry experts to share their insights on what it really takes to build high-performing teams in today’s evolving job market. What to Expect in Each Episode: 🔹 The Hiring Landscape – How companies find, assess, and secure top talent.🔹 Recruitment & Industry Insights – The evolving role of recruiters, agencies, and internal hiring teams.🔹 Leadership & Culture – How company culture and leadership styles impact hiring and retention.🔹 Career Growth & Development – How candidates can stand out and advance in their careers.🔹 Future of Work – The impact of remote work, AI, and new hiring trends on the job market. Whether you're a business leader, recruiter, or job seeker, The Top 10% Podcast will challenge your thinking and provide practical, real-world insights to help you navigate the ever-changing world of work.

You Might Also Like