Craig Fisher on Hiring Right [I Wanna Work There]

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Eddie Francis welcomes back talent strategy expert Craig Fisher to discuss the critical role of talent attraction in enhancing employer branding. Craig shares an inspiring real-world example of how making the right hire at a pivotal moment can positively transform a company's reputation and elevate team performance. Together, they explore key elements like alignment, intentionality, and leadership that make great organizations the employers of choice.

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Key Takeaways

• The Right Hire Fuels Transformation: Hiring someone with a proven track record and the right experience can elevate an organization's employer reputation and talent strategy, especially during pivotal moments like restructures or turnarounds.
• Alignment is Key for Leadership Success: Strong alignment between organizational goals and a new leader's vision is critical for maintaining momentum and building on previous successes.
• Protecting and Reinventing the Brand Matters: An intentional focus on rebuilding and safeguarding the employer brand can lead to positive long-term outcomes.
• Leadership is More Than Strategy: The ability to inspire and connect with the team is a critical skill for new leaders, particularly during transitions or challenging periods.
• Continuity Builds Momentum: A great leader builds on the successes of their predecessor while introducing fresh energy and ideas.

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The Impact of the Right Hire on Organizational Success

Craig Fisher shares an insightful story about a talent leadership transition at JC Penney during a critical time. When the former talent leader—a proven change-maker—stepped down, the company needed someone who could continue driving progress during a rebrand after bankruptcy. During this transitional phase, Craig stepped in as a consultant to keep talent operations running smoothly while the search for the right leader was underway.

After a deliberate and thoughtful hiring process, JC Penney brought in a leader with a strong retail background and experience in turnaround situations. This hire not only had the expertise to navigate the company's challenges but also the attitude to inspire and unify the team. Their ability to pick up where their predecessor left off ensured continuity while reinvigorating the brand.

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Key Traits of a Transformational Hire

The story illustrates several traits that organizations should prioritize when making high-impact hires:

1. Experience in Similar Challenges: The new hire brought valuable experience from working in other turnaround scenarios, which positioned them to lead effectively in a complex environment.
2. Alignment with Organizational Vision: Their goals aligned seamlessly with JC Penney's need to rebuild its employer brand and hiring practices during restructuring.
3. Team Connection and Inspiration: By fostering strong connections with the recruiting team, the new leader revitalized morale and built trust.
4. Intentional Brand Stewardship: They prioritized protecting and relaunching the employer brand through refreshed assets, enhanced social media presence, and updated practices.

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Building and Protecting the Employer Brand

One of the pivotal challenges JC Penney faced during this period was rebuilding its employer brand. Craig shared how the company had to restart from scratch, with blank social media accounts and a diminished presence after its financial struggles. By bringing in the right leader, JC Penney was able to focus on creating a compelling employer brand narrative and leveraging it to attract top talent.

Craig's insights also highlight how essential it is for higher education institutions to focus on their employer brand. Strong employer branding not only helps attract high-performing talent but also signals to current employees that their organization is forward-thinking, innovative, and intentional about its reputation.

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Make sure to check out the full I Wanna Work There playlist today.

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‍About The Enrollify Podcast Network: I Wanna Work There is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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