Welcome to a world where progress hinges on the courage to engage in tough conversations. In our captivating season finale, join host Ken Schmitt as he delves into the transformative potential of these dialogues with seasoned HR leader Jennifer Pikoos. Embark on Jennifer’s journey from Finance to HR, gaining invaluable insights into fostering engagement, navigating challenges, and driving workplace transformation.

Throughout the episode, Ken and Jennifer explore the vital role of difficult dialogues in hiring and leadership. They delve into the profound impact of these conversations on shaping organizational dynamics, igniting meaningful change, and fostering a culture of growth and innovation.

As they uncover the critical importance of HR leaders in cultivating a supportive internal environment that values and empowers employees, they also address the human capital side of mergers and acquisitions, the evolving expectations of the younger workforce, and the imperative for leaders to adapt to new ways of managing and communicating.

As Season Three draws to a close, prepare to be inspired and empowered to lead with compassion and purpose.

Hiring matters — mess it up!

About our Guest:

Jennifer Pikoos boasts over two decades of leadership in Human Resources across various industries including automotive, banking, and biotechnology. With a recent shift to consulting after nearly 30 years in corporate roles, she notably served as Head of HR, DEI, and Corporate Facilities for Kia America, overseeing 12 locations and 600 employees during the pandemic while driving growth and rebranding initiatives. Prior, she led HR at IndyMac Bank and OneWest Bank through the 2008 financial crisis and held roles at Deloitte & Touché and Amgen, transitioning from finance to HR driven by a passion for organizational Relationships and business success.

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of “The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur’s Journey through Life’s Turning Points”. Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. Ken is a seasoned expert with almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. “Hiring Matters” is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken’s “Recruiter Rant” episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry’s hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast. Follow Ken on LinkedIn

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Ken Schmitt Podcaster, Author, and CEO

Ken Schmitt has been recruiting for 26 years. A San Diego native, he grew up in an entrepreneurial household with a father who was a Jack in the Box franchisee for 25 years and a mother who left the accounting world to become a real estate agent.

In 1998, Ken answered an ad in the newspaper for a recruiting job and never looked back. After spending 9 years working for a local boutique firm, a large regional firm, and one of the world’s largest Executive Search firms, Heidrick & Struggles, he launched TurningPoint Executive Search in 2007 and now employs 7 professionals in a 100% remote work environment.

In 2023, Ken published “The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life’s TurningPoints” through Advantage Publishing. He also launched a new podcast of the same name, highlighting everyday people who are making an extraordinary impact on their families, their business, and their community.