Art of Search - Hiring Manager Series

Inheriting the Search: How Recruiters Handle Long-Running Searches

In this episode of Art of Search: Hiring Manager Series, Somer and Zen dive into a common but complex recruiting challenge—what happens when you inherit a role that’s been open for a while?  They walk through how recruiters should approach these situations with a fresh perspective, starting with a deep diagnostic of the search. From understanding what’s already been done to identifying gaps and patterns in the data, the first step is getting a clear lay of the land.  Next, they emphasize the importance of reconnecting with the hiring manager, clarifying expectations, identifying decision-makers, and realigning on what success looks like. With this foundation, recruiters can effectively “restart” the search as if it were new, while still leveraging valuable historical insights.  Somer and Zen also explore the role of AI in modern recruiting. While AI can be a powerful tool for sourcing, research, and pattern recognition, they stress that recruiting remains a fundamentally human-centered field. AI can inform decisions but it can’t make them for you.  If you’ve ever had to revive a stalled search, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you reset, refocus, and deliver results. Tune in to this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to follow and share with your network.

Tips for Setting Up a Search for Success with Gina Barge, Principal at JM Search

In this episode of Art of Search: Hiring Manager Series, we’re joined by Gina Barge, Principal at JM Search, to break down how to guide hiring managers through the complexities of launching a successful search. Gina emphasizes the importance of taking a step back at kickoff to build a clear scorecard, define success criteria, and set realistic timelines and expectations. She offers thoughtful guidance on a tough scenario in hiring, replacing a regarded leader and how to help teams shift their mindset toward the future rather than replicating the past.  Gina also shares how she leverages AI in her role and her advice: don’t fear AI—embrace it, learn how to use it effectively, and leverage it to elevate the parts of the job that matter most.  Tune in to hear Gina’s take on building smarter, more effective searches and how embracing the right tools can elevate your impact as a hiring leader.

The Hidden AI Scorecard: How Today’s C-Suite Is Quietly Being Regraded with Shelley Perry

In this episode of Art of Search: Hiring in the Age of AI, we’re joined by Shelley Perry, Board Director and C-suite coach specializing in the scale-up stage of growth, to explore how AI is reshaping the way companies hire and evaluate executives. She pulls back the curtain on how AI is quietly reshaping who stays in the C-suite, who gets replaced, and who is not making the cut during the executive interview process.  Shelley talks candidly about the trends she is seeing in C-suite turnover and in the hires executives are making beneath them, signals most people feel, but nobody is really saying out loud.  If you are already in the c-suite today and aren’t thinking about how you are silently being ‘graded’ on AI, this conversation will make you rethink how “safe” your role really is, what you can do to stay in the game and how this may shape your next hire.  If you are interviewing for a C-suite role, this conversation will help you better prepare for that interview because there are new rules to the game that you might be missing.

Asking Better Questions: Interview Styles That Lead to Smarter Hires

This week on Art of Search, Somer and Zen break down interview styles that lead to better hiring decisions. They explore open-ended versus specific interview questions, what each reveals about a candidate, and why relying too heavily on one approach can leave gaps. The conversation also highlights the importance of a prepared, consistent interview process to fairly evaluate candidates and make informed decisions. A must-listen for job seekers and executive recruiters alike.

Intentional Hiring in the Age of AI with Priya Reddy

This week on The Art of Search: Hiring in the Age of AI, we’re joined by Priya Reddy, Founder/CEO of Priya Reddy Consulting, former Chief Data Officer, AI and data investor, board advisor, and adjunct faculty.  Priya walks us through how she thinks about intentional hiring and how that approach has evolved as AI becomes more embedded in how we build teams. Instead of checking boxes, she focuses on what really matters, clear expectations, business outcomes, long-term team fit, and building a strong culture.  We also talk about where AI fits into the process. For Priya, AI is a powerful tool for speed and pattern recognition, but it works best as an assistant, not a replacement for human judgment. It’s the human side of hiring that reveals potential, values, and cultural alignment.  Tune in to hear Priya’s practical insights on designing an intentional hiring process and how getting it right can shape the future trajectory of your team and company.