How I Hire

Helayna Minsk is an experienced executive leader who has led major organizational transformation for brands like Unilever, Walgreens, and Johnson & Johnson. Helayna’s work encompasses general management, P&L leadership, portfolio evolution, and revitalization campaigns, both domestically and internationally. Her approach to brand stewardship and cross-functional collaboration has led to an extensive track record of profit expansion, scalable growth, and strategic implementation for some of the largest CPG companies in the world. Helayna joins Roy to discuss leadership lessons learned during periods of immense change, how communication is the cornerstone of high-performance teams, the upside of ambition, and much more. Highlights from our conversation include: - Core values that have become part of Helayna’s leadership playbook (3:07) - Mentors and learning opportunities that helped shape her leadership philosophy (5:16) - How Helayna’s leadership developed and evolved as she took on different roles (7:44) - The role talent plays in driving growth and impact (10:17) - Tips for navigating changing market dynamics and consumer behavior (14:10) - How Helayna developed an aptitude for hiring top performers and building high performance teams (16:05) - Comparing the approach to talent and hiring at different brands (18:25) - What Helayna looks for when she’s hiring for her own leadership teams (20:09) - How she approached leading a turnaround for J&J in China (22:17) - Cultural differences when working in China that adapted her thinking -(25:27) - Advice Helayna has for people early in their careers (28:33) - What’s next for Helayna (30:29)

<p>Noto Group’s senior partners break down key hiring and leadership trends that they’re seeing for 2026 and beyond. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraspirko/" rel="nofollow">Sara Spirko</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncopeland1/" rel="nofollow">John Copeland</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamibumiller" rel="nofollow">Tami Bumiller</a> discuss common pitfalls, market forces, predictions, and actionable advice for those seeking top talent – and for candidates looking to be hired – in the year ahead.</p> <p>Highlights from our conversation include:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Unexpected obstacles to hiring top leaders in 2025 (3:08)</li> <li>Shifts in client, company, and candidate priorities and needs (4:59)</li> <li>Competencies and capabilities that are essential for leadership in today’s market (7:37)</li> <li>Best indicators to predict executive success in the current hiring environment (9:42)</li> <li>How CEOs and boards can get the best results when engaging a search firm (10:53)</li> <li>The team’s take on whether hiring in 2026 is shaping up to be smoother or tougher than in previous years (15:59)</li> <li>In-office versus remote versus hybrid trends for 2026 (19:24)</li> <li>The evolution of compensation packages (20:34)</li> <li>How companies are thinking about hybrid or remote leaders (23:38)</li> <li>Advice for executive-level leaders considering making a move in 2026 (27:15)</li> <li>How candidates can show up authentically, especially given AI trends (32:09)</li> <li>How candidates can best connect with search firms like Noto Group (33:19)</li> </ul> <p>Visit <a href="https://howihire.com/" rel="nofollow">HowIHire.com</a> for transcripts and more on this episode. Check out the full <a href="https://www.notogroup.com/post/2026-leadership-hiring-trends-report" rel="nofollow">2026 Leadership &amp; Hiring Trends Report.</a></p> <p>Follow Roy Notowitz and Noto Group Executive Search on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/notogroup/" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a> for updates and featured career opportunities.</p> <p>Subscribe to <i>How I Hire</i>:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-hire/id1477653356" rel="nofollow">Apple</a></li> <li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7HQxrWSu1iLcFxRiDTIxX4" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a></li> <li><a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ea434992-ddda-4a89-80b0-03196c39c883/How-I-Hire" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a></li> </ul>

<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-belongie/" rel="nofollow">Shaun Belongie</a> is the CEO of New Belgium Brewery. He previously served as VP of Marketing for New Belgium before becoming CMO and then CEO in 2023. Shaun has over 20 years of CPG experience, having managed marketing innovation and brand direction for iconic companies like Nestle Purina and Kraft Foods. He’s helped build and maintain New Belgium’s human-powered business model as the brand grows and expands, all the while stewarding the brewery’s legacy and people-centric culture. Shaun joins Roy to discuss the challenges and opportunities during his journey from CMO to CEO, the differences between working at a large CPG brand versus a smaller, more nimble company, how New Belgium embodies and enacts their foundational values, and much more.&nbsp;</p> <p>Highlights from our conversation include:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Shaun’s transition from CMO to CEO at New Belgium (3:35)</li> <li>Challenges he’s confronted as New Belgium’s CEO (6:14)</li> <li>Shaun’s experience serving as New Belgium’s CMO (9:53)</li> <li>Shaun’s perspective on building and shaping culture as CEO (12:09)</li> <li>New Belgium’s human-powered business model (14:55)</li> <li>Maintaining authentic values throughout periods of growth (16:16)</li> <li>How his son’s health crisis inspired him to think differently about life and leadership (18:35)</li> <li>Leadership lessons that carried over from Shaun’s Kraft and Purina days (21:11)</li> <li>How changes in the industry are affecting Shaun’s approach to hiring (23:08)</li> <li>Leadership qualities that Shaun seeks in his senior executive team (25:01)</li> <li>How technology fits into his strategic plan (25:48)</li> <li>Guidance he’d offer to somebody early in their career (28:18)</li> <li>What Shaun’s most excited about in the future (30:13)</li> </ul> <p>Visit <a href="https://howihire.com/" rel="nofollow">HowIHire.com</a> for transcripts and more on this episode.</p> <p>Follow Roy Notowitz and Noto Group Executive Search on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/notogroup/" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a> for updates and featured career opportunities.</p> <p>Subscribe to <i>How I Hire</i>:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-hire/id1477653356" rel="nofollow">Apple</a></li> <li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7HQxrWSu1iLcFxRiDTIxX4" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a></li> <li><a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ea434992-ddda-4a89-80b0-03196c39c883/How-I-Hire" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a></li> </ul>

<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidstever/" rel="nofollow">David Stever</a> is the former CEO and CMO of beloved ice cream brand Ben &amp; Jerry’s. David started with the company back in the early 80’s, working as a tour guide at their factory in Waterbury, Vermont. Over time, David ascended within Ben &amp; Jerry’s, helping to grow the then start-up into an iconic, multinational corporation. Over the course of his decades-long career there, David led marketing initiatives, drove massive brand growth, expanded global market share, and helped facilitate reinvention and product innovation, all while keeping Ben &amp; Jerry’s social mission front and center. He joins Roy to discuss his journey from tour guide to C-Suite, the many learnings he took from founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the profound effect of pursuing a triple bottom line, and much more.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Highlights from our conversation include:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>David’s initial interest in the ice cream industry and how it evolved into his career (1:32)</li> <li>Working with Ben and Jerry in the early days (3:50)</li> <li>Leadership lessons learned through periods of massive growth and scaling (6:13)</li> <li>David’s strengths and keys to success as Ben &amp; Jerry’s CMO (8:48)</li> <li>What surprised him the most when he transitioned from CMO to CEO (13:48)</li> <li>What it means to do “business as unusual” (15:29)</li> <li>The influence of Ben &amp; Jerry’s blend of activism and commerce on his leadership (18:12)</li> <li>How David defines Ben &amp; Jerry’s unique culture and how he helped sustain it through the years and through acquisition (20:26)</li> <li>Successful hiring throughout Ben &amp; Jerry’s different phases (22:48)</li> <li>Qualities David sought in his top leadership team (27:40)</li> <li>What he believes is often overlooked when assessing prospective talent (28:47)</li> <li>David’s next chapter and what he’s most excited about in looking ahead (31:00)</li> </ul> <p>Visit <a href="https://howihire.com/" rel="nofollow">HowIHire.com</a> for transcripts and more on this episode.</p> <p>Follow Roy Notowitz and Noto Group Executive Search on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/notogroup/" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a> for updates and featured career opportunities.</p> <p>Subscribe to <i>How I Hire</i>:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-hire/id1477653356" rel="nofollow">Apple</a></li> <li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7HQxrWSu1iLcFxRiDTIxX4" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a></li> <li><a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ea434992-ddda-4a89-80b0-03196c39c883/How-I-Hire" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a></li> </ul>

<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbronstad/" rel="nofollow">Jason Bronstad</a> is the CEO of Malk Organics, a clean-label, plant-based milk and creamer brand. Jason began his career in the food and beverage industry at Sara Lee, serving across several managerial and directorial positions between 2004 and 2010. He then went on to become VP of Sales at Mike’s Hard Lemonade and then the President of Mighty Swell Cocktail Company before joining purpose-led start up, Malk Organics, in 2020. He joins Roy to discuss the ins and outs of shaping culture, values-driven hiring, evaluating talent, learning to keep things simple, and much more.&nbsp;</p> <p>Highlights from our conversation include:</p> <ul> <li>Core beliefs and values that comprise Jason’s leadership playbook (3:55)</li> <li>Connection to mission (6:12)</li> <li>Hiring lessons learned during periods of brand growth and development (8:20)</li> <li>Key characteristics of high-performing leaders (11:40)</li> <li>Important traits Jason seeks in his direct reports (14:15)</li> <li>Evaluating cultural fit in prospective talent (15:50)</li> <li>The parts of Malk’s culture that make Jason most proud (18:08)</li> <li>Jason’s definition of success and how it’s evolved over the course of his career (20:22)</li> <li>His advice for the next generation of CPG leaders (21:10)</li> </ul>