Hire Learning with Oz Rashid

The Hard Truth of Entrepreneurship: From Ghosted Investors to Building a Business in Live Events with Nikki Sanz

In this episode of Hire Learning, Oz Rashid sits down with Nikki Sanz, Founder and CEO of Giggs, to discuss the raw truths of launching and scaling a business. From her early career on tour with big-name artists like Eric Church to the moment she decided to solve a problem that plagues the live events industry, Nikki’s journey is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, especially those facing challenges in hiring, funding, and building resilience in business.

Tune in to discover:

• What it takes to turn passion into a viable business in an unconventional industry
• How Nikki navigated a “ghosted” investor situation
• Practical strategies for hiring in a high-turnover industry
• Why strategic networking has been pivotal for her business growth

Timestamps:

• [0:00] Intro: Welcome and Episode Overview
• [2:15] Nikki’s Early Career: Getting started in the live events industry
• [6:45] The Inflection Point: How Nikki turned a major industry gap into a business idea
• [10:20] The Realities of Entrepreneurship: Funding, hiring, and surviving ghosted investors
• [15:50] The Giggs Platform Explained: Solving hiring challenges for live events
• [20:30] Key Tips for Hiring: What Nikki looks for in new team members
• [25:45] Building Resilience in Business: Why passion alone isn’t enough
• [30:10] Networking Done Right: How to leverage contacts for growth and partnership
• [34:25] Social Media for Founders: The power of storytelling in personal branding
• [40:50] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Hard truths and actionable advice

Whether you're a founder, hiring manager, or an HR enthusiast, this episode is packed with invaluable advice and real-world stories.

In this episode of Hire Learning, Oz sits down with Todd Brodie, Interim Head of Talent at Talent Works, for an insightful conversation about the evolving role of HR in today’s world. Todd shares his journey from non-HR business leader to top talent expert, offering valuable perspectives on how HR has shifted from compliance-based tactics to strategic, people-focused growth.

Todd opens up about the ways HR can transcend its "policing" role, exploring the importance of building authentic workplace cultures that foster community and long-term employee success. He also dives into the unique HR challenges in the healthcare sector, and the dynamic, forward-thinking HR landscape he’s experienced in regions like Dubai.

Key highlights:

• The Evolving HR Landscape: How HR has moved beyond compliance to become a true business partner.
• Healthcare HR Challenges: Insights on the impact of clinician shortages and employee retention.
• Global HR Perspectives: Todd’s reflections on working with teams across the Middle East, and the changing professional culture in Dubai.
• Employee Experience vs. Engagement: Why focusing on the holistic employee experience makes a difference in performance.

Tune in for Todd’s philosophy on hiring for potential, leading with empathy, and why sometimes taking calculated risks is the best career move you can make. This episode is packed with wisdom for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone interested in people-centered workplace transformation.

"Honor the time that a woman took off to raise her kids, because that resume gap seems like a gap, but she worked harder than ever." — Jess Ekstrom

In this powerful episode of Hire Learning, host Oz Rashid sits down with Jess Ekstrom, founder of Mic Drop Workshop, to explore leadership, speaking confidence, and the unique challenges women face in the workforce. Jess opens up about her journey, from helping women become professional keynote speakers to advocating for fair treatment of mothers re-entering the job market.

✨ Key Highlights:

• The Gender Pay Gap in Public Speaking: Jess shares a shocking story of how she was paid significantly less than her male counterpart and why transparency is crucial for change.
• Balancing Motherhood and Career: Hear Jess’s advice on how employers can better support working mothers and why the time spent raising children should be valued on a resume.
• Leadership and Speaking Tips: Learn how shifting your mindset from a 'Spotlight Speaker' to a 'Lighthouse Speaker' can transform the way you communicate and lead.
• Hiring Insight: Jess reveals her philosophy for identifying top talent—why hiring moms returning to the workforce has been one of her best decisions.

If you’re passionate about leadership, advocating for women in the workplace, or just love hearing inspiring stories of resilience and growth, this episode is for you!

🔗 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/3DDToNfLMuE

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts!

In this episode of Hire Learning, host Oz Rashid sits down with Mike Haarlow, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Spiras Health, to dive deep into hiring strategies, leadership insights, and the power of finding someone’s "why."

Mike shares his unique approach to hiring, emphasizing the importance of understanding a candidate’s personal and professional motivation. He discusses why focusing on their “why” leads to better hires, stronger teams, and long-term success.

We also explore how value-based care is transforming healthcare, the emotional impact of elderly care, and some truly heartwarming patient stories (including a baby kangaroo!). 🦘

Episode Highlights:

• Hiring for the “Why”: Mike’s go-to interview question and why it uncovers the best talent.
• The importance of feedback: How listening to your team’s insights can help you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
• Finding hidden talent: Why promoting people who don’t “fit the mold” can bring out the best in your organization.
• Value-based care: How Spirits Health is helping elderly patients age gracefully at home with personalized healthcare plans.
• Heartwarming patient stories: A patient’s wish to dance at his daughter’s wedding and the unexpected adoption of a baby kangaroo.

Watch now on YouTube:

Follow host Oz Rashid on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozrashid/

More info on Guests:

Mike Haarlow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-haarlow-5b9a3232/

Spiras Health: https://spirashealth.com/