Hire Power with Kim Frost

Most leaders love to say, “I’ll know it when I see it.” But here’s the truth: hiring off your gut alone is not leadership, it’s luck.In this episode of Hire Power,  Kim Frost breaks down the difference between instinctive hiring and intentional hiring. She shares why relying solely on gut feelings or vague phrases like “not a culture fit” can lead to bias, poor decisions, and costly mis-hires, and how the best leaders learn to balance intuition with structure.Kim pulls from her own corporate experience to show how instinct can both help and hurt your process. You’ll walk away knowing how to spot the difference between valid intuition and untested assumptions—and how to interview with clarity, consistency, and confidence.In this episode: Why “I hire off my gut” isn’t as intuitive as you thinkThe problem with using “culture fit” as feedbackHow first impressions can mislead even experienced leadersThe balance between instinct, structure, and evidence-based hiringWhy values-based interviewing is the key to better hires 💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

How do great leaders move people, not just manage them? In this episode of Hire Power, I sit down with storytelling expert Mario Juarez, founder of StoryCo to unpack why story is one of the most essential leadership tools most leaders underuse.We explore why your story isn’t just what you say about yourself, but what people experience with you.Drawing from nearly 30 years inside Microsoft and his work with executives, Mario shares how story has the power to transform cultures, align teams, and redirect entire organizations. He also gets real about what most leaders get wrong and what it really takes to tell stories that feel authentic, grounded, and emotionally resonant.Whether you run a small team or an entire company, this conversation will change how you think about the way you talk to and lead your people.In this episode:Why storytelling is a core leadership skillWhat your story really is (and isn’t)The biggest mistake leaders make with storytellingWhere to start if storytelling feels uncomfortableWhat Mario learned working with senior executives at Microsoft, including the time investment and practice it takes to make a talk look “effortless.”Human storytelling in an AI-driven worldMario’s six-word story method and how it forces clarity on what truly matters in your message.About Mario JuarezMario Juarez is the founder of StoryCo, where he helps leaders and organizations craft stories that move people to action. Before starting his firm, Mario spent nearly three decades at Microsoft in communications, marketing, PR, and executive communications. There, he developed his “Storytelling for Impact” framework and saw firsthand how story can reshape cultures, engage teams, and support major leadership transitions. Today, he teaches leaders how to use story as a strategic tool—not spin, but a way to connect, inspire, and lead with intention.Connect with Mario: https://mario-juarez.com 💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

After taking her first two-week vacation since 2018, Kim Frost is back, recharged, refocused, and reminded that real leadership requires rest.In this episode of Hire Power, Kim unpacks what truly happens when you step away from the grind and give your brain, your relationships, and your business room to breathe. From the science of detachment and creativity to the leadership benefits of unplugging, this episode is your reminder that rest isn’t indulgent, it’s strategic.In this episode:Why your best ideas come during the pause, not the push.The surprising link between time off and promotions.How detachment boosts creativity, problem-solving, and long-term perspective.What two weeks away revealed about love, leadership, and life beyond work.A leadership challenge to schedule your next real break... no excuses! Rest like a leader, and show others how it’s done.💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

Let’s flip the script on what makes a powerful leader. It’s not always authority, strategy, or a polished presentation... it’s humor.In this episode of Hire Power, Kim Frost explores why humor is one of the most underrated yet most effective leadership tools. Drawing on insights from Harvard Business Review and her own experience coaching executives, Kim reveals how laughter isn’t just about fun, it’s a trust-building, retention-boosting strategy. In this episode:Why humor is a measurable leadership advantageThe five laugh languages and how to use themHow humor builds trust and lowers turnoverThe three humor boundaries every leader must knowReal-life stories of leaders using levity to build culture  Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkimLearn more: frostconnections.com

When was the last time you truly unplugged? For me, it’s been since 2008, and that changes this month.In this episode, I am sharing why I am taking a full month off, including her first two-week break in over a decade, and what it means for leadership.Here's the truth, if the person at the top never unplugs, the whole team learns that rest is weakness.In this episode:Why modeling balance mattersHow time away strengthens leadership.Why healthy cultures are built on actions, not slogans. Take this as your own nudge: breaks aren’t just allowed—they’re smart leadership.💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

Most people groan when another meeting lands on their calendar, and honestly, for good reason. Too many meetings waste time, drain energy, and leave everyone wondering, what just happened? But here’s the truth: meetings can be one of the strongest signals of leadership strength—when they’re done right.In this episode, Kim Frost breaks down how effective leaders transform meetings from time-wasters into powerful tools for clarity, alignment, and action. She shares the pitfalls that make meetings unbearable (no agenda, no outcomes, lateness, endless talking) and the simple shifts that turn them into high-impact moments where people leave energized and informed.You’ll learn:Why meetings are a litmus test for leadership credibilityThe biggest mistakes leaders make (and how to avoid them)Simple time rules to instantly make meetings more productiveHow to create clear agendas, encourage the right voices, and assign next stepsWhy respect for time equals trust and stronger culture If 71% of meetings are unproductive, imagine the competitive advantage if yours are the exception. Meetings don’t have to suck—when you lead them well, they become one of your most powerful leadership tools.💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

Are you leading communication, or letting it lead you?In this episode we are diving into one of the most overlooked leadership skills: communication protocols. With endless channels- email, text, Teams, Slack, DMs, WhatsApp, and more - it’s easy for leaders and teams to slip into chaos instead of clarity.I share real stories from my own career and from clients who’ve struggled with notification overload, unclear expectations, and constant interruptions. I also breaks down how setting clear rules for communication can improve productivity, reduce stress, and protect your team from burnout.You’ll learn:Why technology has made us worse communicators (and what to do about it)The simple framework leaders can use to set communication normsReal-world examples of quiet time, weekend email bans, and tool-specific rulesHow communication priorities should align with leadership priorities—not just individual preferencesThe takeaway? Effective communication isn’t about adding more tools. It’s about more discipline. Leaders set the tone, and when you establish clear protocols, you create focus, protect priorities, and build a healthier culture. 💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

Hiring doesn’t end when the offer letter is signed, it begins with onboarding. In this episode of Hire Power, we break down why onboarding is not a “nice to have” but the launchpad for every new hire’s success.I share a story from my time in global consulting, where one small change in onboarding practices dropped turnover from double digits to single digits. And joining me is Laura Poepping of Plum Coaching and HR Consulting, who brings her expertise and practical best practices for building an onboarding experience that truly works.In this episode:Why onboarding is just as critical as recruiting in the hiring processThe hidden costs of weak or rushed onboarding (and how to avoid them)Simple steps every leader can take to make new hires feel valued from day oneThe ROI of investing in a structured, personalized onboarding processHow leaders—not just HR—set the tone for culture and retention  Whether you’re running a small business or leading a large team, this episode will change the way you think about onboarding—and show you how to turn it into a powerful tool for engagement, performance, and retention.Connect with Laura: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorapoepping/💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

One of the biggest myths I hear from small business owners is: “We’re too small to attract top talent.” The truth? You’re never too small for a great hire... in fact, it matters even more at your stage of growth.In this episode of Hire Power, I’m breaking down why small companies actually have an edge when it comes to leadership hires—and why waiting until you’re “big enough” could cost you everything. In this episode: Why flexibility, visibility, and direct impact make small businesses attractive to top leadersThe hidden risks of believing large corporations offer more securityThe true cost of a bad hire (up to 2.5x salary for leadership roles!)How one great leader can transform a small company with growth, culture, and engagementWhy investing in the right recruiting partner isn’t an expense—it’s an ROI multiplier  💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

Is chasing the biggest paycheck really the best career move? In this episode of Hire Power, we’re diving into one of the biggest traps professionals fall into: focusing on compensation before culture.From toxic leaders to unrealistic job expectations, money can’t fix a poor environment, and the data proves it. In fact, employees are 10x more likely to quit over culture than pay. So why do so many smart professionals still fall for the lure of the “golden handcuffs”? In this episode:Why culture, growth, and challenge matter more than compensation for long-term successHow overpaying employers use “golden handcuffs” to keep you stuck—and why it backfiresThe hard truth about how unrealistic salaries can stall your career and close future doorsWhat top leaders do differently to prioritize impact and environment over titles and paychecks  💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

In this episode of Hire Power, Kim Frost tackles one of her biggest hiring pet peeves: professionals who judge an opportunity by its title alone.Drawing from decades of executive search experience, Kim breaks down why titles are often meaningless outside of your current company and how they can vary wildly in scope, responsibility, and impact. She shares a powerful real-life example of a candidate who looked beyond the job title, seized a high-growth opportunity, and retired a multimillionaire.You’ll learn why focusing on the actual responsibilities, leadership potential, and long-term growth of a role will get you further than chasing a “VP” or “Director” label—and how being open-minded in your career can lead to life-changing opportunities.In this episode:Why titles rarely reflect the true scope or influence of a roleThe career-killing mistake of dismissing an opportunity too soonHow passive candidates often find the best opportunitiesA real story of one leader who looked past the title and built a legacyWhy great leaders focus on impact, not labelsIf you’ve ever been tempted to pass on a role because it “didn’t sound senior enough,” this episode will change the way you look at career opportunities. 💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

Hiring the right people is only the beginning. The real magic happens when you use behavioral tools to build trust, develop leaders, and create a culture where everyone can thrive. Insights are power, and behavioral tools are a perfect way to find insights!In this episode of Hire Power, Kim Frost sits down with Rachel, a communications and employee development leader, to explore what it really looks like to implement a behavioral assessment tool across an entire organization, from the executive suite to the production floor.Rachel shares:The hiring pain points that led her team to seek out a better toolWhy choosing the right assessment takes time, research, and real-world testingHow her company uses the Culture Index to shape hiring, retention, succession planning, and team developmentThe importance of having an internal champion to drive adoption and trainingHow behavioral tools can become a common language for collaboration and performanceWhether you’re a CEO, HR leader, or manager looking to strengthen your team, this conversation will challenge you to think beyond the interview and invest in tools that shape your company’s future. 💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

What does your candidate experience really say about your company culture? Kim Frost dives deep into a topic that’s often treated as an afterthought: the interview process. Spoiler alert, it’s not just a way to vet candidates; it’s your first leadership moment.Kim shares real-world stories and practical tips on how small gestures can leave a lasting impression, how Gen Z candidates are reading between the lines, and why the interview is a two-way street. From creating a welcoming environment to giving honest feedback, this episode is your wake-up call to rethink the hiring experience from the ground up.You’ll Learn:Why the candidate experience is a direct reflection of your leadership and cultureHow small details — like putting a name on a door — build trust and loyaltyThe red flags candidates notice during interviews (and what drives them away)What a true two-way interview looks and feels likeWhy transparency, feedback, and follow-through matter more than everConnect with me on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/frostkim/Learn more at:  https://www.frostconnections.com

Giving feedback is one thing, but receiving it? That’s where real leadership starts.In this episode Kim Frost explores what it means to truly lead with humility and intention. Following last week’s conversation with her client, Robert, on giving tough feedback, Kim flips the script and shares why receiving honest feedback is one of the most important (and overlooked) skills a leader can build.If you have not listened to last week's episode, please be sure to do that! You’ll learn:Why receiving feedback is so hard—and how your ego might be in the wayThe 3 reactions that shut down honesty in your teamWhat great leaders do differently to encourage feedbackA powerful story from Kim’s client Jason on turning tough feedback into real culture change 💬 Connect with Kim on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more at: frostconnections.com

What happens when no one on your team is willing to give tough feedback—except you?In this episode of Hire Power, host Kim Frost dives into leadership styles that emerge during uncomfortable conversations. Through a powerful real-life story from her client Robert, Kim explores what it truly means to lead with courage, clarity, and respect.You'll learn:The 3 leadership styles when it comes to feedback: the Avoider, the Bulldozer, and the CoachWhy avoiding tough conversations does more damage than speaking upHow Robert gave long-overdue feedback to a 20-year employee—and what happened nextHow delivery, empathy, and timing define your impact as a leaderIf you're dealing with a technically strong team member who’s culturally off, this episode will help you find the clarity—and courage—to address it.💬 Connect with Kim on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more at: frostconnections.com

Still hiring based on resumes and gut instinct? You’re missing a huge opportunity.In this episode, Kim Frost shares how modern assessment tools help companies make smarter hires, reduce turnover, and build teams that thrive. From improving communication to onboarding and retention, these tools are becoming essential—not just for execs, but across entire organizations.You’ll learn:Why top companies use assessments company-wideHow one client used them to transform their cultureWhat to say when employees feel threatened by the processThe long-term value beyond the hireIf you're serious about hiring with intention and building a cohesive team, this episode is a must-listen.Don’t forget to subscribe—an upcoming episode features a company that’s doing this right.💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

Let’s get real—giving feedback is hard. But avoiding it? That’s not leadership.In this episode, Kim Frost shares why feedback—clear, direct, and honest—is one of the most underrated skills in leadership today. Whether you’re managing seasoned professionals or new Gen Z hires, knowing how to deliver constructive feedback is what separates supportive leaders from avoidant ones.Kim breaks down why the compliment sandwich doesn’t work, how to stay grounded in tough conversations, and what it actually looks like to give feedback that lands and drives growth.You’ll learn:Why sugarcoating dilutes your message and damages trustHow to give direct feedback without being harsh or coldThe difference between addressing behavior vs. judging characterWhat to say when emotions rise—and when to pause the meetingWhy follow-up matters more than you thinkBottom line: If you’re dancing around the truth, you’re not being kind—you’re just avoiding discomfort. And that’s not leadership.💬 Connect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

Let’s call it out: ego kills great hires—quietly, subtly, and often without leaders even realizing it.In this episode, Kim Frost pulls back the curtain on how ego shows up in the hiring process, from irrelevant “gotcha” interview questions to dismissing high-potential candidates just because they didn’t flatter you. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll know the right candidate when I see them,”—this one’s for you.Kim shares stories from the field, including one manager whose curveball beach math question nearly tanked their team—and another hire that almost didn’t happen because the candidate wasn’t “excited” enough (read: didn’t stroke someone’s ego). In this episode:How ego subtly shows up in hiring decisionsThe difference between thoughtful standards vs. personal validationWhy calm, quiet candidates can be your team’s greatest assetWhat hiring managers really mean when they say, “They didn’t wow me”Why strong leaders don’t hire for comfort—they hire for capability Key reminder: If your interviews are built to make you feel good, you’re not hiring—you’re auditioning for fans. And top talent? They’ll see right through it.💬 Connect with Kim on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more at: frostconnections.com

Let’s get real—if an employee brings you another offer just to ask for more money, it’s probably already too late.In this episode,I’m breaking down the hard truths about counteroffers, why they almost never work long-term, and what they really reveal about communication, leadership, and team trust.I've seen candidates accept counters and still leave within six months. I’ve seen dream job opportunities lost because someone bluffed their way into a raise. And I’ve seen what that does to morale, credibility, and team culture. In this episode:The difference between real growth moves vs. money grabsWhat counteroffers cost you—in time, money, and team trustWhy over 80% of employees who accept a counter leave within 6–12 monthsThe hidden message you're sending to the rest of your teamHow one counteroffer nearly destroyed a high-performing hireHow strong leaders handle resignations—with clarity, not ego Bottom line: If an opportunity is truly better and you can’t match it—support the move and protect your culture. But if someone’s using a competing offer to play negotiation games, ask yourself—is that really someone you want to keep?💬 Connect with Kim on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frostkim🌐 Learn more: frostconnections.com

Let’s get honest—if your recruiter isn’t doing the first interview, they’re not recruiting. They’re just forwarding paper.In this episode I’m breaking down exactly what you should expect from a great recruiter—whether they’re internal or third-party—and what it looks like when they’re just pushing resumes instead of driving results.From end-to-end ownership to building trust with candidates, this is the truth about what real recruiting should look like—and why your business deserves better. In this episode:Why your recruiter should be doing the first screen (not AI)The value of a strategic kickoff session before you even post the roleWhat full lifecycle recruiting actually means—and why it mattersThe difference between researchers, sourcers, and recruitersWhy recruiters should be the ones making the verbal offerHow exceptional recruiters elevate the process (and your reputation) Bottom line: A great recruiter doesn’t just send resumes. They help you hire smarter, faster, and more strategically—with insight, integrity, and actual accountability. Learn more at: frostconnections.comConnect with Kim: linkedin.com/in/frostkim