My First Job hosted by Mike Wood

From Programmer to CEO of Greenhouse w Daniel Chait - My First Job ep 19

In this episode of My First Job, host Mike Wood sits down with Daniel Chait, the CEO of Greenhouse, to discuss his career journey, starting with his first job as a programmer at a small software company right after engineering school. Daniel shares how his early entrepreneurial experiences and technical background shaped his understanding of business and the critical importance of hiring. The conversation delves into the origins of Greenhouse, born from the insight that many companies struggle with hiring despite it being a top priority. Daniel explains Greenhouse's mission to help companies become great at hiring by implementing proven best practices and improving the job seeker experience, particularly in today's challenging and often overwhelming job market.

From Ice Cream Maker to Custom Camps Founder w Ben Hanna - My First Job ep 18

In this episode of My First Job, host Mike Wood speaks with Ben Hanna, the founder of Custom Camps, about his winding career path. Ben recounts his very first job making ice cream at the age of 14 and how that early experience shaped his work ethic and people skills. From scooping ice cream, Ben's journey led him through travels around the world with couchsurfing.com and into the tech startup scene before he ultimately created Custom Camps, a company dedicated to bringing corporate teams together through unique, nature-based experiences. Ben discusses the importance of in-person connections and experiential learning in today's tech-driven world, highlighting how Custom Camps provides a refreshing and engaging alternative to traditional corporate events and online engagement platforms.

From Retail HR to CEO w Jocelyn King - My First Job ep 17

In this episode of My First Job, host Mike Wood interviews Jocelyn King, CEO and founder of Virtual HR. Jocelyn recounts her eventful first job in HR at a large retail company, where she navigated high-risk employee relations issues and learned crucial leadership and communication skills. This foundational experience, coupled with her later roles in tech HR, ultimately led her to establish Virtual HR, a company revolutionizing employment and labor law compliance with technology. Tune in to hear Jocelyn's insightful journey and her perspective on the evolving landscape of HR and recruitment.

From Paper Route to HR Expert w Kevin Grossman - My First Job ep 16

In this episode of “My First Job,” host Mike Wood chats with Kevin Grossman about his very first job: a paper route. Kevin shares humorous and insightful anecdotes about the challenges and surprising lessons he learned as a young paperboy, from navigating tricky bike routes with a heavy bag to the daunting task of collecting payments from customers. He reflects on how this early experience, though sometimes scary and uncomfortable, shaped his resilience and ability to handle difficult situations, skills that have undoubtedly served him well in his extensive career in HR and candidate experience.

From Baseball Umpire to Director of Strategic Partnerships w. Michael O'Sullivan - My First Job ep 15

In this episode of "My First Job," host Mike Wood welcomes Michael O'Sullivan to discuss his career journey, starting with his surprisingly enduring first job as a baseball umpire, which he began at the age of 10 and continues to this day. Michael shares how umpiring taught him invaluable skills in decision-making, people management, and time management, and how he initially monetized his love for baseball. He recounts his experiences moving from warehouse work to sales roles at companies like Tribune and Career Builder, and ultimately landing in his current role as Director of Strategic Partnerships at Disability Solutions. Michael passionately discusses his work in promoting disability inclusion, driven by his own personal experiences and a desire to break down barriers for individuals with disabilities in the workforce.

From Demolition to TikTok Influencer w Joel Lalgee - My First Job ep 14

In this episode of "My First Job," host Mike Wood welcomes Joel Lalgee, the "Realist Recruiter" and TikTok influencer, to share the surprising story of his early work experiences. Joel recounts his truly eye-opening first jobs, from illegal cash-in-hand demo work for a slum landlord in his teens to serving up complex coffee orders as a Starbucks barista. They trace his journey from finance to recruiting, and how he eventually embraced social media to become a prominent voice in the industry. Joel also dives into the current challenges facing recruiters, emphasizing the importance of authentic human connection and genuine relationships in a world increasingly saturated with AI and automated outreach. Tune in for a candid and insightful conversation about career evolution, the value of early work experiences (no matter how rough!), and the evolving landscape of talent acquisition.

From Flash Flashes to Career Pivots w Adam Posner - My First Job ep 13

Join Mike Wood in San Diego at TA Week as he chats with Adam Posner about his truly unique first job as a photographer's assistant, complete with tuxedo attire, film cartridges, and learning to navigate stressful wedding day dynamics. Adam shares hilarious and insightful lessons from his early days holding the flash, before diving into his career journey into recruiting and his current perspective on the chaotic hiring landscape. Listen in as Adam and Mike discuss the "white collar recession," the rise of AI in job applications, and the importance of self-awareness and strategic career pivots in today's competitive market. Plus, you'll even get a pro-tip for holding napkins and forks at networking events!

From Cold Calls to Corporate Recruiting w Keirsten Greggs - My First Job ep 12

Join Mike Wood in a special in-person episode from TA Week in San Diego as he chats with Keirsten Greggs of Trapper Cruder. Keirsten shares her surprising first job involving persuasive (and often unwelcome) telephone surveys and how that early experience built resilience and shaped her career. They delve into Keirsten's journey into recruiting "by mistake," her years in corporate, and the realities of today's tough job market, offering insights for recruiters and job seekers alike. Plus, they discuss navigating the complexities of defense contracting and the challenges of candidate experience in an increasingly tech-driven world.

From Dishwasher to HR Tech Guru w Sean Luitjens - My First Job ep 11

Discover the unconventional journey of Sean Luitjens, from washing dishes at the Elks Club to becoming a leading voice in HR tech. In this episode of My First Job, Sean shares how the customer service and time management skills he honed in the restaurant industry laid the foundation for his success. Hear about his serendipitous entry into HR at Monster, his passion for fixing and building, and his take on the transformative power of AI in today's HR tech landscape. Plus, get valuable advice for navigating your own career path and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

From Italian Restaurant to TA Week with Kara Mignanelli - My First Job Ep 10

In this episode, Mike welcomes Kara Mignanelli, the leader of TA Week, ahead of the upcoming event in San Diego. They discuss the significance of TA Week, insights into talent acquisition trends, and what attendees can expect. Whether you're in HR, recruiting, or just curious about the industry, this episode provides valuable perspectives from a key figure in the field. Tune in to get the inside scoop before the big event!