Hiring For Good Podcast

Hosted by Suzanne Hanifin and Tanis Morris

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Jan 2026

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EN-US

About the show

A podcast exploring the transformative power of leadership & what happens when the right person takes the job. Hosted by Tanis Morris and Suzanne Hanifin. Presented by Acumen Executive Search https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com/

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51 recent

January 22, 202626 min

Fueling Portland’s Startup Ecosystem with Josh Carter of UpStart Collective - 51

Fueling Portland’s Startup Ecosystem with Josh Carter of UpStart Collective - 51On this episode of Hiring For Good, we sit down with Josh Carter, Co-Founder of UpStart Collective—Portland’s founder-focused accelerator creating a supportive home for early-stage entrepreneurs to launch, collaborate, and scale sustainable ventures. With two locations across the city and more than 170 founders served, UpStart has become a hub for innovation, mentorship, and meaningful economic impact. Josh shares his journey from the Navy to tech startups and accelerator programs, explores how community fuels growth through “happy collisions,” and unpacks what it truly means to hire for good. Hiring for Good is presented by Acumen Executive Search, the leading certified woman-owned executive search and advisory firm on the West Coast.Topics Discussed:Building Founder-First Ecosystems: How UpStart Collective supports entrepreneurs through affordable workspace, mentorship, and collaborative “happy collisions.”Leadership Through Experience: Josh’s journey from the Navy to tech startups—and how mission, values, and resilience shape great leaders.Hiring for Good in Practice: Why potential and alignment matter more than titles, and how diverse teams fuel innovation.UpStart Collective: https://www.upstartcollective.org/ Josh Carter’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcarter/ Hiring For Good Website: https://www.hiringforgoodpod.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-for-good-podcast/id1725208602Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/288s2urueV7xjlsFoYW8QNAcumen Executive Search Website: https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com/Suzanne Hanifin: President at Acumen Executive SearchEmail: suzanne@acumenexecutivesearch.comHiring for Good is presented by Acumen Executive Search. Acumen Executive Search is the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search and advisory Firm on the West Coast.Acumen sources, attracts, and qualifies world-class executive and management talent for organizations to support them in achieving their organizational goals. Due to their focus and local network, which is both broad and deep, we are able to leverage best practices across a broad range of industries. We employ an equity lens throughout the recruitment process.

January 8, 202632 min

Hiring for Good with Josh Johnston: Lessons from a Portland Restaurateur - Ep. 50

Hiring for Good with Josh Johnston: Lessons from a Portland Restaurateur - 50In this episode of Hiring for Good, we sit down with Josh Johnston, President of Independent Restaurant Concepts, to talk about what it takes to build community-rooted businesses in one of the most competitive hospitality cities in the country. Josh shares his path from sales to entrepreneurship, the leadership lessons that come with scaling from one location to many, and how values like “be nice,” “be memorable,” and “embrace community” shape the teams and experiences IRC is known for. He also gets candid about the realities of operating in Portland today—labor, loyalty, and the tax burden—and what “hiring for good” looks like when you’re building something meant to last.Topics Discussed:Josh Johnston’s path into entrepreneurship: from sales and high-tech burnout to bartending, opening his first bar (North 45), and growing Independent Restaurant Concepts to nine locations over ~20 years.The leadership shift that comes with scaling: moving from “shoulder-to-shoulder” coworker to being perceived as the boss, and learning how communication, boundaries, and expectations change as you expand.Building culture and strong teams in hospitality: hiring for character over experience, defining mission/values (“favorite neighbor,” work hard/be nice/be safe, be memorable, embrace community), and creating loyalty through genuine hospitality and community partnerships—while navigating Portland’s cost/tax pressures and keeping the business resilient post-2020.Independent Restaurant Concepts (IRC): https://www.irc-nw.com/restaurantsHiring For Good Website: https://www.hiringforgoodpod.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-for-good-podcast/id1725208602Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/288s2urueV7xjlsFoYW8QNAcumen Executive Search Website: https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com/Suzanne Hanifin: President at Acumen Executive SearchEmail: suzanne@acumenexecutivesearch.comHiring for Good is presented by Acumen Executive Search. Acumen Executive Search is the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search and advisory Firm on the West Coast.Acumen sources, attracts, and qualifies world-class executive and management talent for organizations to support them in achieving their organizational goals. Due to their focus and local network, which is both broad and deep, we are able to leverage best practices across a broad range of industries. We employ an equity lens throughout the recruitment process.

December 26, 202546 min

HFG: Valdez Bravo: From Army Lessons to Public Health Leadership - 49

In this episode of Hiring for Good, Suzanne Hanifin and Tanis Morris sit down with Valdez Bravo, Deputy Director of Operations at the Multnomah County Health Department and a lifelong public servant with more than 25 years in healthcare leadership. Valdez shares his journey from enlisting in the U.S. Army at 18 to leading complex public health and healthcare systems, reflecting on how military service, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness shaped his leadership philosophy.Topics Discussed:Valdez Bravo’s leadership journey in public service: From enlisting in the Army as a medical equipment repair technician, to leadership roles at the VA, to becoming Deputy Director of Operations at the Multnomah County Health Department—plus how mission-driven work shaped his career path.A practical leadership toolkit built on EQ and self-awareness: Why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership, how emotional intelligence shows up day-to-day, and how leaders can avoid common pitfalls like micromanaging, “because I said so” commanding, and constant pace-setting.How to build strong teams and culture (especially in complex systems): “Start with why,” set clear expectations and standards, create consistent communication rhythms (like regular huddles), build trust and belonging, and hire for complementary strengths (not clones) to improve performance and accountability.Hiring For Good Website: https://www.hiringforgoodpod.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-for-good-podcast/id1725208602Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/288s2urueV7xjlsFoYW8QNAcumen Executive Search Website: https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com/Suzanne Hanifin: President at Acumen Executive SearchEmail: suzanne@acumenexecutivesearch.comHiring for Good is presented by Acumen Executive Search. Acumen Executive Search is the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search and advisory Firm on the West Coast.Acumen sources, attracts, and qualifies world-class executive and management talent for organizations to support them in achieving their organizational goals. Due to their focus and local network, which is both broad and deep, we are able to leverage best practices across a broad range of industries. We employ an equity lens throughout the recruitment process.

December 11, 202524 min

HFG: Welcoming Farrah Burke: Acumen’s New Director of Business Development - 48

Hiring for Good is a podcast presented by Acumen Executive Search exploring the transformative power of leadership and what happens when the right person takes the job. In Episode 47 of Hiring For Good, Suzanne Hanifin and Tanis Morris sit down with Farrah Burke, Acumen’s new Director of Business Development.Hiring For Good Website: https://www.hiringforgoodpod.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-for-good-podcast/id1725208602Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/288s2urueV7xjlsFoYW8QNAcumen Executive Search Website: https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com/Suzanne Hanifin: President at Acumen Executive SearchEmail: suzanne@acumenexecutivesearch.comHiring for Good is presented by Acumen Executive Search. Acumen Executive Search is the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search and advisory Firm on the West Coast.Acumen sources, attracts, and qualifies world-class executive and management talent for organizations to support them in achieving their organizational goals. Due to their focus and local network, which is both broad and deep, we are able to leverage best practices across a broad range of industries. We employ an equity lens throughout the recruitment process.

November 25, 202523 min

HFG: Randy Reed on Leadership, Growth & Building Mission-Driven Companies - 47

Hiring for Good is a podcast presented by Acumen Executive Search exploring the transformative power of leadership and what happens when the right person takes the job. In Episode 47 of Hiring For Good, Suzanne Hanifin and Tanis Morris sit down with Randy Reed, former President of SAM Medical, to explore his remarkable career spanning public accounting, high-tech, and life-saving medical devices. Topics Discussed:Randy Reed’s nonlinear career journey from public accounting to high-tech leadership to serving as President of SAM Medical, including experiences with IPOs, acquisitions, and a major company sale.The evolution of his leadership philosophy — communication, inclusion, values alignment, and learning from both positive and negative examples throughout his early jobs and corporate career.Strategic team building and business growth at SAM Medical, including shifting R&D models, hiring key leaders, driving rapid revenue expansion, and maintaining a mission-driven culture that saves lives.Randy Reed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-reed-6b37a1116/Hiring For Good Website: https://www.hiringforgoodpod.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-for-good-podcast/id1725208602Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/288s2urueV7xjlsFoYW8QNAcumen Executive Search Website: https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com/Suzanne Hanifin: President at Acumen Executive SearchEmail: suzanne@acumenexecutivesearch.comHiring for Good is presented by Acumen Executive Search. Acumen Executive Search is the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search and advisory Firm on the West Coast.Acumen sources, attracts, and qualifies world-class executive and management talent for organizations to support them in achieving their organizational goals. Due to their focus and local network, which is both broad and deep, we are able to leverage best practices across a broad range of industries. We employ an equity lens throughout the recruitment process.

November 13, 202535 min

HFG: From Startup to Wealth Management—Hart Williams – 46

Hiring for Good is a podcast presented by Acumen Executive Search exploring the transformative power of leadership and what happens when the right person takes the job. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Hiring For Good Ep 46 with guest, Hart Williams, Managing Partner at Cloud Capital.Topics Discussed:-Hart’s nonlinear career path from advertising to tech startups to J.P. Morgan and Bessemer Trust, and eventually founding Cloud Capital.-The philosophy behind Cloud Capital—deep research, client-first service, scalable systems, and building intentionally rather than reacting quickly.-Leadership lessons on hiring without job postings, aligning values, empowering advisors, and designing a firm where people thrive long-term.Hiring For Good Website: https://www.hiringforgoodpod.com/Acumen Executive Search Website: https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com/Hart Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hartwilliams/ Suzanne Hanifin: President at Acumen Executive SearchEmail: suzanne@acumenexecutivesearch.comHiring for Good is presented by Acumen Executive Search. Acumen Executive Search is the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search and advisory Firm on the West Coast.Acumen sources, attracts, and qualifies world-class executive and management talent for organizations to support them in achieving their organizational goals. Due to their focus and local network, which is both broad and deep, we are able to leverage best practices across a broad range of industries. We employ an equity lens throughout the recruitment process.

October 23, 202532 min

HFG: Shannon Berg: Leading Through Crisis - 45

Hiring for Good is a podcast exploring the transformative power of leadership and what happens when the right person takes the job. Thank you for tuning in to this episode with our guest, Shannon Berg, APR, the Founder & CEO of Berg & Associates.About Shannon Berg, APR: https://bergassociatesnw.com/about/Berg & Associates : https://bergassociatesnw.com/Hiring For Good Website: https://www.hiringforgoodpod.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-for-good-podcast/id1725208602 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/288s2urueV7xjlsFoYW8QN Acumen Executive Search Website: https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com/Email: tanis@acumenexecutivesearch.comSuzanne Hanifin: President at Acumen Executive SearchEmail: suzanne@acumenexecutivesearch.comHiring for Good is presented by Acumen Executive Search. Acumen Executive Search is the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search and advisory Firm on the West Coast.Acumen sources, attracts, and qualifies world-class executive and management talent for organizations to support them in achieving their organizational goals. Due to their focus and local network, which is both broad and deep, we are able to leverage best practices across a broad range of industries. We employ an equity lens throughout the recruitment process.

October 9, 202525 min

HFG: Tanya L. Stewart, MD, MBA: From Hospice to Health Systems Transformation – 44

Hiring for Good is a podcast presented by Acumen Executive Search exploring the transformative power of leadership and what happens when the right person takes the job. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Hiring For Good Ep 44 with Dr. Tanya L. Stewart - Regional Medical Director at Aledade Inc.Topics Discussed:1. Dr. Stewart’s journey from hospice and palliative care to executive leadership—how early patient experiences shaped her mission to humanize medicine and lead with empathy.2. Building cultures of compassion and innovation—what she learned transforming organizations like UnitedHealth Group and Aledade through values-driven leadership.3. Mentorship, balance, and hiring for purpose—how to identify passion over ego, nurture diverse teams, and empower future healthcare leaders to lead with heart.Dr. Tanya L. Stewart’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyaluglianistewart/ Aledade's Website: https://aledade.com/Hiring For Good Website: https://www.hiringforgoodpod.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-for-good-podcast/id1725208602Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/288s2urueV7xjlsFoYW8QNAcumen Executive Search Website: https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com/Suzanne Hanifin: President at Acumen Executive SearchEmail: suzanne@acumenexecutivesearch.comHiring for Good is presented by Acumen Executive Search. Acumen Executive Search is the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search and advisory Firm on the West Coast.Acumen sources, attracts, and qualifies world-class executive and management talent for organizations to support them in achieving their organizational goals. Due to their focus and local network, which is both broad and deep, we are able to leverage best practices across a broad range of industries. We employ an equity lens throughout the recruitment process.

September 25, 202542 min

HFG: Paul Del Vecchio: Aligning Talent with Mission—What Hiring for Good Means - 43

Hiring for Good is a podcast exploring the transformative power of leadership and what happens when the right person takes the job. Thank you for tuning in to this episode with our guest Paul Delvecchio, CEO and co-founder of Ethos Companies.Topics Discussed:From Engineering to Entrepreneurship – Paul shares his path from construction and global real estate strategy at the U.S. State Department to co-founding and leading Ethos Companies.Building “Small Big Deals” – Insights into how Ethos brings institutional sophistication to mid-market development, brokerage, and property management projects.Hiring with Purpose – Why credentials matter, how values and cultural fit come into play, and what “Hiring for Good” means when aligning talent with organizational mission.Ethos Companies Website: https://ethoscompanies.com/Hiring For Good Website: https://www.hiringforgoodpod.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-for-good-podcast/id1725208602 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/288s2urueV7xjlsFoYW8QN Acumen Executive Search Website: https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com/

September 11, 202530 min

HFG: Eve Gray: Building Teams and Communities Through Trust - 42

HFG: Eve Gray: Building Teams and Communities Through Trust - 42Hiring for Good is a podcast presented by Acumen Executive Search exploring the transformative power of leadership and what happens when the right person takes the job. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Hiring For Good Ep 42 with Eve Gray, Director of Health and Human Services.-Topics Discussed:Career Path and Mentorship Eve shared her journey from nursing school to becoming Director of Health and Human Services for Lane County. She emphasized the importance of mentors and colleagues who recognized her potential, opening doors to opportunities she hadn’t envisioned for herself.-Leadership Lessons and Team Building Drawing from her early experiences leading large teams, Eve described how she shifted from being outcomes-focused to relationship-focused—building trust first, empowering her teams, and cultivating diverse leadership styles to create stronger, more resilient organizations.-Community Partnerships and Values-Driven Leadership Eve discussed how addressing complex issues like homelessness and behavioral health requires public-private collaboration. She also spoke about embedding values such as equity, respect, and work-life balance into leadership, showing how modeling flexibility and authenticity can strengthen organizational culture.Eve Gray’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eve-gray-21bb16132/Hiring For Good Website: https://www.hiringforgoodpod.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-for-good-podcast/id1725208602Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/288s2urueV7xjlsFoYW8QNAcumen Executive Search Website: https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com/Suzanne Hanifin: President at Acumen Executive SearchEmail: suzanne@acumenexecutivesearch.comHiring for Good is presented by Acumen Executive Search. Acumen Executive Search is the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search and advisory Firm on the West Coast.Acumen sources, attracts, and qualifies world-class executive and management talent for organizations to support them in achieving their organizational goals. Due to their focus and local network, which is both broad and deep, we are able to leverage best practices across a broad range of industries. We employ an equity lens throughout the recruitment process.