An Unusual Interview Process That WORKS with 1440 Media's Tim Huelskamp
What does it really take to build a high-performing team—especially when that team is fully remote? In this episode of How I Turned the Corner , Kendra Prospero sits down with Tim Huelskamp, CEO of 1440 Media, the bootstrapped news and knowledge company reaching nearly 5 million readers across the United States. Before building 1440, Tim spent a decade in private equity, where he learned a lesson that would shape the way he leads today: the team you build can be one of the biggest drivers of a company’s value. Tim shares how 1440 creates a culture built around intellectual curiosity, ownership, transparency, flexibility, and trust—and why leaders should hire exceptional people, invest in their development, and then get out of their way. You’ll also hear the three qualities 1440 looks for in every hire, how the company makes remote work actually work, and the unusual “mock board meeting” Tim uses during the interview process to see candidates in action before making an offer. In this conversation: Why hiring the right people can transform an entire company The three qualities Tim looks for in every 1440 hire Why passion for the work matters so much How transparency helps employees think beyond their individual roles How 1440 builds connection across a fully remote workforce Why autonomy and trust are central to its culture How remote work dramatically expands the available talent pool Why small businesses can’t afford to get hiring wrong The mock board meeting 1440 uses to evaluate candidates How to assess culture fit based on behaviors instead of predictable interview answers Whether you’re a founder, business owner, people leader, or hiring manager, this episode offers a practical look at how intentional hiring and leadership can create a team where talented people are equipped to do their best work.
