Tom Ryan with Brandt Handley - Hiring Advice from Tom [Podcast]

The foundation of any successful company lies in its people. Tom Ryan, CEO of Bigly Sales, understands this better than most. His approach to hiring goes beyond merely filling positions. It’s about identifying and nurturing talent that aligns with the company’s goals and culture.

By focusing on motivation, providing the right tools and training, and creating a positive work environment, Tom has built teams that are not only skilled but also deeply invested in their work. This is an extract from a podcast between Tom and Brandt Handley and is all about Tom’s exemplary hiring practices.

Good Hiring Practices

Hire for Drive and Passion: Tom Ryan believes that while skills can be taught, intrinsic motivation and drive are innate qualities that candidates must bring with them. He stresses the importance of identifying and hiring individuals who show genuine enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. This intrinsic motivation is often a better predictor of long-term success than technical skills alone.
Assessing for Cultural Fit: Ensuring that new hires align with the company’s values and culture is crucial. Tom emphasizes looking beyond resumes and technical qualifications to gauge a candidate’s fit within the team and the organization. Cultural fit can significantly impact employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention.
Behavioral Interview Techniques: To identify motivated candidates, Tom advocates using behavioral interview questions that reveal past behaviors and attitudes. Questions such as, “Can you describe a time when you went above and beyond your job duties?” can provide insights into a candidate’s work ethic and intrinsic motivation.
Equip for Success: Once motivated individuals are hired, it’s essential to provide them with the right tools and resources to perform their jobs effectively. This includes access to modern technology, software, and any other tools relevant to their roles. Tom believes that a well-equipped employee is a productive and confident employee.
Comprehensive Training Programs: Tom underscores the importance of robust training programs to ensure employees are well-prepared to tackle their responsibilities. Training should be continuous, covering both initial onboarding and ongoing professional development. Effective training programs can enhance skill sets, boost confidence, and improve overall job performance.
Mentorship and Support: In addition to formal training, Tom suggests implementing mentorship programs where new hires are paired with experienced employees. This can facilitate knowledge transfer, provide support, and help new employees acclimate to the company culture more quickly.
Define Roles Clearly: Clarity in job descriptions and responsibilities is vital. Tom advocates for clearly defined roles so that employees know what is expected of them. This reduces confusion and helps employees focus on their specific tasks and objectives.
Goal Setting and Performance Metrics: Establishing clear goals and performance metrics is crucial for tracking progress and ensuring accountability. Tom recommends setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to provide employees with a clear direction and benchmarks for success.
Regular Feedback and Reviews: Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions are essential for continuous improvement. Tom highlights the importance of constructive feedback that recognizes achievements and addresses areas for improvement. This ongoing dialogue helps employees stay on track and aligned with the company’s objectives.
Foster a Collaborative Culture: Tom emphasizes the importance of creating a collaborative and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued and supported. Encouraging teamwork and open communication can lead to increased innovation and job satisfaction.
Recognize and Reward Effort: Acknowledging and rewarding hard work and achievements is key to maintaining motivation. Tom suggests implementing recognition programs that celebrate employee contributions, whether through formal awards, bonuses, or simple acts of appreciation.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Ensuring employees have a healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term productivity and well-being. Tom advocates for policies that support flexible working hours, remote work options, and other initiatives that help employees manage their personal and professional lives effectively.

Follow Your Passion

Identify Your Interests: Tom Ryan emphasizes the importance of discovering what truly excites you. This process often involves exploring various fields and activities to determine where your genuine interests lie. Whether it’s a specific industry, type of work, or particular skill set, identifying what you love can set the foundation for a fulfilling career.
Align Work with Personal Values: Pursuing a career that aligns with your personal values and beliefs can lead to greater satisfaction and purpose. Tom advises individuals to reflect on what matters most to them and seek opportunities that resonate with their core values. This alignment can drive deeper engagement and motivation.
Long-Term Fulfillment: Engaging in work that you are passionate about ensures long-term fulfillment and prevents burnout. Tom highlights that when you love what you do, work becomes more than just a job—it becomes a source of joy and personal growth. This passion can sustain you through challenges and inspire continuous improvement.
Enhanced Productivity: Passionate individuals tend to be more productive and committed to their work. Tom believes that when you enjoy your job, you’re more likely to put in the extra effort, think creatively, and strive for excellence. This dedication can lead to better performance and career advancement.
Positive Attitude: Working in a field you love fosters a positive attitude, which can have a ripple effect on your overall well-being. Tom points out that job satisfaction contributes to mental and emotional health, making you more resilient and capable of handling stress.
Stay Ahead with AI: Tom underscores the importance of staying updated with the latest technologies, particularly AI. He compares mastering AI today to learning the internet in the 90s, stressing that those who invest time in understanding AI will have a significant advantage. This knowledge not only enhances your skill set but also opens up new career opportunities.
Adapt and Evolve: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and adapting to changes is crucial for long-term success. Tom encourages a mindset of continuous learning and flexibility. By staying curious and open to new ideas, you can remain relevant and competitive in your field.
Embrace Uncertainty: Following your passion often involves stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks. Tom advises embracing uncertainty and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. Taking calculated risks can lead to new experiences, learning opportunities, and breakthroughs in your career.
Innovative Thinking: Passion-driven individuals are more likely to think creatively and innovate. Tom believes that when you are passionate about your work, you’re more willing to experiment, take bold steps, and challenge the status quo. This innovative thinking can lead to significant advancements and success.
Connect with Like-Minded Individuals: Building a network of like-minded professionals who share your passion can provide support, inspiration, and collaboration opportunities. Tom emphasizes the value of surrounding yourself with people who understand and encourage your goals. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and foster mutually beneficial relationships.
Mentorship and Guidance: Seeking mentorship from experienced individuals in your field can provide valuable insights and accelerate your growth. Tom suggests finding mentors who share your passion and can offer guidance, support, and practical advice based on their own experiences.
Make a Difference: Following your passion often leads to work that makes a meaningful impact. Tom highlights that passionate individuals are more likely to contribute positively to their industry, community, or society. This sense of purpose can drive you to achieve more and leave a lasting legacy.
Inspire Others: Your passion can inspire and motivate those around you. Tom believes that when you are passionate about your work, it shows in your attitude and actions, influencing others to pursue their passions and strive for excellence.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Mastering Essential Skills: Tom Ryan emphasizes the critical importance of mastering AI, likening its current relevance to the early days of the internet in the 1990s. Understanding AI technology and its applications can provide a significant competitive edge in virtually any industry. By becoming proficient in AI, individuals can open up new career opportunities and stay ahead of technological advancements.
Invest in Education: Continuous learning means actively seeking out educational resources to keep up with technological advancements. This can include online courses, certifications, workshops, and seminars. Tom encourages investing time and resources into learning about AI and other emerging technologies to enhance your skill set and marketability.
Embrace Change: The business landscape is in a constant state of flux, driven by technological innovations and market dynamics. Tom stresses the importance of being adaptable and open to change. Embracing change rather than resisting it can lead to new opportunities and growth.
Flexible Mindset: Adopting a flexible mindset means being willing to pivot and adjust your strategies as needed. Tom believes that flexibility is key to staying relevant and competitive. This includes being open to new ideas, experimenting with different approaches, and learning from both successes and failures.
Foster a Learning Environment: Tom advocates for creating a culture of lifelong learning within organizations. This involves encouraging employees to pursue continuous education and providing them with the necessary resources and support. A learning culture not only enhances individual skills but also drives overall organizational innovation and success.
Encourage Curiosity: Curiosity is a powerful driver of continuous learning. Tom suggests fostering an environment where employees feel encouraged to ask questions, explore new areas, and seek out knowledge. Curiosity leads to deeper understanding and can spark innovative ideas.
Stay Informed: Keeping up with industry trends and news is crucial for continuous learning. Tom recommends regularly reading industry publications, following thought leaders, and participating in relevant online communities. Staying informed helps you anticipate changes and adapt accordingly.
Hands-On Experience: Practical, hands-on experience is one of the most effective ways to learn. Tom encourages actively applying new knowledge and skills in real-world situations. This can include working on projects, experimenting with new tools, and engaging in practical problem-solving.
Learn from Peers: Networking with professionals in your field can provide valuable insights and learning opportunities. Tom highlights the importance of building a network of knowledgeable peers who can share their experiences and expertise. Collaboration with others can enhance your understanding and expose you to different perspectives.
Join Professional Groups: Participating in professional organizations and groups can offer access to resources, events, and a community of like-minded individuals. These groups often provide opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development.
Seek Constructive Feedback: Continuous learning involves regularly seeking feedback on your performance and using it to improve. Tom advises being open to constructive criticism and using it as a tool for growth. Feedback can highlight areas for improvement and guide how to enhance your skills.
Reflect on Experiences: Taking the time to reflect on your experiences is essential for continuous learning. Tom suggests regularly evaluating your actions, decisions, and outcomes to identify lessons learned. Reflection helps you understand what worked, what didn’t, and how you can apply those insights moving forward.
Set Learning Objectives: Setting clear, achievable learning goals can help guide your continuous education efforts. Tom recommends identifying specific areas you want to improve and creating a plan to achieve those objectives. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your goals can keep you focused and motivated.
Balance Learning and Application: Striking a balance between learning new information and applying it in practical settings is key. Tom advises integrating continuous learning into your daily routine and finding ways to immediately implement new knowledge. This balance ensures that learning is relevant and actionable.
Monitor Technological Trends: Keeping an eye on technological advancements and industry trends is crucial for adaptation. Tom emphasizes the need to stay updated on new developments and understand how they impact your field. This awareness allows you to proactively adapt to changes and seize new opportunities.
Agile Approach: Adopting an agile approach to work means being able to quickly adapt to changes and new information. Tom advocates for flexibility in planning and execution, allowing for adjustments as new insights and technologies emerge. An agile approach helps you stay responsive and resilient in a rapidly changing environment.