What is the true cost of a bad hire for your company?

In this episode, we’re joined by Akbar Karenga, founder of Maarusi, a talent and people consultancy driven by his passion for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Akbar is an expert in high-stakes hiring and shares powerful tips for founders who need to hire fast without skipping steps.

Together, we discuss:

• The key difference between hiring to grow versus hiring to simply keep up.
• When to bring in pro recruiters and how to create an effective, unbiased hiring process.
• The hidden financial and cultural costs of a bad hire—and how to avoid them.

Connect with Akbar Karenga on LinkedIn for more hiring strategies and insights.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

What does it really take to scale beyond the early wins?

For founders who’ve already seen a degree of success, reaching the next level means facing new challenges, and Keven Lavelle, founder of Harbor and Mizzen + Main knows all about it.

He’s taken both companies to impressive heights, from securing a spot on Time Magazine’s 2024 Best Inventions list to hitting hundreds of millions in revenue!

Together, we dive in:

• How joining a founder forum can offer you unmatched support & accountability– and where to find them!
• The differences between founding your first and second startup—and why experience doesn’t always mean an easier road ahead.
• Lessons learned in building a peer network that challenges you to make better decisions, see blind spots, and avoid common scaling mistakes.

Stay updated on Kevin's journey of building Harbor by following him on LinkedIn.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges of starting and scaling a business?

In this episode, we’re joined by Bob Bowdon, founder and CEO of VidaFair, a pay-per-stream video platform. Bob has worked as a reporter and producer for companies such as Bloomberg, Choice Media, and PBS.

Together, we explore:

• How leveraging your immediate network can make all the difference in hiring.

• The importance of embracing a sustainable growth mindset for long-term success.

• Knowing when it's time to pivot in your entrepreneurial journey.

For more insights connect with Bob Bowdon on LinkedIn and explore his work at VidaFair.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com