From matching algorithms and cost optimization to the cultural realities of why companies resist change, Paul Endacott explains how AI and globalization are colliding to reshape how every company builds its team.

In the Generalists Episode 49 with Paul Endacott we unpack how automation is rewriting the economics of hiring, why global talent hubs from Vietnam to the Philippines are transforming access to skilled workers, and what “grit” really means in a world where technology can do most of the work. Paul shares twenty years of recruitment lessons — from launching Grit Search one month before COVID to building Freshly Baked into a cross-border hiring engine — and how founders, employers, and professionals can future-proof themselves in this new talent economy.

📖 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How the Grit Search Talent Platform evolved into Freshly Baked
• Why traditional recruitment models failed to adapt to AI and automation
• The economics behind $20 K placements vs $1 K automated matches
• How companies are tapping Malaysia, Vietnam & the Philippines for talent
• Why the next edge is “borderless recruitment” — and how to leverage it
• How founders and professionals can build career resilience in an AI-driven world

👥 Hosts

• Michael Smith Jr.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp
• Raz Kotler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/

👤 Guest

• Paul Endacott — Founder & CEO of GRIT & Freshly Baked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulendacott/

🔔 If you’re fascinated by the intersection of AI, recruitment, and global workforces — and want to hear how founders are rewriting the rules of hiring — hit subscribe and turn on notifications!

👉👉👉 Subscribe Now: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGeneralistsPodcast

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

🚀 Companies & Platforms

• Grit Search(Recruitment & Search): https://www.gritsearch.com/
• Freshly Baked (Global Talent Platform): https://freshlybaked.io/
• Deel (EOR Platform): https://www.deel.com/
• Multiplier (Global Hiring): https://www.usemultiplier.com/
• Remote (Global Employment Platform): https://remote.com/
• Squads (Team Extension Platform): https://www.squads.com/

🌏 Markets & Ecosystem References

• Philippines Tech Talent Market Overview – World Bank: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/philippines
• Vietnam Digital Workforce Report – Google & Temasek: https://economysea.withgoogle.com/
• Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint – MDEC: https://mdec.my/

📚 Books & Ideas

• Grit by Angela Duckworth: https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth/dp/1501111108

• Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299

🧠 Concepts & Frameworks

• AI Automation in Recruitment – McKinsey Insights: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/the-future-of-recruiting
• Global Talent Mobility & EOR Models – PwC Report: https://www.pwc.com/globaltalentmobility