When marketing technology expert Anuvind Kanwal hired Johana as an intern, he couldn't have predicted how she would revolutionize their CRM processes at Estee Lauder-or how profoundly she would transform his leadership approach. This episode uncovers the tension between standardized hiring procedures and identifying genuine talent, illustrated through Anuvind's candid recounting of nearly missing an exceptional hire. Listeners will gain insights into talent identification, effective mentorship, and the critical balance between empowerment and guidance. Particularly valuable for hiring managers navigating today's AI-transformed landscape, Anuvind offers a compelling case for prioritizing adaptability and potential over conventional qualifications. His Muhammad Ali-inspired philosophy that "will is better than skill" provides a refreshing framework for talent development. Subscribe to My Best Hire for more stories like this.

Links & Resources

🎙 Listen to More Episodes: https://www.effectv.ai/mybesthire

🔗 Rajeev Soni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajsoni/

🔗 Anuvind Kanwal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanwalanuvind/

🔗 Johana Rosadio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanarosadio/

📄 Read the Blog Post on Effectv: https://www.effectv.ai/mybesthire/episode/267f8bb2/e09-one-minute-decision-that-changed-two-careers-or-anuvind-kanwal

📲 Follow My Best Hire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybesthire/

Key Takeaways:

• Potential over pedigree: Hiring for inherent drive and capability to grow rather than perfect credentials or interview performance.

• Will over skill: The Muhammad Ali-inspired philosophy that determination is more valuable than technical proficiency.

• Bi-directional mentorship: Effective management creates mutual learning between mentor and mentee.

• Interview vs. role fit: Great talent might not excel at standardized interview processes but can transform organizations.

• Strategic visibility: Learning when to be visible in large organizations is critical for career advancement.

• Valuable questioning: The best team members don't just execute tasks but ask challenging questions that improve processes.

• Adaptability as survival: In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, being adaptable is more important than being skilled.

• Autonomy with guidance: Empowering team members while providing direction creates exceptional performance.

Must-Listen Quotes

• "The will is better than the skill... there are like 5,000 things I don't know that I can learn. But if I don't even have the will, I can't even do one of them."

• "Am I hiring for the interview or am I hiring for the role? I'm not hiring someone who cracks great interviews because every second person can do that."

• "Managing someone or mentoring someone is a two-way street... If it's only unidirectional, it's not working."

• "I don't need people who are always saying yes to whatever I say. I want people who challenge me because maybe I'm not thinking in the right direction."

• "Skills are quite transferable and you can easily pick up those skills. But if you don't have the will, I'm sorry, I can't get you the will."

• "It's not the survival of the strongest or the smartest... it's actually the survival of the most adaptable."