In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, I sit down with Mitch McDermott, founder of Talent Ascension, to unpack what is really happening in today’s job market and why so many candidates and companies feel stuck.

Mitch shares his unconventional journey from the car business to building a successful executive search firm, including a bold move to Australia that reshaped his career and worldview. Along the way, we dig into how recruiting has evolved, how AI is changing hiring, and why automation has stripped too much humanity out of the process.

We talk about:

• Why hiring has started to feel like dating apps
• How generational shifts are changing expectations at work
• The dangers of over-automating recruiting with AI
• Why companies should hire for potential, not just resumes
• How job seekers can stand out in a crowded, impersonal market
• What it really means to connect with candidates on a human level

This conversation is especially relevant if you are a job seeker, founder, executive, recruiter, or leader trying to hire better people in a rapidly changing market.

Key Takeaways

• Recruiting is about alignment, not just filling roles
• Different industries require different hiring strategies
• Hiring for potential matters more than checking boxes
• Generational shifts accelerated after COVID
• AI is powerful, but it can create unintended barriers
• Mindset, resilience, and accountability drive long-term success
• Relationships still beat algorithms in hiring

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mitch McDermott

02:17 From the Car Business to Australia

05:33 Breaking Into Executive Search

11:06 Recruitment Styles by Industry

13:48 Consulting Companies on Hiring Strategy

17:27 The Reverse Interview Process

20:34 Generational Shifts in the Job Market

22:29 In-Demand Skills Today

23:27 Changes in Sales Organizations

24:19 AI’s Role in Recruiting

27:51 Personal Growth and Inspiration

30:08 Mindset and Resiliency in Business

33:11 Accountability and Leadership

35:03 Books That Shape High Performers

38:41 Why the Job Search System Is Broken

41:16 Bringing Humanity Back to Hiring

Sound Bites

• “The job search system is broken.”
• “We lost the humanity in hiring.”
• “Hiring feels like dating apps now.”

Connect with Mitch McDermott

🌐 Website https://www.talentascension.com/

🔗 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-mcdermott-ba409387/

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🎵 Music by C€$ https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww

In this special 100th episode milestone, Dustin sits down with his 12-year-old son, Charlie Sutton, for a fun and insightful conversation about growing up, youth sports, public speaking, and the world kids navigate today.

Charlie reflects on how his early public speaking experiences in elementary school built his confidence and why he enjoys presenting ideas more than doing skits or dances. He talks about the friendships he’s made through youth sports, the teamwork lessons that shaped him, and how YouTube and streaming culture influence kids his age.

The conversation also opens up about real life challenges. Middle school nerves. Taking risks. Trying new things. And Charlie’s humorous but honest take on chores, responsibility, and what parents should probably not trust kids with.

It’s a lighthearted, thoughtful look at personal growth from a young perspective and a meaningful father son moment to celebrate 100 episodes.

Takeaways

• Public speaking started for Charlie in third grade and sparked a love for sharing ideas.
• Youth sports helped him grow through teamwork, friendships, and competing with confidence.
• He prefers giving presentations over performing skits or dances.
• Middle school brings new experiences he’s excited to explore.
• Meeting new people through sports has been one of his favorite parts of growing up.
• Taking risks matters because life is short and every chance teaches you something.
• Personal connections matter more than winning.
• He offers some playful advice for parents about chores: “Don't trust us.”

Sound Bites

• "Don't trust us."
• "I probably gonna forget."

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Milestones: The 100th Episode

05:39 Exploring Sports and Team Experiences

11:26 The Impact of YouTube and Streaming Culture

16:49 Anticipating Future Experiences

22:33 Reflections on Responsibility and Parenting

33:44 The Journey of Public Speaking and Confidence

39:07 Exploring Sports and Team Experiences

45:10 Life Lessons from Youth Sports

47:53 The Influence of YouTube and Streaming Culture

54:33 Looking Ahead: Aspirations and New Experiences

Follow Tools, Talents & Techniques

🌍 Website: https://toolstalentstechniques.com

📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@DustinCSutton

Subscribe for weekly conversations with top performers, leaders, innovators, and creatives across industries.

If you enjoyed this episode, drop a comment, share it with someone who would appreciate it, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/

Music Provided By C€$ (Charlie Sutton!)

🎵 https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww

In this episode, Dustin Sutton sits down with Neil Soskin, a veteran in commercial real estate with nearly 40 years of experience as an advisor, coach, and leader. Neil shares his journey from CPA to trusted CRE advisor, opening up about the mentors, lessons, and mindset shifts that shaped his career. His approach blends the technical world of real estate with mindfulness, personal growth, and a deep commitment to meaningful relationships.

Neil reflects on the role spirituality and daily mindfulness have played in his life, how coaching became an extension of servant leadership, and why generational transitions in family businesses require patience, clarity, and intentional communication. He also talks openly about failure, identity, and why defining your personal vision is one of the most important investments you can make.

Walk away with insight into leadership, personal growth, emotional intelligence, and the importance of slowing down to become more effective in both business and life.

Takeaways

🏢 Nearly 40 years of commercial real estate experience

✨ Transitioned from CPA to CRE after guidance from a mentor

🤝 Relationships are the core of any successful real estate career

🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness and meditation help anchor daily decision making

Coaching is most impactful when grounded in servant leadership Generational transitions carry emotional and structural complexity

🗣️ Communication is key when navigating family business dynamics

Failure teaches powerful lessons when approached with awareness

🎯 Intentional vision setting supports personal and professional fulfillment

The journey of growth is as important as any outcome

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neil Soskin

02:05 Early Life and Career Beginnings

05:09 Transition from CPA to Commercial Real Estate

10:47 Tools, Talents, and Techniques in Leadership

12:03 Spiritual Awakening and Mindfulness

23:04 Coaching and Advising in Real Estate

25:31 Generational Transition in Family Businesses

27:33 Navigating Family Business Dynamics

32:39 The Importance of Relationships in Business

35:26 Lessons from Personal Experiences

38:07 Growth Through Discomfort

42:14 Redefining Failure and Identity

49:33 Vision and Intentionality in Life

Connect with Neil

🌐 Website: www.neilsoskin.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-soskin-29a0b835/

FOLLOW TOOLS, TALENTS & TECHNIQUES

🌍 https://toolstalentstechniques.com

📺 https://youtube.com/@dustincsutton

Subscribe for weekly conversations with top performers, leaders, innovators, and creatives across industries.

If you enjoyed this episode, drop a comment, share it with someone who would appreciate it, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/

Enjoy the vibes and inspiration with music provided by C€$: 🎵 https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww

@the3Tpod X: https://twitter.com/the3tpod