Скачать или смотреть Bryce Batts - Radical Candor: Leadership Success

Bryce Batts, co-founder of Career Collective, an AEC staffing firm, discusses leveraging culture, mentorship, and coaching for rapid growth.



Key Takeaways


Career Collective is a fast-growing AEC staffing firm founded in 2022, now with 20 employees across offices in Raleigh and Tampa
The company emphasizes culture-building through team activities, performance incentives, and a collaborative work environment
Key challenges included initial hiring mistakes and partner dynamics; solutions involved implementing structured hiring processes and defining clear roles
Bryce advocates for leveraging mentorship, coaching, and mastermind groups to support business growth and personal development


Topics


Company Overview and Growth


Founded Career Collective in early 2022, an AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) staffing firm
Grew from 2 to 20 employees in under 3 years
Offices in Raleigh (HQ) and Tampa, working with clients nationwide
Focus on permanent placements for degree-holding professionals, especially those with 3-8 years of experience


Hiring and Team Building Strategies


Initially made hiring mistakes due to rapid growth and inexperience
Implemented a 3-stage interview process:
1. 15-30 minute initial call with founders
2. Longer interview with Director of Operations, focusing on KPIs
3. In-person meeting with business partner and/or location director
Hire in "classes" of 4 for peer support and healthy competition
Emphasize culture fit alongside performance metrics


Company Culture and Benefits


Monthly team days for out-of-office activities
Annual President's Club trip (international, all-inclusive) for top performers
Holiday party in December (previously held in Pinehurst, NC)
Unlimited PTO policy
Hybrid work schedule (work from home Wednesdays and Fridays)
Production-based incentives (e.g., half-day Fridays)


Business Partnership Dynamics


Bryce and her co-founder were former competitors who learned to work collaboratively
Emphasize clear role definition: Bryce focuses on marketing and business development, while her partner excels in sales and floor management
Likened business partnership to a marriage, requiring ongoing communication and adjustment


Financial Management


Utilize a fractional CFO for financial guidance and hiring decisions
Emphasize understanding key financial metrics to avoid overextension during growth phases


Work-Life Balance for Entrepreneurs


Bryce balances business ownership with raising two daughters (ages 14 and 10)
Recommends setting clear boundaries around time and energy
Advocates for being fully present whether at work or with family
Utilizes career coaching and therapy to manage demands and improve leadership skills


Leveraging Mentorship and Personal Growth


Participates in a women's business mastermind group, meeting remotely with periodic in-person gatherings
Recommends seeking out mentors through professional networks or LinkedIn
Suggests leveraging free resources like books, podcasts, and online content for those unable to invest in paid coaching


Book Recommendation


"Radical Candor" by Kim Scott - Provides a framework for direct communication with care, building trust and promoting growth in business relationships


Next Steps


Bryce to consider potential podcast guests from her network, particularly her mastermind group
Matthew to include promotion of Bryce's podcast "Wine After Work" in the episode introduction
Matthew to send Bryce promotional materials (clips, thumbnails) for sharing once the episode is ready for release (estimated 6-8 weeks)
Interested listeners can connect with Bryce on LinkedIn or through the Career Collective website (MyCareerCollective.com) for recruiting needs or potential job opportunities