Libsyn Directory

Build Series EP.5: The Role of Talent in High Performing Teams with Jake Dancyger and Cyrus Symoom - EP.259

Think Like an Owner

Release Date: 02/18/2025

Richard Emery - Building Private Jet Sales Teams [Replay]

Think Like an Owner

Alex (@Aebridgeman) is joined by Richard Emery (@Richardemery2).

Evolving Dynamics of Engine Programs with Delray Dobbins - EP.268

Think Like an Owner

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Delray Dobbins, Director of Sales at Engine Assurance Program (EAP), to dive into one of the most overlooked yet essential components of business aviation: jet engine maintenance programs. With a career spanning Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, and now EAP, Delray brings a deep and practical perspective on the engine lifecycle—and what operators need to understand to avoid million-dollar surprises.

Governance and Family Harmony in Business (From EP.267)

Think Like an Owner

Watch the full episode with Dave Whorton here - https://youtu.be/KPcgK3lm-mw

Building Evergreen Companies with Dave Whorton - EP.267

Think Like an Owner

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Dave Whorton, founder of Tugboat Institute and author of Another Way, to explore a different path for entrepreneurs—one built on permanence, purpose, and long-term thinking. After an early career in venture capital and tech startups, Dave walked away from the high-growth, high-exit model to focus on what he calls “Evergreen companies.”

Henry Schuck - Creating Ambitious Teams at ZoomInfo - EP.266 [Replay]

Think Like an Owner

My guest today is Henry Schuck, founder and CEO at ZoomInfo, one of the most successful data businesses in recent times with a market cap today around $12B. I’ve been looking forward to this podcast for a long time because Henry has proven to be an effective founder, acquirer, and public CEO capital allocator, which is a rare combination of skills to find in a single CEO. He’s thought very deeply about building high performing organizations, sales functions, and how his own role needs to evolve as the c

How Flying in America Lost it's "shine"

Think Like an Owner

From Episode 265 with Erika Armstrong. Watch the full video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Nc2vgTLhbYA

A Tour of Aviation Safety with Erika Armstrong - EP.265

Think Like an Owner

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Erika Armstrong, a pilot, author, and aviation expert whose career has taken her from corporate jets to major airlines to the university classroom. Erika shares stories from her early days in aviation, from sleeping on crash pads with seven other pilots to flying charter flights into some of the most challenging airports in the country.

AI Breakthroughs in the Distribution Sector (From Ep.264)

Think Like an Owner

Watch the full episode here - https://youtu.be/GTxWeRXap9Q

Katie Poehling Seymour - Inside a 5th Generation Distribution Giant - EP.264

Think Like an Owner

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Kathryn Poehling Seymour, President and CEO of First Supply, a fifth-generation, family-owned distribution business with over 700 employees and 53 locations across the Midwest. We cover everything from leading a 128-year-old company through generational transition to building one of the largest distribution centers in company history.

Hill Hamrick on Relentless Prioritization (From Episode 263)

Think Like an Owner

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/UTNl0xeSgZY

More Episodes

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, we’re tackling one of the most critical elements of scaling a business—building a world-class talent engine. Joining me are Jake Dancyger and Cyrus Symoom, co-CEOs of Clariti, who have spent the last five years growing their company from 20 employees to over 120.

We break down the entire talent lifecycle, from sourcing and hiring top performers to coaching, retaining, and structuring career growth for long-term success. They share the hard lessons learned, including early hiring mistakes, the art of title progression, and how they shifted from scrappy startup hiring to a structured, high-performance talent strategy.

We also dive into:

- How to identify rising stars within your company before looking externally.

- The right way to leverage your board to attract top-tier talent.

- Why transparency in compensation and equity is key to long-term retention.

- The "swarm approach" they use to close top candidates with peer and board involvement.

- The biggest interviewing mistakes they’ve corrected over time.

If you’re a CEO or leader looking to build and scale an elite team, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you won’t want to miss!

Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.

Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/

Links:

Clariti Software - https://www.claritisoftware.com/

Jake on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakedancyger/

Cyrus on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrus-symoom-68a90450/

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:04:44) - Introducing Cyrus and Jake

(00:06:25) - Talent development, acquisition, and integration

(00:13:29) - Common objections from talented prospects

(00:17:07)- Role/Title Guidelines and structures

(00:21:06) - Involving boards and investors in recruiting

(00:23:51) - What tends to win talent in 2025?

(00:27:08) - Interview processes

(00:29:42) - Setting outcomes

(00:32:28) - How should CEOs involve themselves in interviewing?

(00:34:46) - Crafting Culture questions

(00:39:42) - Closing on a candidate

(00:43:54) - Comp plans

(00:46:34) - Onboarding and performance measurements

(00:52:14) - Designing career paths

(00:57:18) - Communication styles

TOPICS