If one thing has become clear this season, it\u2019s that there is no formula to building the perfect team. But no one breaks the mold quite like this week\u2019s guest, Isaiah Granet, the co-founder and CEO of Bland. The voice AI startup has been growing at a breakneck speed but the founding team has taken their time to prioritize passion over pedigree and find their team members in places many might not think to look. <\/p>\n
In this episode, Isabelle Johannessen and Isaiah Granet unpack a radically different approach to hiring that prioritizes aligned work ethic, curiosity, and flexibility rather than resumes and connections. So far, that approach has worked for Bland. The scrappy team has gone from pre-seed to series B in less than a year. <\/p>\n
They discuss:
\n\ud83e\udde9 How to identify \u201chidden gem\u201d talent in unexpected places
\n\ud83e\udde9 The role of cold inbound and unconventional sourcing
\n\ud83e\udde9 When to hire ahead of need and when not to
\n\ud83e\udde9 How hiring philosophy shapes company culture at scale<\/p>\n
Apply to Startup Battlefield: We are looking for early-stage companies that have an MVP. So nominate a founder (or yourself): techcrunch.com\/apply. Be sure to say you heard about Startup Battlefield from the Build Mode podcast.
\nTechCrunch Disrupt: If you’re thinking about applying to Startup Battlefield, then October 13 to 15 in San Francisco, we’re back for TechCrunch Disrupt, where the Startup Battlefield 200 takes the stage. So if you want to cheer them on, or just network with 1000s of founders, VCs, and tech enthusiasts, then grab your tickets. <\/p>\n
Use code buildmode15 for 15% off any ticket type. <\/p>\n
Chapters:
\n00:00 \u2014 Hiring for Passion Over Pedigree
\n02:42 \u2014 Pivoting Into Voice AI
\n03:49 \u2014 Explosive Growth: Pre-Seed to Series B
\n05:00 \u2014 Surviving Hypergrowth
\n10:00 \u2014 Rethinking Hiring: Finding Hidden Talent
\n16:30 \u2014 Building and Scaling Culture
\n24:00 \u2014 Who to Hire (and When to Fire)
\n41:30 \u2014 Compensation, Equity, and Final Lessons<\/p>\n
New episodes of Build Mode drop every Thursday. Hosted by Isabelle Johannessen. Produced and edited by Maggie Nye. Audience development led by Morgan Little. Special thanks to the Foundry and Cheddar video teams.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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