EPISODE #8
Smarter Hiring in 2025: The Non-Negotiables for Scaling Teams episode artwork
In this episode of Hire Smart and Scale Fast, Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda dive deep into the biggest hiring challenges startups face in 2025. With applications per role skyrocketing by 182% since 2021, founders are overwhelmed by volume—but still struggling to find the right people. Eric and Hunter break down the key traits of successful hires, including: ✔️ Innovation ✔️ Mission alignment ✔️ Ownership mentality ✔️ Resourcefulness ✔️ Strong job history They share actionable strategies for vetting smarter, reducing bad hires, and building teams that scale—plus why posting salary in your job ads is a game-changer. If you’re a founder, HR leader, or recruiter, this episode will help you rethink how you hire and who you’re really looking for. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & the challenge of hiring smart 01:15 – 182% increase in applications per hire 04:00 – Why salary transparency matters 05:17 – The power of resourceful people 06:13 – What your resume really says about you 10:47 – How to screen for innovation 13:01 – Hiring for mission, not just money 15:39 – Ownership mentality: what to ask in interviews 17:00 – The #1 interview question that reveals long-term fit 21:06 – Two hiring horror stories you’ll never forget About the show: Hire Smart helps business leaders build teams that scale smart and stay strong. Hosted by Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda, the show offers actionable insights into hiring, company culture, and leadership in the age of rapid growth and AI-driven transformation. Subscribe and learn how to hire better, lead stronger, and grow smarter. More episodes: hiresmartpodcast.com Follow Eric Farber on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericfarber123 Follow Hunter Miranda on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/huntermiranda
Discover All
Our Podcast Episodes
EPISODE: #11
Why Smart Hiring Can’t Save a Broken Middle ClassJul 08, 2025
In this episode, we explore the rise and decline of the middle class in the U.S., considered by many to be one of the country’s most impactful creations—and now one of its greatest losses. The conversation contrasts the wealth and legacy of today’s billionaires with those of the past, raising important questions about economic responsibility, social contribution, and the long-term impact of hiring and leadership decisions. How do we build companies—and societies—that serve more than just the few? Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:05 – The American middle class: invention or accident? 03:42 – What happened after 1980 05:10 – Billionaires then vs. now 07:30 – Musk’s rise to $300 billion 08:00 – Legacy, giving back, and public trust 09:00 – Reflections on wealth and responsibility 10:22 – Closing thoughts About the show: Hire Smart helps business leaders build teams that scale smart and stay strong. Hosted by Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda, the show offers actionable insights into hiring, company culture, and leadership in the age of rapid growth and AI-driven transformation. Subscribe and learn how to hire better, lead stronger, and grow smarter. More episodes: hiresmartpodcast.com Follow Eric Farber on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericfarber123 Follow Hunter Miranda on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/huntermiranda
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE
EPISODE: #10
Fix Your Hiring Funnel with Clear Candidate ...Jul 03, 2025
In this episode of Hire Smart | Scale Fast, hosts Hunter Miranda and Eric Farber break down a critical — and often ignored — part of the hiring process: candidate communication. Did you know 50% of applicants expect regular updates, yet 80% never hear back after applying? Learn why this is costing you top talent and how to fix it. They also explore: Why treating candidates like customers matters The role of AI in recruiting — what works and what still needs a human touch How to build long-term hiring strategies that create future leaders Whether you're scaling your startup or improving your recruitment funnel, this episode delivers valuable, actionable insights. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Puppies, podcast growth & sunny Oakland 00:36 – The #1 mistake small companies make after interviews 01:59 – Why transparent hiring processes create better hires 02:55 – 80% of candidates never hear back—why that’s hurting your brand 04:35 – Can AI do your candidate follow-up? 05:38 – Where AI helps (and where it can’t replace humans) 06:59 – Listening to candidates: what most companies miss 07:45 – Long-term hiring vision: recruiting future leaders 08:46 – Why recruiting is just client experience in disguise 09:02 – Final thoughts + call to action About the show: Hire Smart helps business leaders build teams that scale smart and stay strong. Hosted by Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda, the show offers actionable insights into hiring, company culture, and leadership in the age of rapid growth and AI-driven transformation. Subscribe and learn how to hire better, lead stronger, and grow smarter. More episodes: hiresmartpodcast.com Follow Eric Farber on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericfarber123 Follow Hunter Miranda on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/huntermiranda
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE
EPISODE: #9
First 90 Days: How to Set Your New Hires Up for ...Jul 02, 2025
In Episode 9 of Hire Smart and Scale Fast, Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda unpack the critical importance of a new hire’s first 90 days. From psychological insights to tactical onboarding strategies, this episode outlines how early experiences shape long-term retention and performance. You’ll learn why onboarding is one of the most overlooked drivers of culture, how remote teams require a different approach, and why failing to create momentum early on could cost your business its best people. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or your hundredth, this episode is packed with frameworks, stats, and real-world examples that will elevate your onboarding process and strengthen your company culture. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & topics 00:32 – Importance of first 90 days 00:50 – Onboarding stat (30% drop-off) 01:50 – Power of Moments insight 03:16 – 30/60/90 framework 03:46 – 30-day reflection emails 05:22 – Remote team stat (20% more contact) 06:10 – Creating connection remotely 06:41 – Culture > convenience 08:11 – Client red flags 09:55 – Outro & wrap-up About the show: Hire Smart helps business leaders build teams that scale smart and stay strong. Hosted by Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda, the show offers actionable insights into hiring, company culture, and leadership in the age of rapid growth and AI-driven transformation. Subscribe and learn how to hire better, lead stronger, and grow smarter. More episodes: hiresmartpodcast.com Follow Eric Farber on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericfarber123 Follow Hunter Miranda on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/huntermiranda
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE
EPISODE: #8
Smarter Hiring in 2025: The Non-Negotiables for Scaling ...Jul 01, 2025
In this episode of Hire Smart and Scale Fast, Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda dive deep into the biggest hiring challenges startups face in 2025. With applications per role skyrocketing by 182% since 2021, founders are overwhelmed by volume—but still struggling to find the right people. Eric and Hunter break down the key traits of successful hires, including: ✔️ Innovation ✔️ Mission alignment ✔️ Ownership mentality ✔️ Resourcefulness ✔️ Strong job history They share actionable strategies for vetting smarter, reducing bad hires, and building teams that scale—plus why posting salary in your job ads is a game-changer. If you’re a founder, HR leader, or recruiter, this episode will help you rethink how you hire and who you’re really looking for. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & the challenge of hiring smart 01:15 – 182% increase in applications per hire 04:00 – Why salary transparency matters 05:17 – The power of resourceful people 06:13 – What your resume really says about you 10:47 – How to screen for innovation 13:01 – Hiring for mission, not just money 15:39 – Ownership mentality: what to ask in interviews 17:00 – The #1 interview question that reveals long-term fit 21:06 – Two hiring horror stories you’ll never forget About the show: Hire Smart helps business leaders build teams that scale smart and stay strong. Hosted by Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda, the show offers actionable insights into hiring, company culture, and leadership in the age of rapid growth and AI-driven transformation. Subscribe and learn how to hire better, lead stronger, and grow smarter. More episodes: hiresmartpodcast.com Follow Eric Farber on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericfarber123 Follow Hunter Miranda on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/huntermiranda
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE
EPISODE: #7
The Truth About Tech Layoffs: AI, Outsourcing & the ...Jun 26, 2025
In Episode 7 of Hire Smart, Scale Fast, Eric and Hunter dive into one of the most pressing topics in the business world right now: the wave of tech layoffs. From the automation power of AI to the rise of global talent hubs like Colombia and Argentina, they explore what’s really happening behind the scenes — and what it means for the future of hiring and building companies. They also discuss why small teams might soon dominate billion-dollar valuations, the commoditization of software, and how professionals can stay ahead by learning to lead. Packed with insights and real industry data, this is a must-listen for founders, team leaders, and tech professionals navigating a shifting workforce. Time Stamps 00:00 – Intro & political noise 01:26 – What’s really behind tech layoffs 03:32 – AI's impact on the workforce 05:43 – Global talent shift: LATAM's rise 07:56 – Hiring less, but smarter: revenue per employee 09:30 – WhatsApp's billion-dollar team of 50 10:37 – Layoffs = tech commoditization 11:41 – Why leadership is the new must-have skill About the show: Hire Smart helps business leaders build teams that scale smart and stay strong. Hosted by Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda, the show offers actionable insights into hiring, company culture, and leadership in the age of rapid growth and AI-driven transformation. Subscribe and learn how to hire better, lead stronger, and grow smarter. More episodes: hiresmartpodcast.com Follow Eric Farber on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericfarber123 Follow Hunter Miranda on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/huntermiranda
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE
EPISODE: #6
. Inside Project Aristotle: The Science of ...Jun 25, 2025
In Episode 6 of Hire Smart, Scale Fast, Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda break down Project Aristotle—Google’s massive study on team performance—and explain why psychological safety is the #1 predictor of success. You’ll learn how to build trust in remote teams, why ambiguity kills productivity, and how meaning and impact keep employees engaged. Whether you're scaling a startup or leading a growing business, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you lead—and how your culture actually works
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE
EPISODE: #5
Stop Hiring Wrong — Write a Killer Job PostJun 24, 2025
Writing a job post isn't just a hiring task — it's a marketing strategy. In this episode, Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda dive deep into how to craft job posts that actually attract top-tier talent. From headline hooks to transparent pay and culture statements, they explore why clarity, honesty, and testing different versions matter more than ever. Plus, Eric shares why he doesn’t want a “rock star” — he wants someone who shows up and does the work. Whether you're a startup or a growing company, this episode is your blueprint for smarter hiring.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE
EPISODE: #4
Smart Teams Start with Smart HiringJun 12, 2025
In this episode of Hire Smart, Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda tackle one of the most difficult dilemmas in leadership: what do you do when your highest performer is also your worst cultural fit? While most hiring strategies focus on skills and output, this conversation dives deep into the unseen costs of toxic behavior — even when it comes wrapped in top-line results. Eric and Hunter explore real-world examples of how a single disruptive individual can unravel team cohesion, morale, and long-term success. They break down the psychology behind tolerating toxic talent, the dangers of confusing performance with alignment, and why great leaders must sometimes make tough, unpopular decisions to preserve team integrity. This isn’t just about hiring — it’s about creating workplaces where people thrive, not just perform. ABOUT THE SHOW Hire Smart helps business leaders build teams that scale smart and stay strong. Hosted by Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda, the show offers actionable insights into hiring, company culture, and leadership in the age of rapid growth and AI-driven transformation. Subscribe and learn how to hire better, lead stronger, and grow smarter. More episodes: hiresmartpodcast.com Follow Eric Farber on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericfarber123 Follow Hunter Miranda on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/huntermiranda
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE
EPISODE: #3
The Power of First Impressions, mastering Employee ...Jun 12, 2025
In this episode of Hire Smart, Scale Fast, Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda unpack one of the most overlooked yet high-impact elements of team building: employee onboarding. A strong onboarding process isn’t just a checklist — it’s the foundation of trust, connection, and retention. Eric and Hunter share proven strategies and personal stories that transform those first days into powerful moments that inspire long-term commitment. You’ll learn how to design onboarding with intention, why swag and structure matter, and how leadership presence can make or break a new hire’s experience — whether you're in-person or fully remote. This episode is a playbook for turning new hires into loyal team members from day one. ABOUT THE SHOW Hire Smart, Scale Fast helps business leaders build teams that scale smart and stay strong. Hosted by Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda, the show offers actionable insights into hiring, company culture, and leadership in the age of rapid growth and AI-driven transformation. More episodes at: https://hiresmartpodcast.com Follow Eric Farber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericfarber123/ Follow Hunter Miranda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huntermiranda/
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE
EPISODE: #2
Deepfake Job Applicants? Here’s What Recruiters Need to ...Jun 11, 2025
In this episode of Hire Smart, Scale Fast, Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda dive into one of the most urgent hiring threats of 2025: AI-generated deepfakes in job applications. As artificial intelligence and remote work reshape how teams are built, they explore how fake candidates are slipping through early hiring stages and what companies must do to stay ahead. You’ll learn how job seekers are using AI avatars and synthetic video interviews to land roles they're not qualified for, why one in four job applications could soon be a deepfake, and how top teams are fighting back using predictive hiring systems across companies like Viva Global, Creators Legal, and Pacific Workers. Beyond the tech, this episode highlights the irreplaceable role of cultural alignment and human-led judgment in building teams that last. This isn’t just a warning. It’s a playbook for modern hiring. ABOUT THE SHOW Hire Smart helps business leaders build teams that scale smart and stay strong. Hosted by Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda, the show offers actionable insights into hiring, company culture, and leadership in the age of rapid growth and AI-driven transformation. Subscribe and learn how to hire better, lead stronger, and grow smarter. More episodes at: https://hiresmartpodcast.com Follow Eric Farber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericfarber123/ Follow Hunter Miranda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huntermiranda/
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE
EPISODE: #1
The power of values in company cultureJun 10, 2025
In this first episode of Hire Smart Scale Fast, Eric Farber, founder of Pacific Workers and Viva Global, and Hunter Miranda, a first-time leader with a background in the Fortune 500 world, dive into the foundational (and often overlooked) challenge of building company culture that actually scales. As organizations shift to hybrid and remote models, culture has become a buzzword—often confused with perks and vibes. But Eric and Hunter unpack why true company culture is about behaviors, systems, and accountability—not bean bags or pizza Fridays. They explore the uncomfortable truths of leadership, including why bad hires are like a virus, why B-players don’t hire A-players, and why growth requires more than just good intentions. This episode is a candid, practical conversation about what it takes to scale a business without losing your team’s soul—and why leaders must get smarter about hiring, fast. Because culture isn’t what you say. It’s what you tolerate. ABOUT THE SHOW Hire Smart Scale Fast is a podcast for founders, team builders, and leaders who care about company culture—and want to scale without compromising it. Hosted by Eric Farber and Hunter Miranda, the show brings honest conversations, tactical insights, and hard-earned lessons on hiring, leadership, and growth. 👉 Subscribe now and join the movement to build smarter, more human companies. Want to explore more insightful episodes? Subscribe to Hire Smart Scale Fast https://hiresmartscalefast.io/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hiresmartscalefast Follow Hunter Miranda on LinkedIn for leadership insights and live updates: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huntermiranda/
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE
Practical strategies and expert advice to help you find top remote talent quickly and build a strong, scalable global team you can trust.
© Hire Smart, Scale Fast