Recruiting used to be about finding great talent. Now it feels like applying for a mortgage, joining a secret society, and surviving a reality show — all at once.

In Episode 1 of Hero to Zero, host Ken Pearson is joined by Dean Trimble (Managing Director at Jackson Stevens Global) to unpack why the modern hiring is so frustrating — and what to do about it.

From job descriptions that read like horoscopes to interview loops that never end, this episode is both a reality check and a roadmap. Plus: a powerful closing story from listener Sean Gibbons about walking away from an opportunity — and choosing empathy over explanation.

🎯 Real stories. Real red flags. And no, pizza parties don’t replace performance bonuses.

💌 Send us your HR fails: h2zfails@gmail.com

[Hero to Zero is hosted by Ken Pearson, Executive Coach and Founder of ShadeTree Consulting.]

🎙️ Thanks for listening to Hero to Zero — where the real stories of HR, leadership, and corporate life get told (finally).

📩 Got a wild workplace story? We want to hear it:
ken.pearson@shadetree-consulting.com

🧠 New episodes drop monthly — subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Because in HR... it only takes one email to go from hero to zero.

Welcome to Hero to Zero — the podcast where HR legends, leadership missteps, and workplace chaos collide.

Hosted by Ken Pearson, Certified Global HR Professional and Executive Coach, this series pulls back the corporate curtain to share the real stories, the real mistakes, and the real lessons that don’t make it into the company newsletter.

In this quick trailer, Ken introduces the why behind Hero to Zero, what you can expect each month, and how you can join the conversation — with your own outrageous, hilarious, and downright unbelievable workplace stories.

🎯 Expect real talk, real laughs, and just enough satire to keep it honest.

🎧 New episodes drop monthly, starting with a deep dive into the beautiful disaster that is modern recruiting.

📩 Got a story we need to hear? Email it to ken.pearson@shadetree-consulting.com — and your tale might just be featured.

Because in HR (and life)... it only takes one email to go from hero to zero.

🎙️ Thanks for listening to Hero to Zero — where the real stories of HR, leadership, and corporate life get told (finally).

📩 Got a wild workplace story? We want to hear it:
ken.pearson@shadetree-consulting.com

🧠 New episodes drop monthly — subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Because in HR... it only takes one email to go from hero to zero.