The Linchpin Co.

3 lessons from 48 hours in NYC (none of which were on the itinerary)

Always say yes: Helped a woman with her bag in the lobby, she invited me for a drink with her husband on the patio. Turns out they need hiring help. (Chatting next week!)

Pivot as needed. A friend couldn’t make our dinner plans, so I invited a client instead. Walked away from that dinner with a new role to fill.

Reminder that two things can be true. I FaceTimed the kids before bed and felt the miss in my chest, and I came home with more for both businesses than I flew out with.

TLDR: say yes, stay flexible, and don’t wait for the “right” version of the moment.

A lot of people approach interviews like they’re trying to give all the “right” answers. The strongest interviews usually look a little different.

They’re conversations built on curiosity. Candidates are learning about the company just as much as the company is learning about them. Both sides are asking thoughtful questions, sharing perspectives, and trying to determine whether there’s a genuine fit.

At the end of the day, an interview isn’t about winning. It’s about finding the right match, for everyone involved.

One of the biggest interview mistakes candidates make is trying to memorize the “perfect” answer.

The strongest candidates don’t rely on scripts. Instead, they prepare real stories that demonstrate how they’ve solved problems, navigated challenges, worked with others, and created results. Those examples feel more natural, more authentic, and much easier for interviewers to remember.

Anyone can memorize an answer. The candidates who stand out are the ones who can bring their experience to life through meaningful stories. Because people remember stories long after they’ve forgotten rehearsed responses.

Receiving a job offer is exciting. But before you say yes, it’s worth asking a few questions that go beyond compensation and the job description.

How will success be measured? What opportunities are there for growth? How does the team communicate when challenges arise?

The answers can tell you just as much about your future experience as the role itself.

Remember: accepting an offer isn’t just about choosing a job. It’s about choosing the environment where you’ll spend a significant part of your time, build new skills, and continue growing your career.

The more you understand before day one, the more confident you’ll feel in your decision.

People ask me all the time what I notice first in an interview.

The assumption is usually that I’m looking for the perfect resume or the most impressive experience. And while those things certainly matter, they’re rarely what sticks with me.

What I remember are the candidates who are genuinely curious. The ones who ask thoughtful questions, want to understand the business, and approach the conversation as an opportunity to learn, not just to impress.

Curiosity tells me someone is engaged. It tells me they’re thinking beyond the job description and imagining how they can contribute.

Resumes get people into the conversation. Curiosity is often what makes them memorable.

One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most as a founder is that not everything should be optimized for speed.

The best introductions usually happen because someone took the time to make the right connection. The best follow-ups feel personal. The strongest relationships are built by remembering names, conversations, and the little details that matter.

In a world that encourages automation and scale, I’ve found that taking the extra few minutes to make someone feel genuinely seen is still one of the best investments you can make.

Those moments don’t always scale. But they create relationships that do.

Celebrating some closed roles with the SALT XC Craft & Commerce team!🎉

There’s nothing better than seeing great people find amazing opportunities, and we’re grateful to partner with teams like C & C as they continue to grow.

Congratulations to everyone who stepped into a new role, and thank you to the hiring team for trusting us throughout the process.

On to the next one. 🤝

📣 We’re hiring!

We’re partnering with Ignite Management Services to find a Managing Principal to lead their Vancouver office.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced consultant and leader who enjoys working with executives, driving business growth, mentoring teams, and helping organizations turn strategy into action.

📍 Vancouver, BC
💼 Full-time
💰 $180K–$240K + performance bonus

If you’re looking for a leadership role with real impact, we’d love to connect.

When people think about career growth, they often focus on promotions. But growth can stall long before a title changes.

A lack of challenge, limited mentorship, and fewer opportunities to expand your responsibilities can all be signs that you’ve stopped developing in the same way you once were.

Titles matter. Compensation matters. But learning, growth, and momentum matter too.

Sometimes the biggest career question isn’t “When is my next promotion?” It’s “Am I still growing here?”