Are you struggling to find the right people—and wondering if you’ve been fishing in the wrong talent pool all along?
With birth rates down and skilled workers in short supply, the talent pool feels tighter than ever. But what if you could widen your reach by engaging an overlooked group of professionals eager to bring their experience, leadership, and skills back into the workforce—if only given the right flexibility?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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How to uncover a hidden talent pool of highly educated, seasoned professionals ready to make an impact.
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Why creative approaches like flexible schedules, part-time roles, and returnships can help you stand out in the war for talent.
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What cultural shifts do leaders need to embrace to successfully integrate this overlooked workforce segment?
Hit play now to discover how expanding your talent pool could give your company a powerful competitive edge.
Unlocking the Hidden Talent Pool
[00:00] Setting the stage
The episode opens with a discussion about the “war for talent” and why demographic trends are making it harder than ever to hire skilled people.
[06:45] Untapped opportunity
The host introduces the idea that millions of highly educated women with MBAs, law degrees, and corporate experience are currently outside the workforce—an overlooked talent pool.
[11:20] Volunteer leadership as a proving ground
Sharon McGuire explains how volunteer work, like leading Scout programs and fundraisers, demonstrates management, organizational, and project skills that translate directly to the workplace.
[16:05] The flexibility factor
The conversation explores why traditional 9–5 jobs don’t work for many talented professionals re-entering the workforce and how flexible arrangements open new possibilities.
[21:30] Fractional and part-time roles
Examples of fractional CFOs and CMOs illustrate how companies can benefit from highly skilled employees who contribute fewer but higher-quality hours.
Practical Ways to Reimagine Hiring
[26:40] Parenting and management skills
Sharon draws parallels between raising children and managing teams, highlighting transferable skills like setting boundaries, giving direction, and fostering accountability.
[31:15] Overcoming résumé gaps
The hosts discuss why employers should look beyond continuous work history and instead value volunteer leadership, technical adaptability, and maturity.
[36:50] Tackling the tech gap
Concerns about technical skills are addressed—most candidates already use technology in volunteer roles, and short refresher courses can quickly close gaps.
[39:15] Redefining hiring practices
CEOs are encouraged to rethink rigid job descriptions and embrace creative hiring strategies to access a richer talent pool.
[47:20] Returnships explained
The episode closes with the concept of “returnships”—short-term, project-based opportunities that let employers and employees test the fit before committing longer-term.