About the Guest

Tom Johnston is the CEO and Managing Partner at Sanova Talent Solutions and a pioneer in executive search and talent acquisition. With over 35 years of experience, he played a pivotal role in launching the interim executive industry in the 1980s. Tom's innovative approaches have redefined how companies recruit, especially in temporary and fractional executive roles, creating flexibility and agility in hiring. His expertise has also helped build high-impact search divisions generating hundreds of millions in revenue.

Episode Content

In this episode, host Jeff Flake and guest Tom Johnston dive into transformative topics in talent acquisition:

Thinking and Acting Like a Recruiter: A practical guide for senior executives to build networks and connect meaningfully.

Understanding the Executive Gig Economy: How leaders can leverage temporary and fractional roles for business growth and agility.

The Role of Technology in Recruiting: How AI and tech can enhance, not replace, the human element in talent acquisition.

Tom also reflects on the values instilled by his father, his career journey, and lessons from transitioning from corporate support roles to entrepreneurial ventures in recruiting.

Key Takeaways

Recruiting as Relationship-Building: Half an hour a week to connect with industry peers, comment on articles, and expand networks can be transformative.

The Power of the Gig Economy: Fractional and interim roles are crucial for companies needing flexibility and quick access to expertise.

Tech in Recruiting: Use AI to augment the human experience, not to replace it, ensuring empathy remains central in talent acquisition.

Core Values Matter: Helping others, as exemplified by Tom’s father, can create a meaningful and impactful career.

Notable Quotes

"Half an hour a week. Grab a cup of coffee, look around the industry, and connect with someone interesting. It can change everything."

"The executive gig economy is about agility—giving businesses access to the right talent, right now."

"AI should never replace the human connection in recruiting. It’s about augmentation, not replacement."

"Helping people is the cornerstone of my life. It’s why I love executive recruiting—it’s about building careers and companies."