In this episode of Get the Manager, hosts Al DeBerry and Raluca Leibowitz continue their conversation about hiring, leadership, and building successful teams. Through personal stories from their years in the hospitality industry, they explore what makes a great employee, why company culture matters, and how recognizing someone's potential can change their career.

They share inspiring stories of employees who grew into successful leaders, including Chef Khubilai Onder, the importance of mentorship, and the unexpected journey of a banker who became a successful hotel general manager.

The episode also features clips from Steve Jobs discussing hiring, leadership, finding the right talent, and giving employees the tools and freedom to succeed.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What to look for when hiring the right people
• Why personality and cultural fit matter
• The importance of mentorship and developing talent
• How great leaders build trust and empower their teams
• Recognizing potential beyond someone's resume or experience
• Why hiring from within can create new opportunities
• Lessons from Steve Jobs on recruiting and leadership

Whether you're a manager, business owner, or aspiring leader, this episode offers practical lessons on hiring, developing people, and building teams that thrive.

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What makes a great leader, and what separates a strong team from an unsuccessful one? In this episode of Get the Manager, hosts Al DeBerry and Raluca Leibowitz welcome Steven Foster, CMP, managing partner of Foster Fathom, to discuss leadership development, workplace culture, customer service, and the lessons that build successful careers.

With decades of experience in hospitality, event management, consulting, and team development, Steven shares valuable insights on building a positive workplace culture, mentoring the next generation, and creating meaningful customer experiences.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why punctuality, preparation, and integrity matter in the workplace
• How leaders can build stronger teams through mentorship and collaboration
• Why staying calm under pressure is essential for great customer service
• The importance of accountability and taking responsibility at work
• What separates exceptional employees from those who struggle
• Why skills and knowledge matter more than simply knowing the right people
• How serving others can create a lasting impact on your career and community

Steven also shares a powerful story of customer service and compassion following September 11, 2001, demonstrating how going above and beyond can build relationships that last for decades.

About Steven Foster and Foster Fathom

Foster Fathom specializes in leadership development, team culture, consulting, and purpose-driven team experiences that connect organizations with nonprofit causes. Its mission is to help people grow, strengthen teams, and lead with passion, power, and purpose.

Learn more at https://foster-fathom.com/

Sponsored by: Lorenzo Hotel Dallas, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and Grit Productions & Expositions.

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What really makes someone the right hire? In this episode of Get the Manager, Al DeBerry and Raluca Leibowitz dive into the hiring process and the qualities that can make or break a great employee.

With decades of HR experience, Raluca shares her perspective on what to look for beyond a resume—from personality, work ethic, integrity, and communication to cultural fit and a candidate’s genuine interest in the organization. They discuss the importance of being on time, making a strong first impression, preparing for an interview, and simply being yourself.

The conversation also explores internal promotions, salary versus hourly roles, employee trust, workplace culture, referrals, interview processes, and the growing role of AI in hiring and resumes.

Plus, the episode wraps with a Spotlight Karen of the Week and a conversation about handling difficult moments professionally—even when you've just lost your job.

In this episode:

What HR professionals really look for when hiring

Why personality and culture can matter more than experience

The importance of integrity and work ethic

Interview etiquette and common hiring mistakes

How to make a strong first impression

Internal promotions and the Peter Principle

Building trust between employees and HR

Why referrals can be valuable in hiring

AI, resumes, and the future of hiring

Why sometimes not getting the job is actually a good thing