Building the right team is one of the hardest parts of growing a business. In this episode of Elevate the Game, Jorge Abreu sits down with staffing and workforce solutions leader Valerie Freeman to break down what it really takes to recruit, manage, and retain great people over the long term.

Valerie shares lessons from decades of experience building and scaling multiple companies in the talent and technology space. She talks openly about why hiring never truly gets easy, how networking has played a major role in her success, and why business owners must be willing to have tough conversations as their companies grow.

The conversation also dives into leadership evolution. Valerie explains how her management style has changed over the years, especially around empathy, motivation, and understanding that not every employee is driven by the same things. She discusses why people come before process, and how creating an environment where employees actually want to show up leads to stronger performance.

Jorge and Valerie also explore navigating economic downturns, from past recessions to COVID, and why patience and adaptability are essential traits for entrepreneurs. Valerie shares how staying flexible, leaning into technology, and preparing ahead of major shifts like remote work and AI have helped her businesses stay resilient.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest