Purpose Works

How can personal networks be leveraged to help companies become more diverse and inclusive? And how do we solve the problem of hiring in 2023? Our guest today is Ryan Agresta, founder of Candidate, a two-sided marketplace that connects employers and talent via the power of personal referrals.

Ryan is an entrepreneur and Seattle-ite who has been working to cultivate positive change in the world of hiring. He started Candidate in 2020, with a mission to create meaningful connections through the power of diverse, trusted networks.

Ryan's company has truly reinvented the way candidates and hiring managers find each other. The model behind the business works to the benefit of job seekers, hiring managers, and what Candidate calls “connectors” or “referrers." It’s a fresh and fun approach to growing teams that is grounded in human connection and prioritizes much more than what’s included on a resume.

In this episode of Purpose Works, Ryan and host Maren Keeley, co-founder & CEO of Handprint, have a conversation about the complex world of hiring and the challenges talent and companies face when seeking to build new work relationships. Ryan shares his story and offers wise advice for entrepreneurs, as well as some very thoughtful predictions about the future of work.

Connect with Ryan Agresta on LinkedIn
Connect with Maren Keeley on LinkedIn

Got a question or suggestion? Reach out to us at media@handprint.io

Brought to you by Handprint
Handprint is the meaningful work platform that connects purpose-driven companies with diverse, values-aligned talent. Come visit us at handprint.io to learn more.

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Resources:

• Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer And Venture Capitalist by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson
• The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living by Russ Harris
• Severance on Apple TV