As a smaller company, we have several advantages that larger companies don’t have when it comes to attracting top talent into the company. One advantage is engaging our CEO in the recruiting process for key positions. We want our finalists for our open positions to hear our purpose and strategy from the top of the organization. We also want them to feel valued so they understand the importance of their role in driving our strategy. Because we’re small, our CEO is willing and enthusiastic to personally meet with all of our finalists for key positions. It’s not every day that you get to interview with a CEO, or even interact with one during the recruiting process. For her, it doesn’t take a lot of time, and it gives her visibility she wouldn’t have otherwise into the talent we’re attracting into the company. While she may have feedback on candidates that she shares with hiring managers, she does give the hiring manger discretion to make the choice that they feel is best for the team.