When hiring a senior Sales leader or executive, the reference check isn’t just a final formality. It’s a strategic tool. Done right, it confirms what you think you know, uncovers what you need to know, and sometimes, saves you from a very expensive mistake.

Let’s break it down.

We get it. Hiring the wrong person can have long-term, expensive consequences. You want to get it right. But here’s the reality that most hiring managers don’t love hearing: the “perfect” candidate? They probably don’t exist. And that’s not a bad thing.

Facing the talent drought of 2025, companies are rethinking how they attract and retain top talent. Discover proven strategies—from executive rehiring to returnships—that forward-thinking leaders are using to build stronger teams and future-proof their organizations.

Let’s face it—sales is hard. The targets are aggressive, your pipeline never feels full enough, and someone, somewhere, decided that “Always Be Closing” should be a personality type.

But here’s the truth: sleaze doesn’t sell.

Ah, the holidays—a time for festive cheer, family gatherings, and… chaos in the workplace? Balancing the demands of business with the joys of the season can be a real leadership headache. For many business leaders, navigating team dynamics between work deadlines and holiday festivities is like trying to manage a snowball fight in a blizzard. No matter how organized you are, things tend to fly off the rails. Let's dive into some recent stats, challenges, and tips for keeping your team productive—and sane—this holiday season.