You know how when you’re building a startup, there’s always that one thing that trips you up? For some, it’s funding, for others, it’s marketing. But let me tell you, for most entrepreneurs I’ve talked to, it’s hiring. Finding the right people to help scale your business can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack—while the haystack is on fire.
When I sat down with Nikki Adamson, founder of Hustle Hunters, for an episode of Never Been Promoted, she didn’t mince words about how tough recruiting can be for startups. Nikki’s journey from gym teacher to CEO of a recruiting firm was wild, and she learned a lot of valuable lessons along the way—lessons that any entrepreneur can benefit from.
Stop Waiting to Fix Your Hiring Problem
One thing Nikki drove home during our conversation is how startup founders are always late to the hiring game. “A founder shouldn’t ever be the one going through resumes,” she said. And I get it—we’re all stretched thin, especially in the early days. You think, “I’ll just do this myself to save some cash.” But that mindset ends up costing you in the long run. Nikki’s point was clear: if you don’t have the time or capacity to manage hiring right, you’re not going to get the best talent.
When Nikki first started working in tech, she saw startups making the same mistake again and again. “We would literally leave candidates sitting in a room for an hour, waiting to be interviewed because no one really ‘owned’ the process.” It was chaotic, and more often than not, the company ended up hiring someone who wasn’t a good fit, just because they made it through the mess. That’s not how you build a team that scales.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Get help early: Don’t wait until you’re drowning in tasks to start looking for someone to manage your hiring process. If it’s not your thing, hand it off to someone who knows what they’re doing.
- Assign ownership: Someone needs to be fully dedicated to the hiring process. Whether it’s an ops manager, a recruiter, or even just someone on the team who can step up—don’t let hiring fall through the cracks.
- Define the role properly: So many founders rush through writing job descriptions. Take the time to figure out what you actually need in a hire, not just what you think you need.
Mentorship is the Secret Weapon (But Find the Right One)
Another big part of Nikki’s story that stood out was how important mentors have been to her journey. She didn’t just wake up one day and decide to start a recruiting firm—she learned from the people around her. But here’s the kicker: not all mentors are created equal.
Nikki shared how her experiences with two CEOs—Ranveer and Kate—shaped how she runs Hustle Hunters today. “They were both so candid with me. There was no ego, no hiding the tough decisions,” she said. “It was such a gift.” Watching them navigate the ups and downs of startup life gave her a front-row seat to what leadership should look like, and it made her realize how powerful mentorship can be.
But, and this is important, mentorship isn’t just about having someone to look up to. It’s about finding someone who’s willing to be brutally honest with you. “I have some teammates who want to know every single detail of how I make decisions,” Nikki said, “and others who are like, ‘no thanks, just tell me what to do.’” That’s the balance you need to strike when you’re looking for a mentor—someone who knows when to be hands-on and when to step back.
What I Learned from Her Experience:
- Look for mentors who are transparent: The best mentors are the ones who don’t sugarcoat the truth. You want someone who’s been through the fire and isn’t afraid to talk about it.
- Mentorship comes in different forms: Sometimes it’s a formal coach, like Nikki’s executive coach Randy Braun, and sometimes it’s just someone in your network who’s been there before. Either way, don’t try to do it alone.
- Be open to learning: Whether you’re the mentor or the mentee, being open to new perspectives is key.
Reflections from the Interview
Talking with Nikki felt like listening to someone who’s really been there—someone who knows firsthand that building a business is messy, but worth it. What stood out to me was her emphasis on building a company that she’d actually want to work for. “I realized I needed to stop being angry at other businesses for not offering things like employee benefits and just create the kind of workplace I’d want to be a part of.”
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Hiring needs to be human: Too many companies design hiring processes that feel like obstacle courses. If you want to attract great talent, you need to design a process that brings out the best in people.
- Work-life balance is real: Nikki’s commitment to balance—both for herself and her team—is a reminder that you can build a company that values people’s time and energy without sacrificing results.
- Stay focused on what you do best: Nikki admitted to struggling with shiny object syndrome, something a lot of us can relate to. Stick to your core strengths. Don’t dilute your focus by trying to do too much at once.
- Mentorship matters: The right mentor can make all the difference, whether it’s a formal relationship or just someone you trust to give you honest feedback.
- Be willing to pivot: The ability to adapt is crucial, especially in the fast-paced world of startups.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I learned from talking to Nikki, it’s that hiring doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s time-consuming. But if you approach it with intention, it can be one of the most rewarding parts of building a business. Whether it’s getting help early or finding a mentor who’s willing to tell you the truth, there are steps you can take to make the process smoother.
At the end of the day, your people are what make your company great. Don’t skimp on finding the right ones. As Nikki said, “We’re not just recruiting for today—we’re recruiting for the company you want to be six months, a year from now.”
Take the time to get it right.
CONNECT WITH NIKKI ADAMSON:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-adamson/
Website: https://www.hustlehunters.com/