Hiring Smarter: Why I Seek Out People Who Keep Me on My Toes

As a leader, I’ve come to value the undeniable power of hiring smart, driven people. These are the individuals who not only bring their own potential but also inspire everyone around them—including me—to constantly grow. And let’s be honest, they’re not always the easiest to manage. But that’s precisely what makes them essential.

The Growth They Drive

Smart hires are focused on one thing above all else: growth. Their passion isn’t just about climbing the career ladder; it’s about genuinely improving, learning, and achieving new levels of expertise. And that drive? It’s contagious. When you have people on your team who are always pushing the boundaries, others start to feel that nudge too. They start to realize that staying still isn’t an option when there’s a collective push toward excellence. In an environment like this, the entire team elevates.

Resilience Against Setbacks

Smart people, particularly those with a high drive, often attract both admiration and resistance. Non-performers or those who resist change may see them as a threat, and in some cases, try to bring them down. But the smart ones? They don’t give up. They’re resilient in the face of challenges and focused on moving forward. As a leader, I find myself inspired by this resilience. It reminds me to cultivate that same tenacity in myself.

The Trust Factor

When you hire smart people, one thing is essential: trust. They’re not looking to be micromanaged; they’re looking for the freedom to bring their expertise and innovative ideas to the table. I’ve learned that when I invest my trust in these individuals, the returns are remarkable. I empower them to use their judgment, make decisions, and drive projects forward. It doesn’t mean I step back entirely, but rather that I offer guidance without undermining their autonomy. When they feel trusted, their motivation and output multiply.

Scaling Myself to Keep Up

One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of leading smart people is the personal growth it requires. To lead them effectively, I have to constantly be on my game, scaling my own abilities and staying informed. They look to me not only for guidance but also as an example of someone who is equally committed to growth. The commitment to stay one step ahead, to offer meaningful mentorship, and to create a vision that excites them, has pushed me to evolve in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

Why I Only Hire If I’m Willing to Grow

Hiring smarter people isn’t just about filling a role—it’s about making a commitment to personal and professional evolution. I’ve learned to be honest with myself: if I’m not ready to keep up with and support these high-performers, then it’s not fair to hire them. They deserve a leader who will match their energy, respect their potential, and continuously grow alongside them. And when I am ready to scale, I know they’re exactly the type of people I want on my team.

In the end, hiring smart people has kept me on my toes, driven our organization forward, and created a culture that’s focused on growth and resilience. For any leader willing to put in the work, these hires are the ultimate investment—not just in the company’s future but in our own journey as leaders.