Former CIA Head of Recruiting Shares Leadership Insight

About the Guest(s):

Ron Patrick is notably recognized for his role as the former head of talent acquisition at the CIA. With a career that spans across multiple facets of human resources and talent management, Ron has also held positions as a chief HR officer and an intelligence officer, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. His background in psychology and counseling, coupled with his diverse work history—including stints at governmental agencies, the nonprofit sector, and the corporate world—makes him a seasoned expert in recruitment and employee development.

Episode Summary:

In this illuminating episode of "Growing Your Business with People," host Jeff Lackey engages in a dynamic conversation with Ron Patrick, whose extensive background in talent acquisition and HR brings a treasure trove of insights to the podcast. As they unravel the nuances of strategic HR and talent management, listeners get a front-row seat to the wisdom distilled from years of experience.

From the grass-roots of HR to the clandestine recruiting rooms of the CIA, Ron Patrick lays out the transformative lessons he's learned. He recounts a journey that took him from a potential path into priesthood to the upper echelons of intelligence and business, each role sharpening his acumen in talent management. Patrick emphasizes the importance of CEOs treating their head of HR or TA as business partners and crucial players in the company's growth, adding a unique perspective with anecdotes from a career less ordinary.

Key Takeaways:

* The vital role of HR and TA leaders as crucial business partners to CEOs, and the importance of CEOs empowering them with trust and involvement in key business decisions.

* Ron's unconventional career trajectory and how it underlines the broad-ranging potential of HR professionals.

* The significance of a comprehensive approach to hiring and organizational development beyond mere talent acquisition.

* The evolution of recruitment and security processes within agencies like the CIA, advocating for a more modern and methodically sound approach.

* The value of adversity in career development and the continuous effort of stretching one's capabilities to learn and grow.

Notable Quotes:

* "If you're head of HR or you head of TA is not seen as a business partner, then fire them." - Ron Patrick

* "Helping people is very tiring and it's very difficult. And two, it doesn't pay very well, unfortunately." - Ron Patrick

* "The problem was the little bit of bandwidth that was created by bringing in new talent meant that the CEO went out and doubled the business." - Ron Patrick

* "It all comes down to they're all taking risks at that point of our lives. We all take risks." - Ron Patrick

* "The truth of the matter is, an agency like CIA is made up of people, and with people come faults, come politics, come issues, come roadblocks, come favoritism." - Ron Patrick

Resources:

* [Paradox AI website](https://paradox.ai) - Sponsor's resource mentioned in the transcript.

* [BAd advertising agency](http://badad.com) - Sponsor's resource mentioned in the transcript.

* [Seven Step RPO](http://sevensteprpo.com) - Sponsor's resource mentioned in the transcript.