On this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Sean Griffith, founder of Truffle, a forward-thinking hiring platform that's changing how small and mid-sized businesses approach talent acquisition.

🔍 Truffle’s Smarter Hiring Model Sean shares how Truffle uses asynchronous audio and video interviews with structured, role-specific questions to efficiently filter large applicant pools. Designed especially for growing teams that can’t afford bulky enterprise software, Truffle delivers rich, manageable insights to help organizations hire not just for skills but also for trajectory and culture alignment.

🤖 AI-Powered Job Matching with a Human Touch We unpack Truffle’s AI matching system that ranks candidates based on their responses, spotlighting the top 10% so hiring managers can focus their time wisely. I emphasize how this tech helps reduce bias and allows candidates’ personalities to shine—leveling the playing field and building more equitable workplaces.

🔧 Origins Rooted in Real-World Growth Truffle was born from Sean’s experience scaling a company that was ultimately acquired. He reflects on how great hiring drove that success—and how Truffle is now a tool to replicate that process by identifying value- and mission-aligned talent from the outset.

🛠️ Customer-Led Innovation Meets Lean Product Development Sean shares how Truffle has evolved by co-creating with customers, staying close to their hiring workflows. I connect this to the Lean “Gemba” principle—learning directly from the source. Together, we explore how AI, humility, and industry-crossing insights are fueling a product that grows alongside its users.

📈 Scaling Through Systems: EOS, ‘Who’ Hiring, and Internal Alignment We dig into the practical challenges of scaling from 50 to 200 employees and how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helped Truffle’s leadership stay grounded. Sean details how the Who method and consistent check-ins fostered accountability and clearer communication across teams.

🧩 Operational Rigor with Flexibility We explore the need for scalable hiring systems that still honor a company’s unique culture. From adapting hiring tools like Truffle to incorporating checklists and agendas, the conversation zeroes in on what it really takes to grow intentionally without burning out your teams.

🚀 Looking Ahead: Truffle’s Future As interest in Truffle expands to larger organizations, Sean invites listeners to explore more at hiretruffle.com and sign up for a trial.

Let’s face it—hostile workplaces are more common than we care to admit. Whether it’s passive-aggressive emails, micromanagement, gaslighting, or relentless pressure that crosses the line into emotional fatigue—these aren’t just “bad days.” They’re environments that chip away at your mental health.

But here’s the good news: you are not powerless.

This isn’t just about “getting through it.” It’s about transforming how you show up—with boundaries, support, and a deep commitment to your own growth.

By the end of this episode—and ideally by the end of the full program—we want you walking away with three superpowers:

1. The confidence to protect your time and emotional energy.

2. The tools to build support networks that lift you up.

3. And the mindset to focus on your growth, not the toxicity around you.

Because yes—you can thrive in difficult environments. And when you do, you become not just burnout-proof—but bulletproof.

Episode Title: Rethinking Wellness and Feedback Loops in Today’s Workplace

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael connects with business strategist Andrew Ronchetto to explore how organizations must evolve their approach to wellness, leadership, and performance in an ever-changing workforce.

Redefining Wellness & Feedback in the Modern Workplace Michael and Andrew dive into the shifting dynamics of today’s workforce and why it’s time to rethink traditional wellness programs and feedback mechanisms. Andrew shares insights from his business consulting background, along with lessons from a recent personal transformation. The discussion underscores the power of continuous learning and agility in responding to new challenges.

Holistic Workplace Wellness: Going Beyond the Surface They highlight why organizations must move beyond surface-level wellness initiatives to address root causes of burnout and disengagement. Michael and Andrew advocate for a holistic approach—blending tech-enabled solutions with human-centered design—to create environments where people feel heard, valued, and supported. Leaders, they note, must take action at the same level their teams are operating—grounded, informed, and proactive.

Intentional Onboarding: The First 90 Days Matter Andrew emphasizes the critical role of onboarding in setting up new hires—and newly promoted leaders—for success. Whether stepping into a new company or transitioning roles, the first 90 days are a window of opportunity. Michael adds that intentional onboarding directly impacts employee retention and performance, helping to build a culture of trust and accountability from day one.

Defining Roles to Drive Clarity and Success Clarity in roles and responsibilities isn’t just good practice—it’s mission-critical. Michael and Andrew compare well-functioning organizations to orchestras or military units, where each member understands their role and how it connects to the bigger picture. They also touch on the unique value consultants bring in fostering team alignment and strategy execution.

Supporting Small Businesses Through Wellness Small business leaders often overlook wellness, assuming it requires massive overhauls. Michael and Andrew challenge that thinking, showing how simple, intentional adjustments can spark better team flow, innovation, and performance. A few small shifts can make a big difference.

Final Takeaway: The future of work demands intentional leadership, personalized wellness strategies, and environments where feedback and growth are constant. Tune in to discover how small changes in approach can drive massive impact—no matter your team size or industry.

Website: beonplatform.com