How to Identify and Attract Exceptional Talent
In the second of a series of articles called, “The Power of Exceptional Talent: Why Quality Trumps Quantity in the New VC Landscape”, Robin Beattie from Akaina Talent introduces us to The B.E.S.T Approach and how to actually find and attract those game-changing hires...
Identifying truly exceptional talent requires looking beyond traditional metrics and CVs. The B.E.S.T methodology (Behaviours, Experience, Skills, Traits) provides a framework for spotting these rare individuals:
Behaviours & Traits (The Foundation)
• Solution orientation
• Stakeholder centricity
• Comfort with ambiguity
• Self-awareness and growth mindset
• Ownership paired with humility
Experience & Skills (The Essentials)
• Track record of success in similar fast-paced environments
• Technical skills to deliver from day one
• Adaptability to wear multiple hats as needs change
The most successful startups work from the outside (Behaviour and traits) because startup success isn't just about skills—it's about finding people who thrive in dynamic, resource-constrained environments.
Building a Lean, High-Performance Team
In a world where VCs demand more output from fewer people, founders need a strategic approach to talent acquisition:
1. Define Your Game-Changers: Determine what exceptional looks like for your specific company stage and challenges.
2. Strategic Role Definition: Focus on roles that will truly move the needle for your business. Not every position needs to be filled immediately or permanently.
3. Flexible Hiring Models: Consider fractional or interim talent for specialised needs, preserving runway while accessing expertise.
4. Quality Over Speed: Resist the urge to fill seats quickly. One exceptional hire who joins a month later is better than an average hire who starts tomorrow.
5. Measure What Matters: Implement quality of hire metrics to evaluate the real impact of your talent decisions over time.
The Founder's Mindset Shift
Success in this new landscape requires a fundamental mindset shift for founders. As Marc Andreessen aptly put it: "The only thing that matters is getting the right people. All the other things—building product, getting customers, raising money—that's all important, but you need the talent first."
This means:
• Viewing talent acquisition as a strategic function, not an administrative one
• Being willing to invest disproportionate time in hiring and developing exceptional people
• Creating an environment where top performers want to work
• Building processes that identify and attract the rare individuals who will transform your business
Conclusion
In a VC landscape that values efficiency over size, exceptional talent isn't just an advantage—it's a requirement. By focusing relentlessly on quality over quantity, founders can build the lean, high-performing teams that investors reward.
The companies that will thrive in this new environment aren't those with the most people, but those with the right people. As Steve Jobs famously said, "A small team of A+ players can run circles around a giant team of B and C players."
For founders navigating today's challenging fundraising environment, the message is clear: Invest in exceptional talent, and the returns will follow—both in business performance and valuation.
STARS Assessment:
Akaina have created something that'll give you clarity on your hiring process in just 5 minutes. The Startup Talent Acquisition Readiness Score (STARS) shows you exactly where your hiring capabilities stand right now – and what's stopping you from attracting the best talent in the market.
Because here's what we see time and time again: the most innovative candidates don't just choose companies with exciting products; they choose ones with professional, sophisticated hiring approaches. Whether you're seed-stage or scaling through Series A, exceptional talent expects an experience that reflects your potential. Take the STARS assessment here to discover your specific gaps and get practical next steps tailored to your growth stage. The difference between good hires and game-changing hires? It's hiring maturity, not just company vision.
Akaina Talent
When you're ready to make hiring a strength, not a struggle, we're here to guide you. Ready to build something exceptional together? contact us at hello@akainatalent.com.