Building Your Dream Team: Interview Strategies and Hiring Insights from Valonda Banks

06/05/24 • 46 min

In this episode of Building Unbreakable Brands, Meghan Lynch speaks with Valonda Banks, a seasoned hiring practitioner with nearly 30 years of experience and the founder of Liberty Employment Solutions. Valonda’s expertise lies in employer branding, hiring strategy, and organizational development, making her a vital resource for generational business leaders looking to attract and retain the best talent.

During their conversation, Meghan and Valonda delve into the intricacies of building strong employer brands and navigating people problems, which can undermine even the most robust brands. Valonda explains how Liberty Employment Solutions helps businesses attract and retain talent by understanding and effectively communicating their company culture. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity over innovation in employer branding and provides tangible examples, such as highlighting schedule flexibility, to differentiate her clients' brands in a competitive job market.

Tune in to learn how Valonda’s approach to hiring and employer branding can transform your business, ensuring you have the right people in the right seats to build an unbreakable brand.

Key points discussed:

The significance of company culture in attracting the right talent.
How to communicate cultural differentiators to prospective employees.
The critical role of authenticity in employer branding.
Real-life examples of successful employer branding strategies implemented by Liberty Employment Solutions.

Learn more about Liberty Employment Solutions, [email protected]
Connect with Valonda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valonda-banksles/

Building Unbreakable Brands is hosted by Meghan Lynch
Produced by Six-Point Creative

Tune in to learn how Valonda’s approach to hiring and employer branding can transform your business, ensuring you have the right people in the right seats to build an unbreakable brand.

Key points discussed:

The significance of company culture in attracting the right talent.
How to communicate cultural differentiators to prospective employees.
The critical role of authenticity in employer branding.
Real-life examples of successful employer branding strategies implemented by Liberty Employment Solutions.

Learn more about Liberty Employment Solutions, [email protected]
Connect with Valonda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valonda-banksles/

Building Unbreakable Brands is hosted by Meghan Lynch
Produced by Six-Point Creative

Previous Episode

Tools and Tales for Thriving in a Family Business with Ira Bryck

Join Meghan Lynch on Building Unbreakable Brands as she engages in a captivating
conversation with Ira Bryck, a former fourth-generation clothing business owner turned
family business educator and advisor.

With over 25 years of firsthand experience in running his family's business and now
coaching business leaders, Ira shares his unique insights on navigating generational
brands.

In this episode, Meghan and Ira explore the importance of asking the right questions to
uncover transformative insights, emphasizing the power of strategic questioning as both an
art and a science. They delve into Ira's creative approach, including his innovative use of
roleplaying and the development of three plays as learning tools for family businesses to
address complex emotional challenges.

Tune in as they discuss Ira's journey from the shop floor to executive coaching and the
evolution of family businesses in today's dynamic landscape.

You can check out Ira's work, tools, and blog at irabryck.com
Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irabryck/

Building Unbreakable Brands is hosted by Meghan Lynch
Produced by Six-Point Creative

Next Episode

Enduring for the Long Run: Diana Fitzpatrick and the Western States 100

In this episode of Building Unbreakable Brands, Meghan Lynch sits down with Diana Fitzpatrick, attorney, runner, and board president of the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, the world's oldest 100-mile trail race. Since its inception in 1974, the Western States 100 has become one of the ultimate tests of endurance, embodying a rich history and a deep-rooted culture of community and volunteerism.

Diana provides an in-depth look at her role as board president and shares the fascinating history of the race, which started when Gordy Ainsleigh ran the trail of the Tevis Cup horse race on foot. She explains how the race has evolved into a nonprofit organization and discusses the operational aspects, including the stringent lottery system that selects 369 participants from over 8,000 applicants each year due to federal wilderness area regulations.

Meghan and Diana explore the importance of tradition within the Western States 100, from the in-person registration and pre-race meeting to the emphasis on honoring all finishers, regardless of their placement. They also discuss the proactive steps taken by the board, such as implementing a transgender policy to ensure inclusivity. Diana highlights the enduring culture of volunteering that spans generations of families, emphasizing the community spirit that is crucial to the event's success.

Key Points Discussed:

• The history and evolution of the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.
• Operational details, including the participant lottery system and federal regulations.
• The race's traditions and the importance of honoring all participants.
• The proactive creation of a transgender policy by the board.
• The culture of volunteering and community involvement that supports the race.
• Before wrapping up, Diana turns the mic over to the next generation, underscoring the event's commitment to future endurance athletes and community leaders.

Learn more about the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run
Follow Diana on Instagram: @dianafitz11

Building Unbreakable Brands is hosted by Meghan Lynch
Produced by Six-Point Creative