In this clip from the *Blade to Greatness* podcast, *Andy Laudato* (COO of The Vitamin Shoppe, author of Fostering Innovation) explains why he's moved away from hiring for specific technical skills and what he looks for instead. His framework for hiring for character is built on four traits:
✅ *Integrity* — honest and open
✅ *Ambition* — will they go get it without being pushed?
✅ *Temperament* — can they stay calm when things are on fire?
✅ *Intelligence* — can they actually learn new skills?
These *hiring tips* advocate for a *mindset shift* in how organizations approach talent acquisition, emphasizing enduring qualities over transient *leadership skills*
Andy also drops the interview question he hates the most *("What are YOU going to do to train me?")* and the better one to ask instead. A candidate's commitment to self learning is paramount for personal growth. This approach fosters stronger team building and leadership within any organization.
If you hire for talent on any team, this will change how you run your next interview.
The case for hiring for character over skills:
🔌 Skills you hire for today might be obsolete by next quarter
🔌 Hiring for integrity and ambition compounds over years
🔌 If you stop hiring for skills, you stop hiring people who are about to be replaced
This approach helps build *High Performing Teams* by focusing on individuals who are adaptable and continuously investing in their own learning, a critical element for sustained success.
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_Stay Sharp. Lead Boldly. Stay Human!_
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from *The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness* #podcast
*S2E8 Be a Diode: How to Build High Performing Teams | Andy Laudato, COO Vitamin Shoppe*
*Released on April 28, 2026*
📡 *Blade to Greatness* is part of the *Retail Razor Podcast Network,* also home to *The Retail Razor Show, Retail Transformers,* and *Data Blades.*
📘 *Guest Info*
*Andy Laudato,* https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewlaudato/
*COO, The Vitamin Shoppe*
*Author,* _“Fostering Innovation,”_ available at Amazon: https://a.co/d/d7JxrfJ
*Chapters*
00:00 Hire for Character
00:12 Self Learning Mindset
00:31 Temperament and Team Fit
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Stop hiring for skills. Skills expire. Character doesn't. 🎯