When we started Radiant Core, our biggest challenge was sales. We had no name or reputation to build on and so we had to chase down every sale and prove ourselves. Now that we're the fat cats feasting on a smorgesboard, our challenge has changed to managing the growth of our company in a 'responsible' fashion.

The number one job of any leader is talent development.  Recruiting, retaining, equipping and developing the talent in your team is the not only the most critical part of creating a successful company it is also the hardest.

He also performs his own stunts, driving down the San Mateo freeway while video blogging. The man is an animal!

I think the point he makes in the video is essential to this conversation: hiring should always be a two way conversation. We are always more attracted to candidates who interview us and who inidicate that they are assessing Radiant Core as much as we are assessing them - it shows that they undersand the value that they bring to the organization. Don't be afraid to ask tough questions in interviews!

Brief aside: I actually worked for Austin years ago, as a summer intern in the Toronto offices of Total.net. I never met him then, but it was a formative experience and definitely set me on the path I'm still on today. So, no credit to Austin for mentoring me, but it was a pleasure to finally meet him recently when he popped into the Radiant Core offices to say hi. He's one of the few Canadian Internet Rock Stars (present company excluded, of course), so return the favour and pop by his blog!