The key to building a thriving business is surrounding yourself with what Danielle Mulvey calls “five-star employees” — the top 15% of talent who think and act like owners. Danielle has scaled multiple businesses generating over $50 million annually while working only around 10 hours a week, thanks to her proven hiring system. 

Drawing on 25 years of experience, Danielle reveals the five essential criteria for identifying five-star talent, how to design a hiring gauntlet that attracts the right people and repels the wrong ones, and why clear metrics and cultural alignment are non-negotiable. She also shares practical steps to upgrade an average team without disrupting what works — and how the right hires can be the catalyst for sustained growth and profitability. 

Takeaways 

• A clear hiring gauntlet helps attract high performers and repel low-quality candidates. 
• Core values alignment is the foundation for building a strong, cohesive team culture. 
• Testing skills before hiring prevents costly mistakes and ensures candidates can deliver results. 
• Clear success metrics empower employees to self-manage and drive consistent performance. 
• Toxic employees drain productivity and morale, making timely exits essential for growth. 
• Hiring for aptitude and cultural fit is more important than filling a vacancy quickly. 
• Great hires produce at least 3.5 times their salary in business value. 

Follow Danielle Mulvey
https://theallincompany.com/ 
https://daniellemulvey.com/ 

Books on this episode 

How great leaders build unstoppable teams with Michael Michalowicz https://amzn.to/4lPEtba
HR Magic by Danielle Mulvey will be released in October. Details: https://daniellemulvey.com/
You Haven't Taught Until They Have Learned: John Wooden's Teaching Principles and Practices by Swen Nater https://amzn.to/4ofryRu 

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners 

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Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. 
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.

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