Mitch McDermott is a visionary leader in executive search, known for aligning exceptional talent with purpose-driven organizations to fuel growth and lasting impact. As Founding Partner of Talent Ascension Group, he is driven by a mission to help people and companies progress toward a future without limits. Mitch empowers teams, candidates, and clients alike, creating breakthrough moments that transform careers and strengthen organizations. Through his forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to purpose, he delivers a world-class recruitment experience that redefines what it means to lead with impact.

Jill Hanne is a dynamic talent acquisition leader with a proven ability to identify, attract, and secure top executive and senior-level professionals across engineering, sales, product, marketing, and finance. With deep expertise in recruitment strategy development, interviewing best practices, and offer negotiation, she partners with key corporate stakeholders to ensure compliance while driving innovative hiring initiatives that enhance employer branding, employee referrals, and DEI programs. Throughout her career, Jill has successfully launched data-driven hiring strategies, implemented process improvements, and exceeded recruitment metrics, making a lasting impact on the organizations she serves.

In the quest to build high-performing, high-trust teams, the secret lies in one principle: always hire for excellence. While diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and demographics can enhance innovation and decision-making, it should never outweigh the fundamental need for A-players. Diversity is a strength when it aligns with excellence, not as an end in itself. As a six-time CEO with experience leading startups and growth companies, I’ve seen firsthand how hiring for Intelligence, Initiative, Integrity, and Intensity—or as some call it, Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI)—creates thriving teams and cultures. Embrace a welcoming, inclusive environment that nurtures talent from all backgrounds, but never sacrifice excellence in the name of diversity initiatives that dilute your team’s capabilities. Excellence isn’t just a hiring principle—it’s the foundation of success.