Two Searches. Two Transformations. And a Reminder Why Talent Always Wins.
Every once in a while, you have the chance to be part of a company’s turning point. Not a crisis moment or “please fill this yesterday” kind of scramble. But an inspiring moment when a leadership team says: “We’re stepping into our next chapter, so let’s bring in someone who can help us get there faster and take us further.”
This year, we got to experience that moment twice, with two amazing CPG companies: US Cotton and Hyland’s / Hello Bello. And yes, both searches were completed fast.
But the real story isn't the speed.
It's how everything changes when you get the right talent.
Story One: The Right Leader at the Right Time
US Cotton has earned the trust of consumers for decades. They’re a company that knows who they are, grounded, reliable, craftsmen of everyday essentials we rarely think about but always depend on. So, when they reached out, we were thrilled to take on the search.
They were ready to invite in a leader who could sit at the intersection of capability and culture, who could walk the plant floor, connect with operators, inspire supervisors, and drive performance through excellence and accountability.
25 days later, we closed a transformational Operations leader, someone who could strengthen the foundation, elevate expectations, and build capability from the inside out.
Not a hire. Rather, someone who would take their operations to the next level of performance.
Story Two: Purpose With Momentum
Then there’s Hyland’s / Hello Bello, a brand built on love, mission, and the firm belief that doing business and doing good are not mutually exclusive. They’re the rare kind of CPG company where purpose isn’t a tagline, but a business strategy.
They were looking for someone who could grow the business and develop people simultaneously. Someone who could match that energy: a person with drive, humility, and emotional intelligence to nurture both individuals and revenue.
The search was laser-focused from day one. We aligned on the mission, the culture, and the impact this role would make. 32 days later, they had their person.
A sales leader who fits their heartbeat, strategic, passionate, grounded, and real.
Someone who could scale without losing soul, which is rare. I am happy to say, we found them.
I understand your question, “Is there a common thread?” While both are in the CPG industry, they are two very different companies with unique roles and cultures. However, they share one common Talent Truth: great companies focus on the fact that talent is their competitive advantage, and
they move quickly when the right talent appears.
They waited for exceptional talent and then moved decisively when they found it.
The right hire transforms the energy of an entire organization. It turns potential into results.
And that’s why we love what we do.
When you get talent right, everything else accelerates. So, if you’re leading an organization that needs a shift in capability, we want to help you make it happen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Lupinacci spent the last 25 years at some of the world's best-known companies, such as Intel Corporation and Kimberly-Clark. His career spans key executive roles such as Chief Learning Officer, Chief Talent Officer, and Chief Integration Officer. After a successful corporate career, Jeff turned his focus to his true passion—serving the overworked and under-resourced HR profession.
Beyond his corporate success, Jeff is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, with his insights featured in leading publications such as CFO Europe, Nikkei Business Magazine, and Baylor Business Review. In addition to his business leadership, Jeff is an adjunct professor at Baylor University, where he teaches Human Capital Management for the Executive MBA program and leads the HR Strategy and Analytics capstone for undergraduates.
Jeff is the best-selling author of The Talent Advantage: A CEO’s Journey to Discover the Value of Talent. He lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife and two doodles.