Getting to the C-suite isn’t just about snagging a bigger title or a corner office, it’s about shifting from tactics to strategy, leading through layers, and surviving the politics (yes, they exist). In this debut episode of Mission One: The Executive Edge, hosts Gerard Miles and Dan Hampton unpack what separates great VPs from true executives, why empathy and gravitas matter more than charisma, and the real-life trade-offs, from endless travel to leadership loneliness, that come with the top job.

Interviewing isn’t just about surviving a few tough questions; it’s about knowing your audience, backing your story with real metrics, and asking the kind of questions that make you memorable. Even seasoned execs get rusty, and hiring managers can trip themselves up with clunky, repetitive processes. In this episode of Mission One: The Executive Edge, hosts Gerard Miles and Dan Hampton share the secrets of great interviews, from tailoring answers and framing metrics to asking the right questions and running a process that doesn’t scare candidates away. Whether you’re in the hot seat or leading the panel, this is your playbook for interviews that actually work.

Mission One: The Executive Edge goes deep into how you can hire the best teams and secure the best jobs for yourself. Hosted by Gerard Miles and Dan Hampton, co-founders of the boutique global executive search firm, Mission One, the show reveals the insider view on how senior leadership hiring really works. With decades of combined experience, Gerard & Dan have led on some of the top searches in the world of Entertainment and Consumer. Together, they share candid stories and practical strategies that give you the inside track; your executive edge.