In this first episode of Series 2, The People Puzzle, hosts Ashley Carlson and Nichole Hughes kick off the hiring conversation by tackling one of the biggest milestones in business growth: hiring your first team member.

They explore the signs that signal it’s time to hire, why waiting until burnout hits can stall momentum, and how creating capacity before overwhelm is a powerful leadership move. Ashley and Nichole also unpack the freedom that comes with delegation, common roles that make strong first hires, and why chasing a “unicorn” employee often leads to frustration.

Listeners are guided through the mindset shifts required to embrace hiring as a growth opportunity, not a risk, and encouraged to take imperfect yet intentional action to build a team that truly supports their vision.

✨ Takeaways

• The right people fuel your vision.
• Recognizing overwhelm is a signal, not a failure.
• You may never feel 100% ready to hire, and that’s normal.
• Creating capacity before burnout supports sustainable growth.
• Hiring can bring freedom and relief from day-to-day overload.
• Your first hire should focus on filling workload gaps.
• Avoid searching for a “unicorn” who can do everything.
• Hiring doesn’t require a full-time employee; contractors and fractional support count.
• Mindset shifts are essential to hiring well.
• You don’t need perfection to make your first hire.

🧰 The People Puzzle Workbook

Download here: https://elevatevbs.myflodesk.com/the-delegation-download-podcast-series2

This episode kicks off The People Puzzle series; your roadmap to hiring with clarity, confidence, and intention.

📲 Connect with Elevate Virtual Business Solutions

Website: elevatevbsolutions.com
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LinkedIn: Elevate Business Solutions
Podcast: The Delegation Download, available wherever you stream podcasts.