A Conversation with: Tiffany Salzman
The Profiles in Leaderships series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned anThe Profiles in Leaderships series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in.
In this episode, we feature Tiffany Salzman, Founder & Principal Consultant of Candor Concepts, a strategic business and marketing organization dedicated to helping companies scale beyond the bottom line. Together with her dynamic team, Tiffany collaborates with engaged, purpose-driven business leaders and marketing teams to develop strategies, systems, and processes that yield results while giving clients time back to enjoy their work and life. Through creative alignment, Candor Concepts empowers organizations to scale their business, amplify their voice, and maximize their impact.
Tiffany’s Contact Information: 503-803-7301 | tiffany@candorconcepts.com | www.candorconcepts.com
“I’ve kind of adopted Rotary’s values, particularly the four-way test. For me, it serves as the baseline of values for anything we do. Beyond that, the organizational values that I hold dear, and that everyone on my team embodies, are speaking the truth, being kind and candid, doing the right thing, and empowering others. We focus on playing the long game, building sustainable organizations that can last, and empowering others to move forward. Lastly, service above self is a significant component of what we do. The organizations we work with are philanthropic, nonprofit, women-led, or focused on bringing positive impacts to their community.”
Transcript:
Suzanne Hanifin: Hello, good morning. This is Suzanne Hanifin with Acumen Executive Search, and I'm delighted to be here today with my good friend Tiffany Salsman from Candor Concepts. Hi, Tiffany!
Tiffany Salzman: Hi Suzanne, thank you so much for having me today.
Suzanne Hanifin: You're welcome. Well, let me tell everybody a little bit about you. You're an incredible small business owner who really works with other small businesses or larger ones, working with them holistically in their marketing plans. You're a true marketer who doesn't just look at a website or a logo, but really the strategy of pulling everything together. I love your background; you've come from big agencies to small organizations so you really know the questions to ask to get things done. Did I do a good enough introduction? Is there anything that you want to add to that?
Tiffany Salzman: I think that was great. Yes, I have a wealth of experience working with small to large businesses. It's interesting because we often think the challenges are different, but in reality, there are so many similarities. I love bringing the experiences and expertise from different organizations into my clients.
Suzanne Hanifin: Well said! I think the other important thing to discuss with you is your involvement in Rotary. You've been a Rotarian for many, many moons, and you can see how that has been integrated into your organization. Not only do you live it, but you also project it outward. So, when reflecting on your career, I'm sure you've had many mentors and formative leadership experiences that have impacted your life. Could you give us a couple of examples of that?
Tiffany Salzman: Yeah, I'd be happy to. It's funny that you mention Rotary because as I was pondering this, Rotary's influence in my life has been foundational. One of the first formative leadership lessons was when I was selected as a Rotary Youth Leadership Award winner. I was treated to a week-long retreat to learn about servant leadership, service above self, and understanding myself, my own styles, and how to better influence, impact, and support others around me. That experience truly changed how I operated and worked, and instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude for what the organization invested in me at such a young age. Paying it forward, 20 plus years later, here I am, a dedicated Rotarian, very involved in our club and district, focusing a lot on how we serve our clients today.
Suzanne Hanifin: That's a perfect segue into my next question. Let's talk about those values that you hold dear and how you implement them into your own organization.
Tiffany Salzman: I realize that because I was so involved in Rotary at an early age, I've kind of adopted Rotary's values, particularly the four-way test. For me, it serves as the baseline of values for anything we do. Beyond that, the organizational values that I hold dear, and that everyone on my team embodies, are speaking the truth, being kind and candid, doing the right thing, and empowering others. We focus on playing the long game, building sustainable organizations that can last, and empowering others to move forward. Lastly, service above self is a significant component of what we do. The organizations we work with are philanthropic, nonprofit, women-led, or focused on bringing positive impacts to their community.
Suzanne Hanifin: How do you make decisions on the type of clients you support?
Tiffany Salzman: It's kind of like a dating game, where you're learning who someone is and what they're about. There has to be a nice fit between us and the organization. First, we focus on what they're trying to accomplish, beyond just the immediate need for a website or social media support. We have a bigger conversation about their overarching goals and values, and how we can embody that in their messaging. When we align on values and goals, that's when things really start to click.
Suzanne Hanifin: Internally, as you're building your team, how do you ensure the right fit with those specific values?
Tiffany Salzman: Referrals play a big role. People who understand who we are and what we do can easily spot those who align with our values. We also look for individuals who have been in the nonprofit world or service organizations, natural volunteers, or those who have experience in marketing or the agency world but are tired of the rat race. We want people with talent who want to make a difference, and we provide opportunities for them to leverage their skills to help organizations do good.
Suzanne Hanifin: You started Rotary at a young age and live by these values. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self knowing what you know now?
Tiffany Salzman: I'd tell my 20-year-old self to go for it and step into the light more. I've done a lot to support others and shine a light on the good work people are doing, but I personally don't step into the light as much as I should. I think having more faith and confidence in what I'm doing would have made a big difference.
Suzanne Hanifin: Balancing family, work, and personal fulfillment is crucial. How do you find that balance?
Tiffany Salzman: I don't think I'm there yet; I'm still learning. Having a supportive husband who can bring me back to reality when I get too focused on work is invaluable. I've also learned to prioritize what brings me peace, like spending time in nature, with my family, or taking downtime to recharge.
Suzanne Hanifin: What does "hiring for good" mean to you?
Tiffany Salzman: Hiring for good means bringing people into your organization who help you be more than the sum of your parts. It's about finding individuals who evolve your clients and your organization, allowing them to lean into their natural talents and make a positive impact.
Suzanne Hanifin: Thank you, Tiffany, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It's clear that you embody the values we're trying to promote here.
Tiffany Salzman: Thank you, Suzanne, for putting this program together and highlighting fellow leaders who are making an impact in the world. Applause all around for everything you're doing for the community in the Pacific Northwest.