Updated January 2025

A Message From a Former CEO, Now Free Agent

THE FREE AGENT:

Believe it or not, CEOs and company presidents become candidates too.  Take it from former RND Automation CEO and President Sean Dotson, who shares leadership insights from his experience as a former CEO as he talks about what it meant to lead a company, leave his legacy, and start a new journey as a candidate.

Gary Miller, President of Miller Resource Group, and Sean Dotson sat down on an episode of HIRED! The Podcast to discuss Sean’s new journey.  When Gary asked how it feels to be a free agent, Sean was quick to answer:

“Sometimes you don’t realize the impact you have on other people or other companies.  You don’t only leave a company when you resign, you leave all of the people you’ve built professional relationships with and you leave a culture that you helped build.”

Leaving a company is a hard decision, especially when you don’t have something lined up. But for Sean, this time is about reflection. He’s taking a step back to think about what truly drives him, what he’s passionate about, and what’s most important before making his next move.

Hear Sean’s full story in this episode of HIRED! The Podcast below.

THE CEO:

Sean explains how he led a team of people who shared the same values and how that made the culture at RND Automation so strong. He says that you don’t want to look for and hire clones, because a company can’t grow if everyone thinks the same way. But if you find people who share your company’s core values, that’s what creates a strong culture fit.

“Hire someone who is a better culture fit over someone who might be slightly technically better.”

As the former RND Automation CEO continues, he urges leaders to consider the following to promote a healthy culture:

• Encourage and advocate for open communication and follow-up
• Encourage ethical, fair, and respectful debate
• Offer flexibility, like unlimited vacation time with clear expectations
• Hire people who share your values but bring different perspectives
• Encourage growth by providing the tools and support employees need

When even a few of these ideas are applied, teams grow, businesses thrive, and company culture becomes stronger and healthier.

Everyone’s journey is different.

You might be looking for that next great employee, or maybe you’re searching for your next big opportunity. Either way, Sean offered leadership insights from both perspectives, as a former CEO and as a free agent finding his next path.