Backchannel References: What Hiring Managers Really Ask Behind Closed Doors

<p>Most references are official. Backchannel references are different.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Lewis Maleh explores the reality of informal references in executive hiring, why they happen, and why hiring managers should be careful not to let a single opinion outweigh the evidence.</p><p><br></p><p>He discusses:</p><ul><li>What backchannel references are</li><li>Why they happen in executive search</li><li>How much weight hiring managers should give them</li><li>Why context matters before making a hiring decision</li><li>What candidates should understand about professional reputation</li></ul><p><br></p><p>🎙️ <em>Espresso with Lewis — practical leadership insights, no fluff.</em></p><p><br></p><p>----</p><p>Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmaleh</p><p>Learn more: https://bentleylewis.com</p>