From Women’s Shoes to Workforce AI with Ben Mones - My First Job ep23

Before launching Fama, one of the most innovative companies in talent screening, Ben Mones was hustling on the Nordstrom sales floor selling women’s shoes. In this episode, Ben joins host Mike Wood to reflect on lessons from retail, grilling whole hogs, and the early mistakes that inspired him to build a company around online behavioral screening. Ben opens up about his entrepreneurial roots, the experience that made him realize social media should be part of background checks, and how Fama helps companies hire smarter while staying compliant. He also dishes on AI’s impact on hiring, Gen Z’s digital footprint, and why good judgment still beats a great résumé. Key Moments: Selling Uggs and learning upsell tactics at 18 Running a barbecue business inspired by his dad, a former pork cook-off champ The turning point that led to founding Fama How to responsibly screen online behavior during hiring What the future of work looks like in the age of AI 📍 Learn more at Fama.io or find Ben on LinkedIn.