In the first episode of Hiring for Grit, host Ben Read is joined by James Fellowes and Chance Bleu-Montgomery, co-founders of Bridge of Hope Careers, to unpack what grit really means and why it should be on every employer's radar. Drawing on psychologist Dr Angela Duckworth's research, which identifies grit as the single strongest predictor of career success, the conversation explores how system-impacted individuals - people shaped by the care system, the justice system, or unsupported neurodivergence - develop extraordinary levels of resilience, determination and perseverance simply by navigating life.

James and Chance share how Bridge of Hope Careers is helping employers rethink their approach to talent, from shifting hiring manager mindsets to rethinking the filters built into applicant tracking systems that screen out high-potential candidates before they even reach the table. With practical insights on retention, loyalty and the business case for inclusive hiring, this episode makes a compelling argument for why the grittiest candidates in today's workforce are the ones most employers are overlooking.