In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, host Robin Bailey and guest co-host Cory Chadwick sit down with Jessica Pezim, Client Partner at Bedford Consulting Group, to explore how leadership, culture, and human connection shape organizational success. 

Jessica shares her journey from practicing securities law to leading executive search and leadership advisory at Bedford. With a unique background spanning law, finance, and talent strategy, she brings deep insight into how the right leadership match can transform not just an organization but lives. 

Together, they discuss what it takes to hire beyond the résumé, build cultures that thrive on belonging, and navigate transformation with empathy and purpose. From AI-driven fear to family business dynamics, this conversation blends strategy with humanity, showing that careers are, at their core, deeply human stories. 

You’ll hear about: 

• From law to leadership: How Jessica pivoted from securities law to executive search and why she never looked back. 
• Family in business: The rewards and realities of working with family in a multigenerational company. 
• Ripple effects in leadership: How one placement can change lives, organizations, and communities. 
• Culture fit vs. skill fit: Why the best person on paper isn’t always the right person for the role. 
• Hiring with heart: How Bedford’s 93% success rate comes from prioritizing alignment, not just experience. 
• The role of AI in talent strategy: How leaders can navigate technological change with transparency and trust. 
• Mentorship and legacy: Why paying it forward and planting seeds for others defines lasting leadership. 

We talk about: 

• 00:00 Introduction   
• 03:00 From law to executive search and Jessica’s bold career pivot 
• 07:00 Family business dynamics and lessons learned from twin mentors 
• 10:00 The ripple effect of leadership and the power of impact 
• 16:00 Preventing burnout and balancing high performance with humanity 
• 17:00 The competency model and why Bedford’s 93% success rate matters 
• 18:00 The best person vs. the right person and the difference that changes everything 
• 20:00 Values, culture fit, and why alignment matters more than perfection 
• 22:00 Diversity of thought and inclusive hiring in times of transformation 
• 26:00 AI, fear, and the future of work 
• 30:00 Legal meets leadership and Jessica’s unique approach to talent strategy 
• 34:00 Planting trees for future leaders, mentorship, purpose, and legacy 

Connect with Jessica  

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-pezim-a73b2752/  
• Website: https://bedfordgroup.com/   

Connect with Us 

• LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
• Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group