Podcast Summary: Business School with Sharran Srivatsaa
Episode: A-Player Business Model
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "A-Player Business Model" of the Business School with Sharran Srivatsaa, host Sharran Srivatsaa delves into the critical role that top-tier talent, or "A players," plays in driving business success. Drawing from his extensive experience in scaling businesses and private equity investment, Sharran provides actionable strategies for entrepreneurs, managers, and business leaders to attract, retain, and maximize the impact of A players within their organizations.
1. The Importance of A Players
Timestamp: [00:00]
Sharran begins by addressing a common pitfall among entrepreneurs and business leaders: the tendency to settle for available talent rather than strategically building a pipeline of A players. He emphasizes that truly exceptional individuals do not seek out jobs; instead, they seek out opportunities that align with their aspirations and potential for impact.
Notable Quote:
"A players do not look for jobs. You and I have never been on a job board. They look for the next best thing for their future."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [00:00]
This sets the stage for his exploration of how businesses can shift their recruitment mindset to proactively engage with top talent.
2. Big Idea 1 – Power of A Players
Timestamp: [01:26] - [04:12]
Sharran highlights that the true driver of business success isn't merely the business model, product, funding, or market. Instead, it's the caliber of people within the organization. A players—those who are smart, driven, and distinctively innovative—can exponentially amplify a company's impact.
He shares a memorable anecdote about JFK's interaction with a NASA janitor, illustrating how A players align their personal missions with their roles to drive extraordinary outcomes.
Notable Quotes:
"If you don't have [A players], it doesn't matter how good your plan looks on paper, it will not work because you don't have great people driving a big idea for it."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [02:30]
"A players often cost like 10 to 30% more, but they can have 10 times the impact. That is a trade you want to make every single day."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [03:00]
Sharran underscores the value proposition of investing in A players, arguing that their higher cost is justified by their disproportionate contribution to the organization's success.
3. Big Idea 2 – Treat Recruiting Like Sales
Timestamp: [04:12] - [08:30]
Recruitment, according to Sharran, should be approached with the same rigor and consistency as a sales process. He points out that relying solely on traditional job boards or waiting for A players to apply is ineffective, as a significant portion of top talent is not actively seeking new opportunities.
Sharran introduces the concept of proactive sourcing, where businesses continuously engage with potential A players, building relationships even before positions become available.
Notable Quotes:
"If you treat recruiting like sales, because on the drop of a hat, a player's timing does not work out for you."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [05:45]
"75% of the best people on LinkedIn, according to all their algorithms, never apply for a job. They have to actually be approached."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [06:10]
This approach ensures that companies maintain a steady pipeline of top talent, ready to step in when opportunities arise.
4. Big Idea 3 – Talent Over Timing
Timestamp: [08:30] - [12:00]
Sharran challenges the conventional wisdom that perfect timing is essential for hiring the right talent. Instead, he posits that prioritizing talent over timing leads to more sustainable and impactful team building.
Using the analogy of purchasing a home, he explains that just as housing opportunities are limited, so are prime talent opportunities. Therefore, businesses must focus on building and maintaining relationships with A players continuously, rather than waiting for the "perfect" moment to hire.
Notable Quotes:
"Talent beats timing every time."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [10:20]
"A players are ready when they are ready, not when you are ready."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [10:45]
By embracing this mindset, organizations can ensure they are not left scrambling to find top talent when urgent needs arise.
5. Big Idea 4 – Reinvest in Talent
Timestamp: [12:00] - [16:00]
Reinvestment in talent is crucial for sustained growth, according to Sharran. He explains that A players generate compounded returns over time, making the initial investment highly lucrative in the long run.
Sharran shares a compelling quote to illustrate this principle:
Notable Quote:
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [13:30]
He outlines the "A player business model," which involves hiring the best talent, creating a challenging and lucrative business environment to retain them, and reinvesting profits into attracting more A players. This cyclical investment strategy ensures continuous growth and maintains high performance levels within the organization.
6. Big Idea 5 – A Players Are Everywhere
Timestamp: [16:00] - [18:00]
Sharran dispels the myth that A players are confined to major metropolitan areas or require prestigious educational backgrounds. He emphasizes that talent is ubiquitous and can be found in various locations and roles.
He shares personal experiences of hiring outstanding individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographies, including a highly effective virtual assistant in the Philippines who required minimal supervision over years.
Notable Quotes:
"A players are everywhere. It doesn't matter what their resume is. It only matters what their output is."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [17:00]
"You can have a courageous person. I would bet on a courageous person over an intelligent person every single time."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [17:45]
The key takeaway is to focus on candidates' demonstrated ownership, consistency, and courage rather than traditional indicators like resume prestige or location.
7. Big Idea 6 – Build for A Players
Timestamp: [18:00] - [24:00]
The final big idea revolves around cultivating a company reputation and culture that attracts A players organically. Sharran argues that relying solely on job postings is insufficient for attracting top talent. Instead, businesses should invest in building a strong brand presence through quality content, thought leadership, and showcasing a company ethos that resonates with A players.
He advises leveraging personal branding tools, such as LinkedIn and podcasts, to create a magnetic presence that draws A players to the organization. This proactive branding approach ensures that when A players are open to new opportunities, they are already familiar with and interested in the company.
Notable Quotes:
"They are watching from a distance to see if you are serious, to see if you have a connection, to see if they can resonate with you."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [20:30]
"A players are your biggest hidden advantage. They may cost a little bit more, but you know that they're going to crush it."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [23:00]
Additionally, Sharran outlines practical steps to build and maintain this brand allure, such as engaging with potential candidates, sharing insightful content, and fostering an environment where A players feel valued and motivated to join.
Conclusion
Sharran Srivatsaa concludes the episode by reiterating the six big ideas that form the cornerstone of the A-Player Business Model:
- Power of A Players: Invest in top talent for exponential impact.
- Treat Recruiting Like Sales: Continuously engage and source talent proactively.
- Talent Over Timing: Prioritize talent acquisition over waiting for perfect timing.
- Reinvest in Talent: Allocate profits to attract and retain A players.
- A Players Are Everywhere: Seek talent based on output and ownership, not just resumes or location.
- Build for A Players: Develop a strong brand and company culture that magnetizes top talent.
Sharran emphasizes that adopting this business model not only enhances organizational performance but also fosters a dynamic and resilient business poised for long-term success.
Final Notable Quote:
"The business model of A players. Literally no one will tell you that that is a hidden business model that drives the best companies in the world. And I hope it can drive yours too."
— Sharran Srivatsaa [24:00]
Key Takeaways
- Proactive Talent Acquisition: Continuously build relationships with top talent instead of passively waiting for job applications.
- Value Over Cost: The higher investment in A players yields significantly greater returns.
- Universal Talent: Exceptional individuals are not limited by geography or traditional qualifications.
- Brand Magnetism: A strong, authentic brand attracts top-tier candidates organically.
- Sustainable Growth: Reinvesting in talent ensures ongoing business growth and competitive advantage.
By implementing the strategies discussed in this episode, business leaders can transform their organizations, harnessing the full potential of A players to achieve remarkable success.