Webinar Recap: Uncovering hidden potential using distance traveled

Thank you to everyone who joined us in our fourth session of CLARA’s Hidden Potential Series. Jeff Tinker, Global Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Ollion, joined our own CEO, Natasha Nuytten to discuss a transformative metric in talent acquisition: Distance traveled. If you missed the live event, don’t worry—we’ll outline some of the key talking points in the article below.

What is distance traveled?

At its core, distance traveled is a metric that we can use that defines a candidate’s growth and accomplishments relative to their starting point. We use it to get a better understanding of the journeys that shape each individual, through overcoming unique challenges. This metric goes beyond traditional hiring metrics like job titles and degrees and uncovers the hidden potential of candidates who might not fit the conventional mold but still bring immense value to the workplace.Natasha Nuytten explains it best: “Distance traveled allows us to recognize the strength and skills candidates develop through real-world challenges. It’s about valuing the journey, not just the destination.”Jeff Tinker adds: “To me, distance traveled is about showing what a person is capable of—what they’ve pushed themselves to achieve, regardless of where they started. It reflects proactivity, work ethic, and leadership potential.”

Why distance traveled matters

Distance traveled isn’t just a metric—it’s a game changer for ethical hiring. Here’s why:

Encourages diversity

Recognizing the unique journeys of individuals from varied backgrounds fosters a more inclusive workplace. As Tinker emphasized, “Everyone comes from a different background and has a different way of thinking about problems. Embracing that diversity helps organizations innovate and grow.”

Builds resilient teams

Candidates with high scores in “Distance Traveled” demonstrate traits like grit and resourcefulness, making them dependable team players.

Unlocks hidden potential

Traditional metrics often miss candidates who excel in adaptability and perseverance.

Supports leadership development

Individuals with high distance traveled often possess self-efficacy and mentorship potential, making them natural leaders. Overall, distance traveled is an important metric that can help redefine what hiring managers look for in candidates. It gives people who are often overlooked an equitable chance to show their skills, while also giving organizations a fresh perspective.

Assessing distance traveled

Integrating distance traveled into your hiring process requires a proactive approach. Tinker shared, “True leaders don’t just delegate—they empower people to learn from mistakes and grow.”In the webinar we learned some practical ways to identify and assess this trait in candidates:

Evaluate challenges overcome

Ask candidates to share significant obstacles they’ve faced and how they navigated them.

Consider resource access

Reflect on the opportunities or limitations they started with and how these shaped their journey.

Analyze growth

Look for evidence of personal and professional development over time.

Examine adaptability

Assess how candidates have handled change or unfamiliar circumstances.

Spot resilience

Identify examples of perseverance or creative problem-solving in their past experiences.These insights provide a more comprehensive picture of a candidate’s capabilities, making hiring decisions more equitable and effective.

Distance traveled in action

During the webinar, Natasha and Jeff discussed how candidates with non-traditional paths often excel due to their diverse experiences. Tinker shared the story of an entry-level hire who, despite being labeled “too green,” quickly earned 10 certifications and advanced to a higher role within 16 months.“He just needed someone to give him a chance,” Tinker said. “That’s the power of recognizing distance traveled—it brings hidden talent into the spotlight.”CLARA’s tools are designed to help organizations measure and amplify distance traveled, ensuring no talent goes overlooked. Our AI-driven platform simplifies the process of assessing traits like grit and resilience, helping you give all candidates a level playing field.

What’s Next?

Distance traveled is just one of many important shifts in how we think about evaluating talent. By focusing on the journeys that shape candidates, organizations can unlock hidden potential, foster inclusion, and build stronger teams!Ready to learn more about how to incorporate distance traveled into your hiring process? Request a demo or explore the full Hidden Potential Series on-demand here.