In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, Kim Miller-Hershon sits down with Kate Pletcher Founder and CEO of Treehouse Partners, a boutique executive search firm specializing in placing executive talent and helping organizations build stronger leadership teams.

Before launching Treehouse Partners 15 years ago, Kate led a successful franchised staffing firm in Los Angeles and served as Director of Global Brand Licensing for Skechers. Her unconventional path into executive recruiting shaped a business model that challenges traditional hiring norms and focuses less on rigid résumés and more on understanding people, culture, and long-term fit.

In this conversation, Kate shares how one failed early hire taught her one of the most important lessons in business: sometimes expertise isn’t what makes someone the right fit. Instead, she explains why skills like adaptability, calm under pressure, customer service, and curiosity often outperform technical experience alone.

Kate also opens up about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the reality of running and scaling a business while raising a family, volunteering, traveling, and managing the everyday chaos of life. She shares her perspective on letting go of perfection, deciding what truly matters, and giving yourself permission to stop trying to “do it all.”

This episode explores:

Why hiring for industry expertise alone can backfire

How unconventional backgrounds can create stronger businesses

What makes Treehouse Partners different from traditional recruiting firms

Why cultural fit matters more than checking every box on a job description

The myth of “doing it all” and how successful leaders actually prioritize

Why leaders shouldn’t follow the outdated rule of “never let them see you sweat”

The challenge of growing from founder to CEO and learning to let go

Why businesses benefit from broad expertise rather than overly narrow specialization

How imposter syndrome still shows up, even for highly accomplished leaders

Practical ways to manage self-doubt and build confidence through evidence

Kate’s perspective is a refreshing reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection, control, or having all the answers. Often, it’s about self-awareness, trusting your instincts, building the right team, and being willing to rewrite the rules that no longer serve you.

If you’re building a business, leading a team, hiring talent, or navigating the messy reality of growth and leadership, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and grounded insights.

Connect with me here:

Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmillerhershon

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Guest Details:

Company: Treehouse Partners

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katepletcher/

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