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Ward: Sharing meals with candidates is a critical, disarming recruiting tactic

Adam Ward · The playbook for building high talent density teams | Adam Ward, Head of Talent at Cursor · Aug 9, 2026 · at 40:28

Adam Ward, Head of Talent at Cursor, discusses candidate engagement strategies on Lenny's Podcast.

0:00 / 0:17exact quote · 17.7s
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“Having a meal with someone is One of the most human and leveling things that you can do. You know, sharing a meal across the table is just a disarming act and a joining act that I think is just so important.”

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