Most people treat networking like fitness - they lie on the sofa for three years, then panic when they're out of shape. In this episode, Dexter Cousins breaks down the 95-5 principle: 95% of your job hunting success comes from 5% of your network. Learn how to identify the critical 5% of your network, activate them strategically, and turn two-minute conversations into warm introductions. This is networking done right.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The 95-5 Principle: Focus on your critical 5%, not broadcasting to thousands
• T1/T2/T3 Framework: How to filter your network strategically
• The Two-Minute Ask: Why small requests get bigger results
• Compounding: How one conversation generates 1-2 warm introductions
• The Trust Shortcut: Borrow credibility through warm introductions

FREE DOWNLOAD

Network Activation Worksheet - Get your T1/T2/T3 filter template, email scripts, and conversation guide. https://tieronepeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Network_Activation_Worksheet-1.pdf

ABOUT THE HOST

Dexter Cousins is Managing Director of Tier One People, the executive search firm for Fintech. With 25+ years in recruitment, Dexter has an unmatched record helping fintech companies build exceptional leadership teams.

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✅ Follow Dexter on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dextercousins/
⬇️ Download the worksheet - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rkcgAsabfYtPrZw1owzg1BpsnUxvLCDR/view?usp=sharing

In this episode of FinTech Chatter, Dexter Cousins shares insights on how to find your next role in the fintech industry using the Lean Startup methodology. He emphasizes the importance of creating a career balance sheet, identifying problem customers, and positioning oneself as an expert before applying for jobs. Dexter provides practical steps to research and validate hypotheses about companies' needs, turning job hunting into a targeted and strategic process.

00:00 Creating Your Professional Brand
06:24 Leveraging Top Brands
07:42 Finding Target Companies
08:31 Organizing Your Research
10:42 Iterating Your Approach
12:02 The Importance of Precision in Job Applications

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Connect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin

Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent

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Thinking about your next career move in 2026? Maybe you're actively hunting for your next role in Fintech?

This is Episode 1 of a 5-part series that completely flips the script on job hunting in fintech. Whether you're looking for a permanent role or exploring fractional opportunities, this approach will transform your entire career conversation.

Most job seekers approach their career transition completely backwards. They ask the wrong questions, compete on the wrong battlefield, and leave millions in untapped value on the table. This episode introduces the framework that transforms you from "Please hire me" to "Here's the problem I solve. Here's why you'd be crazy not to talk to me."

We break down:
- Why conventional job hunting is fundamentally broken
- The questions you should be asking instead
- How to identify the concrete problems you solve
- The Career Balance Sheet framework
- Real-world examples of value creation ($1.5M, $20M+, +40% revenue growth)
- Why this framework makes you remarkably hireable

Send us a text

Connect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin

Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent

Subscribe on LinkedIn