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Java with Jim

Meet Eric Barger

July 1, 2026

By Jim Ries and Eric Barger

Jim Ries interviews Eric Barger, managing director at Bolton Talent, part of Bolton, which is a mid-size consulting firm with six practices covering the full HR and talent spectrum. Eric explains Bolton Talent is focused on leadership solutions and leadership/executive search, and says he’s most proud of building trust that leads to long-term, repeat client relationships. Looking ahead, he discusses delivering for clients while building new partnerships in a challenging labor market. Leaders are concerned about retention—especially keeping top talent. He also shares a personal story as a devoted Baltimore Orioles fan who caught an All-Star Game home run ball and later returned it to Trevor Story.

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