Fishwife CEO Reveals Signature Interview Question and Answer

Fishwife CEO Becca Millstein has made a simple interview question a centerpiece of her hiring process, aiming to cut through rehearsed answers and uncover genuine talent.

Why “What’s your superpower?” Stands Out

Millstein, 32, says the prompt replaces the more common “What’s your greatest strength?” By asking candidates to name a single ability that defines them, she believes the question cuts to the core of what they truly excel at. The response shows whether a candidate can pinpoint the skill that will make them invaluable at the company.

In a startup environment where there are no filler jobs, the ability to identify a unique contribution is important. Employees at Fishwife are expected to handle a great deal of responsibility, autonomy, and room for creativity. The question also serves as a litmus test for self‑awareness, a trait she ties to successful founders.

Self‑Awareness and Humility in Leadership

According to her, humility and self‑awareness rank among the strongest predictors of success for founders, especially in early‑stage ventures. She argues that investors avoid entrepreneurs who cannot recognize their own weaknesses, noting that success depends on spotting gaps in oneself and then in the organization. The interview question therefore doubles as a gauge of how candidates view their own limitations and strengths.

When asked how she would answer the question herself, Millstein says others have identified her superpower as the capacity to operate on both analytical and creative fronts. “I can go high‑strategy, and I can get super, super in the weeds,” she explained, describing her ability to engage both sides of the brain.

Her background—majoring in history, a brief stint in the music industry, and co‑founding Fishwife in 2020—illustrates the blend of strategic thinking and hands‑on execution she values. The brand grew amid rising interest in high‑protein diets and now offers tinned sardines and other fish products that have become trendy and affordable staples for many Americans.

Implications for Hiring at Fast‑Growing Startups

The approach reflects a broader trend among fast‑growing startups that prioritize versatility over narrow specialization. Fishwife’s recent appearance on “Shark Tank” placed the company’s valuation at roughly $5 million, and its brightly illustrated cans now sit on shelves at Whole Foods, Costco, and boutique retailers.

She emphasizes that leaders should not shy away from any task, no matter how modest. From a hiring standpoint, the question can surface candidates who might otherwise be overlooked by conventional interview techniques.

By focusing on a single “superpower,” interviewers can quickly assess whether a prospect’s strength aligns with the company’s immediate needs, whether that be collaboration, communication, or another core competency.

Future hiring practices may adopt this method if it reliably highlights self‑aware, adaptable talent.