Mindset Episodes

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with industry veteran Sean Rigsby for an honest and inspiring conversation about thriving in recruitment—even when the market is stacked against you. With over 30 years of experience and more than 900 consultants placed, Sean Rigsby opens up about his unconventional path into recruiting, the tough early years learning the ropes, and what it took to not only survive but build Riggsby Search Group from the ground up. You’ll hear how Sean Rigsby navigated dramatic shifts in the market—including political and economic uncertainty—and continued to find success by doubling down on relationships, adapting to change, and always keeping his focus on what he can control. From shifting to engaged searches to using AI tools for smarter business development, Sean shares actionable insights for both new and seasoned recruiters. If you’re facing a challenging year or just looking for real-world advice on…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this special episode, host Benjamin Mena is joined by returning guest Julia Arpag, CEO and Founder of Aligned Recruitment, for an inspiring and tactical summit talk pulled straight from the Elite community library. Julia Arpag shares her remarkable journey from being laid off as a new mom to building a million-dollar recruitment business in just 23 months—all while prioritizing her values, family, and personal freedom. In this conversation, Julia Arpag breaks down the exact sales strategies and CEO mindset that propelled her success, including her approaches to warm lead outreach, leveraging LinkedIn content, automating lead generation with Dripify, and the power of authentic connection. Plus, she dives deep into how her mindset, daily routines, and work-life balance have sustained both her business and her wellbeing. Whether you're a solo recruiter, agency owner, or just looking for some real-world inspiration to start your year s…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Isaac James, a rising star in the recruiting industry who’s gone from knowing nothing about recruiting straight out of college to closing in on a $500k billing year—just three years into his career. Isaac James shares his unique journey starting with no industry experience, landing his first recruiting role thanks to a mentor, and learning the ropes in the trenches—making cold calls, facing rejection, and mastering both the recruiting and business development sides of the desk. You'll hear not just the tactical steps he took to build his desk, but how he stayed resilient during slow months and what habits helped compound his early hustle into significant year-over-year growth. Whether you’re a recruiter just starting out, a firm owner looking to better train and support your team, or a seasoned pro hoping for some inspiration, Isaac James brings a blend of practical advi…

Welcome to another enriching episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse recruiter Sarah Englade, founder of Monarch Talent Solutions, to unpack how she built a thriving $1.5M firm by prioritizing candidates above all else. In this candid and motivational conversation, Sarah Englade shares her journey from being laid off during the pandemic to launching her boutique agency in Houston, Texas—and reveals why focusing on relationships, building a niche personal brand, and supporting job seekers can drive exponential business growth. You’ll hear real-world advice on niching down, mastering metrics, and harnessing both tech and mindset to stay consistent and resilient through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a seasoned recruiter or just considering starting your own firm, this episode is packed with actionable insights and honest lessons from someone who’s walked the talk—and built a business on relationships that last. Tu…

Welcome to this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where host Benjamin Mena sits down with industry insider Chance Wood—a seasoned agricultural professional turned successful recruiting agency founder. Chance shares his journey from running grain elevators and trading commodities to stumbling into the recruiting world and ultimately building his own agency, One Degree Agriculture, all without fancy tech tools or shortcuts. In this inspiring conversation, you'll hear how Chance Wood leveraged his deep industry expertise and network to quickly thrive as a recruiter—securing a retainer in just 18 days on his very first job and saving his company over $1.5 million when he moved into an internal TA role. More importantly, he offers powerful insight for industry professionals considering a leap into recruiting: it's not about complex systems, but relentlessly focusing on relationships, picking up the phone, and letting your reputation work for you. Whether you're in recruitment, …

Get ready for another game-changing episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! This time, Benjamin Mena sits down with Jared Watts, a former MLS pro athlete who seamlessly transitioned his competitive mindset from the soccer field to the recruiting world—and absolutely crushed it. In this episode, you'll discover how Jared Watts leveraged the relentless discipline, data-driven focus, and high-performance mentality of a pro athlete to become a world-class recruiter and founder of Next Place Search Group. Benjamin Mena and Jared Watts break down everything from negotiating your own contracts (and your value!), to building trust, mastering KPIs, and forging lasting client relationships. You’ll hear how Jared Watts measures and tracks every detail in his business, what visualization really means for top performers, and how the work ethic that drives elite athletes is the secret sauce for unstoppable success in recruiting. Plus, you'll get real, actionable advice on networking, learning fr…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse recruiter Emily Audibert to discuss her incredible journey from six months with no placements to becoming a million-dollar biller. Emily pulls back the curtain on what truly made the difference in her career—embracing her feminine energy, making a mindset shift, and pioneering her own path with creative RPO strategies. You’ll hear how Emily Audibert went from struggling at the start of her recruiting career to finding her groove, building authentic relationships, and turning referrals into an almost 100% referral-based business. She dives deep into the importance of understanding your own strengths (whether they’re rooted in masculine or feminine energy), how to stay persistent through setbacks, and why doing great work is the best marketing you’ll ever have. Emily also shares actionable tips for adding RPO to your recruiting organization, building confidence …

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with John Pierson, the former Marine and CEO of P2 Investments, who’s redefining what it means to be a recruiter on Wall Street. John shares his unconventional journey from presidential air traffic controller to becoming a sought-after talent agent for top hedge funds, all thanks to grit, risk-taking, and a passion for connecting people. Benjamin and John dive into the evolution of recruiting, exploring how today’s top firms and candidates demand more than just transactional placements—they’re looking for true talent advisors who can guide careers like agents in sports or entertainment. John reveals his “agent approach,” a multi-step, candidate-centric model that focuses on building long-term relationships and bespoke services for high-flying investment and technology professionals, rather than just filling jobs. You’ll hear stories ranging from cold calling financial legends to launching …

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Zack Cress—a seasoned recruiter who spent 14 years climbing the ranks at a large corporate agency before taking the leap to start his own recruiting firm. Together, they dive deep into the decision-making process behind leaving agency life: when to stay put, when to switch companies, and what it really takes to launch your own recruiting business from scratch. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your current role, contemplating joining a smaller agency, or considering building something of your own, Zack shares the lessons he learned through years of promotions, relocations, and ultimately, entrepreneurship. You’ll get practical insights on business development, choosing the right technology, navigating compliance and bookkeeping, finding and structuring the right partnership, and building a support network to fuel your success. Zack also touches on the importance of risk tolerance, setting up sa…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! This week, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Kent Depwe, a recruitment prodigy who became a million-dollar biller by the age of 25—and has consistently repeated that success ever since. In this candid conversation, Kent pulls back the curtain on his rapid ascent from recent college grad with zero recruiting experience to one of the industry’s top producers. He shares the mindset shifts, daily habits, and business development tactics that helped him go from making $50k to raking in over $350k—and ultimately, to building a career where million-dollar years are the norm. You’ll hear about Kent’s strategy for bouncing back when deals fall through, why choosing the right mentor or manager early on made all the difference, and how he leverages both grit and cutting-edge AI tools to work smarter and faster than the competition. Whether you’re a brand-new recruiter or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable advice on…

Struggling to scale your recruiting desk, close bigger deals, or turn your agency into a powerhouse? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast is your playbook for becoming a $500k+ biller and doubling down on the exact tactics powering the fastest-growing remote firms today. Host Benjamin Mena sits down with Dante Nino, co-founder of TLO, to unpack the uncompromising frameworks and high-conversion business development strategies behind his team’s explosive growth (and their unstoppable recrui...

Are you ready to break past your recruiting plateau and become a true recruiting leader? In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with industry powerhouse Brent Orsuga to share strategies, mindset shifts, and tactical moves top recruiters need to crush it in 2025. If seven-figure years and becoming a recruiter of influence are on your vision board, this is required listening. 🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://rock-the-year-2025.hey...

Ready to close your strongest quarter ever and build a seven-figure recruitment business—even if you’re facing setbacks? In this episode, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Julia Arpag, CEO & Founder of Aligned Recruitment, who shares how she went from being laid off postpartum to building a $900K recruiting agency in just 18 months. 🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM...

Are you ready to discover what truly drives top recruiting teams and firm owners in 2024? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast goes deep with Justin Bellante, a healthcare recruiting firm owner, on the real tactics and mindsets that turn average recruiters into extraordinary leaders. Whether you’re a recruiter hungry for your next breakthrough or a firm owner on the edge of scaling up, this episode is your blueprint for success! 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines yo...

Do you feel overwhelmed by endless recruiting tech, tools, and “hacks”—but still wonder why top-billing recruiters win? This episode pulls back the curtain! Join Benjamin Mena as he sits down with powerhouse insurance recruiter Amy Simpson to unlock her 20 years of consistent, high-performance results. Amy proves that big wins come not from chasing shiny objects but from nailing the basics and building lasting client relationships. 🚀 Sponsor Spotlight – Get Both AI Tools FREE Try Sourcewhale’s ...

Get ready for an inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! This week, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Cari Kraft, owner of Jacobs Management Group, to explore how niching down—and leading with heart—can transform your recruiting journey. Cari shares her unconventional path from engineering and tech consulting to buying and leading a top life sciences recruiting firm, highlighting the ups, downs, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. Cari explains why focusing on a specialized niche like life sciences has been the driving force behind her long-term success, opening doors to deep client relationships, insider knowledge, and industry recognition. She and Ben also discuss building a team rooted in team goals, integrity, and consultative partnership—not just chasing placements, but making a positive impact on individuals and the industry at large. From running one of the industry's most trusted compensation and hiring surveys to launching a niche industry magazine, …

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s show, host Benjamin Mena sits down with legendary recruiter Michael Goldman to explore the mindset and strategies behind building a million-dollar career in recruitment. Michael, with over 45 years in the industry and as one of the founding members of the Pinnacle Society, shares his journey from a chance encounter at a bar that launched his career, to weathering major economic downturns and creating lasting value for clients and candidates alike. Together, Benjamin and Michael dig deep into essential topics every recruiter should hear—overcoming fear, mastering the art of influence, embracing the evolution of recruiting, and most importantly, discovering and articulating the true value you bring to the table as a recruiter. Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, you’ll find invaluable insights on building confidence, adapting to change, and leaving a powerful legacy in the world of recru…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Cam F. Awesome, a 12-time national champion heavyweight boxer, former USA National Boxing Team captain, and now a top motivational speaker. Cam's journey from being bullied as a kid to becoming the winningest boxer in U.S. history is nothing short of inspiring. But this conversation isn’t just about boxing—it’s about the grit, resilience, and the unstoppable mindset recruiters need to thrive in a high-pressure industry. Cam shares how he overcame setbacks, rewrote his self-story, and developed a game-changing approach to self-talk and habits. He dives into the importance of setting massive goals (even if you fail), why you should question “the way it’s always been done,” and the power of focusing on actions that truly move the needle. Benjamin and Cam explore how these lessons translate to recruitment: from dealing with daily rejection to pushing past self-doubt and creating your own pla…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse recruiter Dan Falzarano for an inspiring deep dive into the highs and lows of a recruiting career that bounced back from the brink. Dan shares his “No-BS” blueprint for consistent, high-level billing, detailing how he rocketed to early success, hit a tough plateau, and then made the mindset and process shifts that turned everything around—transforming him into a perennial 500k to 7-figure-plus producer. You’ll hear about the hard lessons learned during market downturns, why focusing on process and personal “why” matters more than outcome, and how Dan rebuilt momentum by prioritizing grit, time-blocking, and attacking every day with discipline. Plus, Dan unpacks his approach to business development, relationships that last, leveraging tech tools, and cultivating an office culture where both rookies and veterans can thrive. Whether you’re aiming for your first breakthrough or…

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Rob Bowerman, founder of The Bowerman Group, to explore the true power of niching in recruitment. Rob shares his fascinating journey from the world of retail buying to becoming a leading recruiter in the luxury and premium brands space. Together, they break down why specializing—finding that focused “niche”—is a game-changer for delivering extraordinary value to clients, and how it can set recruiters apart in an ultra-competitive market. Rob gives an inside look at building a high-performance, boutique recruiting firm, discusses strategies for creating a branded “luxury experience” for both candidates and clients, and offers actionable advice for recruiters looking to dive deeper into a niche they’re genuinely passionate about. Plus, stay tuned for stories from the glamorous side of retail, insights into building long-term success, and Rob’s perspective on adapting through industry changes. Whether you’r…

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s show, host Benjamin Mena sits down with top biller Cathy Stewart to unpack her incredible journey from hitting rock bottom to achieving elite recruiting success. Cathy shares her unconventional path into recruiting, starting with a background in music education and direct sales before becoming a powerhouse in the senior living executive search space. Listen in as Cathy reveals the mindset shifts, daily habits, and accountability strategies that transformed her career—even after devastating setbacks. Discover why being relentlessly consistent, focusing on relationships, and taking 100% responsibility are at the heart of her playbook. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro feeling stuck, Cathy’s story and practical tips will inspire you to get back on the horse, trust the process, and build the recruiting career you’ve always wanted. This episode is a masterclass on perseverance, gratitu…

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Liam Haghighat, a seasoned recruiter who went from being laid off three times in just nine months to building a thriving solo fractional recruiting business. Liam shares his candid journey—from working in agency and internal recruiting roles, to facing the hard reality of job loss, and ultimately taking the leap to launch his own consulting venture. Listeners will hear practical advice on what “fractional recruiting” really means, how to identify your ideal clients, and why developing a modern sales and content strategy is essential for success. Plus, Liam gets real about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the power of leveraging tech and AI, and offers actionable tips for recruiters contemplating their next big career move. Whether you’re thinking about starting your own firm or looking for ways to future-proof your recruiting career, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

On this inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with legendary recruiter Rich Bradley to dig deep into what it really takes to overcome adversity and bounce back stronger than ever. Rich shares his remarkable journey: from hustling for his first break in recruiting more than 40 years ago, through the tough choices that led him to build his own business, to his most recent battle with cancer that put his million-dollar billing streak on pause. Despite facing major health challenges and stepping away from his desk for months, Rich opens up about how he managed to cut through the setbacks, keep his business alive, and set his sights on a true million-dollar comeback. Listen in to find out the daily habits, unfiltered advice, and winning mindset that have defined his decades of success—and pick up some of the hard-earned wisdom Rich has to offer for recruiters at every stage of their career. If you’re looking to reignite your motivation, refine yo…

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s show, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Kelly Dockrell, a successful agency owner, newlywed, military spouse, DJ, and now published author, to explore what it takes to go from a leap of faith to building a thriving six-figure recruiting agency. Kelly shares her remarkable journey—one fueled by intuition, relentless faith, and perseverance. From running the streets of Miami in outside sales to answering a powerful calling that relocated her to Hawaii, Kelly opens up about starting her recruiting business from scratch, working multiple jobs to make ends meet, and enduring the highs and lows of entrepreneurship during a global pandemic. She dives into how recruiting became the ideal career as a military spouse, offering flexibility, portability, and identity no matter where in the world she might be stationed alongside her husband. You’ll hear about Kelly’s resourceful approach to growing her business—l…