Episodes

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, join hosts Somer Hackley and Benjamin Mena as they explore "The Power of Empathy and Relationships in Launching an Executive Search Firm" with Somer's inspiring journey. Listen in as Somer reveals the intense pressures and health challenges she faced while working in recruitment, which led her to transition to working independently. Discover how she built successful partnerships, self-published a transformative book, and leveraged personal networking to launch her own executive search firm. From her early days in contingency search to the sophisticated world of executive recruitment, Somer shares invaluable lessons on adaptability, empathy, and the power of genuine relationships. She discusses her hands-on approach to client interactions, the significance of maintaining long-term connections, and how listening and curiosity can lead to business success. Plus, gain insights into the effective tools and strategies she swears…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we delve deep into the dynamic world of recruitment. In today's episode titled "AI-Powered Hiring and Navigating Startup Success," host Benjamin Mena sits down with Sabashan Ragavan, co-founder of HeyMilo, an AI-powered tool revolutionizing the hiring process. Sabashan shares his journey through the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of the startup world, likening it to the stock market and emphasizing the importance of addressing customer problems effectively. With insights from his experience at tech giants like Microsoft and Instagram, he discusses the critical role of having a reliable co-founder, the importance of personal growth, and the high return on investment in founding his own venture. In a candid conversation, Sabashan offers valuable advice to both seasoned and new founders in the rec tech space, stressing the need to stay motivated, solve the right problems, and navigate investor skepticism. The discussion also ex…

Welcome back to another insightful episode of *The Elite Recruiter Podcast*! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we have a special guest, Suzie Grieco, who will be sharing her incredible journey from media advertising to becoming a powerhouse in the recruiting industry. We'll explore Suzie's career path, from her initial foray into technology and financial recruiting without formal training, to her transition into account management and eventually founding her own successful recruiting company, Sgt. Recruiting. In this episode, Suzie offers invaluable advice on the importance of technical curiosity, mentorship, and asking the right questions to succeed in recruiting. We'll delve into her transition from contingency recruiting to Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and how this shift provided stability and more consistent service for her clients. Suzie also provides fascinating insights into corporate recruiting, the impact of technology, and the significance of in-person t…

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I’m your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we’re diving into the world of digital marketing for recruiters with our incredible guest, Brad Bialy. As the Director of Digital Marketing at Haley Marketing, with over eleven years of experience, Brad brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. In this episode, Brad shares his personal and professional journey, emphasizing the importance of legacy, work ethic, and achieving goals not just for yourself, but for your family. We explore how AI is revolutionizing recruiting while ensuring the human touch remains integral. Brad also offers invaluable advice on embracing change, leveraging technology, and not shying away from digital marketing tactics that can significantly boost placements and leads. We’ll discuss game-changing strategies like using video and AI tools, the power of an intentional knowledge-sharing culture, and the critical role of leveraging existing databases…

In today's episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with ex-athlete turned successful recruiter Domenic Maiani, who shares his incredible journey of leaving a stable job, overcoming legal hurdles, and skyrocketing his new recruiting agency to a $1.5 million success in just one year. Many recruiters struggle with the challenges of starting their own agency and scaling their business, and this episode dives deep into those very struggles, providing actionable insights to help you achieve similar, if ...

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, titled **"Bet on Yourself: Zaharo Tsekouras on Starting a Recruiting Firm,"** we have an inspiring conversation between your host, Benjamin Mena, and guest host, Zaharo Tsekouras. Join us as Zaharo shares her incredible journey of launching a successful recruiting company, even while expecting a child! She offers invaluable advice on betting on yourself, overcoming fears, and navigating the challenges of starting a business. Throughout the episode, you'll learn how to effectively reach out to CEOs for business development, the importance of cold emailing, and why targeting potential customers with specific services can yield a high response rate. Zaharo also talks about key books that influenced her career, and why trusting your gut is essential for early-career professionals. We'll dive into the nuances of niche specialization in recruiting, the significance of building strong, genuine relationships with clients and ca…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we discuss the world of recruiting with industry leaders and innovators. In today's episode, your host Benjamin Mena sits down with Nicolas Greppo, the successful founder of The Data Recruiter based in Paris. Nicolas shares his incredible journey from a sales intern in 2003 to becoming a niche recruiter for data scientists, along with the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Get ready to dive into Nicolas's experiences in transitioning from contingent to retained recruiting, the critical role of mentorship from Tony Robbins and coach Roy Ripper, and the art of outsourcing administrative tasks to focus on core business strategies. We'll also hear about how Nicolas's YouTube channel on data science interview tips became a game-changer for his recruitment business, leading to significant placements and client wins. Nicolas's story doesn't just stop at professional successes; he shares personal insights into his competitive dri…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we spotlight inspiring stories from the world of recruitment. In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Sarah Englade, who has triumphed against adversity to build a thriving recruiting firm in Houston, specializing in direct hire for accounting, finance, and HR positions. Host Benjamin Mena dives deep into Sarah's story, exploring her journey from being fired and laid off to generating a remarkable $1.6 million in revenue with her own firm. Starting as a licensed medical esthetician in Massachusetts, Sarah moved to Houston and pivoted to a career in recruitment, eventually mastering various staffing fields and climbing the corporate ladder. However, she found the cutthroat corporate environment didn't align with her values, leading her to start her own venture, Monarch Talent Solutions. Despite early struggles, including navigating non-compete issues and enduring six months without placements, Sarah's dedication, humane approa…

Welcome back, listeners, to another enlightening episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast. Today, we have a special guest who truly embodies the spirit of continuous improvement and excellence in recruiting—Casey Jacox. Casey shares invaluable insights on mastering the art of recruiting, emphasizing the critical importance of practicing skills, seeking mentorship, and maintaining a mindset of perpetual growth. From his early coaching experiences that shaped his path, to his remarkable success as a top biller at Kforce, Casey's journey is packed with stories and lessons that every recruiter can learn from. He advocates for genuine client relationships, the significance of humility and kindness, and how visualization and positive affirmations play a pivotal role in achieving goals. We'll also delve into Casey’s entrepreneurial transition, his published work, his podcasting adventures, and his philosophy of creating positive environments by staying curious and vulnerable. Whether you…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we have an incredibly insightful episode titled "Preparing for an AI-Driven Future with Alex Libre." Our special guest, Alex Libre, co-founder of a pioneering AI-focused recruiting firm, joins us to share his expertise and vision for the future of recruiting in the age of artificial intelligence. We'll dive into how Alex utilizes AI tools like chat GPT and Claude to revolutionize the recruiting process, including practical applications such as AI-driven transcription, data tracking, and structure from recruiter calls. He also highlights the importance of mastering AI and prompt engineering for a competitive edge in the market. As we explore the societal impacts of AI and the potential for artificial general intelligence, Alex discusses the need for wealth redistribution and prepares for a job landscape where AI might replace many knowledge workers. Moreover, Alex shares his journey from working at big names like Google to foundin…

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast. I’m your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we’re diving deep into the transformative world of personal branding within the recruiting industry. Join me in conversing with our special guest, Darren Westall from Paiger, as he takes us through his fascinating journey from tech and recruitment to becoming a leading advocate for innovative personal branding strategies. In this episode, we'll explore how the recruitment landscape has shifted from traditional job boards to dynamic B2B social networks like LinkedIn. Darren shares invaluable insights on the importance of consistency in building trust and credibility, and provides practical advice on leveraging multiple touch points—from LinkedIn posts and comments to real-life meetings—to maximize your reach and engagement. We also discuss how recruiters can use AI tools effectively to streamline their processes, improve work-life balance, and boost earnings. Darren advises…

Are you curious about how AI is revolutionizing the recruitment process and what it means for the future of your recruiting career? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast is sponsored by heyMilo: https://www.heymilo.ai/ Finish The Year Strong Summit - https://finish-the-year-strong.heysummit.com/ In today's fast-paced digital world, the recruitment landscape is rapidly evolving, with technology, AI, and community playing pivotal roles. Traditional methods are becoming less effectiv...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we're diving deep into the world of recruiting success with none other than Andrea Rishmawi. Andrea's journey from being inspired by "The Secret" to becoming a top biller in the recruiting industry is a testament to the power of mindset, visualization, and hard work. In this episode, Andrea shares her incredible story of moving to Santa Monica, achieving rookie of the year status, and eventually launching her own firm, 180 Collective. We'll explore the crucial role of mindset and gratitude in her success, the importance of authentic relationships, and how she maintains a high level of productivity and client satisfaction. Andrea also offers invaluable advice on using LinkedIn effectively, the impact of key books on her career, and the benefits of a unique firm setup that focuses on collaboration over competition. Stay tuned as Andrea and I discuss how recruiters can make …

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we have an exceptionally talented guest with us—Chris Schwenk. In this episode, we delve deep into the art of content creation within the recruiting industry. Chris emphasizes the power of building niche relationships, leveraging AI tools like Video AI, and maintaining high-quality content to attract and secure branded deals. Together, we explore the unpredictability of content creation, the importance of urgency and efficiency, and the invaluable insights Chris has gained from his extensive experience in the field. You'll hear about Chris's journey from posting financial content for job seekers to successfully monetizing his industry-focused podcast. We'll also discuss the practical tech tools he uses, the influence of motivational quotes, and his strategies for client outreach. Whether you're a new recruiter or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable tips a…

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we have a spectacular episode lined up for you. Joining us is the insightful and experienced Mike Ames, a returning guest who will guide us on how to find and retain your apex clients—those top-tier clients who contribute significantly to your revenue. In this episode, we delve into a plethora of valuable insights. Mike emphasizes the importance of aligning mission, values, and culture in recruitment, taking a leaf out of Steve Jobs' book. He also discusses the critical transition from a recruiter mindset to that of a business owner, focusing on strategic rather than tactical business development. You'll hear about the powerful “Dream 100” strategy for targeting high-value clients, the impactful Ada approach to conversations, and the importance of both quality and personalized recruitment solutions. Mike also recommends reading "Deep Work" by Cal Newport to boost focus and pr…

Welcome back to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I’m your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we have an insightful conversation with Andrew Lewis, a seasoned recruiter with a unique blend of agency and in-house experience. Andrew initially contemplated starting his own search firm but eventually pivoted to a career in tech talent acquisition. In this episode, we dive into Andrew’s journey, from rapidly scaling a branch to $2 million in revenue to navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrew shares his thoughts on the perceived conflicts between in-house and agency recruiters, the importance of social media presence, and how recruiters can truly differentiate themselves in a competitive market. We also explore the transformative impact of AI tools in recruitment and the necessity for continuous learning and adaptability in our ever-evolving industry. Join us as Andrew discusses building a meaningful presence on LinkedIn, leveraging mentors, and offering v…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Julia Arpag, a remarkable leader who turned a major setback into a monumental success. Join host Benjamin Mena as he dives into Julia's inspiring journey from being laid off while on maternity leave to generating $500,000 in revenue within just nine months. Julia shares invaluable insights on maintaining empathy and a commitment to positive leadership, running a lean organization, and the power of affirmations and intentional thought. We discuss the importance of high performance over monetary goals, staying disciplined, and leveraging personalized marketing strategies like Dripify on LinkedIn. Tune in to hear how Julia's dedication, strategic mindset, and coaching support helped her transition from an employee to a successful business owner. We also explore her daily routines, the significance of financial preparedness, and essential advice for aspiring and seasoned recruiters. Don’t miss out on…

Welcome to another exciting episode of **The Elite Recruiter Podcast**! I'm your host James Dyson, and today we're diving deep into the world of cleared recruiting with my co-host, Benjamin Mena. In this episode, we uncover the secrets to attracting and retaining top talent in the Govcon space, focusing on why being mission-driven and displaying clear value is crucial for organizations. We also discuss the unique benefits that set companies apart, the importance of vetting potential employers for job stability, and why clear, upfront communication from recruiters is essential in this highly competitive field. We'll explore innovative strategies like leveraging AI tools and building a personal network to find highly cleared professionals, whose unique security clearances make them exceptionally sought-after. Stay tuned as Benjamin and I share insights on how to navigate the complexities of government contracting, the impact of job instability due to contract rebids, and tips for …

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, we delve into the world of sourcing hacks with our distinguished guest, Michael Rasmussen. Hosted by Benjamin Mena, this episode explores Michael's fascinating journey from an HR generalist to a seasoned recruiter who transformed his passion into a full-time career. Michael shares how hands-on experience and mentorship from industry experts like Mark Tortoise played a pivotal role in honing his skills. We'll discuss the thrilling rewards of successful placements, including a significant $10,000 fee, and how AI is revolutionizing the recruiting landscape just as email did in the past. Michael provides invaluable tips on leveraging AI tools like Chat GPT for creating compelling candidate messages and refining Boolean strings. Looking beyond LinkedIn, he emphasizes the importance of Boolean basics and open web searches, using platforms like Facebook and GitHub to find diverse profiles. Discover practical tools such as Luci…

Join us for an insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast as we sit down with the exceptional Dandan Zhu, a revered name in agency recruitment. With a career that began in the competitive UK market and soared to remarkable heights in the US, Dandan brings a unique perspective on the nuances of the industry. From discussing the intense work ethic instilled by her family to sharing her "seven seven seven" rule for success, Dandan dives deep into the strategies that propelled her to the top. Exploring the differences in recruitment business models and compensation plans, she offers a candid look at the challenges and rewards of the field. As she emphasizes the value of human interaction over technology in recruiting, Dandan's insights on personal development and career choices are truly enlightening. For practical advice on navigating the agency recruitment world and insights into building a successful career, tune in to this engaging episode with Dandan Zhu on The Elite Recruiter…

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of **The Elite Recruiter Podcast**! Today, we're diving deep into the world of recruiting with a special episode titled, "Grow, Build, and Scale Your Recruiting Firm," featuring our distinguished guest, Jonathan Bartos. Join host Benjamin Mena as he and Jonathan Bartos explore the evolving roles in the recruiting industry, emphasizing the critical importance of appointment setters and their contributions to professionalizing the sales process. Jonathan delves into his unique approach to understanding client needs and addressing gaps in hiring processes, offering valuable insights on delegating tasks, setting expectations, and the importance of coaching and continuous learning for both new and seasoned recruiters. In this episode, discover how the right metrics, tools, and business development activities can significantly boost your recruiting firm's effectiveness and revenue. Jonathan also shares practical tips on managing and training o…

Have you ever considered how a contrarian approach could turn your recruiting process from conventional to exceptional? Contrarian Recruiting Strategies with Peter Leffkowitz Part 2 In the competitive field of recruiting, time is often of the essence, yet rapid placements can lead to superficial matches that don't stand the test of time. Today’s recruiters face the dilemma of balancing speed with quality, often sacrificing the latter. Imagine a strategy that bucks this trend, prioritizing deep...

Have you ever considered how a contrarian approach could turn your recruiting process from conventional to exceptional? Contrarian Recruiting Strategies with Peter Leffkowitz Part 1 In the competitive field of recruiting, time is often of the essence, yet rapid placements can lead to superficial matches that don't stand the test of time. Today’s recruiters face the dilemma of balancing speed with quality, often sacrificing the latter. Imagine a strategy that bucks this trend, prioritizing deep...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast. I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we're joined by a truly remarkable guest, Pete Tomasko, who has an incredible story of transformation from homelessness to becoming a partner in a thriving search firm, Titan Placement Group. Twelve years living on the streets, battling addiction, and overcoming personal demons—Pete’s journey is nothing short of miraculous. In today’s episode, titled "Homeless to Search Firm Owner: The Transformational Power of Recruiting," Pete will share how he was introduced to the recruiting industry at 45, with no prior experience, and how this opportunity completely turned his life around. We'll explore the challenges he faced, including dealing with toxic work environments and how breaking free from those led him to success and fulfillment. Pete also sits on the board of directors for Lite Share Behavioral and Wellness Centers, where he uses his personal experiences to help others. Hi…