AI Episodes

A hiring manager types "accounting recruiter near me" into ChatGPT. Somebody comes up. Steve Gipson's argument is that it is almost never the best recruiter. It is the most visible one. Steve is Director of Sales and Operations at Recruiters Websites, now in its fourteenth year and used by over a thousand recruiting firms. One of those clients is a two person firm that had closed $404,000 of inbound business as of the day this was recorded, pulling twenty to thirty leads a month from people who had never heard of them. Steve is direct about the caveat. They started this work seven or eight years ago. Inside the episode: what Google actually changed and why SEO did not die, how topical authority works on a recruiting site, whether Wix and Squarespace can rank, the listicle and directory play for getting cited by AI, and the one on page fix to make this week. Figures are self reported and not independently verified. Recruiters Websites: https://recruiterswebsites.com/ Finis…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Dougie Loan, a recruitment tech leader who has analyzed billions of recruiting messages and has his finger on the pulse of what’s truly effective — and what’s no longer working — in modern recruiting. In this data-driven conversation, Dougie Loan shares candid insights from behind the scenes, busts outdated outreach myths, and reveals strategies that are winning business in 2026. Tune in as we talk AI's impact, wasted workdays, assembling high-growth playbooks, and actionable advice for recruiters who want to move from average to elite. Whether you’re struggling with low reply rates or searching for a competitive edge, this episode is packed with practical tips and forward-looking strategies to help you thrive in the rapidly evolving world of recruitment.

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, "How To Build A $1.3 Million AI Recruiting Desk," we dive deep into the strategies that are revolutionizing the recruiting industry. This episode serves as a preview for the upcoming AI Recruiting Summit 2026, running from July 13th to July 20th. Join us for free live sessions to gain actionable insights or opt for the VIP package or Elite Recruiter Community membership for permanent access to replays. This episode is proudly sponsored ...

Picking up where Part 1 left off, Allie gets into the money and the machinery. She explains pipelining projects — building a talent bench for a client — and why she keeps at least 20% of her business there for cash flow. Then the math: why a recruiter running five to eight retained searches can out-earn one juggling fifteen contingent reqs. The centerpiece is her contrarian thesis that "great delivery is your business development" — she tried being a salesperson, failed, and found that doing the work exceptionally well is what actually generates referrals and repeat clients. From there she walks her full kickoff-to-close process: scoping, building team alignment, writing job descriptions that captivate passive candidates, presenting offers herself, and where she does and doesn't trust AI. She closes with the hardest search of her career, the most common mistake recruiters make going retained, and three things a listener can do this week — starting with leveraging the network they alre…

Allie Milbrath, founder of the Quinn Roberts Company, returns to make the case that the biggest shift recruiting needs is the move from contingent to retained — and that AI is forcing the issue. Her opening frame: stop panicking about AI and ask the harder question of what part of your service was ever actually valuable. If it was speed, you're in trouble; if it's judgment, trust, and honest market feedback, that's what clients will keep paying for. Allie shares that she's run her firm 100% retained for a decade with zero cold business development, then unpacks the real barrier holding recruiters back — what she calls "emotional exits," the contingent habit of bailing when a search gets hard. The episode covers who retained is and isn't for, how to separate fear from a market that genuinely can't bear retained, a full live role-play of pitching a contingent-only client, and the mechanics: fee structure, holding your price, and the contract terms that protect you.

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today’s guest is Riece Keck, a recruiter and agency owner who built an astonishing $800k in billings in a single year—after nearly losing his business twice. In this episode, Benjamin Mena sits down with Riece Keck to unpack a rollercoaster journey: from the heights of the recruiting boom, through financial pitfalls and a massive market downturn, to an inspiring rebuild fueled by AI-driven business development. Benjamin Mena and Riece Keck dive into the frameworks and low-to-no-code tech stacks Riece Keck used to automate outreach and scale his recruiting practice far beyond what’s possible with traditional tools. You’ll hear actionable insights about systematizing business development, building strategic partnerships, and crafting messaging that actually gets responses. Plus, Riece Keck shares his candid advice for recruiters facing lean times—and his predictions for how AI will reshape the industry by 2028. Whether you…

Welcome to a brand new episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, host Benjamin Mena welcomes back recruitment expert James Blackwell to dive deep into the game-changing trends shaping the industry as we head towards 2025. In this forward-looking conversation, Benjamin and James break down the rise of AI Talent Partners, the evolving demands of clients, and why the days of being a “Superman” recruiter—doing it all yourself—are numbered. James shares his unfiltered take on what it REALLY takes to crush it in recruitment today, from adopting the right mindset to leveraging cutting-edge tech like Clay AI and remote assistants. You’ll hear insights into the three major shifts in recruitment history, why traditional agency models are getting swallowed up by automation, and how the top agency founders are adapting to stay ahead of the curve. Plus, they explore practical strategies for scaling your recruiting business—without burning out—through delegation, smart outsourcing, and b…

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we have an exceptional guest joining us: Marcus Sawyerr. Marcus has risen from humble beginnings to become a leader in the recruitment industry, leveraging the power of AI and strategic relationships to drive success. In this episode, Marcus shares invaluable insights on how to harness AI tools alongside emotional intelligence, the critical importance of proactive relationship-building in staffing, and his vision for the future of recruitment companies as technology-driven entities. We'll also dive into his personal journey, from his early days in sales to his innovative work at CareerBuilder and Adecco, and now as an entrepreneur revolutionizing the industry with his company, EQ app. Get ready to uncover practical advice on making impactful strategic moves, building a successful business framework, and the importance of community and mindset in achieving long-term succe…

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the future of recruiting with our special guest, Jason James. In this episode titled "Evolution of Recruiting: AI, Efficiency, and Candidate Experience," we will explore how AI is transforming the recruitment landscape, especially in the wake of significant downsizing in recruiting teams over the past few years. Join our host, Benjamin Mena, as we discuss Jason's revolutionary AI recruiting agent, Max, developed by Tezi. This cutting-edge tool is designed to handle routine tasks, enhance recruiter productivity, and improve the candidate experience. We'll talk about the role of AI in managing high-volume recruitment, while still emphasizing the human touch needed for executive-level hires. Jason will share his insights on the future of recruitment technology, including advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, reflections on his own journey from corporate roles to founding a startup, and th…

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...

Hello and welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, the show that’s all about arming you with cutting-edge strategies to elevate your recruiting game. I’m your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we have a very special guest, Bethany Stachenfeld, the CEO of Sendspark, joining us to discuss how recruiters can master the art of video personalization. In today’s digital age, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever, and Bethany is here to share the transformative tools and technologies that Sendspark offers. Imagine sending out hundreds of personalized videos with ease, addressing your prospects by name, and even integrating specific job titles or personal details—all this without creating multiple individual videos. Bethany will walk us through how Sendspark's technology leverages AI to create scalable, personalized video content, as well as how their platform enhances communication by overlaying videos onto public websites. We'll explore the practical a…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where today's recruiting experts arm you with the insights to elevate your game. I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and in this episode, "The 3 Pillars of AI In Recruiting Edge," we're diving into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence with the CEO of Betterleep, Khaled Hussein. Fresh from the success of our recruiting growth summit, we're bringing the future to your doorstep. Khaled brings years of entrepreneurial skill and a deep understanding of AI's role in recruiting. We'll be unpacking the three pivotal waves of AI technology that are reshaping our industry—from recommendation systems to natural language sourcing and beyond. Discover how personalizing emails, leveraging follow-up features, and understanding unlimited contacts can amplify your productivity and refine your placements. Moreover, Khaled shares his path to success, starting in his family's entrepreneurial roots and leading into the tech world, bringing a human tou…

Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of product marketing versus solution marketing with our special guest, Will McGhee. Join your host, Benjamin Mena, as he delves into Will's interesting journey in the recruiting industry, his insights on the evolving landscape of recruitment, and his top tips for building a successful solution-based marketing system. Get ready to uncover the secrets of effective marketing in the recruiting industry, as we explore the strategies and mindset needed to excel in this competitive field. So sit back, relax, and get ready for another knowledge-packed episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast!

Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of product marketing versus solution marketing with our special guest, Will McGhee. Join your host, Benjamin Mena, as he delves into Will's interesting journey in the recruiting industry, his insights on the evolving landscape of recruitment, and his top tips for building a successful solution-based marketing system. Get ready to uncover the secrets of effective marketing in the recruiting industry, as we explore the strategies and mindset needed to excel in this competitive field. So sit back, relax, and get ready for another knowledge-packed episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast!

Welcome back to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we have a fantastic guest joining us, Sam Kuehnle, who is here to share some valuable insights and strategies to help recruiters and sales professionals excel in their roles. In this episode, Sam emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships before reaching out for recruitment or sales purposes. They discuss the power of engaging with potential candidates or clients on social media, providing value through relevant content, and showing genuine interest in their success. Sam also highlights the need for transparency in recruiting conversations, the evolution of the industry, and the value of empathy in leadership. So, if you're ready to take your recruitment and sales game to the next level, this episode is a must-listen! Let's dive right in and learn from the expertise of Sam Kuehnle.

elcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, your host Benjamin dives into a captivating conversation with the phenomenal Michael Solomon, founder of 10x Management. With a background in the music industry, Michael has revolutionized the world of tech talent recruitment by applying the principles of talent management. Their insightful discussion explores the evolving landscape of remote work and the role of AI in the recruitment process. As they delve into the future of work, they examine the importance of humility, continuous improvement, and adaptability. Benjamin also highlights Michael's extensive involvement in nonprofits and his commitment to being of service to others. Get ready to gain invaluable insights and inspiration from this game-changing episode. And don't forget to check out Michael's must-read book, "Game Changer"! So sit back, relax, and let's jump into this enlightening conversation with Michael Solomon on The Elite Recruiter Podcast.

"On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, we have the incredible Tricia Tamkin as our guest. Tricia shares some amazing stories and insights about her experiences in the recruitment industry. She talks about how she helped a client transition into owning their own business, providing support with resignation, launching the business, and acquiring new clients. Tricia also discusses the importance of optimizing job postings for search engine optimization and how job postings should focus on what's in it for the candidate rather than just listing qualifications. She shares valuable tips on writing effective job ads and the impact it can have on sourcing candidates. Tricia emphasizes the value of leveraging relationships and cultivating networks as a recruiter. She also recommends a game-changing book that had a profound impact on her thinking and approach to business. Tricia opens up about her coaching practice and the importance of establishing chemistry and impact before making …

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, we have the incredible Tricia Tamkin as our guest. Tricia shares some amazing stories and insights about her experiences in the recruitment industry. She talks about how she helped a client transition into owning their own business, providing support with resignation, launching the business, and acquiring new clients. Tricia also discusses the importance of optimizing job postings for search engine optimization and how job postings should focus on what's in it for the candidate rather than just listing qualifications. She shares valuable tips on writing effective job ads and the impact it can have on sourcing candidates. Tricia emphasizes the value of leveraging relationships and cultivating networks as a recruiter. She also recommends a game-changing book that had a profound impact on her thinking and approach to business. Tricia opens up about her coaching practice and the importance of establishing chemistry and impact before making l…

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, join host Benjamin Mena as he sits down with David Paffenholz, founder of PeopleGPT. David shares how his company is disrupting the recruiting industry by focusing on finding more specialized IT talent with higher conversion rates and success within organizations. He also discusses how AI will help recruiters evolve their jobs by using it to find and screen candidates more efficiently while still maintaining the final decision-making process. Additionally, David talks about People GPT's new data sources and workflow improvements, as well as his tips for new recruiters and the importance of personalized recruiting. Lastly, he delves into the AI revolution in recruiting and how his company is taking Chat GPT to the next level with their new program. Tune in to this informative episode to learn more about the future of recruiting with AI.

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, our host and special guest, David Stephen Patterson, discuss AI and how it can revolutionize recruiting. The podcast delves into the nitty-gritty of sales and marketing, including cultivating long-term relationships with potential clients and the importance of entertaining and emotionally resonant content. The speaker has developed AI personas that can be trained to write in different styles, which can be advantageous for recruiters struggling with content creation. The podcast also offers insights into various AI tools, including a unique solution for knowledge management and productivity called Mem AI. Tune in to learn more about David Stefan Patterson's AI Persona Genesis program that provides training for AI personas for different writing needs.