Mindset Episodes

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Steve Anderson, CEO of Optigy, to unpack an extraordinary journey from milkman to leading a $19 million healthcare staffing company. After being laid off with a mortgage, five daughters, and no plan B, Steve Anderson shares how he leveraged resilience, relationship-building, and relentless optimism to create a recruiting powerhouse in just three years. Together, they discuss the critical distinction between vendors and partners, the lessons learned from early setbacks, and the mindset required to not only survive but thrive in the recruiting industry. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your agency, this episode offers tactical advice, real-world stories, and the kind of motivation that comes from someone who has truly set himself—and his business—on fire to find out what's possible.

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Lauren Lehman, a dynamic recruiter who skyrocketed her solo firm from zero to $120,000 in billings within just six weeks—armed with nothing more than relentless determination, a well-organized spreadsheet, and a passion for building real relationships.Tune in as Lauren Lehman shares her unique journey, from her beginnings in healthcare recruiting to mastering accounting and finance placements, and ultimately taking the leap to launch her own firm. We’ll dig into the practical strategies that fueled her explosive start: the power of disciplined time blocking, business development every single day, mushrooming accounts, and why trust, human connection, and personal branding are more critical than ever in today’s recruiting landscape.Whether you’re thinking about starting your own desk or want to become a more trusted partner in recruiting, this conversation is packed with actionable a…

What does it take to design a life and a recruiting business truly on your own terms? In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Tony O'Neill—an executive search founder who traded Midwest winters for surfing in Costa Rica, defined his own metrics of success, and built a thriving brand in the outdoor sporting goods niche. Tony O'Neill shares how he reverse-engineered his career and lifestyle, the pivotal moments and sacrifices along the way, and why discipline, specialization, and relentless focus on client value are the real keys to long-term freedom in recruitment. Whether you’re struggling to define your own success or want to take your search business to the next level, this episode is packed with personal stories, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you build the life—and business—you actually want.

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Catiana I. Ibarra Aponte, CEO and brand manager of Peoplelift, to share an incredible journey of resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers. From being repeatedly told "no"—whether by family, professors, or employers—Catiana I. Ibarra Aponte transformed obstacles into fuel for growth, ultimately rising to lead a thriving HR staffing and AI consultancy.Listen as Catiana I. Ibarra Aponte recounts how overcoming cultural expectations, a devastating hurricane, and pandemic layoffs shaped her perspective on leadership, perseverance, and building a business that changes lives—not just fills jobs. This is a must-hear story for anyone seeking inspiration to turn rejection into triumph and to master their craft in the world of recruiting.

Welcome to this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, Benjamin Mena sits down with Luke Marquardt, a former NFL player whose journey is the ultimate story of perseverance, grit, and reinvention. From enduring a series of devastating injuries and setbacks in his athletic career—including four broken feet—to building a $700K recruiting desk in the commercial construction space, Luke Marquardt's experience is a masterclass in chasing dreams, embracing new opportunities, and learning to thrive when life takes unexpected turns. Tune in as we dive into Luke Marquardt's transformation from the football field to the world of recruiting, explore the mindset and habits that propelled his explosive growth, and uncover actionable insights you can use to elevate your own desk—no matter what doors have closed or opened along the way.

Welcome to a powerhouse episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with industry legend Dave Veres, who’s helped scale teams and orchestrate explosive growth—from $300 million to a staggering $12 billion in staffing revenue. Together, they dive deep into the art of "diagnosis-based selling," a method that goes beyond transactional recruiting to offer true partnership and predictive value for clients.Dave Veres candidly shares career stories—from the front lines of massive automotive and government contracts, to personal moments where his team’s ability to deliver was literally a matter of life and death. This conversation explores the real difference between asking questions and truly diagnosing a client’s pain points, the importance of relationships over metrics, and how the right culture and leadership can rocket any recruiter’s growth.If you want actionable insights on scaling relationships, landing whale accounts, and building res…

Episode IntroductionWelcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Jake Frazer, co-founder of Precision Talent Solutions and a true industry insider in the government contracting (GovCon) executive search space. Jake Frazer shares his unconventional journey from the Army and running major operations with KBR to revolutionizing talent acquisition in GovCon, not as a traditional recruiter, but as a passionate connector dedicated to getting the right people in the right seats.You'll hear how Jake Frazer and his team leverage technology, psychometrics, and AI to deliver unmatched results for their clients, plus innovative approaches like their Virtual Assessment Center and fractional flag officer program supporting senior leaders from government and military backgrounds. The conversation explores why empathy, market knowledge, and industry expertise are the future differentiators for recruiters, and how Jake Frazer is preparing his …

Most recruiting firms measure success by offers accepted. Jake Frazer watched that metric send unqualified people into a war zone. That was the moment he decided the industry was broken — and spent the next decade building something different. Frazer is not a recruiter. He is a government contracting operator who watched from the inside as one of the largest defense contractors in the world staffed programs the wrong way and paid for it in the field. He served in the Army, ran logistics at KBR p...

Most recruiting firms measure success by offers accepted. Jake Frazer watched that metric send unqualified people into a war zone. That was the moment he decided the industry was broken — and spent the next decade building something different. Frazer is not a recruiter. He is a government contracting operator who watched from the inside as one of the largest defense contractors in the world staffed programs the wrong way and paid for it in the field. He served in the Army, ran logistics at KBR p...

IntroductionWelcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Augusta Mirchandani, founder and CEO of a global recruiting organization spanning five countries. Together, they tackle a critical and persistent issue in the recruitment industry: why the best women recruiters keep leaving their firms—even when they consistently outperform their peers.Drawing on 13+ years of experience in the quant and discretionary finance space, Augusta Mirchandani shares her perspective on how outdated structures and "laddish" cultures hinder women's long-term success, why high-performing women often feel unsupported or sidelined, and what needs to change to build inclusive, high-impact recruitment environments. She offers actionable advice for male founders who want to truly empower women on their teams, insights into the habits of million-dollar billers, and discusses how her own leadership evolved after becoming a mother.Whether you’re a leader loo…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s show, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Jean-Louis-Philip Girardet, one of France’s top billers turned recruiting team leader. From luxury hospitality in Los Angeles and London to crushing €500,000 billing years—and now coaching new recruiters—Jean-Louis-Philip Girardet shares his unique path, insights, and strategies for building lasting relationships and delivering high-quality results.They dive into what sets top billers apart, the challenges and opportunities within the French recruiting market, and how lessons from a career in hospitality have shaped Jean-Louis-Philip Girardet's distinctive approach to recruitment. Plus, you'll hear actionable advice for recruiters at every stage—from those just entering the industry, to veterans aiming to reach elite status. Tune in for a conversation packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to succeed and lead in today’s recruiti…

On this powerful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Stephanie Loewenstern for a raw and inspiring conversation that goes well beyond the highlight reels of LinkedIn. Stephanie Loewenstern shares her journey from humble beginnings in call center recruiting to launching her own successful tech recruitment business—while navigating some of life’s most brutal challenges.Just days after giving birth and enduring a painful breakup, Stephanie Loewenstern found herself a single mom forced to keep her business afloat under immense pressure. Through vulnerable storytelling, she reveals how recruiting became her lifeline during trauma, and how relationships, resilience, and relentless self-improvement took her from “just surviving” to thriving.You’ll hear practical insights about building a desk from scratch, the true power of authentic relationships, why saving for a rainy day is crucial, and the mindset shifts necessary to weather the storms of en…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Josh Volinsky, President and Co-founder of Synergy Search, to unpack the bold strategies and mindset behind building a $5M recruiting firm—without hiring a single traditional recruiter.You’ll hear how Josh Volinsky, a former accountant turned record-breaking biller, walked away from the “cushy” world of corporate America to launch a firm built entirely on training industry pros from scratch. Discover why Synergy Search only hires ex-accountants (many with zero recruiting experience) and how their system propelled multiple team members to $400K+ billings in their very first year.Together, Benjamin Mena and Josh Volinsky share the challenges of taking the leap, the power of partnership, and the culture of obsession with detail and relationship-building that fueled their firm’s explosive growth—even through market downturns and personal loss. If you want actionable insights on hiring, …

Welcome to a powerful new episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this special installment, host Benjamin Mena welcomes back one of the show's most popular guests, Mike Anderson—a recruiter with a remarkable journey from overcoming personal adversity to finding professional freedom in the recruitment industry.This episode dives deep into the pivotal question many recruiters ask themselves: Should you go “lone wolf” and start your own business, or is your best move staying right where you are? Mike Anderson shares why he left the big agency world, what drove him to burn the ships and never look back, and how making the leap changed more than just his career—but his entire life.You’ll hear raw stories of hardship, transformation, and honesty about what it really takes to make it on your own. Learn the common pitfalls recruiters face when going solo, what signs to look for before making the jump, and how to know if you need a partner (or if you’re just trying to plug a hole).…

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…