Mindset Episodes

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, "Turning Pro in Your Career and Making Everything Count," we have the privilege of hosting Brian Moskowitz, a seasoned recruiter and former attorney. Brian delves into the essence of team culture, the critical importance of the right mindset, and the art of in-depth questioning for achieving career success. He shares his journey from practicing law to becoming a recruiter, emphasizing the significance of professionalism and dedication in making a successful career transition. Drawing inspiration from Steven Pressfield's "Turning Pro," Brian reflects on how early success led him to initially underestimate the rigors of recruiting, and how experience taught him the need for a structured, professional approach. He walks us through his meticulous planning methodology, which blends insights from various productivity systems and tools for optimal execution and continuous improvement. Brian also explores the profound impact …

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I’m your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we’re joined by Gail Audibert, President of the Pinnacle Society and a luminary in the recruiting world. Join us as Gail shares her extraordinary journey from dramatically increasing her work output to attend a pivotal conference, to being inspired by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, and ultimately setting ambitious career goals in the 1980s. Gail discusses starting her own firm at just 25, the role of integrity and personal relationships in her success, and the innovative use of video messaging in recruitment. She also opens up about her dedication to professional associations, her involvement in community building, and her passion for integrating new technologies like AI into her practice. Gail’s personal and professional insights offer a unique perspective on achieving elite status in recruitment. Stick around; you won't want to miss her story of motivation, innovation, and…

In today's episode, "Making The Jump From Internal to Owning an Agency," join host Benjamin Mena as he dives into an inspiring conversation with recruitment expert Raul Mendoza. With nearly two decades of industry experience, Raul shares his courageous journey from an internal recruiter to a thriving entrepreneur. Discover invaluable insights on leveraging affordable tools like Canva and Wix for marketing, the significance of social media presence over traditional websites, and Raul's method of setting and visualizing goals to stay committed to his ambitions. Whether you’re a newcomer to recruiting or a veteran looking to pivot into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with actionable advice on building your brand, using AI to enhance recruitment strategies, and the indispensable role of an accountability partner. Raul’s story is a testament to overcoming fear, leveraging networks, and maintaining a long-term vision for sustainable success. Plus, get motivated by Raul's unique …

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Tom Kosnik, a seasoned advisor to recruiting firms, to delve into the transformative steps that can skyrocket a recruiting business from $1 million to $25 million. In this discussion, Tom shares his invaluable expertise on many topics, including the critical role of personal branding in today’s market, strategies for effective leadership, and the necessity of continuous innovation. We’ll explore the benefits of empowering employees to build their personal brands and ways to adapt to economic changes, including nearshoring trends and the evolving dynamics of consumer spending. Tom also sheds light on optimizing operational efficiency through advanced technologies like AI and automation, tackling challenges in the staffing industry, and the importance of networking and support systems. From maintaining high Google ratings and social media presence to navigating the complexities…

Welcome to another awesome episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we have a truly inspiring guest, Greg Benadiba, who joins us to share his remarkable journey from agency recruiter to executive leadership at Bilingual Source. In this episode, Greg delves into the strategies, habits, and philosophies that have paved his path to success. You'll hear about the importance of live engagement, leveraging AI for targeted research, and offering proactive solutions to establish authority in the recruitment space. Greg also highlights the crucial role of customer-centric approaches, mindfulness of ego, and iterative improvement in processes. Plus, discover how Greg's robust daily routines and continuous learning practices have been instrumental in his professional development. We’ll also explore Greg’s thoughts on technology, employee retention, and the significance of in-office interactions. He emphasizes hiring quality over quantity, learning fro…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we are thrilled to have Brent Orsuga, a top-tier headhunter and founder of Pinnacle Growth Advisors, on the show. With over 22 years of recruitment experience, Brent is here to share his invaluable insights on elevating your recruiting game. In this episode, Brent discusses the essential strategies for presenting high-value candidates, building trust through detailed write-ups, and maintaining an impressive 95% interview rate. We'll dive into the importance of being viewed as a partner rather than a vendor by clients and how understanding client culture can enhance recruiter effectiveness. Brent will share his approach to personal branding, emphasizing authenticity and the significance of creating valuable content within your niche. We'll also cover how clear goals and reverse-engineering from those targets can drive team performance and revenue. Additionally, Brent highlights the importance of ma…

Welcome to another compelling episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we have an exceptional guest, Aaron Opalewski, who has impressively scaled seven recruiting firms and brings a wealth of strategic insights for growing your business. In this episode, Aaron and our host, Benjamin Mena, dive deep into the art of seizing opportunities, the crucial role of recurring revenue in business expansion, and the delicate balance of health and performance in long-term success. Aaron also shares invaluable advice on navigating the recruiting landscape, mastering the fundamentals, and the importance of transforming adversity into success. Whether you’re an aspiring recruiter or a seasoned professional, Aaron’s journey from humble beginnings to industry leader provides actionable strategies and inspiration to make the upcoming year your best yet. Plus, stay tuned for a special preview of Aaron kicking off the "Finish the Year Strong Summit." Let’s dive in!

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, titled "Building an Authentic Personal Brand in Recruiting," our host Benjamin Mena sits down with the engaging Joel Lalgee. Joel, known widely as "The Realist Recruiter," shares his invaluable insights into the world of recruitment and content creation. From emphasizing the importance of patience and finding mentors to the critical role of effective business planning, Joel offers a wealth of advice for budding recruiters and content creators alike. We'll delve into Joel's journey from ambiguous content creator to a well-recognized name in recruiting, explore his strategies for monetizing content, and discuss the power of consistency in brand-building. Benjamin and Joel also reflect on balancing work-life commitments and offer actionable tips for creating impactful recruitment content. Tune in as we uncover Joel’s practical advice on maintaining authenticity, leveraging news for thought leadership, and building a s…

Welcome to this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, hosted by Benjamin Mena. Today, we're diving deep into the world of peak performance with special guest Gary Stauble, founder of The Recruiting Lab and an expert in performance strategies for the recruiting industry. Gary's fascinating journey from being in a rock band to becoming a seven-figure billing superstar is packed with invaluable insights. In this episode, we'll explore how designing a business around your personal values can lead to phenomenal success. Gary emphasizes minimizing interruptions to achieve a flow state and how batching tasks can dramatically boost productivity. We'll also discuss the importance of creating systems and SOPs to ensure flexibility and freedom in your recruiting career. Learn about the three approaches to success in recruiting: the lone ranger model, the traditional firm owner model, and the hybrid Rainmaker model. Stay tuned as Gary shares actionable tips on effective time management, d…

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…

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 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 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…

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 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 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…

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…

Welcome to another compelling episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, hosted by Benjamin Mena. Today, we are joined by special guest Ben Browning, an accomplished professional whose insights from his tenure at Robert Half and EY have revolutionized recruitment strategies. In this episode titled "The 7 Pillars of Effective Recruiting with Ben Browning," we delve deep into the transformative strategies that make recruitment a winner's game. Ben shares his invaluable experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding the bigger recruitment picture focusing on quality and speed of hire, and how a strategic feedback-oriented approach can enhance relationships with businesses. We will explore the crucial seven pillars of recruiting—culture, systems, metrics, performance, positioning, prospecting, and closing— that Ben attributes to his successful shift from traditional recruitment to a more strategic-minded approach. Furthermore, Ben will highlight innovative techniques for outre…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we have a thrilling conversation with special guest Brianna Rooney, a self-made millionaire recruiter who will share her journey from bartending to creating her own powerhouse recruiting agency. Brianna's inspiring story offers tons of insights into building financial success, the power of leveraging technology, and the essential mindset shifts needed to thrive in recruiting. We'll delve into her early struggles, how she capitalized on LinkedIn before it boomed, and her strategic move to establish a commission-based reward system that kept her team motivated. From the importance of hiring and training to leveraging personal coaching for emotional intelligence, Brianna covers it all, providing invaluable advice for both budding and veteran recruiters. We'll also discuss some innovative tech tools that are changing the game in recruitment. Stay tuned as we explore how focus, resilience, and continuous learning can lead yo…