Episodes

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Jordan Shlosberg, founder of Atlas, to explore the "unfair advantage" that AI is bringing to agency recruiters. Together, they dive deep into the rapidly shifting landscape of recruitment technology, revealing how AI is transforming everything from admin-heavy tasks to business development, and giving proactive recruiters a significant edge. You'll hear Jordan Shlosberg share his journey from expert networking to building a cutting-edge AI-first recruitment platform, and discuss how harnessing conversational data and automating processes isn't just increasing speed—it's redefining what it means to deliver value as a recruiter. They tackle critical questions about the future of recruiting organizations, the widening income gap brought by tech adoption, and what agency leaders should be thinking if they're considering switching systems. Whether you're a solo biller, team leader, or firm owner, thi…

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 this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where host Benjamin Mena sits down with renowned recruiter, author, and entrepreneur Jeff Hyman for an eye-opening conversation about the future of recruiting in an AI-driven world. In this candid and forward-thinking interview, Jeff Hyman shares lessons from his 30-year career, including founding multiple recruiting firms, writing the book "Recruit Rockstars," and learning the power of introspection from his many wins—and mistakes—along the way. Together, Benjamin Mena and Jeff Hyman dive deep into the realities facing recruiters today: why the old way of “fetching” candidates is on its way out, how the smartest firms are using AI and process to stand out, and why being an ultra-specialist is more important than ever. You’ll hear Jeff Hyman’s unfiltered perspective on the danger of ignoring technology, his take on why contingency recruiting is a “road to nowhere,” and concrete strategies for becoming a true trusted advisor to…

Most recruiters are chasing the wrong market, and it's quietly destroying their desk. Will Wegert watched his billings collapse after chasing coastal fees and shiny opportunities he had no business pursuing. So he did something most recruiters won't: he looked at the data, killed the distractions, and went all-in on owning one niche in one city. What happened next took 7 years to build and looked like an overnight success. In this episode, Will breaks down the exact attraction-based market...

If you’re waiting to hear back… you’ve already lost. In Part 2 of this deep dive, Jamie Lupo breaks down why most recruiters don’t have a sales problem — they have a control problem. And that problem is killing desks quietly. After 18 years inside LHH — one of the largest talent solutions organizations in the world — Jamie has trained thousands of recruiters, rebuilt struggling offices, and helped teams turn flat years into record-breaking ones. In this episode, she goes tactical. You’ll he...

Most recruiters think they have a sales problem. Jamie Lupo says they actually have an interview problem — and it’s costing them clients. After 18 years inside LHH, one of the largest talent solutions organizations in the world, Jamie trained teams across the country, rebuilt struggling offices, and watched thousands of recruiters win… or quietly fail. Her diagnosis is blunt: If you’re “waiting to hear back,” you’ve already lost control of the process. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series brea...

What if you never made a single business development cold call and still billed almost a million dollars in your first 18 months solo? That's not a hypothetical. That's exactly what happened when one recruiter bet everything on owning his niche and letting LinkedIn do the selling for him. Most recruiters are taught to smile, dial, and grind through cold BD calls to build a book of business. This episode flips that model completely. You'll hear the exact framework behind a recruiter who walked a...

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Camp Jennings, co-founder of Henry North, to unpack what it really takes to launch a successful search firm from the ground up—without decades of recruiting experience. Camp Jennings shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of his company’s first year: from making cold calls out of a Panera Bread, to landing their first clients through personal networks, and scaling up faster than they ever expected. You’ll get a candid quarter-by-quarter breakdown of their journey, including practical lessons, missteps, and the hard truths about balancing ambition with family life. Camp Jennings opens up about hiring challenges, the value of authentic networking, and how focusing on a specific niche propelled their growth. Whether you’re a recruiter just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to level up your business, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

If you’re overthinking profiles, rewriting messages 5 times, and wondering why candidates aren’t replying… You don’t need better tools. You need a faster system. 🎯 This Is Your Year – Recruiter Summit 2026 Featuring Brianna Rooney and other elite recruiters who are redefining business development, sourcing, closing, and scaling. Register here -> https://this-is-your-year-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/ If you’re serious about leveling up your recruiter training in 2026, don’t miss this. 2. ...

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this epic Part 2 of the interview with Mike Anderson, host Benjamin Mena dives deep into what it really takes to create demand out of thin air—and why a proven business development system is the key to success. Mike, known for his “lone wolf” mindset and relentless drive, pulls back the curtain on how top recruiters can protect their time, shift their mindset, and build proactive processes that fuel real revenue. From the pitfalls of chasing results instead of nailing the process, to leveraging LinkedIn voice notes and nurturing genuine relationships, you'll learn specific strategies that are working right now for winning new clients. Whether you’re thinking about breaking away from a big agency or already on your own, Mike shares hard-earned wisdom about accountability, identity, and embracing the joy of the unknown. He addresses why boutique firms and solo partnerships are outpacing legacy agencies in today’s market, and what every re…

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…

🔥 JOIN THE 30-DAY BD CHALLENGE (KICKS OFF FEB 9TH) 2026 is the year of action. We are launching a 30-day challenge to help you crush your business development goals, build accountability, and implement the strategies from this podcast. Join The Elite Recruiter Community to participate: https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community In 2026, the transactional recruiter is extinct. If your value proposition stops at "I work hard" or "we're like a family," you are invisible ...

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with sales consultant Shad Tidler to break down what it really takes for recruiting and staffing firms to scale past the elusive $10 million—and beyond. If you've been looking for the secret sauce to intentional, repeatable growth, you’re in the right place. Shad Tidler reveals his four-part "S" growth framework—Strategy, Structure, Staff, and Skills—and explains how mastering each pillar is critical for firms wanting to level up. Together, they discuss why a strong, visionary leader is often the true difference-maker, the importance of getting the right people in the right seats, and how developing processes, mindset, and accountability can transform your firm's trajectory. Get ready for a deep dive into actionable strategies, practical examples, and the leadership mindset you need to break through growth plateaus. Whether you’re aiming for your first $10 million, pushing toward $25 million, o…

Most recruiters aren’t underperforming — they’re over-filtering. Chasing “perfect” candidates is quietly costing you deals, speed, and money. 🎧 Tricia Tamkin & Jason Thibeault on Why Perfect Candidates Cost Recruiters Money 1. Episode Hook Chasing “perfect” candidates feels responsible. It’s also the fastest way to kill deals, slow your desk, and lose fees. 2. Why This Episode Matters Most recruiters are unknowingly playing the wrong game. They wait. They hesitate. They protect “standar...

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse recruiter Michael Silverstein to uncover why the top recruiters have stopped chasing deals—and how they’ve built businesses that attract consistent, inbound opportunities. Michael Silverstein, who averages an astounding $2.5 to $3 million a year in billings, shares his unique approach to leveraging relationships, compounding time, and building one of the most effective networking groups in the industry. They discuss how he took the lessons from his humble start in the 2008 recession to develop a system that generates leads and referrals without the burnout of endless cold calls or transactional networking. Get ready for a candid exploration of building trust, paying it forward, and scaling business through authenticity and genuine connection. If you’re looking to move beyond the recruiting hamster wheel and build a career with staying power, this episode is packed with acti…

1. Episode Hook Recruiters don’t have a talent problem right now. They have a client acquisition problem—and most are fixing it the wrong way. 2. Why This Episode Matters The last 18–24 months forced recruiters back into real business development. In this episode, Sharon Bondurant breaks down the simple, overlooked strategies that consistently win clients—even in tough markets—without burning out or hiding behind tools. If you want more job orders, more control, and more predictable revenue ...

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…

1. Episode Hook The old recruiting playbook is breaking. If your business development looks the same as it did 2–3 years ago, you’re already falling behind. 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 2. Why This Episode Matters AI is reshaping recruiting faster than most agencies are prepared for. In this episode, you’ll learn how elite recruiters are adapting their business development, positioning, and client strategy to win in 2026 — not just survive...

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with top recruiter and Pinnacle Society member Katharine Wilcox to reveal the secrets behind why the most successful recruiters win clients—without ever needing to “sell.” From her beginnings in the cutthroat world of Hollywood talent agencies to building a thriving recruiting business in Atlanta, Katharine Wilcox shares her journey, lessons learned, and proven strategies for building lasting business relationships. You’ll hear how cultivating genuine connections, hustling with relentless focus, and treating everyone as a potential client have powered her two-decade career—along with her advice for recruiters who feel stuck or want to take things to the next level. Learn why authenticity and curiosity trump gimmicks, and how approaching recruiting as a true talent agent transforms your reputation and results. If you want to master business development, level up your time mana…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we're unlocking the secrets of LinkedIn recruiting with Stephanie Holman, a powerhouse recruiter in the highly cleared national security, intel, and defense space. Hosted by Benjamin Mena, this episode explores how Stephanie Holman built a thriving community of over 72,000 LinkedIn followers—more than half with active security clearances—and turned her digital presence into a consistent engine for high-level placements. From making the leap out of education and military service to finding her footing in tech recruiting at AWS, Stephanie Holman shares her journey of relentless self-investment, genuine relationship-building, and the strategic use of LinkedIn to open doors that would otherwise remain closed. She gives practical advice on content creation, handling fear and criticism online, and leveraging authenticity to stand out in the quiet, competitive world of cleared recruiting. Whether you're new to recruiting…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Zack Gallinger, owner of TalentHero Media and a true expert in digital marketing for recruiters. With over a decade in the industry, Zack Gallinger unpacks what’s changing in AI-driven recruitment marketing, why old tactics aren’t working like they used to, and what you need to do to win new business in today’s landscape. Together, Benjamin Mena and Zack Gallinger dive into best practices for leveraging LinkedIn, SEO, and email marketing, and they get real about what’s actually generating results for recruiting firms right now. From controversial LinkedIn content strategies to Google algorithm changes, plus hard numbers on budgets and timelines, this conversation is packed with actionable advice. If you’ve been struggling to land inbound leads, wondering how AI is shifting the recruiting landscape, or just looking for the next marketing move, you’ll want to catch every minute of this …