Episodes

Do you feel overwhelmed by endless recruiting tech, tools, and “hacks”—but still wonder why top-billing recruiters win? This episode pulls back the curtain! Join Benjamin Mena as he sits down with powerhouse insurance recruiter Amy Simpson to unlock her 20 years of consistent, high-performance results. Amy proves that big wins come not from chasing shiny objects but from nailing the basics and building lasting client relationships. 🚀 Sponsor Spotlight – Get Both AI Tools FREE Try Sourcewhale’s ...

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse recruiter Mindi Romero to uncover the strategies that helped her generate a staggering $650,000 in offers—all in a single day, with 100% acceptance. Mindi shares her unconventional path into recruiting, a journey fueled by authenticity, organic relationship-building, and a refusal to stick to the typical “salesperson” script. From her accidental start via a fateful LinkedIn connection, to rapidly rising through the ranks, launching new branches during the turbulence of 2020, and ultimately leading high-performing teams, Mindi reveals the leadership and mindset shifts that make the difference between a good recruiter and an elite one. If you’ve ever struggled with the “dirty S word” (selling), this conversation is a must-listen. Mindi dives into how she turned sales from something she dreaded into a natural, value-first process—anchored by genuine community connections, l…

Get ready for an inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! This week, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Cari Kraft, owner of Jacobs Management Group, to explore how niching down—and leading with heart—can transform your recruiting journey. Cari shares her unconventional path from engineering and tech consulting to buying and leading a top life sciences recruiting firm, highlighting the ups, downs, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. Cari explains why focusing on a specialized niche like life sciences has been the driving force behind her long-term success, opening doors to deep client relationships, insider knowledge, and industry recognition. She and Ben also discuss building a team rooted in team goals, integrity, and consultative partnership—not just chasing placements, but making a positive impact on individuals and the industry at large. From running one of the industry's most trusted compensation and hiring surveys to launching a niche industry magazine, …

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s show, host Benjamin Mena sits down with legendary recruiter Michael Goldman to explore the mindset and strategies behind building a million-dollar career in recruitment. Michael, with over 45 years in the industry and as one of the founding members of the Pinnacle Society, shares his journey from a chance encounter at a bar that launched his career, to weathering major economic downturns and creating lasting value for clients and candidates alike. Together, Benjamin and Michael dig deep into essential topics every recruiter should hear—overcoming fear, mastering the art of influence, embracing the evolution of recruiting, and most importantly, discovering and articulating the true value you bring to the table as a recruiter. Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, you’ll find invaluable insights on building confidence, adapting to change, and leaving a powerful legacy in the world of recru…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Cam F. Awesome, a 12-time national champion heavyweight boxer, former USA National Boxing Team captain, and now a top motivational speaker. Cam's journey from being bullied as a kid to becoming the winningest boxer in U.S. history is nothing short of inspiring. But this conversation isn’t just about boxing—it’s about the grit, resilience, and the unstoppable mindset recruiters need to thrive in a high-pressure industry. Cam shares how he overcame setbacks, rewrote his self-story, and developed a game-changing approach to self-talk and habits. He dives into the importance of setting massive goals (even if you fail), why you should question “the way it’s always been done,” and the power of focusing on actions that truly move the needle. Benjamin and Cam explore how these lessons translate to recruitment: from dealing with daily rejection to pushing past self-doubt and creating your own pla…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse recruiter Dan Falzarano for an inspiring deep dive into the highs and lows of a recruiting career that bounced back from the brink. Dan shares his “No-BS” blueprint for consistent, high-level billing, detailing how he rocketed to early success, hit a tough plateau, and then made the mindset and process shifts that turned everything around—transforming him into a perennial 500k to 7-figure-plus producer. You’ll hear about the hard lessons learned during market downturns, why focusing on process and personal “why” matters more than outcome, and how Dan rebuilt momentum by prioritizing grit, time-blocking, and attacking every day with discipline. Plus, Dan unpacks his approach to business development, relationships that last, leveraging tech tools, and cultivating an office culture where both rookies and veterans can thrive. Whether you’re aiming for your first breakthrough or…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Martin Gutierrez from SourceWhale to unpack how top recruiters are using smart AI systems to win big in 2025. If you’ve ever wondered what separates the truly elite from the rest of the pack, this is the episode for you. Benjamin and Martin dive deep into the role of consistent systems, the pitfalls of chasing “shiny object” AI tools, and why success in the modern recruiting world comes down to intentionality, not just automation. You’ll hear firsthand how SourceWhale is helping teams scale their operations, automate busywork, and—most importantly—refocus on building genuine human relationships, just like the recruiters of the ‘80s. Martin shares behind-the-scenes data on outreach best practices, explains why most conversations start only after the third follow-up, and reveals common mistakes recruiters make when adopting new tech. Whether you’re running a large recruiting team or hus…

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Pree Sarkar for an in-depth conversation on going "From Survival to Seven Figures." Pree shares his remarkable journey from being laid off from his dream tech sales job in Australia—with a young family and a new mortgage—to building a million-dollar (and beyond) recruitment desk from scratch. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts, processes, and strategic decisions that set top billers apart, including letting go of what doesn’t serve your goals, mastering business development, and scaling up through smart delegation and automation. Pree breaks down his transition from scrambling to put food on the table to intentionally building a sustainable and scalable recruiting business, revealing the key stages along the way: survival, sustainability, and ultimately, scalable success. He also dives into how he leveraged his background in tech sales, the importance of finding your niche, and why focusing on high-va…

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Rob Bowerman, founder of The Bowerman Group, to explore the true power of niching in recruitment. Rob shares his fascinating journey from the world of retail buying to becoming a leading recruiter in the luxury and premium brands space. Together, they break down why specializing—finding that focused “niche”—is a game-changer for delivering extraordinary value to clients, and how it can set recruiters apart in an ultra-competitive market. Rob gives an inside look at building a high-performance, boutique recruiting firm, discusses strategies for creating a branded “luxury experience” for both candidates and clients, and offers actionable advice for recruiters looking to dive deeper into a niche they’re genuinely passionate about. Plus, stay tuned for stories from the glamorous side of retail, insights into building long-term success, and Rob’s perspective on adapting through industry changes. Whether you’r…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Diane Prince, a powerhouse entrepreneur who built and sold her staffing company for an incredible $28 million. Diane shares the real story behind living the dream so many recruiters chase—from building a niche-focused agency and scaling to eight-figure exits, to the emotional highs and lows that come after the sale. She opens up about what it actually felt like to experience a life-changing payday, the lessons learned from life after the exit, and why she jumped back into business after her “retirement” in Malibu. You’ll hear practical advice on everything from finding (and owning) your recruiting niche, to leveraging virtual assistants for scale, and avoiding common pitfalls that hold recruiters back. Whether you’re aiming for your own big exit or just looking for ways to stand out in the recruiting game, this episode is packed with actionable insights and a candid look at succes…

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s show, host Benjamin Mena sits down with top biller Cathy Stewart to unpack her incredible journey from hitting rock bottom to achieving elite recruiting success. Cathy shares her unconventional path into recruiting, starting with a background in music education and direct sales before becoming a powerhouse in the senior living executive search space. Listen in as Cathy reveals the mindset shifts, daily habits, and accountability strategies that transformed her career—even after devastating setbacks. Discover why being relentlessly consistent, focusing on relationships, and taking 100% responsibility are at the heart of her playbook. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro feeling stuck, Cathy’s story and practical tips will inspire you to get back on the horse, trust the process, and build the recruiting career you’ve always wanted. This episode is a masterclass on perseverance, gratitu…

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Liam Haghighat, a seasoned recruiter who went from being laid off three times in just nine months to building a thriving solo fractional recruiting business. Liam shares his candid journey—from working in agency and internal recruiting roles, to facing the hard reality of job loss, and ultimately taking the leap to launch his own consulting venture. Listeners will hear practical advice on what “fractional recruiting” really means, how to identify your ideal clients, and why developing a modern sales and content strategy is essential for success. Plus, Liam gets real about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the power of leveraging tech and AI, and offers actionable tips for recruiters contemplating their next big career move. Whether you’re thinking about starting your own firm or looking for ways to future-proof your recruiting career, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse guest Mike Mello—a top staffing producer who’s racked up over $100 million in revenue and $20 million in profit. But after reaching the peak with a staggering 75k weekly spread, Mike made the bold decision to walk away and build something new. Why? He sees the recruiting game changing fast, powered by AI and automation, and he’s ready to share the real playbook that small and mid-size firms need to future-proof their desks and crush sales. In this candid and high-energy conversation, Mike opens up about his journey from Navy deployments to recruiting struggles, and what it really took to go from almost getting fired after a single placement to becoming one of the industry’s highest producers. Mike and Benjamin pull back the curtain on the realities of AI in recruiting—what’s legit, what’s total fluff, and how top performers can harness tech to multiply their results (but not by ski…

On this inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with legendary recruiter Rich Bradley to dig deep into what it really takes to overcome adversity and bounce back stronger than ever. Rich shares his remarkable journey: from hustling for his first break in recruiting more than 40 years ago, through the tough choices that led him to build his own business, to his most recent battle with cancer that put his million-dollar billing streak on pause. Despite facing major health challenges and stepping away from his desk for months, Rich opens up about how he managed to cut through the setbacks, keep his business alive, and set his sights on a true million-dollar comeback. Listen in to find out the daily habits, unfiltered advice, and winning mindset that have defined his decades of success—and pick up some of the hard-earned wisdom Rich has to offer for recruiters at every stage of their career. If you’re looking to reignite your motivation, refine yo…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this eye-opening conversation, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Steven Farrell—Director of Sales at a leading light industrial staffing firm, co-founder of a CDL staffing company, and host of The Staffing Playbook podcast. Steven shares his extraordinary journey from leading massive retail teams to becoming a powerhouse in the staffing industry, where he’s helped generate tens of millions in revenue—even as the broader recruiting world struggles with downturns. Prepare to get inspired as Steven reveals the creative, out-of-the-box strategies that drove his team's growth during even the toughest market conditions—think viral virtual job fairs, data-driven sales tactics, and quarterly donut drops that generated real client engagement. Discover how Steven ditched the outdated concept of “work-life balance” for sustainable “work-life harmony,” why aligning sales, marketing, and operations is the key to thriving, and what it…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, host Benjamin Mena is joined by returning guest Kelli Schutrop—a marketing and sales powerhouse with over 15 years of experience in the staffing industry. This episode dives deep into how recruiters can leverage LinkedIn thought leadership to drive millions in inbound business. Kelli shares her journey from feeling hesitant about “sales” to pioneering a strategy centered on expert visibility and practical personal branding. Through real-world examples and success stories, including insights from industry pros like Amy Volas, Kelli breaks down the steps to build authentic connections, position yourself as a go-to expert, and stay ahead in an industry where traditional sales tactics often lag behind. You’ll also hear practical advice on overcoming the fear of posting content, the right way (and wrong way) to use AI on LinkedIn, and why being relatable, credible, and insightful is more valuable than ever. Whether you…

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s show, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Kelly Dockrell, a successful agency owner, newlywed, military spouse, DJ, and now published author, to explore what it takes to go from a leap of faith to building a thriving six-figure recruiting agency. Kelly shares her remarkable journey—one fueled by intuition, relentless faith, and perseverance. From running the streets of Miami in outside sales to answering a powerful calling that relocated her to Hawaii, Kelly opens up about starting her recruiting business from scratch, working multiple jobs to make ends meet, and enduring the highs and lows of entrepreneurship during a global pandemic. She dives into how recruiting became the ideal career as a military spouse, offering flexibility, portability, and identity no matter where in the world she might be stationed alongside her husband. You’ll hear about Kelly’s resourceful approach to growing her business—l…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena is joined by Roheel Ahmad—entrepreneur, AI innovator, and co-founder of Full Size Barns—to dive deep into what it really takes to build a $100 million recruiting business from the ground up, all without outside investment. Roheel shares the game-changing strategies his team used to scale from a London basement to a global powerhouse in less than eight years, including how they thought—and acted—like a big business from day one, built internal leaders instead of just hiring big billers, and created a culture of shared ownership with an equity structure that changed everything. But that’s not all: As the future of recruiting collides with the power of AI, Roheel pulls back the curtain on Imagine AI, the platform born from real recruiting needs that’s set to change the way firms operate—from freeing up recruiters’ time for actual relationship-building to supercharging business development and learning. Wh…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with the inspiring Aida C. Rodriguez, founder of Ascension Global Staffing and Executive Search. From launching her legal recruiting firm out of her living room in the middle of the pandemic to hitting $6 million in revenue and landing a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, Aida shares the real behind-the-scenes story of assembling an all-women powerhouse team. Tune in as Aida opens up about what it takes to build a successful firm in uncertain times, her unique approach to training and leading her "brunch crew," the vital role of technology, navigating setbacks, and why thinking big—and building others up—has been the secret to her success. Whether you’re looking for firsthand startup wisdom or motivation to chase your own audacious goals, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

Are you struggling to bounce back from setbacks in your recruiting career, wondering how top recruiters cultivate the resilience to thrive no matter what challenges come their way? In today’s recruiting landscape, high-pressure environments, economic fluctuations, and constant rejection can lead to burnout or even make you second-guess your place in the industry. If you're looking to build a long-lasting career, you've probably realized that mastering resilience isn't just a “nice to have”—it’s ...

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Ashley Woods, a powerhouse recruiter who built a $10 million recruiting desk while traveling to 45 countries around the globe. Ashley shares her journey from being recruited into the industry herself, to burning out and bouncing back, and ultimately creating a freedom-focused, remote recruiting business—all while chasing her dream of global exploration. In this conversation, Ashley reveals the strategies and systems that enabled her to be both "time rich" and highly productive on the road. She dives into the importance of having a clear vision, developing efficient processes, building strong client relationships, and being relentless about learning and outsourcing the right tasks. Ashley also opens up about facing near-bankruptcy in Bali, the lessons learned from scaling too quickly, and how becoming a digital nomad changed her mindset about happiness, wealth, and success. If you’ve ever dreamed of…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena is joined by Sam Kuehnle for a forward-looking conversation that pulls back the curtain on recruiting’s rapidly evolving landscape. From the explosive impact of AI and automation in recruitment, to building a tech stack that’s not just modern—but truly future-proof—Ben and Sam tackle the big questions you should be thinking about right now. They dive into the nuts and bolts of proactive talent pipelining, discuss why so many recruiters underutilize their CRMs, and explore how emerging tools and smart data enrichment can help you get ahead. If you’ve ever wondered how the best in the business are preparing for the future, or you’re looking for practical advice on leveraging AI and integrating next-gen tech, this episode is packed with insights. Whether you’re a solo recruiter or scaling an agency, make sure you listen in—because the world of recruiting is changing fast, and you don’t want to be left beh…

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this exciting episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Steve Lu, CEO and co-founder of pin.com, to dive deep into the game-changing world of artificial intelligence in recruiting. Together, they explore why Steve believes we’re on the brink of becoming “super recruiters” powered by AI—finally shifting away from being bogged down by clunky technology and back to what truly matters: building relationships and making impactful placements. Steve shares his journey from launching the innovative Interseller platform to now leading PIN, an AI-driven sourcing tool he describes as “LinkedIn recruiter with AI on steroids.” You’ll hear insider insights on how AI is automating tedious sourcing tasks, improving outreach quality, and even helping recruiters stand out among the noise of today’s crowded tech landscape. Benjamin and Steve get real about what AI means for the future of recruiting, why human expertise in relationship-building is only …

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s episode, host Benjamin Mena is joined by powerhouse recruiter Rich Rosen, who just had his biggest billing month ever—raking in a jaw-dropping $300,000. Despite a market many say is “soft,” Rich is here to show you exactly how the top recruiters are still crushing it. Together, Ben and Rich break down the specific steps, mindsets, and strategies that allowed Rich to defy market trends and dominate his niche—including the grind of consistent phone time, embracing AI as a recruitment sidekick, and harnessing the incredible impact of strategic LinkedIn content. From building authentic client relationships to balancing family life with high-performance recruiting, this episode is packed with no-nonsense advice, actionable takeaways, and a hefty dose of motivation for anyone serious about making 2025 their best year yet. If you’re ready to ditch the excuses, level up your results, and learn the secrets behind a record-breaking m…