Episodes

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…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Trinette Cunningham, President and CEO of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS), to uncover the latest trends, legislation, and strategies shaping the recruiting world. Trinette brings over a decade of experience in association management and shares her candid journey into the recruiting industry, including the comical story of her own interview process with NAPS. Together, they dive deep into the importance of professional certifications for recruiters, the critical need to stay informed about changing laws and best practices, and why networking and mentorship remain game-changers in a rapidly evolving industry. You’ll also get the inside scoop on NAPS’ annual conference, how AI and mental health are impacting the landscape, and practical, next-level advice for both new and seasoned recruiters. Whether you’re just starting your recruiting career or you’ve been in the game …

Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena is joined once again by Keely Flood, a seasoned sales coach and consultant for staffing and recruiting firms. Forget the hype around the latest tech and AI tools—today’s show is all about cutting through the noise and getting real about what it takes to succeed at your recruiting desk. Benjamin and Keely get honest about the dangers of shiny object syndrome that plagues so many recruiters—jumping from one new tool or platform to the next, hoping for a magic bullet. Instead, Keely shares proven systems and mindsets that drive real results: prioritizing strategic planning, consistent activity, quality conversations, and building habits that compound over time. Whether you’re new to the industry, rebuilding your desk from scratch, or feeling overwhelmed by tech overwhelm, this episode will give you a grounded, actionable roadmap to move your recruiting business forward—no silver bullets, just proven funda…

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…

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Kaylee Estes, founder of Estes Group, for a candid conversation about her unique journey through the world of recruiting. From starting as a technical recruiter in a fast-paced agency environment, moving into in-house talent acquisition, and finally launching her own firm, Kaylee shares the lessons she’s learned every step of the way. Together, they dive into the real differences between agency and internal recruiting, what it takes to build trust as a recruiter, and how to nurture relationships in a business often known for its transactional nature. Kaylee explains her company’s approach to embedded and fractional recruiting for tech startups, and gives actionable advice for recruiters looking to evolve, scale, or even start their own agencies. Whether you’re considering a shift in your recruiting career or want to see what it takes to successfully partner with internal teams, this episode is packed wit…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Andy Roads, founder of High Altitude Recruiting, for a no-fluff conversation on what it really takes to launch your own recruiting firm and land clients right out of the gate. Andy shares his journey from grinding it out at a high-turnover recruitment agency, to moving internal as an HR generalist, and eventually spending a decade at a boutique search firm—only to find that his anticipated “takeover” as the next leader was not in the cards. Instead of going back to square one, Andy decided to carve out his own path, and what happened next is nothing short of inspiring. We dig deep into Andy’s first three months of business: his high-impact outreach strategies, the creative offers that got potential clients saying “yes” immediately, and how he leveraged his personal network and reputation in the food & beverage and aviation industries to build momentum from day one. Andy …

Are you ready to discover how relentless perseverance and a growth mindset can turn $12,000 in revenue—and zero connections—into a multi-million dollar staffing business in the heart of America? For recruiters, staffing entrepreneurs, or anyone navigating the challenges of being an immigrant in business, Ranjith Ravula’s journey is a living example of what’s possible against seemingly impossible odds. If you’re tired of the same old stories about overnight success and are looking for real, actio...

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s conversation, host Benjamin Mena sits down with powerhouse recruiter Katherine Jerald to dive deep into what it really takes to thrive—and scale—in the recruiting world. Katherine’s journey is anything but ordinary: from her earliest days helping out in her father’s recruiting office at just 12 years old, to building her own highly successful search firm focused on aerospace, defense, and the GovCon space. You’ll hear Katherine share how she went from a career crossroads to pulling in $885,000 her very first year in business, the game-changing confidence she developed along the way, and the story behind a single LinkedIn DM that landed her a $261,000 deal. She breaks down the strategies that actually work for business development in 2024 (spoiler: it isn’t email), why she credits in-person conferences and her own podcast as powerful BD tools, and how being part of The Pinnacle Society boosted her billings by a wh…

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, we dive deep into the world of recruiting sales with industry legend Tom Erb. Known for his extensive experience and expertise, Tom uncovers the secrets behind mastering the sales game in the recruiting industry. He discusses practical strategies for reinvigorating your sales efforts, even if you've let them slip, and emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to prospecting and relationship building. Tom shares insights into differentiating your services, leveraging technology, and restoring your focus on valuable client relationships. Join host Benjamin Mena as he engages with Tom on future-proof strategies to propel your recruiting business to new heights. Whether you're a seasoned recruiter or new to the industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive. Tune in and get ready to transform your approach to recruiting sales!

Are you a recruiter looking to elevate your career and make the upcoming years your most successful yet? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast will provide the roadmap you need. Join host Benjamin Mena as he engages in a candid conversation with Sharon Hulce, an industry powerhouse, who runs a $1.4 million recruiting desk while leading a team and making significant community contributions. In this enlightening episode, Sharon uncovers her journey from being the first female construction...

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, we're diving into an inspiring story of recruitment success with David Bradley. Known as the "standard bearer" in the industry, David has achieved over $20 million in placements, consistently hitting $750,000 annually, and even surpassing $1 million in some years. Join host Benjamin Mena as he explores David's journey from humble beginnings in Canada to becoming a powerhouse in the recruiting world. Discover how David and his team of 60 have cultivated a culture of excellence, leveraging teamwork and innovation to thrive in a competitive landscape. Whether you're a new recruiter or a seasoned veteran, there's something to learn from David's unwavering dedication and strategic approach to business. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!