Episodes

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 exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the future of recruiting with our special guest, Jason James. In this episode titled "Evolution of Recruiting: AI, Efficiency, and Candidate Experience," we will explore how AI is transforming the recruitment landscape, especially in the wake of significant downsizing in recruiting teams over the past few years. Join our host, Benjamin Mena, as we discuss Jason's revolutionary AI recruiting agent, Max, developed by Tezi. This cutting-edge tool is designed to handle routine tasks, enhance recruiter productivity, and improve the candidate experience. We'll talk about the role of AI in managing high-volume recruitment, while still emphasizing the human touch needed for executive-level hires. Jason will share his insights on the future of recruitment technology, including advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, reflections on his own journey from corporate roles to founding a startup, and th…

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 this episode, we dive deep into the transformative impact of AI in recruiting and the intricacies of investing in technology startups with our esteemed guest, Robin Choy. Robin brings a wealth of knowledge from his years in the recruitment industry and his successful venture with HireSweet. Together with our host, Benjamin Mena, Robin shares his approach of focusing on small, consistent efforts and personal fulfillment to measure success. They explore investing strategies for early-stage tech companies, emphasizing team dynamics, market potential, and defensibility. We also discuss the importance of long-term relationships, managing client expectations, and tackling recruitment challenges head-on. Robin offers invaluable advice on scalability, the pitfalls of raising excessive funds, and staying passionate through innovation and engaging with the community. Tune in for insightful lessons on recruitment tech, the evolving dynamic…

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 another insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today’s episode, join your host, Benjamin Mena, as he sits down with Stuart Mitchell—a British transplant who moved to the US ten years ago and founded Hampton North, a leading cybersecurity-focused recruitment firm. From the materialistic pursuits in his early career to his current emphasis on enjoying work and valuing relationships, Stuart’s journey is a compelling narrative of transformation and growth. He opens up about his early struggles, including multiple firings, which eventually led him to stumble into the recruitment industry, inspired by a recruiter’s successful lifestyle. Stuart and Benjamin dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of the recruitment world, discussing why it's crucial to stay emotionally level amidst the industry's highs and lows. Stuart shares poignant advice for new and veteran recruiters alike, emphasizing the importance of foundational training, trust, and building a firs…

How can your recruitment strategy not only meet but exceed the demanding requirements of the government contracting space? In today's competitive job market, recruiters face new challenges juggling technological advancements and traditional practices. The government contracting (Govcon) sector is no exception, requiring a unique blend of expertise and strategic thinking. This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, hosted by Benjamin Mena, dives deep into Govcon recruitment with Tommy Weinert...

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, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jeremy Jenson, the dynamic CEO of Encore Search Partners. We'll dive deep into Jeremy's remarkable journey from running a lead generation business to leading a $12.5 million recruiting firm. Jeremy shares his insights on the power of scaling by focusing on hyper-niche markets and creating million-dollar books of business. Throughout our conversation, Jeremy talks about his innovative strategy of hiring individuals without recruiting backgrounds, the transformative impact of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) on his growth, and his unique targeted approach inspired by high-stakes TV dramas like Suits and Billions. Join us as we uncover Jeremy's forward-thinking tactics on demand generation, digital marketing, and the essential role of values and relationships in driving business success. Whether you're an experienced recruiter or just starting, Jeremy's insights on scalability, ment…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, our host Benjamin Mena dives deep into marketing secrets tailored for the recruiting industry with our special guest, Danielle Byfuglien from Clear Edge. Danielle, whose diverse career spans from running a rehabilitation center to becoming a marketing powerhouse in the staffing world, shares her journey of passion, innovation, and leadership. We'll explore the impact of video and user-generated content, strategies for building strong LinkedIn profiles, and the power of mentorship and networking. Danielle also highlights the significance of relationship marketing and maintaining a dynamic online presence. Plus, she offers invaluable advice for both new and seasoned recruiters. Tune in for an episode packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you make the rest of 2024 a standout year. Let's get started!

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this exciting episode, your host Benjamin Mena sits down with Prem Kumar, a former Microsoft success story and the founder of Humanly.io. Together, they dive deep into the transformative role of AI in modern recruiting. Prem discusses how AI, when used correctly, can address key issues in the hiring process and enhance candidate experience. Emphasizing the importance of vigilance, Prem shares the need for thorough audits, transparency, and understanding the technology before adopting AI tools. He also offers invaluable advice for recruiting technology founders, stressing the importance of grasping the complexities recruiters face daily. Listen in as Prem explores the potential of AI to match candidates, manage high applicant volumes, and improve communication, and highlights the need for data protection and trust in AI systems. Drawing from his journey at Microsoft and his startup experience, Prem shares insights on managing stress, wor…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where your host Benjamin Mena dives deep into the secrets of building a successful recruiting business. In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Dave Fox, CEO of Focus GTS, who shares his incredible journey from struggling finance graduate to the helm of a $10 million recruiting empire. Dave opens up about the power of vision boards and keeping your goals in focus, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and the necessity of investing in oneself fearlessly. He stresses the importance of sales skills in recruiting, harnessing the power of AI, and maintaining a consistent effort over time. We'll also touch on personal branding on LinkedIn, automating sales tasks, and the critical role of specialized market knowledge. From practical advice on funding and marketing to overcoming upper limit issues and staying motivated, Dave Fox's insights are a treasure trove for any aspiring entrepreneur. So tune in, get inspired, and discover how to m…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, titled "The Art of Strategic Headhunting with Chris Relth," our host Benjamin Mena sits down with Chris Relth, founder of Artemis, to delve into the secrets behind successful headhunting. Chris emphasizes the importance of prioritizing happiness, cultivating strong cultures, and building authentic relationships over merely chasing financial gains. He shares invaluable insights on niche specialization, quality service, and strategic business planning. Chris reveals how his network from college and a genuine focus on people have fueled his 95% referral rate and impressive 75% close rate. From managing client expectations and embracing technology to learning from past challenges and fostering a purpose-driven career, Chris covers it all. Whether you're a seasoned recruiter or new to the industry, this episode is packed with wisdom on how to thrive by focusing on what truly matters. Tune in for a deep dive into the art of headhun…

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…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we delve deep into the dynamic world of recruitment. In today's episode titled "AI-Powered Hiring and Navigating Startup Success," host Benjamin Mena sits down with Sabashan Ragavan, co-founder of HeyMilo, an AI-powered tool revolutionizing the hiring process. Sabashan shares his journey through the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of the startup world, likening it to the stock market and emphasizing the importance of addressing customer problems effectively. With insights from his experience at tech giants like Microsoft and Instagram, he discusses the critical role of having a reliable co-founder, the importance of personal growth, and the high return on investment in founding his own venture. In a candid conversation, Sabashan offers valuable advice to both seasoned and new founders in the rec tech space, stressing the need to stay motivated, solve the right problems, and navigate investor skepticism. The discussion also ex…

Welcome back to another insightful episode of *The Elite Recruiter Podcast*! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we have a special guest, Suzie Grieco, who will be sharing her incredible journey from media advertising to becoming a powerhouse in the recruiting industry. We'll explore Suzie's career path, from her initial foray into technology and financial recruiting without formal training, to her transition into account management and eventually founding her own successful recruiting company, Sgt. Recruiting. In this episode, Suzie offers invaluable advice on the importance of technical curiosity, mentorship, and asking the right questions to succeed in recruiting. We'll delve into her transition from contingency recruiting to Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and how this shift provided stability and more consistent service for her clients. Suzie also provides fascinating insights into corporate recruiting, the impact of technology, and the significance of in-person t…

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I’m your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we’re diving into the world of digital marketing for recruiters with our incredible guest, Brad Bialy. As the Director of Digital Marketing at Haley Marketing, with over eleven years of experience, Brad brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. In this episode, Brad shares his personal and professional journey, emphasizing the importance of legacy, work ethic, and achieving goals not just for yourself, but for your family. We explore how AI is revolutionizing recruiting while ensuring the human touch remains integral. Brad also offers invaluable advice on embracing change, leveraging technology, and not shying away from digital marketing tactics that can significantly boost placements and leads. We’ll discuss game-changing strategies like using video and AI tools, the power of an intentional knowledge-sharing culture, and the critical role of leveraging existing databases…

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 to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we discuss the world of recruiting with industry leaders and innovators. In today's episode, your host Benjamin Mena sits down with Nicolas Greppo, the successful founder of The Data Recruiter based in Paris. Nicolas shares his incredible journey from a sales intern in 2003 to becoming a niche recruiter for data scientists, along with the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Get ready to dive into Nicolas's experiences in transitioning from contingent to retained recruiting, the critical role of mentorship from Tony Robbins and coach Roy Ripper, and the art of outsourcing administrative tasks to focus on core business strategies. We'll also hear about how Nicolas's YouTube channel on data science interview tips became a game-changer for his recruitment business, leading to significant placements and client wins. Nicolas's story doesn't just stop at professional successes; he shares personal insights into his competitive dri…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we spotlight inspiring stories from the world of recruitment. In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Sarah Englade, who has triumphed against adversity to build a thriving recruiting firm in Houston, specializing in direct hire for accounting, finance, and HR positions. Host Benjamin Mena dives deep into Sarah's story, exploring her journey from being fired and laid off to generating a remarkable $1.6 million in revenue with her own firm. Starting as a licensed medical esthetician in Massachusetts, Sarah moved to Houston and pivoted to a career in recruitment, eventually mastering various staffing fields and climbing the corporate ladder. However, she found the cutthroat corporate environment didn't align with her values, leading her to start her own venture, Monarch Talent Solutions. Despite early struggles, including navigating non-compete issues and enduring six months without placements, Sarah's dedication, humane approa…