How does a one-man recruiter close 22 executive searches in a single year?
In this episode, Craig Picken breaks down the exact mindset and strategies that helped him dominate executive search—all without a team.
If you want to become the recruiter clients seek out (not avoid), this is the blueprint.
Craig reveals how he built a multi–seven-figure desk through deep industry expertise, real relationships, and doing the work most recruiters won’t. From landing CEO/COO/CFO searches to turning his podcast into a magnet for private equity firms, this conversation is a masterclass in elite recruiting BD.
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🎯 Upcoming Summit — Don’t Miss This
🔥 2026 Sales & BD Recruiter Summit
The biggest online event focused 100% on helping recruiters win more clients, book more meetings, and grow revenue.
👉 Register free → https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/
💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community
Get access to:
• All summit replays
• Billers Club
• Split space
• Biweekly roundtables
• Private trainings
👉 Join here → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community
⏳ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• How Craig closed 22 executive searches as a one-man firm
• The “dartboard” framework for mapping decision-makers
• Why he refuses to go through HR
• How flying out to meet clients produces massive ROI
• The mindset shift separating elite billers from everyone else
• How Craig’s podcast attracts private equity groups
• The simplest way to dominate your niche
🎧 Full audio episode:
https://eliterecruiterpodcast.com/
👤 Connect with Craig Picken
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpicken/
🎙️ Follow Host Benjamin Mena
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/
⏱️ Chapters / Time Stamps
00:03:03 — From Navy aviator → elite recruiter
00:07:04 — What pushed Craig into search
00:12:24 — Punching above your weight early
00:15:04 — What to decline and why
00:21:16 — How his podcast leads to placements
00:24:12 — Craig’s “dartboard” org-mapping method
00:29:52 — Why flying out closes more searches
00:37:40 — The Saturday that cost six figures
00:41:37 — Why recruiters overcomplicate everything
00:52:15 — The question recruiters should ask
01:02:46 — If you're afraid to call CEOs, this isn’t your business
🔧 Tools & Links
PeopleGPT → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d
Talin AI → https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter
Pin → https://www.pin.com/
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