Hiring & Inspiring

In this episode, I catch up with June Ponseca, a principal candidate consultant at Talent Forge, who shares her journey in recruitment, insights on building relationships with candidates, and strategies for sourcing hidden gems in the job market. June discusses her day-to-day activities, the importance of understanding candidate motivations, and the challenges she enjoys in her role. She emphasizes the significance of transparency and authenticity in recruitment, as well as her goals for continuous learning and growth in the industry.Takeaways:Building relationships with candidates is crucial for success.Authentic conversations help in understanding candidate motivations.Sourcing passive candidates can yield great results.Using open-ended questions can reveal deeper insights.Transparency with candidates and clients is key.Crafting enticing outreach messages is essential.Continuous learning is important in the recruitment field.Success in recruitment is about making a positive impact.June enjoys the challenges and growth opportunities in recruitment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to June Ponseca02:38 June's Journey in Recruitment05:34 Daily Responsibilities of a Candidate Consultant09:57 Building Relationships with Candidates13:03 Understanding Candidate Motivations16:31 Consultative Approach in Recruitment17:40 Sourcing Hidden Gems22:37 Effective Communication with Passive Candidates24:54 The Essence of Recruitment27:15 Goals and Aspirations in Recruitment28:31 Defining Success in RecruitmentCheck out June below :https://www.linkedin.com/in/june-marie-ponseca/This episode is in partnership with Recview:https://recview.ai/

In this solo episode, I reflects on the challenges faced in the recruitment industry during the first quarter of 2025. I discuss the struggles many recruiters are experiencing, the importance of returning to basic recruitment strategies, and the need to redefine success in a tough market. I hope to emphasize the significance of maintaining high activity levels, staying optimistic, and finding meaning in the work despite the challenges.TakeawaysA lot of recruiters are struggling with client acquisition.Returning to basics is essential for success in recruitment.High activity levels are crucial in a tough market.Redefining success can help maintain motivation.Optimism should outweigh pessimism in sales roles.Finding meaning in work can provide personal fulfillment.Staying in the game is a valid form of success.Your energy and attitude impact client interactions.Helping others is what people remember you for.Chapters00:00 Reflecting on Q1 202507:45 Back to Basics: Activity is Key12:41 Redefining Success in Recruitment17:46 The Importance of Optimism and Attitude18:58 Finding Meaning Beyond NumbersThis episode is in partnership with Recview.https://recview.ai/

In this epsiode, I catch up with Stephen Reddy, a healthcare recruitment expert with extensive experience in startup environments. We discuss the current state of the recruitment market in 2025, the challenges faced in the industry, and the importance of building meaningful relationships over focusing solely on revenue. Steven shares insights from his journey in recruitment, emphasizing the need for deep industry knowledge, resilience, and the excitement of building a brand from scratch. He also reflects on his leadership journey and the impact he aims to have on candidates' lives.TakeawaysClients are more proactive in their recruitment strategies.The demand for permanent workforce is increasing, posing challenges for interim recruitment.Building a recruitment startup requires foundational work and flexibility.Success in recruitment is measured by relationships, not just revenue.Deep industry knowledge is crucial for success in a startup environment.Resilience is key in overcoming challenges in recruitment.The excitement of building a brand from scratch is a unique opportunity.Learning from failures is essential for growth in recruitment.The ultimate goal in recruitment is to positively impact candidates' lives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Recruitment and 2025 Outlook03:01 Challenges in Recruitment: Demand for Permanent Workforce06:05 Building from the Ground Up: Startup Recruitment Experience09:09 Success Metrics: Relationships Over Revenue11:59 Advice for Aspiring Recruiters in Startups14:46 Traits of Successful Recruiters in Startups17:54 The Excitement of Building a Brand20:49 Learning from Failures and Evolving as a Recruiter24:00 Future Goals and Leadership Development26:55 The Impact of Recruitment: Changing LivesCheck out Stephen below :https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenreddy/This episode is in partnership with Recview:https://recview.ai/

In this episode I catch up with Andrea Collins, an experienced recruitment professional and rec2rec business owner. We explore the challenges faced by recruiters in 2025, the importance of building strong client relationships, and the motivations driving candidates to seek new opportunities. Andrea shares insights on the pressure on new recruiters, retention strategies for experienced professionals, and the impact of technology, particularly AI, on the recruitment process. The conversation concludes with reflections on the value of experience in recruitment and Andrea's personal motivations for her work.TakeawaysThere's optimism in the technology sector for 2025.Hiring processes are long and cautious.Recruiters face pressure to perform quickly.Building strong client relationships is key.Leadership is crucial for retaining mid-level recruiters.Candidates are seeking change due to poor leadership.AI can streamline recruitment tasks.Experience in recruitment leads to confidence and ease.Activity equals results in recruitment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Andrea Collins and Current Recruitment Landscape01:16 2025 Recruitment Trends and Challenges04:12 Caution in Hiring: The Impact of Costs and Processes06:00 Pressure on New Recruiters: Expectations and Performance08:21 Building Strong Client Relationships and Business Ethos13:16 Candidate Motivations: Why Recruiters are Seeking Change16:07 Retention Strategies for Experienced Recruiters19:56 Advice for Junior Recruiters: Navigating Career Paths22:44 The Value of Experience in Recruitment24:44 Embracing Technology: AI in Recruitment28:17 The Future of Recruitment: Adapting to Change30:04 Lessons Learned: The Importance of Activity in Recruitment31:51 Future Goals and Personal Motivation in RecruitmentCheck out Andrea below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectingrecruiters/?originalSubdomain=auThis episode is in partnership wiht Recview:https://recview.ai/

In this episode I catch up with Sam Hope, the director of H People, a recruitment company specializing in logistics and manufacturing. Sam shares his journey of launching the business, the importance of goal setting, and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the significance of hiring and developing a strong team, his experience in the logistics industry, and the impact of building a personal brand. Sam emphasizes the need for ambition and drive in business and defines success in both personal and professional contexts.TakeawaysSetting goals is crucial for both personal and business growth.Accountability partners can help maintain focus on goals.Hiring individuals without prior experience can be rewarding.Building a personal brand is essential for success in recruitment.Understanding the industry you recruit for enhances effectiveness.Work-life balance is a challenge for entrepreneurs.Success is defined by both business achievements and personal fulfillment.Taking risks is necessary for growth and opportunity.Learning from clients and candidates is vital for industry knowledge.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sam Hope and H People03:02 The Journey of Launching H People06:03 The Importance of Goal Setting08:54 Challenges in Business and Work-Life Balance12:02 Hiring and Team Growth15:10 Experience in Logistics and Recruitment18:02 Passion for the Industry and Continuous Learning20:04 Building a Personal Brand in Recruitment20:26 Building a Personal Brand28:50 Ambition and Drive32:22 Taking Risks and Overcoming Fear35:58 Defining SuccessCheck out Sam below :https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhpeople/

In this episode, I catch up with Lewis Houghton, an experienced recruiter and co-founder of LH Partners, a new recruitment business specializing in the drilling, mining and civil industry. Lewis shares insights on the challenges and rewards of launching a new venture, the importance of resilience in recruitment, and the value of building strong client relationships. He emphasizes the significance of specialization in the industry and the need for selectivity when choosing clients. The conversation also touches on the long-term vision for the business and the personal motivations behind their work.TakeawaysBuilding relationships with clients and candidates is crucial.Resilience is key in the recruitment industry due to its ups and downs.Being selective with clients leads to better partnerships and outcomes.It's important to treat candidates with empathy and respect.Finding a niche can help recruiters build a strong reputation.Long-term success comes from adding value to clients and candidates.Networking and creating connections is essential for growth.Success is defined by personal values and the impact on others.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Lewis and LH Partners01:12 The Launch of LH Partners02:10 Specialization in Drilling and Mining03:18 Focus Areas and Business Operations05:10 Enjoying the Recruitment Process06:57 Importance of Industry Experience09:45 Finding Your Niche in Recruitment15:43 The Role of Resilience in Recruitment19:13 Developing Resilience23:07 Being Selective with Clients27:24 Advice for Struggling Recruiters31:28 Future Goals for LH Partners32:53 Defining SuccessCheck out Lewis below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-houghton-b98bb11b6/

In this episode I catch up wiht Kat Kingshott director of Touchstone Talent, who specializes in placing Australian recruiters into the US and UK markets. Kat shares insights on her business launch in 2025, the dynamics of rec-to-rec recruitment, and the opportunities for Australian recruiters abroad. She discusses success stories of individuals who have made the move, the visa process, and the importance of having a sense of adventure. Kat also addresses common reservations about relocating and reflects on her own experiences in the US recruitment landscape. TakeawaysAustralian recruiters have a unique advantage in the US market.The US offers a larger market and more opportunities for growth.Success in recruitment often depends on mindset and storytelling.The E3 visa allows Australians to work in the US with certain qualifications.Relocation requires a level of risk appetite and planning.Clients often prefer Australian recruiters for their specialized training.Success is defined by personal fulfillment and time for loved ones.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kat Kingshop and Touchstone Talent02:32 Overview of Touchstone Talent's Operations05:29 Opportunities for Recruiters in the US and UK11:03 Success Stories of Relocated Recruiters15:31 Navigating the Move: Visa and Adventure20:49 Targeting Candidates: Age and Commitment Factors23:13 Reflections on Recruitment Experience in the US30:26 Future Goals and Definition of SuccessCheck out Kat below :https://www.linkedin.com/in/katkingshott/This epsisode is in partnership with Recview :https://recview.ai/

In this episode, I catch up with Ryan Kelly, founder and CEO of Creative Natives, a boutique recruitment company specializing in creative, digital and marketing Recruitment. We discuss discuss Ryan's journey in building a strong online brand, the importance of content creation, and how to effectively qualify clients. Ryan shares insights on the current business landscape, how to generate more inbound leads through your content, and the significance of authenticity in personal branding.We also touch the importance of recruiters to be selective with clients, how to say no to a client and the importance of having a clear vision and values for their business.TakeawaysSaying no to certain clients is crucial for maintaining quality partnerships.Consistency in content creation is essential for building an online presence.Failing is part of the learning process in content creation.Authenticity and personal storytelling resonate well with audiences.Building trust through content is more effective than traditional sales methods.Recruiters should focus on their values and brand identity.Engaging with your audience is important, but time constraints can make it challenging.Success in recruitment is not just about financial gain, but also about impact and fulfillment.Changing perceptions of recruitment agencies is a key goal for Ryan.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ryan Kelly and Creative Natives01:01 Current Business Landscape and Growth Strategies03:34 Building an Online Presence: The Power of Consistency10:11 The Benefits of Inbound Opportunities through Content17:08 Advice for New Recruiters: Building a Personal Brand30:18 Future Goals and the Purpose of RecruitmentCheck out Ryan below :https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpatrickkelly99/This episode is in partnership with Recview:https://recview.ai/

In this episode, I can up with old friend Noah Santoni, founder and CEO of an AI business - WhatAIdea - focused on document summarisation. Noah shares his journey from a sales professional to an entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and successes he has faced along the way. He highlights the importance of networking, community building, and the art of storytelling in presenting his ideas. Noah also reflects on the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the pressure of running a business, and his vision for the future. The conversation emphasizes the benefits recrutiers can fidn by using AI tools in their work.Takeaways:Noah's journey began with a childhood interest in AI and cryptocurrencies.He developed a tool for document summarization to help businesses prepare for meetings.The initial focus was on defense and cybersecurity sectors.Networking and relationship building are crucial for business growth.Noah's role involves pitching products and managing partnerships.Public speaking skills were honed through extensive demo presentations.Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship requires adaptability and self-motivation.Building a community of tech startup founders has been beneficial for support and collaboration.Success is defined by work-life balance and the ability to help others grow. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Noah Santoni and His Journey02:52 The Birth of an AI Business06:04 Target Customers and Success Stories09:00 Daily Life as an Entrepreneur11:50 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship15:09 Building a Community and Networking17:57 The Importance of Skills and Learning21:08 Defining Success and Future GoalsCheck out Noah below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahsantoni/This episode is in partnership with Recview:https://recview.ai/

In this episode, I catch up with Tess Nguyen, the owner of luxury sleepwear brand Midnight Mischief. Tess shares her entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced while building her brand. She emphasises the importance of learning from experiences, the impact of her background in physiotherapy, and the character traits that have contributed to her success. Tess also reflects on the significance of giving back to the community, defining success, and her future aspirations for both her business and personal brand.TakeawaysTess started Midnight Mischief in 2018, initially focusing on women's sleepwear.The brand gained traction during COVID, leading to an expansion into men's and children's sleepwear.Tess quit her full-time job as a physiotherapist due to burnout and the demand for her business.She emphasizes the importance of learning from podcasts and online resources.Tess encourages reaching out for mentorship and shadowing opportunities.She battled imposter syndrome despite her business's success.Her background in physiotherapy provided valuable life lessons and perspective.Tess attributes her success to resourcefulness and consistency.She believes in the importance of having a clear vision and purpose.Tess aims to create a positive impact through her brand and personal story.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Midnight Mischief01:19 The Journey of Quitting and Going All In03:39 Learning Through Experience and Mentorship06:40 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome07:53 Lessons from Physiotherapy11:52 Character Traits for Success14:12 The Importance of Vision and Persistence16:44 Taking the Leap of Faith19:59 Building a Strong Brand Message22:54 Giving Back to the Community26:22 Defining Success and Purpose28:27 Future Ambitions and Personal Growth31:44 Wisdom for the Next GenerationFeel free to check out Tess below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-nguyen/This episode is in partnership with:https://recview.ai/