The Elite Recruiter Podcast

Struggling to scale your recruiting desk, close bigger deals, or turn your agency into a powerhouse? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast is your playbook for becoming a $500k+ biller and doubling down on the exact tactics powering the fastest-growing remote firms today. Host Benjamin Mena sits down with Dante Nino, co-founder of TLO, to unpack the uncompromising frameworks and high-conversion business development strategies behind his team’s explosive growth (and their unstoppable recruiter mindset). If you want to make Q4 your best ever or simply operate at elite standards, don’t miss Dante’s systems, templates, and the proven deal box strategy that’s redefining recruiting success.  🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/ 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in one AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and creates polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on client relationships. It also centralizes outreach, reports, and analytics with speed and simplicity. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com  🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community Weekly roundtables, summit replays, The Billers’ Club, and a Split Board. Join for $49/month → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community  Dante shares how his team cracked the "big biller code" in a fully remote structure, building a culture anchored in fierce competitiveness, unmatched subject-matter expertise, and relentless consistency. From optimizing LinkedIn profiles for client magnetism, to mastering AI recruiting tools like Loxo and Atlas, to deploying 7-step BD frameworks and scalable recruitment automations—this episode is packed with step-by-step playbooks for recruiters and agency owners craving huge results.   Picture yourself: Breaking down your annual billing goals into actionable, daily metrics.Creating a laser-focused "Recruiter Deal Box" that guarantees client relevancy and shortens your sales cycle.Leveraging AI and automation (think Atlas 2.0, Loxo, LinkedIn alerts, custom dashboards) so you spend 80% less time on admin and 10x your candidate flow.Converting more job posts—including those without advertised openings—into exclusive, long-term client partnerships.Nurturing relationships that turn 1-time wins into million-dollar accounts, all while building a recruiter brand your market can’t ignore.   Key Takeaways: Deal Box Domination: Nail down your niche, client ICP, and candidate profiles for repeatable 6-figure results.Systemized BD & Outbound: Use cold outreach, pro-market candidates, and multi-touch sales processes—consistently.Client Magnetism: Optimize your LinkedIn and outbound campaigns to stand out, become the subject-matter expert, and drive exclusive inbound business.AI Recruiting Tech Stack: Integrate platforms like Atlas, Loxo, LinkedIn, and ZoomInfo—but don’t forget, relationships trump tech.Scaling the Right Way: Invest in high-value tools, but double down on foundational work: hard calls, urgent follow-ups, and next-level client care. 🔥 Ready to turn today’s insights into deals on your desk? Listen now to discover Dante Nino’s step-by-step blueprints, start building your $500k+ pipeline, and fuel your talent acquisition growth with proven systems.  Sponsors & Links Atlas – https://recruitwithatlas.com🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – https://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/Free Trial – Juicebox: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912dSignup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeYouTube: https://youtu.be/rhkFAcXY3KEFollow Dante Nino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-nino/Host Benjamin Mena – http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

Are you ready to break past your recruiting plateau and become a true recruiting leader? In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with industry powerhouse Brent Orsuga to share strategies, mindset shifts, and tactical moves top recruiters need to crush it in 2025. If seven-figure years and becoming a recruiter of influence are on your vision board, this is required listening.   🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/   🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in one AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and creates polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on client relationships. It also centralizes outreach, reports, and analytics with speed and simplicity. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com   🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community Weekly roundtables, summit replays, The Billers’ Club, and a Split Board. Join for $49/month → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community   Inside the Episode Brent pulls back the curtain on what it takes to elevate from transactional to transformational. From AI recruiting tools and LinkedIn brand-building to business development and authority in your niche, his firsthand experience as a $2M+ biller delivers a masterclass in modern recruiting. He reveals: Why demand for sharp recruiters is peaking—clients want bullseye hires more than ever.The difference between being an “influencer” and a true “person of influence.”How to be so market-savvy that companies seek your advice and candidates trust you implicitly. This isn’t about quick wins—it’s the playbook for building a legacy reputation, commanding top fees, and outpacing your competition.     Key Takeaways Elevate Your Brand: Focus on high-value market insights, compensation data, and intel—not likes.Be the Trusted Advisor: Know your niche, attend industry events, and become the SME companies rely on.Pipeline of A-Players: Your brand equals your candidates—always show “nines and tens.”Play the Long Game: Build authentic relationships, provide ongoing value, and leave contacts better.Adopt AI Recruiting Tools: Platforms like Atlas 2.0 eliminate admin, accelerate shortlists, and free time for growth.   Don’t miss this opportunity to level up your career. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe, leave a review, and connect with Benjamin and Brent on LinkedIn for more recruiting strategies and industry leadership.   Sponsors & Links Atlas – https://recruitwithatlas.com🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – https://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912dSignup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeYouTube: https://youtu.be/la109aH-6fwFollow Brent Orsuga: https://www.linkedin.com/in/topfreightrecruiter/Host Benjamin Mena – http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ Ready to crush 2025? Hit play, subscribe, and let’s go!

Ready to close your strongest quarter ever and build a seven-figure recruitment business—even if you’re facing setbacks? In this episode, host Benjamin Mena welcomes Julia Arpag, CEO & Founder of Aligned Recruitment, who shares how she went from being laid off postpartum to building a $900K recruiting agency in just 18 months. 🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/ 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in a single, AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses AI to create polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on relationships, not data entry. It also centralizes outreach, reports, and analytics with speed and simplicity. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community Weekly roundtables, summit replays, The Billers’ Club, and a Split Board. Join for $49/month → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community Julia’s Story Julia’s journey is about more than recruiting tactics—it’s about the mindset, habits, and daily practices that fueled her explosive growth. She shares how executive coaching, affirmations, and even sleep hygiene became key drivers of her performance. Whether you’re a solo recruiter, agency owner, or TA leader, Julia’s framework offers actionable tools for scaling without burnout. Are you stuck in repetitive admin work or worried about market uncertainty? Julia’s roadmap blends mindset and strategy to help recruiters build sustainable success. She breaks down the exact rituals that transformed her career and helped her lead with confidence. Top Key Takeaways Mindset Over Mechanics: Daily rituals (affirmations, meditation, gratitude) create lasting performance (00:09:17).Embrace Fear & Action: Don’t wait for perfection—start, iterate, and adjust (00:04:47).Executive Coaching Matters: Mentorship and coaching shorten the learning curve (00:21:10).Money Mindset: Reframe your relationship with money—“Money in the hands of good people is a gift to the world” (00:14:34).Balance, Not Burnout: Scale without hustle culture—keep family and well-being at the center. Action Ready to future-proof your recruiting career with proven, high-performance habits? 👉 Listen now and turn your desk into a revenue powerhouse. 👉 Subscribe, leave a rating, and join our recruiter community—implementation is the real difference maker. 👉 Connect with Benjamin and Julia on LinkedIn for insider recruiting tips and inspiration. Links & Sponsors Atlas – https://recruitwithatlas.com🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – https://finish-strong-2025.heysummit.com/ Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912dSignup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeYouTube: https://youtu.be/iilS7TYHCXIFollow Julia Arpag on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-arpag/Host: Benjamin Mena – http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ Level up your recruiting—press play and make these strategies YOUR edge!

Are you ready to discover what truly drives top recruiting teams and firm owners in 2024? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast goes deep with Justin Bellante, a healthcare recruiting firm owner, on the real tactics and mindsets that turn average recruiters into extraordinary leaders. Whether you’re a recruiter hungry for your next breakthrough or a firm owner on the edge of scaling up, this episode is your blueprint for success! 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in a single, AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses generative AI to create polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on relationships, not data entry. It also centralizes outreach, reports, and analytics with speed and simplicity. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ 🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community – Weekly roundtables, summit replays, The Billers’ Club, and a Split Board. Join for $37/month before Sept 30 (price rises to $49). Join here → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-founder-member  Justin takes us behind the scenes of his meteoric rise from humble beginnings to building Titan Placement 20-person powerhouse serving healthcare nonprofits and FQHCs. We discuss the secrets of business development, market mapping, nurturing underdog talent, and the real power of daily consistency. If you’ve ever wondered what most leaders get wrong (and how to fix it in your firm), this conversation is packed with unfiltered insights and actionable recruiting strategies you can use right now. How do you choose a niche and map your entire market to dominate client relationships?Why is the phone a recruiter’s #1 BD tool in the age of AI and automations?What does it take to build a mission-driven recruitment team—and actually change lives?Where are recruiting leaders screwing up the partnership conversation (and how to avoid it)?What are the real, day-to-day activities that set winning recruiters and teams apart?  If you’re serious about leveling up your desk, team, or agency, you can’t afford to miss how Justin blends grit, tech, and leadership. Hear the play-by-play of how he: Built a world-class org chart and talent pipeline with nothing but hustle and smart techCreated training systems that help even first-time recruiters smash their goalsUses market mapping and competitive intelligence to build long-standing client partnershipsOvercame self-doubt and imposter syndrome through ownership and daily promises kept 👉 Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. 👉 Connect with Benjamin Mena, Justin Bellante, and our vibrant recruiting community.  📌 4 Key Takeaways Niche Domination: Laser focus on FQHCs & market-mapped every target organization—game-changer for BD and placements.Phone First BD Wins: Cold calls & personalized emails are outperforming AI-generated campaigns for real recruiter-client connections.Consistent Training Culture: Daily huddles, live role play, and expert coaches keep the Titan team sharp and productive.Mission-Led Leadership: Giving opportunistic, hungry new recruits a shot, paired with real development, drives retention and impact. Sponsors & Resources  AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/UMFzzXhRStA Follow Justin Bellante on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbellante/ With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

Is AI about to make sourcing obsolete? The recruiting landscape is shifting FAST—and if you’re not evolving, you’re about to get run over. Host Benjamin Mena sits down with renowned recruiter Brian Fink in a high-voltage episode packed with strategies and mindset shifts to help you outpace the AI revolution. Whether you’re in-house, agency, or leading TA strategy, this is your roadmap to stay relevant. 🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit – Register here: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in a single, AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses generative AI to create polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on relationships, not data entry. It also centralizes outreach, reports, and analytics with speed and simplicity. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🚀 Sponsorship: Pin – AI Recruiting Assistant Pin is your 24/7 AI recruiting assistant for sourcing, outreach, interview scheduling, and resume screening. It scans over 850M profiles, evaluates resumes with PhD-level precision, and engages candidates across email, LinkedIn, and SMS—plus tools for team collaboration and diversity hiring. Start your free trial → https://www.pin.com/ Inside the Episode From AI-powered platforms to Brian’s wildest sourcing stories, this conversation explores: Why AI is “killing sourcing” and what it means for recruiters.How AI can automate hours of sourcing into minutes.The shift from Boolean string builders to market intelligence pros.The rise of fractional recruiting, hybrid roles, and upskilling for an AI future. You’ll leave with an actionable plan to avoid becoming a “recruiting dinosaur.” Follow Brian Fink: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfink/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/sG8UXaDS9d0 Key Takeaways AI transforms sourcing: Tools like Perplexity build candidate pipelines in minutes (00:07:11).Beyond Boolean: The future belongs to analysts, strategists, and engagement pros (00:22:20).Human connection is the edge: Automation frees time for negotiation and coaching (00:29:18).Fractional & gig recruiting are rising: TA headcount is shrinking—pivot now (01:41:22).Level up or get left behind: Upskill with AI tools, curiosity, and empathy (01:38:05, 01:44:04). Ready to future-proof your career? 👉 Hit play now—and subscribe so you never miss recruiting strategies, tech updates, or expert interviews. 🔥 Connect with Ben and Brian for more insights, office hours, and a rock-solid recruiting community. Listen. Learn. Level up. The future of recruiting is NOW. Resources & Community 🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community – Weekly roundtables, summit replays, The Billers’ Club, and a Split Board. Join for $37/month before Sept 30 (price rises to $49). Join here → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-founder-member 🎯 Finish The Year Strong 2025 Summit: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ 📩 Podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Host: Benjamin Mena – http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

Are you ready to break free from the “average recruiter” grind and join the ranks of million-dollar billers? If you’re a recruiter, search firm owner, or ambitious TA pro, this episode is your backstage pass to the playbook that’s built one of Texas’ highest-billing recruiting teams. Host Benjamin Mena welcomes back Jeremy Jenson (Encore Search Partners) to uncover the exact strategies that have multiplied fees, modernized recruiter development, and created a talent magnet operation.  🚀 Hoxo’s Personal Brand Bootcamp AI is already replacing recruiters—not next year, but now. The safe ones? Recruiters who are known, trusted, and visible in their niche. That’s where Hoxo comes in—their Bootcamp helps founders turn a few hours a week on LinkedIn into inbound leads and real business growth, powered by their proven 3X System. 🎯 Free Masterclass → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 ⚡ Listener Bonus: Mention The Elite Recruiter Podcast and get £500 off.  🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community Is Live Private, growth-focused community for recruiters featuring: • Weekly recruiter roundtables • Summit replays & exclusive trainings • The Billers’ Club to share wins • Split & Opportunities Board to partner on reqs and candidates 👉 Join for $37/month before Sept 30 (price rises to $49 in Oct). Join here → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-founder-member  Inside the Episode Jeremy’s journey—from childhood poverty to leading a multimillion-dollar contingency firm—is invaluable for anyone scaling a recruiting business. Discover why Encore’s model defies old-school thinking, how their average contingency fee hit $70k+, and why investing in managers, L&D, and wellbeing delivers outsized results. You’ll learn how to: • Elevate your recruiter brand beyond automation • Attract and mold high-performing recruiters (even outside staffing) • Build cohesive teams with L&D, marketing, EOS, and accountability • Develop a limitless, logic-driven relationship with money and growth • Scale confidently—stepping out of day-to-day billing to drive expansion  5 Key Takeaways Riches Are in the Niches – Specializing in PE/VC-backed firms catapulted fees from $49k to $70k+.Systemize > Hero Culture – Hiring managers, L&D, and marketing enables sustainable scaling.Demand Generation Wins – Authentic branding builds inbound interest: “the best recruiters found us.”Prioritize Personal Growth – Investing in mindset coaches and well-being drives loyalty and results.Step Out to Level Up – Top leaders don’t bill; empower managers and focus on strategy.  Ready to become an elite recruiter or build a million-dollar practice? 🎧 Listen now for strategies, insider stories, and candid mindset advice. Subscribe so you never miss these growth-packed episodes, and connect with Ben & Jeremy for more insights!  Resources & Links • Hoxo’s Personal Brand Bootcamp – Free Masterclass: https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 • The Elite Recruiter Community: https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-founder-member • Finish The Year Strong 2025 – https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ • Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d • Signup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe • YouTube: https://youtu.be/H79-iX7y5xQ • Follow Jeremy Jenson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjenson/ • Host – Benjamin Mena, Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ • Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ • Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/  Level up your recruitment agency, placements, and mindset—press play now!

In this engaging discussion, Amy Simpson, a seasoned insurance recruiter with nearly 25 years under her belt, shares her journey from a second-generation recruiter to a standout at The James Allen Companies. She emphasizes building an inbound lead engine and the power of mastering the basics. Amy contrasts traditional marketing calls with modern techniques and highlights the importance of community and consistency. Her tips on digital marketing and maintaining a minimalist tech stack reveal how recruiters can thrive in any market. Tune in for her invaluable core advice!

Are you ready to double your recruiting billings and build unstoppable teams—all while feeling good about the sales side of recruiting? In this episode, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Mindi Romero, the recruiter who shattered records with $650K in accepted offers in just 24 hours. If you’re a recruiter, TA leader, or agency owner tired of cold calls and pushy pitches, this episode will electrify your mindset and give you a playbook to win.  🚀 Sponsorship: Hoxo’s Personal Brand Bootcamp AI is already replacing recruiters—not next year, but now. The ones who are safe? Recruiters who are known, trusted, and visible in their niche. That’s where Hoxo comes in. Their Bootcamp helps recruitment founders turn a few hours a week on LinkedIn into inbound leads, candidate demand, and real business growth—powered by their proven 3X System. 🎯 Free Masterclass → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 ⚡ Listener Bonus: Mention The Elite Recruiter Podcast and get £500 off.  Mindi Romero went from being “found” on LinkedIn to launching branches through a pandemic, building powerhouse teams, and creating a direct-hire division that redefines how recruiters partner with hiring managers. She shares how to transform sales from a “dirty S word” into authentic value—and how to become the go-to recruiter in your niche. Benjamin and Mindi cover: organic BD strategies, leadership training, time management on a 360 desk, and building teams that stay loyal as they grow.  You’re the recruiter everyone knows and trusts—top talent comes to you, and clients call first. That’s exactly what Mindi achieved. Learn how to: • Move from recruiter to strategic partner by advising on hiring strategies. • Build your brand and network on LinkedIn so every call is warm. • Leverage mentorship, associations, and industry events (AGC, Future Forward) for inbound business. • Manage your schedule and energy so both sales and recruiting thrive. • Foster and retain a high-performing team without losing top talent.  🎯 Key Takeaways Authentic Sales Wins – Switching from cold outreach to warm, relationship-driven calls unlocked her $650K day.Value-Add Mindset – Focus on insights and hiring strategy, not just filling reqs.Community Over Cold Calls – LinkedIn and event presence ensure clients already know her value.Team Leadership Masterclass – Growth comes from investing in people, training, and duplication of success.First Connections on LinkedIn Are Gold – Her “first connections” repeatedly convert into clients and partners.   Ready to unlock seven-figure offers, build elite teams, and transform your BD approach? 🎧 Listen now for Mindi’s no-BS recruitment playbook. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and connect with Benjamin and Mindi on LinkedIn.  Sponsor & Resource Links:   🚀 The Elite Recruiter Community Is Live Private, growth-focused community for recruiters featuring: • Weekly recruiter roundtables • Summit replays & exclusive trainings • The Billers’ Club to share wins • Split & Opportunities Board to partner on reqs and candidates 👉 Join for $37/month before Sept 30 (price rises to $49 in Oct). Join here → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-founder-member  🚀 Hoxo’s Personal Brand Bootcamp 🎯 Free Masterclass → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 ⚡ £500 off with The Elite Recruiter Podcast  • Finish The Year Strong 2025 – https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ • Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d • Signup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe • YouTube: https://youtu.be/zx28pFUjzA4 • Follow Mindi Romero: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindiromero/ • Host – Benjamin Mena, Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ • Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ • Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ Hit play, subscribe, and level up now!

Looking for the secret sauce behind building a top-tier recruiting agency in a hyper-competitive market? Want to combine heart-driven recruiting with razor-sharp business strategy? In this must-listen episode, Benjamin Mena sits down with Cari Kraft—legendary leader and top biller at Jacobs Management Group—to reveal how niching down and leading with integrity can skyrocket your recruiting business.   🚀 Sponsor Spotlight – Get Both AI Tools FREE Try Sourcewhale’s game-changing AI tools—Inbox Agent & Notetaker—absolutely free. • Inbox Agent: Writes replies in your tone, automates follow-ups, and gives real-time feedback. Works with Gmail or Outlook. • Notetaker: Joins calls, transcribes, and creates AI-powered summaries—logged in your CRM. 🎯 Free trial: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial/   Cari didn’t just “fall into” recruiting—she built her career with intention. From surviving the dot-com bubble to scaling a specialized life sciences firm, she shares how to grow high-performing teams, harness technology (including AI), and deliver results that wow clients and candidates alike. Discover the power of niching, why generalists get left behind, and how to become the consultative partner clients can’t ignore—even when markets shift.   You’ll walk away with proven strategies to: • Hire recruiters who blend heart and hustle. • Operate as a unified team with scalable processes and transparent bonus structures. • Leverage your industry niche to become irreplaceable. • Use innovative marketing (comp surveys, industry magazines, BD tactics) to stand out. • Build resilience, leadership, and long-term fulfillment in your career.     🎯 Key Takeaways Niche = Power: Specializing in life sciences built lasting relationships and innovative practices like comp surveys.Lead With Heart: Recruiting is the “business of the heart”—authenticity drives loyalty.Innovate or Die: Stay ahead with tech—from databases to AI recruiting tools.Vision & Team: Shared vision, bonuses, and collaboration make recruiting a team sport.Marketing Mastery: Surveys, branded content, and publishing fuel inbound leads and visibility.     ❓ Frequently Asked Questions from This Episode Q: Why is niching down so important for recruiters? Being specialized in life sciences gave her firm speed, credibility, and trusted long-term relationships. Q: What does “leading with heart” mean in recruiting? Recruiting is the “business of the heart.” Success comes from meaningful impact, not just placements. Q: How can recruiters future-proof their careers in the AI era? Be willing to change—embrace new tech that accelerates workflow while keeping recruiter relationships at the core. Q: What marketing strategies set Jacobs apart? Their annual 100+ page compensation & hiring survey and Healthcare Sales & Marketing Magazine attract inbound leads and build authority.   Ready to dominate your recruiting niche, inspire your team, and lead with heart? 🎧 Listen now to unlock Cari Kraft’s blueprint for next-level placements, leadership, and client relationships. 👉 Subscribe, share, and connect with Benjamin Mena and Cari Kraft on LinkedIn for ongoing insights.   Resource Links & Connect 🚀 Sourcewhale Free Trial: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial/ • Finish The Year Strong 2025 – https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ • Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d • Signup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe • YouTube: https://youtu.be/_ZQ-m4i29ZI • Follow Cari Kraft: https://www.linkedin.com/in/topmedicaldevicerecruiter/ • Host – Benjamin Mena, Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ • Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ • Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ 👇 Tune in now, level up your recruiting business, and hit subscribe for future game-changing episodes!

Recruiters—ever wonder what separates the good from the legendary? In this special episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Michael Goldman—45-year industry veteran, Pinnacle Society founding member, and recruiting “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Together they unpack the real value recruiters bring, how to survive market downturns, and how to build a legacy career that’s bigger than billings.   🚀 Sponsorship: Hoxo’s Personal Brand Bootcamp AI is already replacing recruiters—not next year, not eventually, but right now. The ones who are safe? Recruiters who are known, trusted, and visible in their niche. That’s where Hoxo comes in. Their Bootcamp helps recruitment founders turn a few hours a week on LinkedIn into inbound leads, candidate demand, and real growth—powered by their proven 3X System. 🎯 Free Masterclass → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 ⚡ Listener Bonus: Mention The Elite Recruiter Podcast and get £500 off if you join.   I Michael’s journey is recruitment folklore: from meeting a recruiter in a New Jersey bar to founding Strategic Associates and shaping the Pinnacle Society from the ground up. This episode isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about influence, mindset, and thriving through both the highs and lows of recruiting. You’ll learn how elite recruiters: • Overcome fear and self-doubt. • Navigate dramatic changes in tech and AI. • Deliver value beyond placements and dollars. • Build a career respected by clients, candidates, and colleagues alike.   Imagine thriving when others panic and mastering fundamentals that never fail. Want to know: • How to cement your recruiter value beyond transactions? • The single mindset trait top billers all share? • How to future-proof against market shifts and AI disruption? • The secrets to building a legacy instead of burning out? Michael’s wisdom, hard-earned strategies, and hilarious stories will leave you fired up and focused.   🎧 Ready to level up? Hit play, subscribe, and step into the mindset of a recruiting powerhouse.   🎯 Key Takeaways Recruiter Value = Lasting Impact (00:00:05, 00:22:04): You change lives, not just fill jobs.Overcoming Fear & Mindset Shifts (00:15:52, 00:18:11): Master influence, confidence, and communication.From Transactional to Consultative (00:23:51, 00:24:26): Stop selling—start consulting.Thriving Through Change (00:29:02, 00:30:13): Embrace AI and tech, but never lose the recruiter’s edge.Building a Legacy (00:35:26, 00:36:11): Focus on impact and reputation, not just revenue.   ⏩ Highlighted Moments • [00:07:04] Recruiting pre-internet—rotary phones and file cabinets. • [00:11:08] Launching his own firm—the leap of faith. • [00:20:11] From big billings to real value. • [00:33:50] Why most recruiters fail—and how to avoid burnout.     📢 Don’t Miss Out Be the recruiter your market can’t ignore. Listen now, connect, and apply these timeless lessons—your future self will thank you.   Sponsor & Link Section 🚀 Hoxo Personal Brand Bootcamp 🎯 Masterclass → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 ⚡ £500 off with The Elite Recruiter Podcast • AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ • Finish The Year Strong 2025 – https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ • Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d • Free Trial – Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter • Signup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe • YouTube: https://youtu.be/3UnZ8viJjD0 • Michael Goldman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgoldman1/ • Host – Benjamin Mena, Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ • Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ • Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ ✨ Tune in, take action, and make 2025 your biggest recruiting year yet.