The Elite Recruiter Podcast

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: • 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.

Ready to punch through your recruiting plateaus and bounce back from every setback? In this inspiring episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with 12-time national boxing champion and Olympic team captain Cam F. Awesome. Discover what recruiters can learn from elite athletes about resilience, self-talk, and thriving under pressure—no matter how hard you get knocked down. 🚀 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 Personal Brand Bootcamp helps recruitment founders turn a few hours a week on LinkedIn into inbound leads, candidate demand, and real business growth. It’s powered by their proven 3X System, used across every market to help founders build authority and attract clients instead of chasing them. 🎯 Watch the free masterclass here → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0 ⚡ Listener Bonus: Tell them The Elite Recruiter Podcast sent you and get £500 off if you join the Bootcamp.  Recruiting is a full-contact sport. Cam F. Awesome—the winningest boxer in US history—shares how the Olympic mindset, relentless work ethic, and radical self-belief translate directly into talent acquisition success.   Inside the Episode Benjamin and Cam break down the parallels between boxing and recruiting: • Cultivate grit—even when no one’s watching. • Turn negative self-talk into a winning inner dialogue. • Set and reset monster goals that drive growth. • Differentiate your workflow to move the TA needle. • Build habits that supercharge placements and business growth. Imagine attacking every day with Olympic-level discipline—where rejection becomes rocket fuel. Cam’s story will help you: • Rewire your self-identity to level up (he literally changed his LAST NAME to “Awesome”). • Escape mediocrity by questioning “the way it’s always been done.” • Reframe your value by writing down real accomplishments. • Take radical accountability to control your career trajectory. • Harness the power of your circle—the five people (or recruiters) who shape your success.  Key Takeaways Set Goals Bigger Than You (09:41): Go for the “Olympics” of your niche—even if you fail, you’ll surpass smaller goals.Radical Accountability (39:09): Own every outcome. Recruiters who take full responsibility adapt and rise faster.Self-Talk Shapes Success (22:14): What you tell yourself daily becomes your edge (or your ceiling).Innovate, Don’t Conform (18:17): Following the herd leads to average results.Failure Is Fuel (52:01): Every loss is a filter, not a verdict—learn faster, grow faster, win faster. Ready to become the champion recruiter you were meant to be? 👉 Listen now, subscribe, and rewire your mindset for unstoppable growth.  Connect & 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 emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe • YouTube: https://youtu.be/dOdAPtV_b7c • Follow Cam F. Awesome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camfawesome/ • 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/ 🎯 Don’t miss this episode—listen now, subscribe, and challenge your limits!

Struggling to hit numbers in today’s recruiting market? Craving a practical playbook for resilience and record-breaking billings? In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with 7-figure producer Dan Falzarano. Discover how Dan turned a near-firing into a 15-year streak of top billing—even as markets shifted. This is the blueprint for recruiters ready to dominate. 🚀 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/ Recruiting in 2024 isn’t for the faint of heart. With industry shifts and tighter competition, it’s time to ditch outdated methods. Dan shares his no-nonsense approach—process discipline, client-first relationships, and tech stacks like SourceWhale, JobDiva, and LinkedIn automation. From scaling offices to leading through boom-and-bust cycles, his frameworks drive $500k–$1M+ production consistently. Imagine starting each day with a proven plan, an unstoppable mindset, and systems that deliver elite results—even in tough markets. Dan breaks down: Time-blocking for BDNPC campaigns that actually workMulti-channel outreach (video, voice notes, LinkedIn, cold email) Plus, his personal routines, content strategy, and tech tips that keep recruiters thriving. Don’t just dream about 7-figure billing. Steal Dan’s no-BS blueprint to level up your recruiting playbook today. Key Takeaways Process > Outcomes: Discipline in daily routines drives consistency, even in downturns. (00:12:16 & 00:15:16)Client Acquisition = Career Security: Master BD to outlast market shifts. (00:18:44)Multi-Channel Outreach: Cold email, LinkedIn, video, and voice notes boost ROI. (00:37:22)Purpose + Discipline: Long-term wins come from knowing your “why” and staying consistent. (00:46:41)Lead by Example: Outwork your team and make learning daily. (00:27:18) Timestamped Highlights • [00:04:33] How Dan “fell into” recruiting & built sales grit • [00:12:16] Habits that sparked his comeback • [00:18:44] Why client acquisition future-proofs recruiters • [00:37:22] His high-conversion BD workflow • [00:46:41] Advice for rookies: find your “why” Ready to Level Up? Listen now if you’re ready to build a resilient, profitable, and rewarding career. Subscribe, share, and expand your recruiter network with Benjamin and Dan. Sponsor, Resource, & Connection Links 🚀 Sourcewhale Free Trial – Inbox Agent & Notetaker: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial/ 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 emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/imSVlD3QKiY Follow Dan Falzarano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfalzarano/ With Host Benjamin Mena Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ Subscribe and stay tuned for more no-BS strategies to win the recruiting game!

In this engaging discussion, Martin Gutierrez, business development lead at SourceWhale, shares his expertise in AI-powered recruitment solutions. He delves into the critical balance between automation and personal connections, emphasizing the need for human relationships in recruitment. Gutierrez offers insights on how to effectively select AI tools that streamline processes and enhance communication. He also highlights the importance of persistent follow-up and adopting data-driven strategies to ensure successful placements, especially for smaller agencies.

From Survival to Seven Figures: Pree Sarkar’s Blueprint for Building a Million-Dollar Recruitment Desk 🚀 Sponsor Spotlight – Get Both AI Tools FREE For a limited time, you can try both of Sourcewhale’s game-changing AI tools—Inbox Agent and Notetaker—absolutely free. Inbox Agent: Writes replies in your tone of voice, automates personalized follow-ups, and gives you real-time outreach feedback. Works with Gmail or Outlook.Notetaker: Joins your calls, transcribes every word, and instantly creates AI-powered summaries—automatically logged in your CRM.💥 Imagine a 24/7 assistant that handles your calls and your inbox so you can focus on closing deals.🎯 Activate your free trial (both tools included): https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial What does it take to join the top 1% of recruiters who build million-dollar desks? In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Pree Sarkar, who went from redundancy to running a scalable, $2M+ billing machine. This is your step-by-step blueprint for breaking out of the average, mastering business development, and creating a recruiting business that runs at an elite level—whether you’re an agency recruiter, solo operator, or TA leader. Inside You’ll Learn: How to shift your recruiter identity to “level 10” and become a trusted advisor.Why high-value BD generates 80–90% of top clients—and how to warm up prospects before you ever call.How to delegate, automate, and scale without losing profitability.The financial buffer strategy that gives you confidence in any market.How to use LinkedIn content & podcasting to stay top-of-mind with clients at scale. Key Takeaways: Relentless, relationship-driven BD beats cold pitches every time.Delegate early and automate the 80% of tasks that don’t grow revenue.Keep 3–12 months’ operating cash to reduce stress and increase leverage.Your recruiter identity determines your market value.Strategic content builds long-term trust and inbound opportunities. Highlights: [00:02:56] From sales to recruiting after redundancy[00:10:33] The 80/20 BD focus that doubled billings[00:23:49] Niching down for dominance[00:25:19] Hiring your first team member[00:39:28] Leveraging podcasting as a BD engine If you want to stop riding the feast-or-famine cycle and build consistent, scalable revenue, this is your must-listen episode. Events & Resources: AI Recruiting Summit 2025: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/Finish The Year Strong 2025: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/Subscribe to The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PAiG-nfXO04 Connect: Pree Sarkar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/preesarkar/Benjamin Mena Website: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/ 🔥 Sponsor Reminder – Your Free AI Upgrade Get full access to both Inbox Agent and Notetaker—the AI tools top recruiters are using to win more business in less time. 📬 Inbox Agent: AI outreach that sounds exactly like you. 📝 Notetaker: Every call transcribed & summarized—automatically. 🎯 Claim your free trial now: https://sourcewhale.com/free-trial 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and leave a review to help more recruiters join the elite.

Are you a recruiter struggling to stand out in an oversaturated market? Ready to discover the hidden secret that consistently produces top billers and high-value placements? In this episode, Benjamin Mena dives deep with luxury recruiting icon, Rob Bowerman, uncovering the enormous advantage of niching down, and exactly how you can use it to elevate your recruiting game in any market. 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/ Rob Bowerman’s journey from a retail buying career to building the Bowerman Group, the go-to firm for luxury brand placements, shows just how transformative choosing the right niche can be. Listen as Rob reveals tactical strategies, candid career advice, and actionable mindset shifts that propelled him from industry outsider to a sought-after recruiting partner for brands like Chanel, Versace, and Louis Vuitton. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how luxury customer experience principles fueled Bowerman’s client/candidate journeys and personal branding. This is a can’t-miss masterclass for recruiters wanting to: Drive higher-value placements and win exclusive searchesBuild resilient recruiting businesses, even during market uncertaintyTransform candidate and client journeys into luxury-level experiencesCommand premium fees and consistently dominate their deskLearn how to carve out a reputation as the “only choice” in a crowded industry Press play now and unlock elite recruiting insights that you simply won’t hear anywhere else! Make smaller changes to your process—today—that will lead to outsized results in placements, revenue, and relationships. Key Takeaways Niching Down Is a Superpower: “You want to add an extraordinarily high level of value to your client, and I think you can only do that…by being a real legit expert.” (Rob Bowerman)Luxury Brand Principles = Recruiting Success: Mirror luxury client experiences in your recruiting process—refined communication, branded candidate journeys, and a premium level of attention set you apart.Refuse Weak Searches: Don’t waste energy convincing yourself a dubious search is “real.” Put your power into genuine opportunities where clients show commitment (contingency, exclusivity, engagement fees).Brand and Relationships Trump Transactional Mindsets: Long-term success is built by treating candidates and clients with respect, offering real feedback, and prioritizing relationships over quick wins.Leverage Community: Surround yourself with high performers. Joining professional communities like the Pinnacle Society can massively accelerate your learning and growth. ⏰ Timestamped Highlights: 2:56 – How Rob leveraged retail experience to break into luxury recruiting10:41 – The “aha moment” that kicked off his niche and firm19:32 – Building a luxury candidate/client journey32:13 – Commanding premium search fees and branding yourself “high value”50:04 – Hard lessons, failures, and the truth about candidate/client control Ready to become an elite recruiter? 👉 Listen now, rate, and subscribe on your favorite platform! 👇 Connect with Rob, and unlock premium resources below to supercharge your recruiting journey. Resource Links 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/ Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/3olG8F8371I Follow Rob Bowerman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbowerman/ Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Level up. Niche down. Build your luxury recruiting brand—starting today!

Diane Prince, a seasoned staffing agency owner and executive coach, shares her remarkable journey of selling her agency for $28 million. She delves into the secrets of scaling a recruiting business, emphasizing the power of niche specialization and the importance of solid bookkeeping. Diane also offers insights on managing life after a big sale, discussing emotional challenges and the value of virtual assistants in business growth. Additionally, she provides proven strategies to avoid common pitfalls and foster lasting success in the staffing industry.

Are you struggling with setbacks in your recruiting career and searching for the ultimate bounce-back strategy? In this can’t-miss episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, discover how Cathy Stewart—who once faced the brink of burnout and failure—rebuilt her confidence, pipeline, and reputation to soar as one of America’s top-billing executive recruiters. Tune in and learn how you, too, can turn professional droughts into record-breaking recruiting success.   Host Benjamin Menna sits down with Cathy Stewart, a celebrated member of the Pinnacle Society and an expert in executive recruiting for the senior living space. Cathy’s journey is raw, relatable, and incredibly motivating—she shares in detail how she lost her two biggest clients almost overnight and was left with no job orders on the calendar. Instead of giving in, Cathy doubled down, refined her process, and developed a bulletproof playbook for resilience and growth. In this episode, you’ll uncover: The critical turning points that reshaped Cathy’s mindset and recruiting methodologyDaily “non-negotiables” and habits that fueled her recovery and consistent performanceHow DISC personality profiling helped her instantly build rapport with tough clients and candidatesPractical ways to navigate hiring slowdowns, fall-offs, and challenging markets with positivity and accountability   Envision transforming your toughest setbacks into launchpads for your best years in agency or executive recruiting. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned recruiter aiming for the next level, Cathy’s actionable playbook delivers everything you need: How rebuilding her desk “two candidates a day” ignited a full pipeline from scratchMastering metrics, habits, and self-accountability that drive elite-level billingsLeveraging gratitude and mindset shifts to stay motivated, consistent, and connectedBuilding a reputation for placements that last, and client partnerships that endure   Ready to shift from survival mode to thriving in any recruiting market? 👉 Listen now to “From Rock Bottom to Top Biller: Cathy Stewart’s Playbook for Elite Recruiting Success.” Draw inspiration from Cathy’s true story and practical tactics—then put her strategies to work in your own recruiting desk. Remember, top billers aren’t just made in good times—they’re forged in adversity. Subscribe to The Elite Recruiter Podcast for more recruiting best practices, or connect with Cathy Stewart on LinkedIn to continue learning from a true industry leader. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to Cathy Stewart’s story [05:00] Building resilience: Learning from setbacks [09:30] The “two candidate a day” system [15:00] Developing client relationships in a recruitment niche [22:00] Mindset, accountability, and staying positive [30:00] Habits of consistent top billers [40:00] Favorite resources & closing advice Listen and transform your recruiting results—no matter where you’re starting from! This episode was sponsored by Pin - Pin, your 24/7Recruiting Assistant https://www.pin.com/   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/   Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial of Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe  YouTube: https://youtu.be/NPYqWeab9AI  Follow Cathy Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-stewart-338b871a/   With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

Are you a recruiter wondering how to bounce back after a layoff and build a thriving solo business in today’s competitive market? In this episode of the Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Liam Haghighat, a recruiter who transformed career adversity into entrepreneurial success by launching a profitable solo and fractional recruiting business. If you’re facing uncertainty due to layoffs or simply dreaming about starting your own recruiting consultancy, this episode speaks directly to your challenges and aspirations. With thousands of recruiters finding themselves in flux amidst volatile hiring trends and AI-driven disruption, knowing how to secure income, attract clients, and stand out is not just desirable—it’s essential. Listen in to discover how you can: Craft an in-demand value proposition that sets you apart in the crowded recruiting landscape, using Liam’s battle-tested strategies for identifying your niche and target clients.Build a resilient business model from day one by leveraging fractional recruiting: why early-stage startups want your help, how to price your services, and how the flexible subscription/retainer model delivers stability in unpredictable times.Harness technology and content marketing for rapid client acquisition—explore the practical tools and sales processes that enabled Liam (an introvert!) to win business, boost credibility, and nurture a steady flow of inbound leads. Whether you’re launching a new venture, thinking about going solo, or just looking for smarter ways to future-proof your recruiting career, this conversation is loaded with actionable tips, tech hacks, and confidence-building advice to help you lay a strong foundation—financially and professionally.  Stop scrolling and hit play NOW to get the inspiration, clarity, and real-world know-how you need to start your own successful solo or fractional recruiting journey today!  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/ Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial of Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter  Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe  YouTube: https://youtu.be/wFgyz620jLM  Follow Liam Haghighat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamhaghighat/ With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

Join Mike Mello, a former Navy member turned $100M staffing producer, as he shares his journey and insights into the future of recruitment. He addresses fears around AI, offering strategies to leverage automation without losing the human touch. Mello emphasizes proactive outreach as a key to success, and discusses the pivotal role of social media in modern staffing. Discover the foundational elements of Revenue Operations and books that foster personal growth, providing a comprehensive playbook for today's recruiters.