The Elite Recruiter Podcast

Are you ready to discover how a group of determined women transformed a living room startup into a $6 million legal recruiting powerhouse — all during a global crisis?  In this episode of the Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Aida C. Rodriguez, the founder of Ascension Global Staffing and Executive Search. Together, they unpack how building a winning team, especially in the high-stakes world of legal recruiting, can lead to extraordinary business growth—even when starting with just an Excel sheet and a lot of perseverance. If you’re a recruiter, entrepreneur, or leader with dreams of scaling up, this episode will show you what’s possible, even in the face of uncertainty. As the recruiting landscape becomes more competitive, many agency owners and aspiring firm-builders struggle to stand out, pivot in difficult markets, and keep their teams motivated. The journey of Aida and her all-women team tackles this head-on, providing real-world solutions to the challenges of launching and growing a successful recruiting firm from the ground up—especially when resources are limited and the market is in flux. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights, including: Proven strategies for launching and scaling a recruiting business during tough economic times, starting with minimal resources.Building and leading highly motivated, diverse teams that thrive on healthy competition, camaraderie, and shared dreams.The power of adaptability—how to pivot your business development, embrace technology and automation, and never let perfectionism stop your progress.   If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration mixed with practical guidance to fuel your recruiting ambitions, hit play now and see how you can turn your own “brunch crew” into a thriving placement empire!  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: Follow Aida C. Rodriguez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidacrodriguezascension/    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/

Jonathan Z. Cohen, the Associate General Counsel at PMI Technologies and host of the Inside the Inspired podcast, shares insights on resilience in the recruiting industry. He discusses how to break down large goals into manageable steps to combat burnout and foster growth. Cohen emphasizes the power of self-narratives, linking personal stories to transforming imposter syndrome into confidence. Listeners will also discover stress management techniques, turning setbacks into stepping stones for a fulfilling career.

Ashley Woods, partner at Tema Solutions Group and founder of the Time Rich Recruiter, shares her incredible journey building a $10M recruiting desk while traveling to 45 countries. She offers proven methods for creating efficient systems that maintain productivity remotely. Ashley discusses transitioning from hospitality to recruitment, the significance of setting clear goals, and the transformative power of travel. She emphasizes the importance of outsourcing, automation, and a strong vision to succeed in the dynamic recruiting landscape.

Join Sam Kuehnle, an expert in AI and automation, as he unpacks the future of recruiting technology. He discusses the pressing need for proactive talent pipelines and how to navigate outdated systems like CRMs and ATS. With a focus on cost-effective automation, Sam emphasizes the importance of data quality and personalization in recruitment. Listeners will learn actionable strategies to optimize their tech stacks and maintain competitive edges as AI reshapes the industry. Plus, he shares insights on how to stand out in a crowded market.

Zach Keen, the founder of Keen Search and Staffing, shares his transformative journey from being laid off to successfully running a recruiting firm. He discusses the importance of mentorship and securing investors to ease the transition. Zach offers insights into modern business development strategies, contrasting traditional approaches with innovative outreach. He candidly addresses the challenges of balancing family life with entrepreneurship while emphasizing the need for authenticity in client relationships. Tune in for tangible tips on thriving in the competitive recruiting landscape!

Join Steve Lu, CEO and co-founder of pin.com, an AI-driven sourcing platform, as he discusses the transformative role of AI in recruiting. He emphasizes leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and build genuine relationships rather than viewing it as a threat. Steve also shares insights on essential AI tools that reduce manual work while improving candidate matching. He highlights the importance of adaptability and collaboration between tech and recruiters while encouraging listeners to embrace change and future-proof their careers.

Rich Rosen, a top biller in the recruiting field, shares his secrets to achieving a staggering $300K month. He discusses the power of integrating AI tools and high-volume outbound efforts with traditional personal recruiting methods. Rich emphasizes the importance of consistent LinkedIn posting and a disciplined work ethic as keys to success. With a focus on overcoming industry noise and mental barriers, he offers actionable strategies to help recruiters thrive and reset their mindsets for financial growth.

In this engaging discussion, Trinette Cunningham, the CEO of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS), shares her passion for the recruiting industry. She emphasizes the critical importance of certifications in navigating complex legislation and ethical scenarios. The impact of AI on recruitment and the rising significance of mental health in the workplace are also explored. Cunningham advocates for networking and ongoing education, revealing how professional associations can elevate a recruiter's career in today's rapidly changing landscape.

Keely Flood, a seasoned sales coach and recruiting consultant, tackles the distractions of 'shiny object syndrome' in recruiting. She discusses the importance of strategic planning and nurturing client relationships over chasing the latest tech trends. Flood shares valuable frameworks like time blocking and market mapping that empower recruiters to focus on meaningful conversations. With insights on building genuine connections and a growth mindset, listeners can shift their focus from AI hype to real, measurable success.

James Blackwell, a recruitment thought leader and mentor specializing in AI and automation, shares insights on the current transformation in the recruitment industry. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing sourcing and outreach, stressing that adapting to these tools is vital for agencies. Strategies for scaling recruitment businesses remotely while avoiding burnout are explored, along with the importance of effective delegation. Finally, practical advice for selling AI-driven recruitment solutions to meet rising client demands is provided, ensuring listeners stay ahead in a competitive landscape.