The Staffing Playbook Podcast, Powered by YES

Kim Henderson, an MBA and Six Sigma practitioner at Cobalt Compass Solutions, delves into critical staffing industry challenges. She discusses the unemployment hurdles facing recent graduates and the pressing need for robust networking. Kim highlights surprising job growth in June and the role of local governments in hiring. She advises on the benefits of contract-to-hire roles and the importance of upskilling for job seekers. Their personal first-job stories and insights into consumer spending trends add an engaging touch to the conversation.

We’ve teamed up for something special.   I’m thrilled to announce a new limited bi-weekly series where we will be joined by industry pros Richard D Rosner and Kim Henderson, MBA, PMP, Six Sigma, to tackle everything staffing.   From AI and automation to labor trends, economic shifts, and new ways to grow your book of business — we’re digging into the tactics, strategies, and straight talk that matters.   This is for staffing pros who want to stay ahead of the curve.   Tune in, take notes, and level up.

Shannon Kahn, Founder and CEO of SMK Consulting USA, brings decades of staffing experience to the conversation. She emphasizes that how you sell differentiates you in a competitive landscape. Shannon shares a pre-call framework that preps sales teams to engage clients effectively. She discusses the importance of reading subtle cues during meetings and how to pivot sales approaches based on client signals. By focusing on strategic partnerships rather than transactions, she advises listeners to align their sales strategies with client needs for lasting success.

We're thrilled to welcome David Folwell, Founder & CEO of Staffing Referrals, to The Staffing Playbook Podcast for one of our most powerful episodes yet! 💡 In this episode, we dive into: Gaining real market share in a crowded industry Building a referral engine that scales Current market trends every staffing leader needs to know A behind-the-scenes recap of the Utah Staffing Sales Conference David brings unmatched insights from working with hundreds of staffing firms—and if you’re not yet leveraging referrals, this is your blueprint to start. 🎧 Powered by YES Sponsored by Staffing Referrals 🗓️ June 20th | 🕐 1:00 PM MDT Staffing Referrals, is also a proud sponsor of our show. Want to see how their platform can help you scale your referrals the smart way?

Topic: Flat Growth, Fast-Moving AI & Smarter Marketing — plus an exclusive preview of the Summer School Staffing Series Guest Speakers: Kim Henderson – Managing Director, Cobalt Compass Richard “Staffing Shark” Rosner – Founder, Staffing Shark Hosts: Steven Farrell & Geneviève Bourgeois

In this episode, David and I discuss: How to adapt your sales strategy when hiring freezes and margin pressures hitWays to double down on consultative selling and deepen existing client relationshipsStep-by-step approaches to build a repeatable, scalable sales engine even in a soft market. If you missed my original guest appearance—or if you’d like to revisit those ideas on my own series—tune in for Episode 39 of The Staffing Playbook Podcast on June 6th.🔗 Listen to the original Staffing Show episode here: ⁠https://lnkd.in/gP8xAdx9

Is your markup a true reflection of the impact you deliver—or just a number on an invoice? We sit down with Benjamin Mena, founder of Select Source Solutions and host of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, to break down exactly how staffing firms can quantify—and communicate—their real economic value. Why you should tune in See your firm through an economic lens. Benjamin’s background in defense-contract recruiting and economics gives him a data-driven view of pricing, margins, and market positioning. Turn “soft” results into hard numbers. Learn practical frameworks to translate fill-rates, retention, and compliance into dollar impact clients can’t ignore. Stand out without racing to the bottom. Hear brand-building tactics and success stories that prove premium pricing is possible—even in crowded markets. Rapid-fire insights you’ll take away The one economic indicator every staffing leader should track A proven blueprint for articulating your unique value proposition Common pitfalls that sabotage pricing power—and how to avoid them If you’re leading a staffing firm, managing a sales desk, or simply want to stop competing on price alone, this conversation is for you.

"Behind the Curtain” Series, Part 3 Episode 37: What HR Really Thinks About Staffing Agencies The final curtain is about to fall. In Parts 1 & 2 we heard unfiltered truths from MSP/VMS leaders and HR pros Megan Gill & Shane Fisher. Now we’re closing the trilogy with two more seasoned HR voices ready to say the quiet parts out loud: Angie Johnsen and Gail Perkes, SPHR. Co-hosts Steven Farrell, CSP and Genevieve Bourgeois will dig into: Fresh “good, bad & ugly” stories that agencies still need to hear The biggest communication misfires HR teams experienced this year—and how to avoid them Outreach tactics that win a reply vs. an instant delete What agencies must evolve before 2026 to stay on HR’s preferred-vendor list Lightning-round tips you can implement before your next client call Expect candor, specific examples, and an action-packed 45-minute playbook you can put to work immediately. Sponsored by Staffing Referrals—helping agencies turn great talent into brand ambassadors and repeat placements.

Join seasoned HR professionals Megan Gill and Shane Fisher as they unveil the truth about staffing agencies. Megan, with extensive experience in HR and staffing, and Shane, a former top staffing leader turned HR guru, discuss the fine line between being partners or nightmares. They share the biggest pitfalls agencies fall into, like poor communication and aggressive outreach. Discover the secret to successful partnerships, including mutual respect and listening. Plus, get snack-size tips for agencies to stay relevant in the evolving workforce landscape!

We'll be pulling back the curtain with two outstanding guests: Josh Moskoviz, Vice President of Client Services at AHSA, a Trio Workforce Solutions company Beth Fenske, CTS/CPC, BS Director, Supplier Solutions, RightSourcing by Magnit. What we'll cover: ✅ How MSPs view their staffing partners today ✅ The good behaviors that strengthen partnerships ✅ The bad habits that damage trust ✅ The ugly mistakes that cost agencies future business ✅ Practical advice on becoming a preferred partner, not just a vendor 🔹 About Josh Moskoviz: With over 18 years in healthcare staffing, Josh has built, grown, and implemented MSP programs across the country. A retired musician and SoCal outdoor enthusiast, he brings a unique mix of industry wisdom and real-world experience to the table. 🔹 About Beth Fenske, CTS/CPC Beth Fenske brings over 30 years of healthcare experience, with the past five years focused on staffing and Managed Service Provider (MSP) operations. As a former owner and operator of a nurse staffing agency, she offers a unique perspective—advocating for suppliers with deep understanding and empathy. A passionate supplier advocate and mentor, Beth is highly engaged in diversity development, one-on-one agency consulting, Joint Commission certification support, and staff training and development. She is deeply partnership-driven, with a steadfast commitment to collaboration, growth, and mutual success. 👉 Hosted by: Steven Farrell & Genevieve Bourgeois