Talent Matters Podcast

Starting a recruitment agency is something many recruiters think about — but far fewer actually do.In this episode of Talent Matters, Dave Jenkins sits down with Nathalie Janger, Founder of Crystal Clear Recruitment, to talk about what it really takes to leave a long-term role and build a recruitment business from scratch.After nearly 15 years working in the same agency, Nathalie made the leap to start her own firm focused on business support roles across Greater London. She shares the moment that pushed her to back herself, the realities of launching in a challenging market, and why confidence, preparation, and the right support network can make all the difference.The conversation explores the early days of building a new recruitment business — from landing those first placements and navigating quiet periods, to developing a personal brand and creating a service built on transparency and trust.We cover:• Why some recruiters decide to start their own agency• The mindset needed to leave a stable role and go solo• What the first few months of launching a recruitment business really look like• The practical steps involved in setting up an agency• Why coaching and external support can accelerate progress• The importance of relationships and personal brand in recruitmentIf you're a recruiter thinking about launching your own agency — or simply curious about what the early stages of building a recruitment business look like — this episode offers an honest look behind the scenes.—🎧 Listen to Talent Matters for honest conversations with recruitment leaders, tech experts, and marketers helping agencies grow.—🔗 Discover more episodes at⁠https://wave-rs.co.uk/resources/podcasts/talent-matters

Most recruitment agencies claim to be specialists.But what does it actually take to build — and scale — a truly niche recruitment brand?In this episode of Talent Matters, Dave Jenkins sits down with Ian Whitear, Co-Founder of White Space Recruitment, to explore how a long-term specialist approach in architecture and design recruitment has shaped a resilient, internationally expanding business.Ian shares lessons from 25+ years in the industry — from recruiting in the US to launching in Dubai — and explains why relationships, market knowledge and reputation still matter more than ever.They also discuss:• Why niche recruiters outperform generalists• How market cycles impact architecture hiring• Scaling without losing focus• Expanding internationally the right way• Using AI to improve efficiency, not replace recruitersIf you're building a recruitment business and thinking about going deeper rather than wider, this one’s for you.—🎧 Listen to Talent Matters for honest conversations with recruitment leaders, tech experts, and marketers helping agencies grow.—🔗 Discover more episodes at⁠https://wave-rs.co.uk/resources/podcasts/talent-matters

Most recruitment agencies believe they’re different — but in a crowded market, many still look, sound, and operate the same.In this episode of Talent Matters, Dave Jenkins is joined by Ksenia Molodych, Founder of XOO, to explore what really makes recruitment businesses stand out. Drawing on experience across SaaS, marketing, and revenue operations, Ksenia explains why recruitment often takes inspiration only from itself — and why that holds agencies back.They unpack the role of brand and customer experience in long-term growth, the tension between short-term sales and long-term marketing, and how alignment across sales, marketing, and operations changes everything. The conversation also tackles AI — separating hype from reality, and why AI won’t fix broken fundamentals but can accelerate growth when used properly.We cover:Why recruitment agencies struggle to differentiate in a crowded marketThe myth of “our people make us different”What recruitment can learn from SaaS and other industriesBrand and customer experience as revenue driversSales and marketing alignment through RevOpsWhere AI genuinely adds value — and where it goes wrongIf you're a recruitment agency owner, leader, or marketer trying to stand out, build a stronger brand, and use AI without losing the human touch, this one’s for you.—🎧 Listen to Talent Matters for honest conversations with recruitment leaders, tech experts, and marketers helping agencies grow.—🔗 Discover more episodes athttps://wave-rs.co.uk/resources/podcasts/talent-matters

Most recruitment agencies are using just a fraction of the tech they’re already paying for—and many are being upsold by MSPs (Managed Service Providers) on tools they don’t need.In this episode of Talent Matters, we’re joined by Kan Mallawathantri, Founder of Avensys Tech and former in-house IT leader for recruitment businesses like MSI and DRC. Kan breaks down what most MSPs don’t tell you, the hidden tools inside Microsoft 365 that recruiters overlook, and how to stay lean, secure, and efficient without bloating your tech stack.We cover:Why most recruitment agencies only use 30% of Microsoft 365The tools already in your licence that can replace Calendly, Dropbox, Slack, and moreHow to automate onboarding, offboarding and complianceShadow IT and how it puts your agency at riskWhat to ask when choosing an MSP—and what to avoidWhy Microsoft Copilot could change the way recruiters workIf you're a recruitment agency owner, ops lead, or marketer trying to cut costs while scaling your business, this one’s for you.—🎧 Listen to Talent Matters for honest conversations with recruitment leaders, tech experts, and marketers helping agencies grow.—🔗 Discover more episodes at wave-rs.co.uk/resources/podcasts/talent-matters

In this episode of Talent Matters, Rupert McSheehy, Director at RMG Digital, shares how his journey from billing recruiter to agency founder shaped a new way of working — one that prioritises trust, autonomy, and long-term value over old-school sales culture and vanity metrics.Rupert reflects on the lessons he took from his time at S3, what he kept and what he left behind, and how he's built a lean, profitable agency focused on enabling his team and delivering meaningful impact for clients and candidates alike. He also shares how Fireside with Founders, his podcast, has become a powerful tool for business development and brand building.We talk about:Letting go of control and trusting your teamWhy headcount doesn’t equal successHow smaller agencies can do more with lessMoving from transactional to strategic recruitmentUsing content to engage candidates and clients alikeIf you’re a recruitment agency owner, aspiring founder, or someone rethinking how an agency should run, this one’s for you.// ABOUT RUPERT McSHEEHYRupert McSheehy is Director of RMG Digital, a recruitment agency specialising in Design, Product, and Software Engineering roles across the UK, Europe, and the US. With over 17 years in recruitment, Rupert co-founded RMG to build a lean, values-led agency focused on people, performance, and purpose. He also hosts Fireside with Founders, a podcast that explores the stories behind high-growth tech companies.// ABOUT WAVE⁠⁠Wave is the candidate attraction solution for recruitment agencies. Source high-calibre candidates faster and hassle-free. Build and grow a high-performing recruitment website. Buy and manage your job board contracts with ease.

In this episode of Talent Matters, Tamar Avakian, Co-Founder – Property & Surveying at Invictus Group, shares how 20 years in real estate recruitment has shaped her approach to building lasting relationships, specialist knowledge, and long-term impact in the built environment.From engineering placements at Wimbledon to helping clients navigate a post-pandemic world, Tamar explains how her team supports hiring in a sector where flexibility, infrastructure, and people all collide. She also reflects on the changing nature of candidate expectations, the role of AI, and what recruiters can do to stay relevant in today’s market.We talk about:How workplace flexibility is shaping real estate hiringWhy niche knowledge gives specialist recruiters an edgeWhat recruiters can learn from high-pressure event staffingThe risks and rewards of launching a business during a recessionWhy long-term relationships still beat short-term winsIf you recruit in real estate, facilities, or the built environment – or want to hear what great recruitment looks like when it's powered by deep expertise – this one’s for you.// ABOUT TAMAR AVAKIANTamar Avakian is Co-Founder of the Property & Surveying division at Invictus Group, a specialist recruitment agency serving the built environment. With two decades of experience in real estate recruitment, Tamar leads a team that works across surveying, facilities, and engineering, supporting clients ranging from consultancies to developers and major institutions. // ABOUT WAVE⁠⁠⁠⁠Wave⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the candidate attraction solution for recruitment agencies. Source high-calibre candidates faster and hassle-free. Build and grow a high-performing recruitment website. Buy and manage your job board contracts with ease.

In this episode of Talent Matters, Heidi Bannister, Founder and Managing Director at Arthur Edward, shares how a deep understanding of the beauty industry has helped her build a trusted recruitment agency that partners with global brands to deliver top talent.Starting out in product development, sales and marketing, Heidi brings hands-on experience to recruitment – and it shows. She talks about the importance of sector knowledge, long-term relationships, and genuine passion for product in making the right hire. From trade shows to team strategy, she lifts the lid on what makes the cosmetic and personal care sector so unique.We talk about:• Why industry experience gives recruiters an edge in beauty• How flexibility is helping smaller brands win top talent• Why passion and communication matter just as much as technical skill• How sustainability and diversity are shaping hiring decisions• Why long-term thinking beats quick wins in recruitmentIf you recruit in beauty, FMCG, or niche markets – or just want to hear how recruitment works when you know your product inside out – this one’s for you.// ABOUT HEIDI BANNISTERHeidi Bannister is the Founder and Managing Director of Arthur Edward, a specialist recruitment agency serving the beauty, cosmetics, and personal care sectors. With a career that began in product development and marketing, Heidi has spent over two decades recruiting across the full product lifecycle and is an active member of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists, the British Society of Perfumers, and Cosmetic Executive Women.// ABOUT WAVE⁠⁠⁠⁠Wave⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the candidate attraction solution for recruitment agencies. Source high-calibre candidates faster and hassle-free. Build and grow a high-performing recruitment website. Buy and manage your job board contracts with ease.

In this episode of Talent Matters, Mark Cox, Director & Partner at PiC, shares how building strong relationships and adapting to change has helped him grow a trusted recruitment business into a global success story.Starting out in recruitment by chance, Mark talks about the lessons learned from 20+ years in the industry — from the days of faxing CVs to leading international teams across 15+ countries today. He shares why human connection still beats technology, and how evolving markets demand evolving strategies.We talk about:Why long-term relationships, not quick wins, drive recruitment successHow PiC tailored their approach to different international marketsWhy partnering with TA teams leads to better outcomesHow to adapt to IR35 with project-based recruitment solutionsWhy tough markets are the perfect time to innovate and changeIf you’re scaling a recruitment agency, thinking about international growth, or simply want to hear from someone who’s stayed at the top of their game by always putting people first, this one’s for you.// ABOUT MARK COXMark Cox is the Director & Partner at PiC, a specialist recruitment agency with over three decades of experience in investment management and financial technology recruitment. With more than 20 years of personal industry experience, Mark leads PiC’s global expansion, helping businesses solve recruitment challenges with compliant, high-quality solutions built on trust and expertise.// ABOUT WAVE⁠⁠⁠⁠Wave⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the candidate attraction solution for recruitment agencies. Source high-calibre candidates faster and hassle-free. Build and grow a high-performing recruitment website. Buy and manage your job board contracts with ease.

In this episode of Talent Matters, Duncan Seward, Managing Director at IRG Law, shares how niching down into legal recruitment helped him build a high-integrity agency that clients and candidates come back to. Again and again.Starting out in IT recruitment, Duncan talks about the moment he realised trying to be everything to everyone wasn’t working, and why legal felt like the right fit for a more focused, expert-led approach.We talk about:Why niching down gives you an edge in both credibility and deliveryHow IRG Law maps the legal market to personalise outreach and reduce noiseWhat makes legal recruitment different, and more structured, than techHow trust, honesty and long-term thinking build stronger client relationshipsThe real limits of AI in recruitment (and why people still matter most)If you’re building a recruitment agency, considering a niche, or just rethinking what “doing it right” really means, this one’s for you.// ABOUT DUNCAN SEWARDDuncan is the Managing Director at IRG Law, a boutique legal recruitment agency specialising in roles across Residential and Commercial Property, Construction, Private Client, Family Law and more. With over two decades of recruitment experience, Duncan brings commercial insight and deep market expertise to a values-led business built on trust and transparency.// ABOUT WAVE⁠⁠⁠Wave⁠⁠⁠ is the candidate attraction solution for recruitment agencies. Source high-calibre candidates faster and hassle-free. Build and grow a high-performing recruitment website. Buy and manage your job board contracts with ease.

In this episode of Talent Matters, Ellie Cree, Managing Director at Savvy Recruitment, shares how her journey from junior recruiter to qualified therapist to MD shaped her people-first approach to leadership.Ellie opens up about leaving Savvy to go travelling, training in psychodynamic therapy, and returning to help run the business with honesty, empathy, and a clear focus on personal growth.We talk about:What a people-first recruitment agency looks like in practiceHow therapy informs Ellie’s approach to managing people and placing candidatesWhy honesty and transparency are more powerful than KPIs and "smile while you dial"What success really means and why bigger isn’t always betterHow to reframe recruitment as a vehicle for achieving personal goalsIf you're in recruitment, leadership, or just figuring out what meaningful work looks like, this one's for you.// ABOUT ELLIE CREEEllie is the Managing Director at Savvy Recruitment, a people-first agency specialising in the creative and media space. With a background in psychodynamic therapy, she blends empathy and honesty into every part of her leadership style, supporting her team to achieve their personal goals while building long-term, values-led client relationships.// ABOUT WAVE⁠⁠Wave⁠⁠ is the candidate attraction solution for recruitment agencies. Source high-calibre candidates faster and hassle-free. Build and grow a high-performing recruitment website. Buy and manage your job board contracts with ease.

Marketing in recruitment isn’t just about making things look good. It’s about driving real business results. But what happens when you’re a one-person marketing team managing multiple brands, juggling content, data, tech, and strategy all at once?In this episode of Talent Matters, we sit down with Gemma Garcia Gamble, Marketing Manager at Murray McIntosh, to talk about the realities of being a full-stack marketer in recruitment. From balancing strategy with execution to proving marketing’s value in a sales-driven industry, Gemma shares how she keeps things running, the tech and tactics that actually work, and why recruitment agencies need to stop treating marketing as an afterthought.What to expect in this episode:The biggest challenges of being a solo marketer in recruitmentWhy one-off marketing efforts don’t work and what to do insteadHow to track the right data (without drowning in vanity metrics)The role of content and partnerships in recruitment marketingAI, tech stacks, and how to make marketing more efficientIf you’re a marketer in the recruitment space, or just want to understand how marketing can actually drive revenue, this episode is for you.// ABOUT GEMMA GARCIA GAMBLEGemma Garcia Gamble is the Marketing Manager at Murray McIntosh, leading marketing across four specialist brands. A full-stack marketer with experience in SaaS, recruitment, and manufacturing, she specialises in data-driven, tech-focused marketing that aligns with business goals and drives results.// ABOUT WAVE⁠Wave⁠ is the candidate attraction solution for recruitment agencies. Source high-calibre candidates faster and hassle-free. Build and grow a high-performing recruitment website. Buy and manage your job board contracts with ease.

In this episode of Talent Matters, Dave Jenkins sits down with Ashby Jenkins, CEO of Ashby Jenkins Recruitment, to discuss the challenges facing recruiters in 2024. From the pressure to lower fees to the growing role of AI, Ashby shares her insights on what it takes to run a successful, relationship-led recruitment business.She breaks down why cutting fees can backfire, how recruiters can improve their sales approach, and why building long-term client trust is more important than ever. Ashby also offers a candid take on AI’s impact on hiring and what recruiters should be doing to stay ahead.What to expect in this episode: Why lowering recruitment fees can be a costly mistake The key to building genuine, long-term client relationships Why recruiters struggle with sales and how to fix it AI in recruitment. Opportunity or threat? Lessons from running a recruitment agency since 2018This episode is packed with valuable insights for recruiters, agency leaders, and anyone navigating today’s competitive hiring landscape.// ABOUT ASHBY JENKINSAshby Jenkins is the CEO of Ashby Jenkins Recruitment, a boutique agency specialising in fundraising, marketing, and operations roles within the charity sector. With a background in corporate fundraising, Ashby brings first-hand industry experience to her recruitment approach. She and her team pride themselves on being relationship-led, acting as true partners to their clients and candidates.// ABOUT WAVEWave is the candidate attraction solution for recruitment agencies. Source high-calibre candidates faster and hassle-free. Build and grow a high-performing recruitment website. Buy and manage your job board contracts with ease.

In this episode of Talent Matters, Dave Jenkins sits down with Suzie Butler, Communications Director at Philosophy Education, to dive into the fast-paced world of education recruitment. Suzie shares her journey from being a supply teacher to shaping recruitment strategies that help schools find the right staff, often at a moment’s notice.Discover the unique challenges of education recruitment, from the increasing demand for teaching assistants to the critical role agencies play in keeping schools running smoothly. Suzie also sheds light on why education recruitment thrives in an office-based environment, the impact of SEO and digital strategies, and how LinkedIn is evolving as a tool for hiring in the sector.What to expect in this episode:Why education recruitment operates at breakneck speedThe growing demand for teaching assistants and SEN staffHow supply teachers navigate last-minute bookingsWhy LinkedIn isn’t the go-to platform for education recruitmentThe impact of SEO and digital job boards on hiringHow recruitment agencies have become essential partners for schoolsThis episode is packed with insights for recruiters, educators, and anyone interested in the future of staffing in education.// ABOUT SUZIE BUTLERSuzie Butler is a qualified and experienced primary teacher who now specialises in education recruitment. As the Communications Director at Philosophy Education, she supports teachers and school staff in finding the right roles while ensuring schools get the high-quality talent they need.With extensive experience in training, resourcing, and career development, Suzie is passionate about helping education professionals take the next step in their careers.// ABOUT WAVE⁠Wave⁠ is the candidate attraction solution for recruitment agencies. Source high calibre candidates faster and hassle-free. Build and grow a high-performing recruitment website. Buy and manage your job board contracts with ease.

In this episode of Talent Matters, Dave Jenkins sits down with Chris Everitt, co-founder and director of Techfueld, to explore his journey in building a successful recruitment business. Chris shares how he and his team scaled Techfueld globally, the importance of client retention, and why being a consultative recruiter is key to long-term success.Discover how Chris and his business partner turned their vision into reality, the lessons they’ve learned in managing people, and the role of marketing and industry events in creating a standout recruitment agency. Chris also opens up about his stance on remote work, the potential of AI in recruitment, and what’s next for Techfueld.What to expect in this episode: How Techfueld was built from the ground up Key challenges in recruitment leadership and management Why client retention and feedback matter more than ever Embracing modern marketing and the human side of recruitment Plans for global expansion in the US and AsiaThis episode is packed with actionable insights and advice for anyone in recruitment or looking to build a business in a competitive industry. // ABOUT CHRIS EVERITTChris Everitt is the Co-founder of Techfueld, with over 5 years of experience in automotive technology recruitment. Specialising in ADAS, Infotainment, Connectivity, Software, and Electrification, he helps Tier 1s, start-ups, and OEMs scale teams globally. Known for his transparency and expertise, Chris is passionate about his niche and stays engaged through global travel and industry events. // ABOUT WAVEWave is the candidate attraction solution for recruitment agencies. Source high calibre candidates faster and hassle-free. Build and grow a high-performing recruitment website. Buy and manage your job board contracts with ease.

In episode 307, Wave CEO and Founder, Dave Jenkins sits down with Simon Malpass of TRS Media to debate the reoccurring question of, are job boards are dead? The conversation delves deep into the relevance of job boards, the impacts of AI on recruitment, and some practical tips on how to improve job board ROI.Before founding TRS Media in 2022, Simon spent over 20 years in recruitment, including 6 as an Account Director at Totaljobs and Jobsite, working with agencies of all sizes, helping them purchase and optimise the right advertising. Now, Simon focuses on helping recruitment agencies maximise their advertising using a data-driven approach, leveraging their own data to achieve better results with less.Wave attracts more candidates to recruitment agencies like yours. Our products, WaveTrackR (candidate sourcing tool), WaveSites (recruitment websites), and WaveMedia (job board management) provide a full-scale solution for candidate attraction, offering recruitment agencies a complete set of tools.

In episode 306, Wave CEO and Founder, Dave Jenkins sits down with Richard Caldicott of Caldicott Consulting to discuss the top things that recruitment agencies get wrong about IT. From robust CRM system to the future impact of AI on the recruitment industry, this episode is a goldmine for recruitment business owners looking to optimise their tech stack, enhance security, and prepare for the future.With over 20 years IT experience and over 8 specifically in the recruitment sector, Richard is passionate about leveraging the power of technology to help recruiters and recruitment business work smarter not harder, providing end-to-end IT and Technology consulting.Wave attracts more candidates to recruitment agencies like yours. Our products, WaveTrackR (candidate sourcing tool), WaveSites (recruitment websites), and WaveMedia (job board management) provide a full-scale solution for candidate attraction, offering recruitment agencies a complete set of tools.

In Episode 305, host Dave Jenkins sits down with Holly Langley, founder of ReStack and Automation Station, to discuss the complexity of recruitment technology, common pitfalls in tech adoption, the importance of continuous training, and the role of automation in making businesses more profitable. Holly is one of the leading voices in recruitment technology, known across the industry as a trusted source of ideas and information. With a background in Recruitment Operations Management, Holly established RE:STACK to save clients time and money by maximising the potential of their existing technology. Whether the focus is on winning more clients, streamlining operations, training a high-performance team, or increasing revenue, she specialises in optimising recruitment agencies for success.Wave attracts more candidates to recruitment agencies like yours. Our products, WaveTrackR (candidate sourcing tool), WaveSites (recruitment websites), and WaveMedia (job board management) provide a full-scale solution for candidate attraction, offering recruitment agencies a complete set of tools.

In episode 304, Wave CEO and Founder, Dave Jenkins is joined by Jade from Branded by Aquila, to discuss how recruitment agencies can build and manage effective sub-brands across different sectors. Jade offers insights on building effective campaigns, the importance of sub-brands, and how to strategically create and manage them.Jade is a commercially-savvy business leader with a proven marketing track record and a passion for brand strategy. Armed with an Executive MBA and 10 years of recruitment marketing experience, she founded Branded by Aquila, a self-propelling brand and marketing partner that consistently delivers. Having worked her way up from a social media exec to a c-suite marketing professional, Jade works with SMEs seeking sustainable growth through effective and measurable brand and marketing solutions.Wave attracts more candidates to recruitment agencies like yours. Our products, WaveTrackR (candidate sourcing tool), WaveSites (recruitment websites), and WaveMedia (job board management) provide a full-scale solution for candidate attraction, offering recruitment agencies a complete set of tools.

Episode 303 of Wave’s Talent Matters podcast features Wave CEO, Dave Jenkins talking with RecConnect Co-Founders Simon Lewis and Grant Bristow as they dig recruitment community, leadership and the power of learning.From recruiter to supplier to RecConnect co-founder, Grant has worked from both angles of the industry for over a decade and a half. With a specialism in marketing and customer service, he brings a unique perspective to the conversation.Former Sunday Times journalist turned recruitment community leader. As a multi-award-winning business leader, project manager, creator, collaborator, strategist, mentor, and change maker, Simon is passionate about developing people through high performance, psychology and mindset in the workplace.Wave attracts more candidates to recruitment agencies like yours. Our products, WaveTrackR (candidate sourcing tool), WaveSites (recruitment websites), and WaveMedia (job board management) provide a full-scale solution for candidate attraction, offering recruitment agencies a complete set of tools.

Episode 302 of Wave’s Talent Matters podcast features Wave CEO, Dave Jenkins talking with RecTools founder and RecTalk host, Nitin Sharma, as they dig into the crucial role of community in the recruitment industry. From recruitment consultant to agency owner and now a rec tech business founder and podcast host, Nitin knows the industry inside and out. With a passion for building recruitment communities, thought leadership and mentorship, he is on a mission to inspire and drive positive change across the industry. Wave attracts more candidates to recruitment agencies like yours. Our products, WaveTrackR (candidate sourcing tool), WaveSites (recruitment websites), and WaveMedia (job board management) provide a full-scale solution for candidate attraction, offering recruitment agencies a complete set of tools.