The Full Desk Experience

Welcome to "The Full Desk Experience" podcast! In this episode, host Kortney Harmon engages with special guest Alex Chausovsky, an esteemed economist and market researcher, delving into the intricacies of sales and marketing strategies crucial for business growth. The discussion navigates through a landscape of economic trends, workforce dynamics, and the looming influence of emerging technologies like AI and robotics. With actionable insights and practical advice tailored for the staffing and recruiting industry in 2024 and 2025, this episode offers a deep dive into talent retention strategies, industry disruptions, and the evolving power dynamic between organizations and employees. Join us as we unravel real-world wisdom to equip you with the tools needed to scale thriving teams and tackle the challenges of tomorrow.More about Alex:Alex Chausovsky is the Director of Analytics and Consulting for the Bundy Group. He is a highly experienced market researcher and analyst with more than two decades of expertise across subjects including economics, manufacturing, automation, advanced technology trends, and business cycle analysis. He has consulted and advised companies throughout the US and Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia. In his investment banking advisory role, Alex is a trusted source of information for owners and executives of privately held firms who are seeking a business sale, acquisition, or financing.Alex has delivered over a thousand presentations, webinars, and workshops to small businesses, trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies across a spectrum of industries, and is the go-to source of industry data and insights for business owners and leaders. Alex's analysis has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on the BBC, and on NPR, and he is a Top Voice on LinkedIn._______________________Follow Alex Chausovsky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexchausovsky/Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crelate/ Subscribe to our newsletter:  https://www.crelate.com/blog/full-desk-experience

On this episode, host Kortney Harmon and guest Jay Brunetti dive deep into the intricacies of the staffing industry with a specific focus on the power of a niche market. Jay Brunetti, founder of Hire Alliance—a consultancy serving staffing companies, talent acquisition departments, and HR teams—shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience in the industry.In this episode, we'll explore the importance of staying disciplined within your niche to maximize success and the pitfalls of trying to be a jack of all trades. Jay also provides strategic advice for geographically expanding your client base.We'll discuss why chasing the next "hot" industry might not be as beneficial as focusing on your core strengths and existing clients, and emphasize the significance of meaningful conversations and the value of verbal communication in building strong relationships. Jay also highlights the alarming trend of over-reliance on AI and automation, urging staffing firms to bring back the human touch that adds genuine value to candidates and clients alike.Get ready for actionable strategies and thought-provoking discussions on empowering your team, effective leadership, and the future of the recruiting process. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge that could transform how your firm operates in today’s competitive landscape._______________________  Follow Jay Brunetti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-brunetti-a19b06/Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crelate/ Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.crelate.com/full-desk-experience

Welcome to this episode of The Full Desk Experience Express, where host Kortney Harmon, joined by industry expert Chris Hesson, dives deep into the challenges and strategies of business development within staffing firms.Chris offers sage advice on balancing business development strategies and structure with flexibility. He emphasizes the importance of aligning business processes with revenue generation and advises on how regular revisiting and adjustment of these processes can foster both team and business growth.Stay tuned for an enriching session that promises not only to answer pressing leadership questions but also to equip you with practical approaches to enhance your firm’s performance amidst evolving market dynamics._______________________Follow Chris Hesson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherhesson/Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crelate/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.crelate.com/full-desk-experience

In this episode of The Full Desk Experience, Host Kortney Harmon and guest Dave Turano explore the significant challenges and transformations within the staffing and recruiting industry, particularly in the context of technological advancements and shifting business priorities.Dave shares his critical insights on the misuse of AI technology in recruitment, emphasizing the constant need for human connection and effective communication despite technological progress. With a rich background as a leadership and sales coach, Dave also discusses the perils of outdated leadership beliefs, the vital role of personal development, and the pressing need for industry leaders to foster genuine relationships and confidence within their teams.Join host Kortney Harmon as we uncover how leaders can adapt to these changing times by redefining success and reorienting strategies to focus more on human-centric values and less on arbitrary metrics. Stay tuned to glean actionable advice from Dave on nurturing team dynamics, enhancing candidate experience, and ensuring continuous learning in the pursuit of business excellence.__________________Follow Dave Turano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidturano09/Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crelate/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.crelate.com/full-desk-experience

In this episode of "The Full Desk Experience," Justin Bellante, CEO of Titan Placement Group, offers an insightful dive into the world of healthcare recruitment. With nearly a decade of expertise, Justin shares his journey from starting as a healthcare recruiter after leaving a call center job to leading a successful recruitment firm.  Amidst the rapid changes in technology and shifts due to the pandemic, Justin discusses the evolution of hiring practices, the importance of networking, and the strategies that have helped him overcome challenges in the recruiting landscape.  This episode is packed with valuable insights into creating a positive workplace, the strategic implementation of technology like AI, and the critical role of continuous learning and adaptation. Join us as we explore these topics and much more with Justin Bellante on "The Full Desk Experience." _________________Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbellante/ Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crelate/

In today's episode, we delve into the intricate world of artificial intelligence and its role in the recruitment industry. Our insightful host, Kortney Harmon, Director of Industry Relations at Crelate, engages in a riveting discussion with our esteemed guest, Aaron Elder. They unravel the tension between adopting AI tools to enhance efficiency and the desire to maintain the personalized, human element that is fundamental to making exceptional hires.As the president of a recruiting firm finds themselves at a crossroads, torn between the allure of AI and the fear of falling behind competitors while also recognizing the potential risks of an over-reliance on technology, Aaron provides nuanced perspectives on how AI is transforming the recruitment landscape—and not just in terms of automating emails.With Aaron's expertise in technology, they discuss how AI should serve as a means to elevate human capabilities by identifying patterns and surfacing critical information for decisive action, cautioning against its misuse such as wrongful screening of candidates. Together, they reflect on the strategic use of AI against the backdrop of efficiency, differentiation, and ethical considerations.Kortney and Aaron also contemplate the future of AI, the implications for middle management, and the potential for AI to help filter through the noise and drive meaningful outcomes. Join us on this journey as we explore whether AI is indeed the future and how recruitment firms can smartly navigate its implementation without compromising their core values. Engage with our thought-provoking exchange on The Full Desk Experience. Don't miss the insights—subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and sign up for our live events. _______  Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crelate/

In this episode, Joshua Smith sheds light on the transformative power of technology in recruitment—from the use of mobile recruiting vans to the ethical implementation of AI and data analytics that are redefining industry practices. We'll explore how investing in both candidates and clients through training and upskilling is not just important but essential for thriving in tomorrow's job market.In this episode, Joshua reminds us of the enduring importance of human connections in a tech-driven world and shares his valuable insights on evolving workforce dynamics, the impact of COVID-19, and the emerging trends shaping the future of work.So, prepare to challenge the status quo with us as we discuss compliance, governance, and safeguarding information, and delve into the vital role of collaboration and innovation in steering the staffing and recruiting industry forward.Join us for an exciting journey towards understanding how the staffing and recruiting landscape is not just adapting but also anticipating the shifts in a complex economy, catering to a market that values stability, flexibility, and the developmental potential of talent.___________________________Joshua Smith is currently on the Adecco US Leadership Team serving as Senior Vice President of the West Region, as well as leading their national MSP practice. With nearly two decades of experience in the staffing and workforce solutions industry, Joshua is renowned for his track record in building top-performing leadership teams, fostering winning cultures, and guiding organizational vision.During his previous tenure with another staffing group, Joshua consistently exceeded growth targets, including a remarkable increase in profitability by over 200% in a four-year period. His pragmatic and people-first approach to leadership has been observed firsthand, driving teams to reach their fullest potential through cross-functional collaboration and customer-focused growth strategies.Joshua's leadership ethos centers on fostering a collaborative environment where innovation thrives and individuals are empowered to realize their true potential. His charismatic and strategic leadership style inspires teams to overcome challenges and achieve greatness together, consistently pushing boundaries and pursuing groundbreaking solutions. With a relentless pursuit of excellence, Joshua is committed to fostering a shared purpose and empowering each team member to contribute their best.Residing in Arlington, Texas, with his wife and four children, Joshua's career is defined by his deep understanding of the power of people and purpose. He believes that true success extends beyond numbers, emphasizing the profound impact on individuals and businesses alike.

We're diving deep into how AI can handle tasks to boost productivity, with Tom Erb sharing insights on tools like Fireflies and Google Gemini that expertly tackle note-taking, job postings, and more. We'll explore the second wave of AI as touched on by Erb, with mighty nations like the EU and the US fueling resources to harness its potential.Our guests bring a treasure trove of expertise, with Benjamin Mena spotlighting the automation magic of AI in marketing and finance, while Brad Bialy advocates for user-friendly AI solutions that offload mundane tasks. The AMA with the audience brings a discussion balancing AI and human connection in recruiting – a critical dance for success.Join us for a riveting discussion where our guests share their rich backgrounds in digital marketing and AI, while we unpack the infinite potential of AI tools to revolutionize how we work, communicate, and balance our work-life dynamics._______________________The following tools, applications, and websites were mentioned in this podcast episode:1. Firefly2. Zoom with AI3. Chat GPT4. Google Gemini5. Apollo IO6. Taplio7. Microsoft Bookings8. Calendly9. Opus10. CastMagic11. Note taker (specific tool not named)12. Buffer13. SeekOut14. Betterleap15. Juice Box16. Sense Spark17. Metaview18. ReadAI

On this episode of The Full Desk Experience, Kortney Harmon interviews Donnie Gupton, a marketing and lead generation maestro who's been shaking up the recruiting industry with his Relevant Recruiter Method. Donnie has a wealth of knowledge to share about staying nimble in a competitive marketplace and leveraging the digital space to stand out.In this episode, we'll discuss the evergreen principles of marketing from the 90s and the cutting-edge strategies of 2024. Donnie will guide us through the challenges facing recruiters today and introduce us to methods of differentiation, brand awareness, and creating a strong digital presence. Donnie strongly believes in the power of LinkedIn as a tool for building relationships, generating leads, and crafting content that resonates with your audience.With insights into the pillars of leadership, LinkedIn mastery, and the impactful use of case studies and testimonials, this episode is a trove of strategies designed to forge a path to success. Join us as we explore how to blend traditional marketing wisdom with innovative tools like AI and automation to keep your recruitment game ahead of the curve.So, buckle up for a valuable conversation with Donnie Gupton, and let's get ready to transform the way we approach marketing and business development in the dynamic world of recruiting.

In this episode of the Full Desk Experience, we delved into a captivating conversation about the importance of women in leadership within the staffing and recruiting industry. Our host, Kortney Harmon, was joined by the esteemed Diana Mertz, the senior director of membership operations, engagement, and volunteer management at the American Staffing Association. Diana shared her incredible journey in the association management field and her passion for empowering women in the staffing profession.They discussed the various initiatives and programs implemented by the ASA, such as the influential Women in Leadership Interest Group and the impactful scholarship program. Throughout the conversation, Diana emphasized the importance of supporting women in the workplace, providing flexibility, and engaging in open, transparent conversations to promote gender diversity and women's representation in leadership roles.The duo also delved into actionable steps for companies just beginning their diversity and inclusion journeys, and Diana's global experiences that shaped her perspective on women's empowerment. Overall, it was an insightful dialogue spotlighting the significance of championing women in the staffing industry and beyond.________________________Link to Thrive Virtual: Join Us for THRIVE Virtual on May 2, 2024 - American Staffing AssociationLink to Diana Mertz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamertz/

If you're fascinated by the crossroads of AI and staffing, today's conversation with Maurice Fuller is a must-listen. We'll explore how AI and automation are revolutionizing the staffing industry.Concerned about keeping your firm's operations ethically sound and bias-free in the age of AI? We're tackling that head-on, discussing the necessity of responsible AI use in our industry.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode! And now, without further ado, let's jump into our deep dive on the role of AI in shaping the future of staffing. It's going to be an enlightening one, so stay tuned and let's get started!

In this episode, we're honored to have Maurice Fuller, a seasoned expert in staffing technology and AI, join us to unravel the complexities of AI advancements and their transformative impact on productivity across industries. With the AI chip market soaring towards an astonishing $400 billion by 2027, Maurice sheds light on how this exponential growth is fueling a new industrial revolution poised to reshape our economic landscape.We'll explore the top AI trends set to dominate from 2024 to 2027, delving into hyper-automation, conversational AI staffing, and the intriguing world of generative AI. Maurice emphasizes the staggering potential of generative AI, which he believes will generate 90% of wealth over the next 25 years.For staffing and recruiting professionals, the message couldn't be clearer: Embrace the power of automation to vastly improve operational efficiency. Maurice shares insights on how cutting-edge AI bots, harnessing the capabilities of large language models such as Invidia's H 100 platform, are revolutionizing the industry—allowing for rapid scaling, multilingual interactions, and personalized communication.As we candidly discuss the relatively low adoption rate of automation in staffing and the immense benefits it brings, we invite you to lean into a fascinating dialogue where AI is no longer a buzzword but a tangible force driving massive shifts in how we connect talent with opportunity.So, gear up for a deep dive into the future as we compare the disruptive nature of AI to the car revolution of the early 20th century. This is sure to be an enlightening discussion that sparks curiosity and innovation within the talent industry.Don't forget to join us for the next episode, where we'll continue uncovering these groundbreaking trends, and remember to subscribe and submit your questions for an engaging discourse with our expert, Maurice Fuller. Let's get started on The Full Desk Experience!________The Full Desk Experience: www.crelate.com/full-desk-experienceMaurice Fuller on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricefuller/

In this episode of The Full Desk Experience, host Kortney Harmon delves into the productivity pitfalls that can hinder success in the recruiting industry. In just over five minutes, she discusses the importance of time management, efficient scheduling, automation, organized candidate data, focused task management, and strategic planning. Join Kortney as she provides insight, practical advice, and a wake-up call to recruiters looking to maximize their productivity and rise to the top of their game.____Links:Crelate: www.crelate.comMore episode of The Full Desk Experience: https://www.crelate.com/full-desk-experienceSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1JfcAL0XjpeljcxJlnnlRJSubscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-full-desk-experience/id1644223998

In this episode of The Full Desk Experience, host Kortney Harmon and producer Katie Jones dive into a letter from an overwhelmed recruiting manager who's finding themselves torn between leadership's expectations and their team's morale. The manager seeks advice on how to improve recruiting metrics without compromising quality or burning out the team. Kortney offers practical solutions, emphasizing open communication, focusing on quality over quantity, and doubling down on coaching and development. With empathy and hands-on coaching, the team can hit their targets while maintaining morale. Tune in for valuable insights on balancing the demands of upper management and the well-being of your team.

We're thrilled to have an expert in the talent acquisition field, Dan Harten, join us. With a storied career that spans across Amazon and Meta, Dan now brings his wealth of knowledge to HireEZ.In this episode, we unpack the challenges of sourcing top talent externally and the crucial role of personalizing the recruitment process. Dan shares his experiences on how the best recruiters leverage market data, involve hiring managers early, and make each outreach count. He also sheds light on the potential pitfalls of AI, balancing inbound and outbound strategies, and the impact of personal branding in the industry.---------Links:Dan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-harten-0542063b/Crelate + HireEZ: https://www.crelate.com/integrations/partner/hireezThe Full Desk Experience newsletter: https://www.crelate.com/full-desk-experience

This episode of The Full Desk Experience features the insightful Alden Galvanek, President of the Chatham Group. Join us as Alden shares his expertise on the indispensable role of authenticity and expertise in the recruiting industry.In this rich conversation, we'll uncover the nuances of the recruiter-client-candidate triangle and the pivotal nature of the recruiting call. With the global scale of the sales role now demanding swift hiring and rigorous candidate screening, Alden reveals how his firm manages to stand out through a formidable blend of cutting-edge technology and an in-house pool of industry experts.Despite the rapid technology changes, we hear Alden's firm conviction that AI cannot replace the human touch—especially in crafting meaningful engagements and nurturing trust throughout the hiring process. Instead, it serves as a tool to assist with the logistics, while the irreplaceable human intuition navigates cultural fits and personal connections.Don't miss Alden's take on combating recruitment challenges, from attracting top-notch talent amidst a tech revolution to educating clients about the synergy of personal relationships and technological advancements. Plus, we'll discuss the best ways to retain that talent through a solid company culture and transparent communication.-----Links:Alden Galvanek's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aldengalvanek/The Chatham Group: https://mrichatham.com/The Full Desk Experience: https://crelate.com/full-desk-experience

In this episode of Industry Spotlight, we're honored to have Sharon Hulce, a vanguard in the executive search arena. Sharon is the CEO and Founder of Employment Resource Group, a retained-search firm.In this conversation with Kortney Harmon, Sharon brings to light the critical aspects of her firm's approach, emphasizing the importance of establishing value through courage and confidence during fee negotiations.She'll also reveal her powerful strategy in relationship building, making personal visits to clients and prioritizing phone communication over emails to create a more meaningful connection.Sharon discusses how she measures success in her firm, and despite the simplicity, ensures that candidates are not just found, but placed.Throughout the episode, we'll also tackle topics such as the complexity of counteroffers, the ethical considerations in recruitment, and navigating the waters of an industry increasingly influenced by AI technology—all while maintaining the irreplaceable human touch.Sharon isn't just here to share her story; she offers valuable guidance from lessons learned, demonstrating why courage, determination, and a "buffalo" mentality are essential to thrive.Join us as Sharon imparts her wisdom on the benefits of retained search, the consultative approach her firm takes, and how to stand out by offering a unique value proposition to clients.Prepare to be inspired as Sharon Hulce pulls back the curtain on the dynamic and transformative world of retained executive search. Let the conversation begin.-----Links:Employment Research Group website: https://ergsearch.com/Sharon Hulce's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonhulce/

Join us for an insightful conversation with Joanie Biley. With her extensive 30-year background in talent acquisition and as the Chief Experience Officer at EmployBridge, Joanie shares her analysis of the present and future job market. She'll divulge predictions for a softening in the 2024 job growth, the digital transformation in recruiting through AI, and the importance of technology for competitive edge in talent acquisition.Get ready for strategic insights on upskilling the workforce, and a discussion on the challenges and opportunities staffing firms face in current legislation. Joanie will share her expertise on building lasting relationships and sales in a shifting market, and we'll underline the value of strategic engagement and prioritizing what's within our control in uncertain times.Tune in for a comprehensive look at what will drive the labor market in 2024, and how to find balance and opportunity amidst it all, with Joanie Bily's expertise leading the way.

In this episode, we'll explore the evolving landscape of executive search with Jen Meyer, the senior VP and general manager of Govig and Associates, a firm renowned for not just their recruitment acumen but also their strategic partnerships and in-depth market insights. Alongside Jen, we have Lindsay Brightwell from Boaz Partners, who brings a wealth of knowledge from the specialty chemicals, animal health, and advanced materials sectors.Our guests will share how they've adapted to industry slowdowns and the increased integration of technology, like AI, in their processes, all while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human connections. Jen and Lindsay will discuss the significance of maintaining candidate relationships through regular touchpoints and the critical need for keeping engagement human and personal.Expect to learn about their team-centric approach to recruitment, the consultative value they provide to clients regardless of economic conditions, and the industry-tested strategies they're employing to drive business in 2024. You'll hear how a tight focus on discipline, industry, and geography—DIG—helps narrow down market focus effectively, and why data management and clean databases are more crucial than ever.Join us as we touch on topics like the power of high call volumes, the use of technology in enhancing recruiter efficiency, and the strategic advantages of retained business. From the practicalities of running a successful executive search firm to unpacking the layers of the short game and long game in recruitment strategy, we're covering it all.Don't miss this deep dive into the intersection of technology, strategy, and the human touch in the modern world of executive hiring. It's all here on "The Full Desk Experience." Stay tuned!Featured Links:Jen Meyer:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmeyergovig/Lindsay Brightwell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lschaaf/

On this episode, Kortney Harmon sits in the guest seat as a panelist for Lunch with Haley. Joined by many other esteemed thought leaders in staffing, the discussion takes a deep dive into the pivotal role of referrals, testimonials, and technological innovation in the staffing industry’s growth.🔑 In this episode, you'll learn:- Referrals are pure gold: They result in longer employee retention and are preferred by 82% of employees over all other sourcing channels.- Relationship-building is the new currency: Trust and credibility are foundational in leveraging referrals and testimonials effectively.- AI isn't a replacement, it's an elevation: Embrace AI to enhance your process, and remember, those who marry human connection with smart tech will stay ahead.The event, moderated by Brad Bialy, co-host of the Secrets of Staffing Success podcast, included panelists:Lauren Jones and Rob Mann (You Own the Experience podcast)Kortney Harmon (Full Desk Experience podcast)Richard Rosner (The Staffing Shark)Nicole Serres (Author of “From Receptionist to Boss”)Steve Gipson (Host of Distinctly Digital podcast)