1% Better Recruitment Podcast

What happens when your agency scales — but your systems, ops, and people can’t keep up?In this episode, I’m joined by Charlie Hunt — fractional CFO & COO, former head of operations in recruitment, and trusted advisor to startups and scale-ups.We unpack what really breaks inside recruitment businesses when they try to grow too fast, why CRMs and tech stacks are so often misused, and how to build the right foundations before you add headcount.From AI note-takers to KPI debates, 180 vs 360 models, and the tipping point for investing in operations, this one is a reality check for founders and future leaders.We explore:✅ The truth about CRMs, tech stacks & why consultants hate them✅ When to build an ops department (and when not to)✅ Getting salespeople engaged in the CRM without “policing”✅ Why some agencies go too far with automation & AI✅ The risks of running without KPIs (and what good ones look like)✅ 180 vs 360 models — and how to make them work in 2025✅ How delivery consultants can feed BD with commercial insights✅ Brutal lessons from startups that scaled too quicklyIf you’re building a recruitment business (or planning to), this episode will save you wasted money, stress, and sleepless nights.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Charlie’s background in recruitment ops02:05 – Structure & systems: what founders get wrong early07:50 – Tech stacks: balance between too much & too little14:10 – Analytics, KPIs & gamification tools (Cube19, OneUp, etc.)19:20 – CRM engagement: getting consultants to actually use it24:40 – AI in recruitment: hype vs. practical tools30:40 – Using AI for training, L&D & note-taking37:00 – Linking KPIs to CRM & performance management43:20 – Why running without KPIs is a recipe for chaos53:40 – When to hire ops, HR & L&D (fractional vs. in-house)59:20 – Marketing & sales alignment in recruitment businesses01:03:00 – 180 vs 360 models: pros, cons & hybrid solutions01:10:30 – Charlie’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with Charlie HuntLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-hunt-54b7b89a/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712

What if you started in recruitment when CVs were faxed across town — and now lead teams navigating AI, automation, and a new generation of recruiters?In this episode, I’m joined by Stuart Biggs, veteran recruiter and sales leader, who’s lived through the full evolution of recruitment — from fax machines and cold calls to CRMs, automation, and AI-driven sourcing.Recorded in March 2025, we dive into how the industry has changed, why sales culture has declined post-COVID, and what leaders can do to rebuild it without burning people out. Stuart also opens up about his passion for giving underprivileged people opportunities in recruitment, and why hiring on behaviours matters more than degrees.We explore:✅ The evolution of recruitment: fax machines, Rolodexes & AI✅ Why sales culture has declined in many agencies (and how to fix it)✅ How automation & AI help — and where they make recruiters lazy✅ Creating non-negotiable sales sprints that actually work✅ The “warm bath” analogy for avoiding feast-or-famine billings✅ Why behaviours beat qualifications when hiring✅ How working from home has reshaped recruitment culture✅ The role of resilience, diversity & inclusion in today’s industry✅ Why sharpening the saw through training never stopsIf you want to understand where recruitment has come from, where it’s heading, and how to thrive in the age of AI without losing the human touch — this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Stuart’s background02:00 – From fax machines to AI: recruitment’s evolution07:40 – Sales culture then vs now13:20 – Why recruiters are losing BD skills post-COVID20:10 – Balancing automation, AI & human touch26:30 – Non-negotiable sales sprints explained34:00 – The “warm bath” analogy for consistent pipelines42:00 – Hiring on behaviours vs qualifications50:20 – How working from home has affected sales culture58:30 – Diversity, inclusion & underprivileged talent in recruitment01:05:00 – Training, sharpening the saw & constant development01:12:40 – Stuart’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with StuartLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-biggs-b1415289/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712

What if the future of recruitment isn’t better recruiters… but fewer humans altogether?In this episode, I’m joined by Alex Odwell, founder of Referment, to explore one of the most challenging and controversial ideas in recruitment today, the rise of the zero-human recruitment agency.Alex has spent nearly two decades building and scaling recruitment businesses and is now operating an agency powered almost entirely by agentic AI. From job intake and candidate qualification to engagement and shortlisting, Referment challenges many long-held assumptions about where recruiters add value, where bias creeps in, and whether humans always improve outcomes.This is not an AI hype episode. We strip recruitment back to first principles and ask uncomfortable questions about process, inconsistency, cost, and scalability. We also explore what this means for recruiters, founders, and agencies trying to work out where they still matter, and where they may not.If you’re a recruiter, leader, or founder trying to understand where AI genuinely changes the game, who survives, who struggles, and where the human edge still counts, this episode will challenge how you think about recruitment.We cover:✅ What a zero-human recruitment agency actually looks like✅ Why most recruitment processes are broken by default✅ Agentic AI explained in practical terms✅ Where humans add value, and where they introduce risk✅ Bias, inconsistency, and emotion in recruitment decisions✅ Why recruiters are judged by their worst performer✅ The hidden cost of average recruiters and bloated teams✅ High-touch niches vs scalable, systemised delivery✅ Why automation exposes weak recruitment fundamentals✅ The future of agency recruitment models✅ What founders should rethink right now✅ Alex’s 1 Percent Better tip for surviving what comes next⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and why this episode will divide opinion03:00 – Alex’s recruitment background and Referment’s origins08:00 – First-principles thinking in recruitment14:00 – Why recruitment value is often overstated21:00 – Bias and inconsistency in human-led recruitment29:00 – Agentic AI explained38:00 – Candidate experience without humans47:00 – Client trust, transparency, and outcomes55:00 – What happens to recruiters next01:03:00 – Advice for founders facing AI disruption01:10:00 – Alex’s 1 Percent Better tip🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation. If you want better conversations, not just more activity, this is worth a look.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Alex Odwell💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexodwellreferment/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🌐 Website: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/👇 If this episode challenged your thinking, follow the show and share it with a recruiter who still believes AI “won’t affect them”.

What if the biggest mistake recruiters are making right now isn’t the market, AI, or competition… but forgetting the fundamentals that actually drive sales?In this episode, I’m joined by Rohit Kapoor to break down what really works when you combine old-school sales discipline with new-school recruitment technology. Rohit has spent his career across agency recruitment, tech sales, and building recruitment tech, giving him a rare, practical perspective on what helps recruiters win and what simply adds noise.We dive into why recruitment will always remain a sales-led, people-first business, where automation genuinely adds value, where it distracts, and why broken processes can’t be fixed by better tools. This conversation is grounded in real-world experience, not buzzwords, hype, or “just buy more tech” thinking.If you’re a recruiter, leader, or founder trying to balance automation with authenticity, improve consistency, and build a sustainable desk or business, this episode is essential listening.We cover:✅ Old-school sales fundamentals that still outperform today✅ New-school recruitment tech, and how to use it properly✅ Why recruitment is (and always will be) a sales game✅ Process vs tech, and where agencies get this wrong✅ The difference between being busy and being effective✅ Why automation alone doesn’t create revenue✅ Video, voice notes, and standing out in a crowded market✅ Sales confidence, rejection, and building resilience✅ Consistency, pipeline management, and future-proofing billings✅ Human relationships in an AI-driven world✅ Lessons from recruitment that apply to tech sales✅ Rohit’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruiters and founders⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and Rohit’s background03:00 – From recruitment to tech sales08:00 – Old-school sales culture and recruitment floors15:00 – Cold calling, rejection, and learning the hard way22:00 – Why recruitment is still a sales-led business30:00 – Video, voice notes, and modern BD38:00 – Automation vs human selling46:00 – Process, consistency, and pipeline discipline54:00 – Relationships, trust, and long-term growth01:02:00 – Sales lessons recruiters ignore01:10:00 – Rohit’s 1 Percent Better tip🔗 Connect with Rohit Kapoor💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-kapoor-/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🌐 Website: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/🐋 Find out more about SourceWhaleMention 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you sign up by clicking the link below, or head to:https://sourcewhale.com/demo

What if the biggest mistake recruiters are making as we head into 2026 isn’t the market, AI, or competition… but believing automation alone will drive success?In this episode, I’m joined by Dougie Loan, CRO at SourceWhale, to break down what recruiters, leaders, and founders actually need to get right as technology, automation, and AI continue to reshape the industry. Dougie has spent his career working at the intersection of recruitment, sales, and tech, partnering with agencies of all sizes to improve productivity, performance, and profitability.We dive into why recruitment will always remain a sales-led, people-first business, where automation genuinely adds value, where it causes damage, and why broken processes can’t be fixed by better tools. This conversation cuts through the hype to focus on clarity, decision-making, selling time, and the fundamentals that separate effective recruiters from busy ones.If you’re a recruiter, leader, or founder who wants to use AI properly, protect the human edge, and build a sustainable career or business heading into the next few years, this episode is essential listening.We cover:✅ What recruiters actually need to get right in 2026✅ Why automation on its own won’t drive recruitment success✅ Process vs tech, and where most agencies get this wrong✅ Why recruitment is still a sales game at its core✅ The difference between being busy and being effective✅ How recruiters should really be using AI and automation✅ Where automation helps internally, and where it harms externally✅ Why AI won’t replace recruiters, but will expose weak fundamentals✅ Productivity, admin overload, and winning back selling time✅ Choosing where you sit, high-touch vs high-volume models✅ Authenticity, relationships, and the human edge in recruitment✅ What the future recruiter’s role will actually look like✅ Dougie’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruiters and founders⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro, purpose of the podcast and Dougie’s background03:00 – Dougie’s journey into recruitment tech and sales08:00 – Recruitment tech before and after COVID14:00 – Why tech fails when process is broken21:00 – Recruitment as a sales-led business29:00 – Automation vs productivity, where recruiters go wrong38:00 – Internal vs external automation and AI risks47:00 – Choosing your model, high-touch vs high-volume55:00 – The future of recruitment roles and AI agents01:03:00 – What recruiters need to get right in 202601:10:00 – Dougie’s 1 Percent Better tip🔗 Connect with Dougie LoanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougieloan/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfwLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🐋 Find out more about SourceWhale Mention 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you sign up by clicking the link below, or head to:https://sourcewhale.com/demo

What if the real reason some recruiters thrive long-term while others burn out, stagnate or disappear isn’t market conditions, AI, or competition… but the way they think, work and serve people?In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Leete, Co-Founder of Lawrence Dean Recruitment, a business she has grown and led for over 15 years through recessions, market crashes, COVID, and now the rise of AI. Sarah is one of those rare operators who didn’t “fall into” recruitment, she chose it, and built her career on service, honesty, resilience and long-term relationships.We dive into what truly separates average recruiters from great ones, why customer service still wins in a tech-heavy world, how mindset and work ethic shape long-term success, and why AI will expose poor recruiters rather than replace great ones. This conversation is honest, grounded, and packed with real lessons from the coalface of recruitment, not theory or hype.If you’re a recruiter, leader or founder who wants to build trust, stand out in a crowded market, and create a career that lasts, this episode is essential listening.We explore✅ The real difference between average and great recruiters✅ Why customer service is still the ultimate competitive advantage✅ Short-term thinking vs long-term recruitment careers✅ Work ethic, resilience and what it really takes early in your career✅ Why great recruiters don’t rely on CV-sending✅ Partnership recruitment vs chaos-led contingency✅ Educating clients and pushing back with confidence✅ Where AI adds value, and where it damages candidate experience✅ Why AI won’t replace great recruiters, but will expose weak ones✅ Hybrid vs office working and how recruiters actually develop✅ Why listening is one of the most underrated recruitment skills✅ Building a reputation that compounds over time✅ Sarah’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruitersTimestamps00:00 – Intro and welcome02:00 – Sarah’s journey into recruitment06:30 – Building Lawrence Dean during a recession11:00 – Average vs great recruiter mindset16:00 – Customer service and candidate empathy22:00 – Work ethic, resilience and early-career realities28:00 – Partnership recruitment and client education35:00 – AI, automation and the future of recruitment43:00 – Hybrid working and recruiter development50:00 – Reputation, longevity and trust57:00 – Sarah’s 1 Percent Better tipConnect with Sarah LeeteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-leete-26652122/Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhale 🐋Mention 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you sign up by clicking the link below:https://sourcewhale.com/demo

What if the biggest problems holding recruitment agencies back right now aren’t bad markets, lack of candidates or not enough tools… but the simple truth that most agencies are running on broken processes?In this episode, I’m joined by Saeed Bor, Founder of Embedded Ops, and one of the most respected operators in the industry. After a career that spans enterprise tech recruitment, agency leadership, COO roles and now consulting across dozens of recruitment businesses, Saeed has developed a reputation for fixing what founders overlook — the processes, ratios, habits and workflows that directly drive profitability.We dive into the realities of recruitment operations today, why process beats tech every time, the truth behind skill vs will performance issues, how to diagnose broken delivery, and why ops and L&D now sit at the centre of every modern agency. This conversation is honest, practical and packed with insights that most recruiters never hear, but desperately need to understand if they want to scale sustainably.If you’re a recruiter, leader or founder who wants to improve performance, build consistency, increase profitability, and future-proof your agency, this episode is essential listening.We explore✅ Why process beats tech, and how most agencies get this backwards✅ Skill vs will — and how to diagnose recruiter performance issues instantly✅ The ratios every recruiter and founder should track✅ Why process mapping often fails and how to fix it✅ How L and D, ops and delivery now overlap✅ Why consultants avoid structure — and how to build habits that stick✅ The hidden bottlenecks costing agencies time, money and clients✅ How personal branding creates warm BD at scale✅ The realities of solo consulting, burnout and boundaries✅ Parenting, balance and building a business without losing yourself✅ How AI and GPT tools are reshaping operational work✅ The difference between process-led delivery and chaos-led delivery✅ Saeed’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruiters and founders⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro and welcome01:00 – Who is Saeed Bor04:00 – Processes over tech: the truth about agency performance08:00 – Diagnosing skill vs will12:00 – Ratios, data and recruiter output17:00 – Why process mapping normally fails22:00 – L and D, ops and continuous improvement28:00 – Skill, will and recruiter development33:00 – ROI, implementation and operational impact38:00 – The reality of being a solo operator45:00 – RecExperts and building new ventures50:00 – Burnout, life balance and parenthood58:00 – Personal branding and awareness01:05:00 – AI, GPTs and the future of recruitment ops01:12:00 – Saeed’s 1 Percent Better tip🔗 Connect with SaeedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saeedbor/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712🔗 Find out more about SourceWhale 🐋Mention 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you sign up by clicking the link, or head to https://sourcewhale.com/demo to get started.

What if the biggest opportunities in recruitment right now aren’t about more clients, more jobs or more tools… but about shifting how you position your service so you’re seen as a partner, not a CV supplier?In this episode, I’m joined by Nicholas Thomas, CEO and Founder of Everhire, who has built one of the fastest-growing civil engineering and renewable energy recruitment agencies operating across the UK, US and Scandinavia. After starting his career in a corporate environment, Nicholas went on to build Everhire into a multi-office, multi-country operation — fuelled by retainers, subscription hiring models and a value-led process that clients buy into before fees are even discussed.We dive into the realities of selling retainers and RPOs, the commercial journey from cold prospect to seven-figure subscription, the mindset shift recruiters must make to become true partners, and why delivery-only models won’t survive the next wave of AI. This conversation is honest, strategic, and full of the lessons most recruiters never get taught — but desperately need.If you’re a recruiter, leader or founder who wants to win better clients, sell higher-value work and future-proof your desk or business, this episode is essential listening.We explore:✅ How Nicholas sold a £2.1M RPO — and why the client said yes✅ Why most recruiters fail to sell retainers (and how to fix it today)✅ The shift from “cost centre” to “strategic investment”✅ The customer journey from first call → retained → subscription model✅ Why delivery-only recruiters will be replaced by AI✅ How Everhire build value through process, not promises✅ The mindset and behaviours behind high-value selling✅ Why consultants avoid discomfort — and how to develop resilience✅ Building and scaling offices across the UK, Sweden, Denmark & Texas✅ Digital distraction, dopamine & why presence improves performance✅ The difference between transactional recruiting and true partnership✅ What founders must build to survive the next 5 years of industry change⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and welcome01:00 – Who is Nicholas Thomas?02:30 – Selling a £2.1M subscription RPO06:30 – Why recruiters can’t sell retainers10:00 – Shifting recruitment from cost to investment15:00 – The commercial journey to RPO20:00 – Why process beats persuasion26:00 – UK vs Sweden vs US recruitment culture32:00 – Skillset vs markets: what really creates a top biller38:00 – AI, automation and the death of pure delivery45:00 – Internal standards, ads and the power of process52:00 – Trainees, terms and negotiation confidence58:00 – Discomfort, resilience & mindset in sales01:05:00 – Digital distraction, dopamine & focus01:12:00 – Scaling internationally the right way01:16:00 – Nicholas’ 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with NicholasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/everhire-nicholas/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠🔗 Find out more about SourceWhale 🐋Mention 1% better recruitment podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you sign up, by clicking the ⁠link⁠, or head to ⁠https://sourcewhale.com/demo⁠ to get started.

What if the biggest mistakes recruitment agencies make aren’t about BD, sourcing or billing… but about scaling too fast, carrying too much headcount, and forgetting the fundamentals that actually win business?In this episode, I’m joined by Austin Clark, Co-Founder of SCI Partners and Entrust Resource Solutions, who has spent over 15 years building, scaling, right-sizing and rebuilding life sciences recruitment teams across the UK and Europe. After growing SCI to 30 heads before the market crashed, Austin had to navigate one of the toughest periods the sector has seen — and came out with a smarter, leaner and more profitable agency.We dive into the reality of market downturns, the truth about scaling, why 360 is dying, how to structure modern delivery teams, AI’s impact on sourcing, tech stack overload, candidate-led strategies and why the basics of good recruitment still matter more than ever. This conversation is honest, commercial, experienced and packed with the real lessons most founders never share publicly.If you’re a recruiter, leader or agency owner looking to understand the future of the industry — and avoid the mistakes most agencies make — this episode is essential listening.We explore:✅ The rise, fall and right-sizing of SCI Partners✅ Why headcount can become a “vanity project”✅ The life sciences crash and how SCI survived it✅ Why 360 is dying and the rise of specialist 180 models✅ Why sales and delivery rarely live in the same person✅ AI, bots and how automation is changing resourcing✅ LinkedIn licensing chaos and tech stack overload✅ Candidate-led BD and the “masterkey” mentality✅ Why consultants give up too early on follow-ups✅ The difference between transactional recruitment and true partnership✅ The fundamentals recruiters have forgotten — and why they still win⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and welcome01:30 – Austin’s journey and the life sciences landscape03:00 – Scaling SCI to 30 heads06:30 – Why headcount became a vanity metric09:00 – Profitability vs scaling12:00 – The life sciences downturn15:00 – Why 360 doesn’t work in 202618:00 – Sales vs delivery22:00 – Follow-ups and the problem with new consultants26:00 – Offshoring, pods and delivery optimisation30:00 – AI, automation and recruitment bots36:00 – How LinkedIn and job boards reshaped the market40:00 – The “masterkey” candidate approach45:00 – Modern BD and real relationship building50:00 – Retained, exclusive and partnership models55:00 – Tech stack overload and distractions01:00:00 – Partnership instead of transactional recruitment01:05:00 – What agencies must change in 202601:14:00 – Austin’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with AustinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-clark-1b6b947/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712🔗 Find out more about SourceWhale 🐋Mention 1% better recruitment podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you sign up, by clicking the link, or head to https://sourcewhale.com/demo to get started.

What if the fastest way to grow in recruitment wasn’t by trying to do everything… but by building a name so strong that your market starts coming to you?In this episode, I’m joined by Roxanne Kirkhope-Winnan, Head of Bolt Technical, who built her reputation the hard way — through consistency, honesty, personality, and showing up online even on the days life felt chaotic. From cabin crew to recruitment, from starting again in engineering to launching Bolt Technical, Roxanne has built both a name and a market by being unapologetically herself.We dive into the realities of building a desk from scratch, managing ADHD, parenting a child with autism, leading a team, posting daily, and growing a new division inside a recruitment business. This conversation is raw, real, funny and brutally honest — exactly what the industry needs more of.If you’re a recruiter looking to build a brand, build a market, or build the confidence to show up as you, this episode is your blueprint.We explore:✅ How Roxanne built a market AND a name from scratch✅ The confidence and mindset needed to launch a new desk✅ ADHD, energy cycles & how to turn them into a superpower✅ Autism parenting, vulnerability & community on LinkedIn✅ Simple BD habits most recruiters overcomplicate✅ How scheduled posting & hooks attract inbound opportunities✅ Why authenticity beats polished branding✅ Culture, leadership & building a team people want to follow✅ Burnout, balance & managing the chaos of real life✅ Why conversations and consistency still win in 2025If you want the truth about what it really takes to build a desk, build a brand, and build a reputation that travels further than any job ad — this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & welcome01:00 – Roxanne’s journey from cabin crew to recruitment03:00 – Early lessons, confidence & starting again in engineering06:00 – Launching Bolt Technical from scratch09:00 – ADHD, energy management & work sprints12:00 – Autism parenting & finding her voice on LinkedIn18:00 – Building a name before building a market22:00 – Hooks, consistency & scheduled posting27:00 – Culture, leadership & leading from the front32:00 – Why recruiters overcomplicate BD37:00 – The fundamentals of great communication44:00 – Burnout, boundaries & energy cycles50:00 – Personal brand vs company brand56:00 – Roxanne’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with RoxanneLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannekirkhopewinnan/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712

What if the difference between a failing trainee and a £1M biller isn’t talent… but sacrifice, environment, and expectations?In this episode, I’m joined by Brandon White, Founder of Volta Search and one of the most honest voices in the Rec2Rec space. With 11 years in the industry, Brandon has seen exactly why some trainees quit early — and why a small few go on to build huge careers.We dig into the realities of becoming a top performer in recruitment: long hours, consistency, culture, communication, burnout, rebuilding confidence, and why working from home too soon is quietly killing the next generation. Brandon also shares the raw story behind his own journey — from launching a successful business, to it collapsing, to therapy, burnout, and rebuilding himself and his career in 2024.This is a real, unfiltered conversation about standards, sacrifice, mindset, and what separates average recruiters from future £1M billers.We explore:✅ Why some trainees fail — and why others bill £1M+✅ The truth about sacrifice, long hours & expectations✅ How WFH is holding early-career recruiters back✅ Why most people believe the “£100k first-year” lie✅ The difference between real effort & surface-level activity✅ How environment, culture & routine drive success✅ Brandon’s journey through burnout, therapy & rebuilding✅ How to attract better clients and build real relationships✅ Consistency, habits & doing the boring stuff daily✅ Why the basics will always beat shiny tools⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Brandon’s backstory05:00 – How Charles & Brandon connected12:00 – Why trainees struggle with expectations16:00 – Sacrifice, long hours & top-biller reality20:00 – Social media vs real recruitment25:00 – WFH vs office culture32:00 – Why “£100k year one” is a lie40:00 – Communication, confidence & rapport48:00 – Burnout, therapy & rebuilding01:02:00 – How to attract better clients01:10:00 – Consistency, routines & habits01:16:00 – Brandon’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with Brandon WhiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonwhiterecruitment/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712

What if the real problem in recruitment today isn’t the market… but how people are working?In this episode, I’m joined by Sheldon Clottey — Founder of Charles & Charles Recruitment, who’s built a global business spanning London, Dubai, and the US construction market.We dig into what “real recruitment” looks like in 2025 — from data-driven BD and candidate marketing, to exclusivity, client control, and why most recruiters have forgotten the basics. Sheldon shares how he built his US desk from scratch, the blueprint for setting up new markets, and how to balance automation, AI, and actual skill.This is an honest, unfiltered, and practical conversation about standards, mindset, and the future of recruitment — and why the best recruiters will always stand out, no matter how advanced the tools become.We explore:✅ How to build a US recruitment desk from scratch✅ Why data and email marketing still win✅ The difference between UK & US recruitment mindsets✅ The power of saying no to bad clients✅ How to protect your time and control the process✅ Why PSLs are often a trap, not a trophy✅ AI, automation & the new skills recruiters need✅ Why phone-based recruiters will always have the edgeIf you’re tired of lazy recruitment, want to rebuild your process, and believe in raising the bar — this episode is for you.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Sheldon’s backstory06:00 – How recruitment has changed since 201214:00 – UK vs US recruitment mindsets22:00 – Setting up a US desk from scratch26:00 – Data, targeting & marketing properly37:00 – Why recruiters fail with eShots44:00 – The rise of lazy recruitment50:00 – Interview slots & client control56:00 – PSLs & saying no59:00 – AI, automation & real recruitment01:08:00 – Sheldon’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with Sheldon ClotteyLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-clottey-723b6555/⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712

What if you expanded your recruitment business to America before everyone else thought it was cool?In this episode, I’m joined by Elliott Manning — Founder & Managing Director of Kayman Recruitment, who built one of the UK’s most recognised Rec2Rec firms, expanded into the US before it became the trend, and is now helping agencies scale globally through outsourcing and consultancy.Elliott lifts the lid on the reality of building in the US without a roadmap — from flying to New York ten times in a year to learn the market, to discovering the cultural differences that make American recruitment so unique. He also shares how he built an outsourcing arm in South Africa that’s helped over 60 agencies scale faster, smarter, and more profitably.This is a practical and unfiltered conversation about expansion, BD strategy, and how to future-proof your recruitment business by thinking globally, not locally.We explore:✅ How to set up in the US (without burning money)✅ The cultural & commercial differences between US and UK recruitment✅ Why relationships beat transactions in America✅ The truth about “full-desk recruiters” in the US✅ How to interview and hire American talent✅ Building consistency through relationship nurturing✅ How to use case studies & name-dropping to win clients✅ Outsourcing to South Africa — the model, pros & cons✅ Remote management tips & avoiding micromanagement✅ The future of recruitment: value, solutions & diversificationIf you’ve ever thought about expanding your agency to the US — or want to understand how outsourcing can transform your business — this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Elliott’s backstory02:00 – Launching Kayman Recruitment05:00 – Early US trips & lessons learned10:00 – Cultural differences between US & UK recruitment16:00 – The power of relationship nurturing21:00 – How to stand out in the US market25:00 – Selling with value & solutions33:00 – Why traditional recruitment models are changing39:00 – Building teams & managing remotely52:00 – Niche vs. geographical specialisation in the US55:00 – How Elliott built his outsourcing model58:00 – The truth about South African delivery teams01:02:00 – Managing remote recruiters effectively01:07:00 – Lessons on balance, family & flexibility01:13:00 – Elliott’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with Elliott ManningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliott-manning-4b3b6b7/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712🎟️ Don’t forget to grab your ticket for the live podcast event in London:⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1-better-recruitment-live-podcast-how-to-thrive-in-challenging-markets-tickets-1777948464719?aff=oddtdtcreator

What if being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer completely changed the way you think, lead, and live?In this episode, I’m joined by Naz Harrison — Director, Coach & L&D Leader, who opens up about his battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, how it transformed his outlook on life, and why it shaped his mission to help recruiters and leaders think, coach, and perform differently.We unpack Naz’s journey from recruiter to global L&D leader, what real coaching actually looks like (and why most managers get it wrong), and how mindset, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence drive true performance.This is an honest, practical, and deeply human conversation about coaching, leadership, and resilience — and the lessons you only learn when life forces you to slow down, reflect, and rebuild.We explore:✅ Beating stage 4 cancer & the mindset shift that followed✅ Coaching vs mentoring — and why most managers confuse the two✅ The difference between presenting and true training✅ Coaching frameworks like GROW that actually work✅ How to build a coaching culture inside recruitment✅ Emotional intelligence, anchoring & managing chaos✅ Overcoming fear, failure & the illusion of control✅ How trauma can shape purpose & leadership✅ Building confidence, resilience & clarity as a coachIf you want to understand how to lead, coach, and perform with more purpose — and how the right mindset can change everything — this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Naz’s backstory05:00 – From recruiter to L&D leader11:00 – Lessons from building global training programs16:00 – Beating stage 4 cancer & changing perspective31:00 – Mindset shifts & purpose after recovery39:00 – Coaching vs mentoring explained46:00 – How to actually coach (not tell)52:00 – Management tools & NLP techniques01:08:00 – Mindset, confidence & emotional growth01:27:00 – Naz’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with Naz HarrisonLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazharrison/⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠🎟️ Don’t forget to grab your ticket for the live podcast event – 20th November in London:⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1-better-recruitment-live-podcast-how-to-thrive-in-challenging-markets-tickets-1777948464719?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠

What if your dream job offer fell through the week before you started — and the world went into lockdown?In this episode, I’m joined by Jay Gurney, Director of Radiology at Projectus, who went from working warehouse shifts during COVID to becoming one of the company’s top global billers and leading its US expansion.Fun story, I actually interviewed Jay in 2020 to be my resourcer! We dig into Jay’s journey from rejection to resilience — from packing boxes and delivering food to billing hundreds of thousands in medical technology recruitment and relocating to Austin, Texas. He opens up about how he built his desk from scratch, the mindset shifts that turned him into a top performer, and how he approaches business development, candidate relationships, and consistency at scale.We explore:✅ How losing his job offer before COVID became a turning point✅ The grind of starting from scratch during lockdown✅ How to go from resourcer to top biller✅ Building a niche and becoming the go-to recruiter in your space✅ Transitioning from transactional recruiter to true consultant✅ The power of commercial curiosity & information gathering✅ Why the best recruiters think like businesspeople✅ Lessons from moving to the US & building credibility abroad✅ Confidence, resilience & consistency in recruitment successIf you want to understand what it really takes to rise through the ranks in recruitment, build a market from the ground up, and turn setbacks into fuel — this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Jay’s background02:00 – The job offer that fell through before COVID05:40 – Working in warehouses & deliveries to survive08:40 – Getting the Projectus opportunity & starting from scratch11:00 – Early BD strategies & finding market gaps14:00 – From resourcer to top biller mindset18:20 – What it means to be a true consultant24:00 – Jay’s cold call approach that actually works30:00 – Losing the fear & taking clients off a pedestal37:00 – Niching down & building credibility41:00 – Team builds vs. transactional placements45:00 – The US move: challenges & breakthroughs52:00 – Cultural differences in US recruitment59:00 – Lessons from building a US desk01:04:00 – Jay’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with JayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-gurney-🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712don't forget to get your ticket for the live podcast - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1-better-recruitment-live-podcast-how-to-thrive-in-challenging-markets-tickets-1777948464719?aff=oddtdtcreator

What if the best way to stand out in recruitment wasn’t about flashy KPIs or cold call sprints — but by being unapologetically yourself?In this episode, I’m joined by Adam, Director at At Talent, a Rec2Rec specialist helping recruiters find the right businesses, leaders, and environments to truly thrive in.We dive into Adam’s journey through recruitment and Rec2Rec, why authenticity is the ultimate sales advantage, and how too many recruiters still put clients on a pedestal. From finding the right company fit to the truth about job hopping, KPIs, and toxic recruitment cultures, Adam shares honest lessons every recruiter needs to hear.This is a practical and unfiltered conversation about authenticity, resilience, and what it really takes to build a meaningful career in recruitment.We explore:✅ Why authenticity beats scripts and personas in recruitment✅ How to find the right business (and leader) for you✅ The truth about job hopping in 2025✅ Why most recruiters have the wrong idea about KPIs✅ How to fix toxic recruitment culture✅ Why being a decent person still wins in recruitment✅ How personal development makes you a better recruiter✅ The role of resilience & consistency in long-term successIf you want to understand what it really takes to build a successful recruitment career, find the right environment, and lead with authenticity, this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00, Intro & welcome02:00, Why authenticity is key in recruitment08:00, Finding your own style vs “telephone voice”13:00, Building rapport & asking better questions20:00, Being transparent as a new recruiter27:00, How to find the right recruitment business for you33:00, What recruiters really look for post-COVID42:00, Money, mindset & early career mistakes48:00, Job hopping: red flag or reflection of the times?55:00, LinkedIn, cold calling & authenticity online01:02:00, Remote work, culture & why office buzz matters01:08:00, Why recruiters get a bad name & fixing industry culture01:13:00, KPIs: too much vs none at all01:20:00, Adam’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with AdamLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamattalent/⁠⁠⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠⁠⁠

What if the best way to grow in recruitment wasn’t by chasing quick wins, but by mastering long-term relationships and persistence?In this episode, I’m joined by Fraser Graham, Founder of Nautic, a Rec2Rec business specialising in placing recruiters from consultant to director level across Manchester and the Northwest.We dive into Fraser’s journey from leaving football and sport behind at 18, to jumping into recruitment during the post-lockdown boom, and now launching his own agency. From the brutal realities of Rec2Rec and why recruiters have such a bad reputation, to selling to salespeople, creative BD tactics, and the challenges of starting solo, Fraser shares the lessons that shaped his career.This is a practical and honest conversation about resilience, creativity, and why polite persistence is the real key to recruitment success.We explore:✅ Why recruiters get a bad reputation (and how to fix it)✅ Polite persistence & multiple touchpoints in Rec2Rec✅ Creative outreach ideas that actually get replies✅ The reality of starting a recruitment business solo✅ How to sell to salespeople without “selling”✅ AI, automation & the future of recruitment✅ Why empathy and listening make great recruiters✅ The role of mentors in taking the leap to founderIf you want to understand what it really takes to succeed in Rec2Rec, build relationships that last, and make the jump to running your own agency, this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00, Intro & welcome02:00, Fraser’s background & why he started Nautic05:30, Breaking into Rec2Rec at 18 during a booming market09:00, Why recruiters get such a bad reputation12:30, Polite persistence & creative candidate touchpoints18:00, Calls vs LinkedIn — finding the right BD balance21:00, Selling to salespeople without being “salesy”27:00, The leap to starting Nautic & early challenges32:00, AI, automation & the future of recruitment40:00, Personality fit & finding your recruitment niche54:00, Why empathy is a recruiter’s secret weapon58:00, Fraser’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with FraserLinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/frazer-graham-9a4915209/⁠⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠

What if the best way to succeed in recruitment wasn’t to be everywhere, but to dominate a niche so well that clients had no choice but to come to you?In this episode, I’m joined by Emma April, Founder of HuntStart Consulting, a specialist recruitment agency for FX brokers and fintech companies across Cyprus, the UAE and beyond.We dive into Emma’s journey from HR in Cyprus to recruitment in London, the fear that held her back from starting her own business, and the personal challenges she faced while launching her agency — including losing her father and navigating a miscarriage. Despite everything, Emma built a reputation so strong that clients know her by name, not just her company.This is a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, discipline, and what it really takes to dominate your ICP in recruitment.We explore:✅ How to build a desk from scratch in a new market✅ Why specialising in your ICP beats being a generalist✅ Time management & consistency as recruiter superpowers✅ The role of mentors in early career success✅ Grit, resilience & discipline as the real differentiators✅ Shifting from personal brand to company brand✅ Why mistakes are part of building any business✅ What makes a truly great recruiter in 2025If you want to understand what it really takes to build a recruitment business, dominate your market, and grow through resilience, this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00, Intro & welcome01:20, Emma’s background in HR & move from Cyprus to London07:00, Early career in FX & fintech recruitment13:30, Quitting on day one and rebuilding from scratch18:30, Building out the Cyprus desk and finding her niche24:00, Facing the fear of starting her own agency29:00, Leaving comfort vs betting on yourself36:30, The investor who gave her the push to launch39:30, Personal challenges: miscarriage & losing her father45:00, Starting Hunt Stop properly in August 202448:00, How to build and dominate a niche market52:00, The 3 keys to building a desk: consistency, time management, mentors58:00, Why discipline matters more than hacks01:04:00, Listening to your gut as a founder01:08:00, Mistakes, resilience & founder lessons01:09:30, Emma’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with EmmaLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-april/⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠

What if you launched a recruitment business in the middle of a global pandemic — and then had to rebuild it from the ground up when the tech boom turned bust?In this episode, I’m joined by Ivor Stratford, Co-Founder of Morpheus, a recruitment business specialising in early-stage, VC/PE-backed tech companies with a strong focus on AI and machine learning.We dive into what it was really like starting a business in March 2020, why their early success was built on sand, and how they pivoted to create stronger foundations, culture, and credibility. Ivor also opens up about his sobriety journey, how going alcohol-free reshaped his life and business, and why sharing his story on TikTok has built a personal brand that’s opened unexpected doors.P.S Ignore the crying dog in the background hahaWe explore:✅ The reality of starting a recruitment firm during the pandemic✅ Why 2021’s “boom” left many recruiters with false confidence✅ How to fix a business that’s built on dependency, not sales culture✅ The mindset shift post-COVID recruiters need to make✅ Building credibility by asking the right questions✅ Why over-communication & clear KPIs matter for culture✅ Personal branding on TikTok — and overcoming imposter syndrome✅ Sobriety, discipline & the hidden impact on leadership✅ Why consistency beats quick wins for long-term successIf you want to understand the boom-and-bust of tech hiring, the future of sales culture in recruitment, and the lessons from sobriety that can make you a better leader — this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Ivor’s background01:20 – Founding Morpheus in March 202005:40 – The post-COVID boom & building on sand09:30 – Why 2022 became their toughest year12:50 – The tech hiring boom and sudden bust15:10 – Post-COVID recruiters vs pre-COVID recruiters23:00 – Location mistakes & building culture28:00 – Pivoting to sustainable foundations32:00 – Why over-communication & KPIs matter39:40 – Questioning as the #1 recruiter skill48:10 – Building a personal brand on TikTok57:30 – Sobriety & the turning point for Ivor01:04:00 – The first year alcohol-free01:12:00 – New energy, fitness & relationships01:16:20 – Ivor’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with IvorLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivorstratford/⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠

What if recruitment wasn’t about transactions, but about making every client and candidate feel like a VIP?In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Green, Co-Founder & COO at Few&Far, one of Europe’s leading digital product recruitment firms.We dig into how Sam and his team built a reputation for creating a “celebrity experience” — from community-led business development and events, to consultative client meetings and a culture that’s kept average tenure at 4.7 years. We unpack how to stand out in recruitment by combining culture, consistency, and care with smart use of AI and operations.We explore:✅ What the “celebrity experience” really means in recruitment✅ Why face-to-face meetings still beat phone calls & Zoom✅ How to add true consultative value in client conversations✅ Building culture & KPIs around behaviours, not just billings✅ Community & events as a long-term BD engine✅ The reality of AI in recruitment (beyond email automation)✅ Why happy consultants bill more (and stay longer)✅ Treating alumni as advocates, not rivalsIf you want to stand out in 2025’s recruitment market — this episode is packed with practical lessons on culture, community, and client experience.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Sam’s background at Few&Far03:00 – What the “celebrity experience” means in practice07:30 – Balancing BD sprints with consultant autonomy12:00 – Why face-to-face meetings beat remote interactions16:20 – Consultative value: going beyond small talk21:40 – Innovative client plays (like hotel-based interview days)25:00 – Building community as a long-term BD strategy30:10 – AI in recruitment: what’s hype & what’s real36:00 – Preventing burnout & keeping consultants happy40:30 – Alumni pride, reputation & industry collaboration46:30 – Sam’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with SamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammfewandfar/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712