The Resilient Recruiter

Andy Dunne thought other agency owners were the enemy. They'd steal clients, poach candidates, copy ideas. Sound familiar? Then he joined Team in 2014 just to save £130 a month on job boards. Eleven years later, he's their managing director, overseeing 500+ agencies that split over £6 million in fees last year. What changed? Andy learned that protecting everything actually kills more business than it creates. In this episode, you'll discover: Why 80% of Team's agencies went from generalist to specialist since 2014 (and why the generalists are getting crushed) The market intelligence strategy that makes prospects call you instead of you chasing them How two specialist agencies split £40,600 by collaborating on out-of-niche roles The mental health reality of running an agency alone - and why Andy champions this cause Why your real competition isn't other agencies, but AI and managed service providers Andy shares the quarterly report strategy that made one agency owner "untouchable" with prospects, the collaboration mindset shift that's transforming the industry, and why the isolation of solo agency ownership is something that can't be ignored. Whether you're a solo agency owner or leading a team, this conversation challenges the "protect everything" mentality and shows how collaboration can transform your business. Andy Dunne is Managing Director of Team, the UK's largest network of independently owned recruitment businesses. With over 20 years in recruitment, including running his own agency, Andy is passionate about collaboration and community. Since joining Team, he's helped agencies save millions in job board costs and connect through an active network that shares over £6m annually in split fees.

What if you could run your recruiting firm on autopilot while launching a completely new business? Brian Gabay has mastered this balance—his 5-person team makes placements without him while he builds a tech startup. Brian founded Brian Simon Associates (BSA) in 2016, specializing in PR and marketing recruitment. He built systems, transforming his business from constant attention to running independently. This freedom allowed him to launch Arrange AI, eliminating interview coordination, which consumes 70% of recruiters' admin time. Brian reveals his framework: getting your entire team on client calls, his "hire two people" strategy, and the mindset shift to step away from daily operations. Plus, surviving a 6-month placement drought taught him the resilience needed to juggle multiple ventures. Episode Outline and Highlights [7:19] The reality TV opportunity that came at the worst time [8:11] How a 3-year kidney donor search taught him resilience [19:50] Why are placed candidates overlooked for new business [20:27] Daily LinkedIn habit: One new connection PLUS one reconnection [23:40] Surviving the drought: First placement took 5-6 months [26:14] The 6-month cash cushion rule for going solo [36:35] Hiring strategy: "If you like two people, hire them both." [44:27] Why 70% of recruiting time is wasted on scheduling [50:18] Game-changer: Getting your entire team on client calls [52:58] Building systems: "Placements happen without me" Building Through Setbacks Brian's approach to adversity was forged through personal crisis. With his father on dialysis, Brian applied recruiting skills to find a kidney donor. "I wasn't a blood match. Neither were my sisters. He's type O... I searched for three years. There was a dark world out there. People wanted money... My dad's life is on the line." The breakthrough came through Jennifer Wolf, who responded to his outreach "just like we would do on LinkedIn." When Fox discovered his YouTube video and offered him a spot on "Home Free" to compete for a house for Jennifer, the timing couldn't have been worse. The 6-Month Rule Brian's practical approach began with planning: "I saved enough to pay rent for six months. That was my cushion... I need to make a placement within six months. If I can't, then maybe this is not for me." His advice emphasizes transparency: "If you're starting your own firm and leaving your current one, have a transparent conversation... Even if these are connections you made yourself, it was created under someone else's umbrella. Leave on good terms." From Solo to Scale After three years solo, Brian began building a team. When he discovered an employee ignoring candidate emails, instead of retreating, he refined his approach: "Out of 10 people, if there's two you really like and you're on the fence, hire both. If one doesn't work out, you still got a really good one." The transformation came from one change: "Having them involved in all client calls... Now if it's a new business call, it's all five of us. They meet the client, ask questions, take notes... I've seen the ownership kick in." This freed Brian to launch Arrange while BSA operated: "Sometimes there's placements being made and I'm not involved at all." Brian Gabay Bio Brian Gabay founded BSA in 2016, specializing in PR, Marketing, and Digital/Social recruiting. He's partnered with recognized PR agencies and brands nationwide. With over a decade of experience, Business Insider named him one of the top PR recruiters in the country. Earlier this year, he launched Arrange AI—a smart scheduling tool for recruiters coordinating meetings between external parties. Brian on LinkedIn Arrange AI: arrange.ai BSA: briansimonsassociates.com Resources Mentioned "Home Free" on Fox Tim Tebow on LinkedIn Connect with Mark Whitby FREE strategy call: recruitmentcoach.com/strategy-session LinkedIn | Twitter: @MarkWhitby Facebook | Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

Johnny Campbell drops a bombshell: "Can AI recruit better than humans today? Hundred percent better than humans on average." He's got the data to back it up. Johnny explains why half of all recruiters will be gone within the next decade—and how to be in the half that thrives. Johnny runs SocialTalent and has trained over a million recruiters globally. He survived launching an agency during the 2008 crash and now shares what's coming next. Episode Outline and Highlights [3:35] How Johnny survived launching an agency into the 2008 crash [8:37] "Peak recruiter" happened in 2023—why it's downhill from here [10:41] The bank loan analogy that destroys the case for human interviewers [15:05] The AirPods story—why candidates will accept AI interviews [19:33] UK research: AI persuades people 10x better than humans [28:10] Marc Andreessen's "barbell model"—why the middle dies [31:24] Indian recruiters abandoned email—what WhatsApp means for outreach [36:26] Mercor: Three 21-year-olds built a $2B AI recruiter in 2 years [38:14] The Hudson RPO arbitrage—selling AI to companies that can't use it [52:07] Why recruiters need Johnny's "Mini MBA" Key Takeaways: Your $2 Billion Wake-Up Call: Three 21-year-olds started Mercor two years ago. Now valued at $2 billion. Their pitch: "5 qualified candidates in 5 minutes." They didn't improve recruiting—they eliminated it. Where AI Wins: Johnny breaks recruiting into three parts. Finding candidates? AI wins. Assessment? AI does it better with less bias. But closing deals? That's where humans matter. "There will always be a role for a human advising the business." No Middle Ground: McDonald's hires in 7 minutes with AI. Zuckerberg personally calls candidates. If you're doing "decent recruiting at decent prices," you're dead. Pick a side: tech-powered efficiency or ultra-premium service. The WhatsApp Revolution: Email is dead for recruiting in India. Everyone uses WhatsApp. Johnny's insight: AI will soon predict the best platform per candidate. Agencies sending LinkedIn InMails are playing yesterday's game. Johnny Campbell Bio and Contact Info Johnny Campbell is the co-founder and CEO of SocialTalent. With over 250,000 LinkedIn followers, he's recognized globally as a thought leader on AI and recruitment. Father of 4 boys, avid runner, aspiring youth rugby coach. Johnny on X Johnny on LinkedIn Johnny on Instagram SocialTalent website link SocialTalent on Facebook SocialTalent on YouTube People and Resources Mentioned Mercor website link Glen Cathey on LinkedIn Hudson RPO website link Clay website link ChatGPT  Copilot Gemini Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

Most recruitment agencies waste £50+ per cold call meeting. Anthony Lewis found a better way to scale from startup to 50-person team. Anthony's team made 1,500 cold calls for just 27 placements. That 1.8% conversion rate would panic most agency owners. Instead, he built a candidate experience system that turns rejections into revenue. What You'll Learn: How to build agency growth without expensive cold calling Business development strategies that actually work How 86% candidate satisfaction became his competitive advantage Agency scaling secrets from startup to 50 employees Why treating candidates like future clients changes everything Key Insights: 9:39 Why purpose prevents fee-chasing behavior 24:53 What "psychological safety" means for performance 35:30 Why individual KPIs beat generic targets 45:43 The candidate feedback system that drives growth 50:26 How the MD personally calls every unhappy candidate Anthony Lewis Bio and Contact Info  Anthony is passionate about the careers of public sector leaders, and for over a decade has supported organisations nationally to attract and hire the best talent. Whether interims, Non Execs or people into permanent roles, Anthony is never happier than when helping people fulfil their career ambitions.  Anthony is Managing Director at Tile Hill, a public sector-focused executive recruitment company, and is hugely proud of the achievements of the business and those around him. From having been awarded Best Company to Work For, Best In House L&D at the 2024 REC Awards, the Best Candidate Experience category at the 2024 Tiara Awards, and most recently voted the number 1 interim service provider in the Institute of Interim Management Annual Survey, it is a reflection of the values led approach and passion that Tile Hill's team show as they approach their work every day. With an EVP of #Lovetheimpactyou make, we are all inspired to make a difference for those who are shaping the society we live in. • Tile Hill website link Anthony Lewis on LinkedIn Different Leadership website link Tile's fundraiser for Alzheimer's Society People and Resources Mentioned David Weir on LinkedIn Leo Hewett on LinkedIn  Force24 JobAdder Adecco Group Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

Fired in 3 days, Dario Furman rebounded to bill $6.5M. Learn his recruitment growth strategies using relationships, niche focus & AI. Fired three days into his first recruiting job, Dario Furman could have walked away. Instead, a bold “second chance” email to the CEO got him rehired and launched a 17-year executive search career placing 500+ professionals and billing $6.5M at StevenDouglas. In this episode of The Resilient Recruiter, Dario shares how resilience, relationship-building, and smart use of AI helped him become one of Florida’s top billers. You’ll learn how he turned candidates into loyal clients, outworked his competition, and built a sustainable desk focused on quality, not transactions. You’ll discover: The comeback story that began with a “second chance” email. How Dario became a top 3 national biller within a year. Overcoming fear of business development and calling C-suite decision-makers. Turning long-term candidate relationships into client revenue. Why did he “MPC’d” himself into StevenDouglas? Leveraging niche focus, KPIs, AI tools, and warm introductions to boost results. Automations that enhance, not replace, human connection. About Dario: Dario connects top-tier finance and accounting talent with South Florida’s leading companies. Since joining StevenDouglas in 2014, he’s placed 387 professionals with an 8% falloff rate, generating over $6.4M in fees. Fluent in English and Spanish, he combines modern recruiting tools with an old-school relationship-first approach. People and Resources Mentioned: James Cairns on LinkedIn ChatGPT  Herefish  Quil AI Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

What if your job board wasn’t just a place to post jobs—but the top of your sales funnel? In this episode of The Resilient Recruiter, Jordan Whilden shares how he scaled Ministry Hub, a faith-based executive search firm, by transforming a niche job board into a predictable lead generation machine. Fueled by a cold email campaign that delivers a 17% reply rate, Jordan’s model shows how recruiters can generate clients consistently—without cold calling or high-pressure tactics. We dive into the exact steps Jordan took to build a multi-service recruitment business, from his transition out of pastoral ministry to launching a proprietary ATS (MinistryHire) and leading a fully remote team. If you’re a recruitment agency owner looking to build smarter systems, offer tiered services, or grow recurring revenue, this episode is packed with actionable ideas and inspiration. Episode Highlights: From full-time ministry to launching a job board side hustle Evolving from job board to full-service search firm First-year lessons: underpricing, overwhelm, and early wins Why building a custom ATS was a game-changer Creating flexible, tiered service models How “serve first” creates long-term client wins Cold outreach strategy: 89% open rate, 17% replies The tools behind his tech stack: Loxo, Instantly, Hireflix, Asana, Scribe Scaling with a 3-person offshore team One-way video interviews and standout candidate presentation Recurring revenue through subscription-based ATS Leading with values while balancing family and business growth Key Takeaways: A job board can be more than a job board—it can be your client magnet Value-first cold emails build trust before selling Scaling is easier with systems, SOPs, and the right offshore support Serving your niche exceptionally well creates both impact and revenue About Jordan Whilden: Jordan is the founder and CEO of Ministry Hub, a faith-based executive search firm. With a Master’s in Theology and an MBA, he brings a rare mix of pastoral insight and business acumen. Prior to launching Ministry Hub in 2021, Jordan served churches on both coasts, including leadership at one of America’s largest congregations. He’s also the creator of MinistryHire, a purpose-built ATS and job board platform serving mission-driven organizations. Today, Jordan helps churches and nonprofits build world-changing teams—and has grown Ministry Hub into a go-to talent partner in the faith sector. He lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with his wife Brittany and their son. Outside work, they love kayaking, the beach, and traveling as a family. Connect with Jordan: Jordan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanwhilden/ Ministry Hub Website - https://ministryhub.org/ MinistryHire Website - https://ministryhire.com/ Connect with Mark Whitby: Get a FREE strategy call: recruitmentcoach.com/strategy-session Mark on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwhitby/ X: @MarkWhitby Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter - https://plinkhq.com/i/1489513354

Tired of the outdated “thirds” model in executive search? Andrew Mears was too. That’s why he co-founded Lead Candidate—a niche search firm serving the pharma and bio-outsourcing sector—based on a transparent, fixed-fee subscription model that’s up to 30% more cost-effective than traditional pricing. In this episode, Andrew reveals how Lead Candidate went from break-even to 133% revenue growth by rethinking everything: pricing, positioning, sales, and even internal rituals like “Tom’s Day of Bad Ideas.” You’ll hear how they grew entirely through referrals—no cold calls, no job scraping, no outbound—and why clients commit to 3–18 month subscription agreements that provide predictable revenue for the firm and budgeting certainty for their CFOs. If you're a recruitment firm owner frustrated with unpredictable billings, client churn, or the limitations of contingent search, this conversation will show you what’s possible when you lead with values, relevance, and partnership—not pitches. Episode Highlights [3:24] Why Andrew left a COO role to start over during COVID—and how a health scare changed his outlook [12:22] The broken search pricing model—and how Lead Candidate built a better one [22:30] Defining a niche within a niche: how their positioning sets them apart [31:55] Capsule vs. Scale vs. Annual Subscription: how their pricing tiers work [43:39] Why they broke even for 2 years—then tripled revenue during a downturn [56:42] How they land clients without cold outreach [1:08:06] Tom’s Day of Bad Ideas: the internal ritual that drives innovation [1:19:20] How they’re using AI tools like Quill to free up human interaction Why This Subscription Model Works Instead of charging a percentage of salary in staged fees, Lead Candidate scopes each project based on hiring volume, role complexity, and delivery effort. Pricing is fixed, agreed upfront, and delivered via subscription—typically 3, 6, or 12+ months. This approach gives clients cost transparency and spending predictability—especially valuable for VC-backed, resource-constrained companies—and positions Lead Candidate as a strategic partner rather than a transactional vendor. No Cold Calls, Just Clients Lead Candidate didn’t rely on cold outreach. Before launching, Andrew’s team surveyed the market, co-created their offer with prospects, and built deep trust through relevance and listening. Their early clients didn’t need convincing—they were already bought in. “We never sold. We just listened. The worst outcome was a great conversation.” This approach helped them create a high-conviction pipeline, long-term client relationships, and sticky recurring revenue—without chasing unqualified leads or relying on outdated biz dev tactics. A Values-First Growth Story The journey wasn’t easy. For the first two years, they broke even. But Andrew and his co-founders stayed true to their niche, hired with care, and grew by reputation. By 2024, the firm had grown 133% in revenue and 250% in headcount—without compromising on culture or delivery quality. “We built the business the market told us it needed—and just stayed true to it.” About Andrew Mears Andrew is the CEO of Lead Candidate, a search firm he co-founded in 2020 to champion talent in the global life sciences sector. He began his career in HR before moving into executive recruitment, where he’s spent 16+ years building national and international practices. Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn Visit Lead Candidate People and Resources Mentioned Quill AssistCV (by Odro) ChatGPT “Buy Back Your Time” by Dan Martell “Built to Sell” by John Warrilow “Molecule to Market” Podcast Connect with Mark Whitby Book a free strategy call Mark on LinkedIn @RecruitmentCoach on Instagram @MarkWhitby on Twitter

What does it take to build a recruiting firm that survives three recessions, operates across borders, and thrives without retainers? In this episode of The Resilient Recruiter, we spotlight David Fishman, founder of Sparrow Company—a bi-national executive search and staffing firm based in both the U.S. and Mexico. David shares how he rebuilt after nearly losing everything in 2009 and developed a resilient, multi-revenue business that consistently closes $30K+ deals on contingency. With a team of 12 and placements ranging from hourly plant workers to C-suite executives, David proves that long-term success in recruiting isn’t about flashy tech or a narrow niche—it’s about grit, loyalty, smart diversification, and building client trust. Whether you’re a firm owner, solo operator, or team leader, this episode will inspire you to think bigger, act faster, and future-proof your business model. Episode Highlights: [2:30] Why David’s recruiting journey started with a family staffing business and a Coast Guard exit [7:00] How the 2009 recession nearly wiped him out—and what it took to survive [16:00] Expanding into Mexico: a single client request that changed everything [24:00] Building a binational team and training his kids to become recruiters [36:00] Why he’s not retained (yet), and how he consistently closes $30K+ fees on contingency [47:00] How Sparrow places both plant supervisors and presidents using the same recruiting mechanics [1:06:00] David’s multiple revenue streams: recruiting projects, temp staffing, nearshore talent [1:13:00] Why impulsivity is his superpower and what legacy he wants to leave behind Why Diversification is Non-Negotiable After nearly losing his business during the 2009 downturn, David made a key decision: stop relying on one industry or one type of placement. Today, Sparrow Company operates across manufacturing, engineering, mining, supply chain, and IT—placing roles at all levels across North America and Europe. Key takeaway for recruiters: Think beyond niche. Build a multi-layered model across industry, function, level, and geography. 3 Revenue Streams Every Recruiting Firm Owner Should Know To protect against market shifts and add recurring income, David built three revenue lines: Embedded recruiters on short-term contracts Temporary staffing through a dedicated local firm Contract engineers working remotely from Mexico for U.S. clients These offerings helped him scale sustainably, stabilize cash flow, and serve clients more deeply. “Every time we add a new service, it helps us survive another economic cycle.” How to Close $30K+ Deals Without Retainers David works 100% on contingency—but trains his clients to expect fewer resumes and faster, more precise matches. His firm is known for first-candidate hires and high-level execution without the upfront fees. “I’m not retained, but I’m still beating the firms that are. Because I’m hungrier.” About David Fishman David Fishman is the founder of Sparrow Company, a bi-national staffing and executive search firm incorporated in the United States and Mexico. With 30+ years in recruiting, he’s placed CEO, CFO, VP, Director, Plant Manager, and Engineering roles across global manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and Tier-One automotive clients. Sparrow’s clients include publicly traded multinationals, private equity-backed firms, and international companies operating across the U.S., Mexico, Switzerland, and Germany. David is a member of the Pinnacle Society, recognized by the California Staffing Professionals Association as Staffing Professional of the Year, and frequently speaks on recruiting best practices and production hiring. In 2022, he launched a traditional temporary staffing firm serving the El Paso, TX and Las Cruces, NM region. Connect with David David on LinkedIn Sparrow Company Website Connect with Mark Whitby Book a FREE 30-minute strategy call: https://recruitmentcoach.com/strategy-session Mark on LinkedIn X: @MarkWhitby Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Facebook: RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

How do you move from being a contingency recruiter to winning retained searches consistently? And how do you scale your desk without doing it all yourself? In this episode of The Resilient Recruiter, industry veteran Carol Wenom shares the exact mindset shift, client messaging, and team model that helped her make that leap and increase her billings by 70% in one year. With over 40 years in engineering and technical search, Carol built a niche-dominant practice, earned preferred partner status with top clients, and served as VP and GM at Whitaker Companies. She’s also a past president of the Pinnacle Society and Knapp’s Hall of Fame inductee. Today, she trains recruiters through The Tanbark Group. Whether you’re a solo operator or running a team, Carol’s insights will help you elevate your positioning, close more retainers, and structure your desk for long-term growth. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn: How to educate clients on retained vs. engaged vs. contingency The “position prospectus” that helped Carol win exclusive searches What the Rainmaker model looks like in practice (including comp splits) How to qualify searches and pitch retainers with confidence When to bring on a production assistant and how to structure their role Why niche mastery and client relationship-building drive long-term success Episode Outline and Highlights [02:40] With over four decades of experience in recruitment, Carol describes what has changed and what will never change. [06:45] How transitioning from contingency to retained increased Carol’s revenue based on the service level. [14:54] Promoting the retained search via several differentiators. [24:42] When and how to recommend retained vs. contingency. [31:32] Exploring fee structure options when offering a retained model. [34:59] Carol explains how she adopted the “Rainmaker” model. [40:47] Team structure and compensation model in a rainmaker model. [47:39] Carol’s niche, relationship building, and business development approach. [58:48] What is next for Carol Wenom? 👤 Guest Bio: Carol Wenom is a recruitment leader with four decades of experience in engineering and technical search for the refining and chemical industries. As VP and GM at Whitaker Companies, she was a top biller and team leader. She’s a Pinnacle Society lifetime member, Knapp’s Hall of Fame inductee, and now trains recruiters across North America through The Tanbark Group. 🔗 Resources & Links: Learn more about Carol: https://www.tanbarkgroup.com/ Connect with Mark & access free training: https://www.recruitmentcoach.com/ 🎧 Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter for more insights from top performers. 💬 Found this valuable? Leave a review or share with a fellow recruiter. #RetainedSearch #RainmakerModel #RecruitmentPodcast #CarolWenom #SearchFirmGrowth #ExecutiveSearch #RecruitmentBusiness #TheResilientRecruiter #ContingencyToRetained #NicheRecruiting

What does it take to transform a 500-person staffing company and restore profitability while maintaining high engagement and renewed purpose? In this episode of The Resilient Recruiter, you'll hear how one leader rebuilt culture and strengthened organizational performance through people-first leadership, without sacrificing values or authenticity. After joining the company as a trainee in 2001, Matthew Wragg eventually became CEO in 2022. In this conversation, he shares the inside story of the business transformation at Gattaca PLC: removing executive offices, tying leadership bonuses to employee engagement, and launching a new cultural framework that turns values into specific, observable behaviors. We also dive into his personal lessons from two decades in recruitment, including the wins and mistakes that shaped his approach to growth, leadership, and resilience. Episode Highlights [05:46] How Matthew got into recruitment and why he stayed with one company [14:23] From trainee to CEO: lessons in ambition and internal branding [22:00] The £30M deal they lost—and how they won it back [30:55] Using culture and values to improve employee engagement [46:01] Removing executive offices and linking pay to engagement scores [49:48] How “Changing Up the Game” became a strategic reset during COVID [52:18] Aligning the team around clear, behavioral definitions of company values [59:29] How Gattaca is thinking about AI adoption Losing a £30M Dealand Using It to Win Future Business Matthew shares how Gattaca lost a £30M contract despite having the experience, pricing, and capability. The reason? They didn’t take the time to understand the client. He took responsibility, re-engaged with the customer over 12 months, and eventually won the deal back—this time at a 70% higher price. This loss prompted a shift in sales culture: more discovery, less assumption; more trust, less volume. It was a turning point in how Gattaca approached strategic selling. How Culture and Values Fueled Gattaca’s Turnaround When Matthew stepped in as CEO, the company was struggling with flat growth and low engagement. His first move was to prioritize people. He eliminated glass offices to flatten hierarchy and increase visibility. He began weekly internal video updates and tied 10% of leadership compensation to employee engagement. He personally reviews hundreds of anonymous employee comments each month—starting with the negatives. Over two years, this helped shift Gattaca from 58% detractors to 58% promoters, even in a tough market. How Gattaca’s “DNA Deck” Turned Culture into Performance To make values actionable, Gattaca launched a “DNA deck” that defines specific behaviors tied to each value. These are reviewed quarterly and fully integrated into performance management—alongside sales and effort metrics. One example: “Be brave enough to tell the truth, but kind enough to say it the right way.” Each principle includes examples of “what good looks like” so there’s no ambiguity. No one can top-score on performance if their behavior doesn’t align with the culture. Matthew Wragg – Bio & Contact Matthew Wragg is CEO of Gattaca PLC with 23+ years in recruitment. Starting as a trainee in 2001, he progressed through senior leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2022. He has led Gattaca through an organizational reset focused on purpose, vision, and values—prioritizing sustainable growth, employee engagement, and cultural clarity. Matthew on LinkedIn Gattaca PLC Website Gattaca on Instagram Connect with Mark Whitby Book a FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter on your favorite platform.

Why has your LinkedIn reach dropped even though your content is better and your audience is growing? You’re not imagining things. LinkedIn changed the rules in 2025, and in this episode, LinkedIn algorithm expert Richard van der Blom breaks down exactly what’s changed—and how recruiters can adjust to stay visible and competitive. You’ll discover why organic reach is down by 50%+ for most users and how LinkedIn has shifted focus from virality to relevance. Richard shares how to realign your content strategy based on your goals—whether you’re looking to increase reach, drive engagement, or generate client and candidate leads. We also unpack the five content pillars that top-performing recruiters use, the formats that LinkedIn is rewarding right now (like vertical native video and carousels), and why relying solely on job posts or text-only content can quietly kill your visibility. Richard goes even deeper, revealing his proven process for creating “hybrid” content—written by humans but enhanced by AI—to dramatically improve structure, hooks, and engagement without losing authenticity. Episode Highlights: [3:25] How Richard reverse-engineered LinkedIn’s algorithm manually [8:35] LinkedIn confirms reach is down 50%+—here’s why [12:37] The 5 content types that drive performance in 2025 [18:42] Why recruiters need variety to maintain reach and engagement [21:21] Post formats that are working best and which are declining. [26:10] When selfies help—and when they hurt your reach [28:07] Using polls to generate leads and market insights [32:02] Why hybrid content (human + AI) outperforms both extremes [35:51] Why LinkedIn’s built-in AI tools aren’t your best option Key Takeaways for Recruiters: Fix Your Reach: The algorithm now values relevance > reach. Focus on content that fits your audience and objective. Diversify Formats: Don’t just post jobs. Use video, polls, carousels, and storytelling to stay visible. Hybrid Content Wins: Human + AI = stronger structure, better hooks, and more engagement. AI-only content often fails, and human only content often lacks polish. Combine both for maximum impact. If you’re a recruiter or agency owner looking to build your brand, attract inbound leads, and stay ahead of LinkedIn’s changes—this episode is your roadmap. Resources & Links Download Richard’s 2025 LinkedIn Algorithm Report: [Insert link] Richard’s website: https://www.richardvanderblom.com Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardvanderblom Connect with Mark Whitby Book your free strategy session: https://www.recruitmentcoach.com/strategy-session Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwhitby Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Twitter: @MarkWhitby Subscribe for more recruiter-focused episodes Like this video if it helped clarify LinkedIn’s algorithm

What if your growth path wasn't adding more clients, but working fewer, higher-quality roles with people who genuinely value your service? Allicia Birch, founder of 4tify Recruitment, built a six-figure recruitment firm in her first year — without cold calls, without compromising on fees, and without chasing every job. Her success came down to discipline: working to a structured 12-hour day in 15-minute blocks, building a reputation-based BD strategy, and walking away from bad-fit clients. You'll hear how she transformed underperformance into consistent high billings, created multi-division revenue from single clients, and productised her approach to business development — including how she sells high-ticket projects, runs invite-only roundtables, and uses market intelligence to position herself as a trusted partner, not just a vendor. 4tify is based in Manchester and specializes in construction industry recruitment. After 8 years in the industry, Allicia has become a leading voice in the residential new build market. Episode Highlights [03:20] How she struggled during the first three years with plenty of lessons [14:11] Breakdown to Breakthrough - turning things around from 250k to 350k billings [20:25] What inspired the launch of 4tify [26:10] Key success factors in the first 12 months of business [35:19] Her idea of a cold call - how she does BD without 'cold calling' [44:26] Best practices on being organized and creating a Day Plan [48:30] How market intelligence helps provide custom-fit solutions to clients [58:21] The round-table engagement strategy [1:03:04] What's next for the team Key Takeaways Training Makes the Difference: Her first three years brought zero earnings until proper training at Anderson James turned everything around. A breakthrough coaching session helped her jump from struggling to billing £250,000–£350,000 per year. Client Selection Strategy: "If you're trying to beat me down to 10%, I'm not your recruiter. I don't get out of bed for that." She only works with clients who respect her values, turning down low-fee roles and walking away from companies that don't align. Daily Structure: Speaks to 30 people per day (150 per week) - all warm calls through referrals Plans the day in 15-minute increments the night before at 9 PM Works closest to money first: live processes, then candidates, then client development Uses Excel spreadsheets with checkboxes and color coordination Market Intelligence: Uses reputational analysis to provide custom-fit solutions to each client. Her genuine, relationship-first approach thrives on meaningful partnerships – no cold calling, just honest conversations and deep understanding of what makes great teams work. About Allicia Birch Allicia Birch is the Managing Director of 4tify, a specialist recruitment company with 8 years in the industry, though it didn't start easily. The first three years brought zero earnings, but plenty of lessons. Once things clicked, she went on to consistently break records year after year, becoming a leading voice in the residential new build market. Her genuine, relationship-first approach thrives on meaningful partnerships – no cold calling, just honest conversations and deep understanding of what makes great teams work. With operations expanding in both the UK and US, she's on a mission to connect market leaders to the market. Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

How do you grow a high-margin recruitment business without hiring a big team—or chasing every lead? And what happens when you go all-in on yourself, right before a global pandemic? In this episode, I’m joined by Jordana Matsos, founder of Higher Equity, who shares how she launched a solo sales recruitment agency with no prior agency experience—and grew it into a $500K+ business by being radically transparent, highly organized, and boldly direct. We discuss why blunt messaging often works better than polished sales talk, how Jordana systematized her entire operation to run lean, and the lessons she learned after scaling too quickly. She also shares how she created an online academy for job seekers, turning inbound candidate traffic into an additional revenue stream. Episode Highlights: [03:43] From sales leader to recruiter: Jordana’s career pivot [11:16] Building the business: pricing, tools, and tech stack [14:28] Leveraging video and short-form content to attract talent [21:58] What went wrong when she scaled too fast [28:45] Creating the HireQuity Academy to serve job seekers [40:46] SOPs and templates that saved time and ensured consistency [45:48] Business development: blunt pitches, smart triggers, and warm referrals [58:30] Why transparency builds trust with both clients and candidates Blunt Messaging That Converts Jordana’s “blunt honesty” approach is one of her biggest differentiators. She shares full job details upfront—company name, comp, and expectations—which earns her 55–70% candidate response rates. For clients, her pitch deck goes out in the first message, including fee structure and recent placements, eliminating unnecessary back-and-forth and building immediate trust. Systematizing Solo Success Coming from a corporate sales background, Jordana knew she had to create repeatable, efficient processes. She templatized everything—from client onboarding to follow-ups and outreach. Tools like Google Sheets, Taplio, Otter.ai, and Aspect helped her automate and scale as a solo operator. Lessons from Scaling Too Fast After a strong first year billing nearly $300K solo, Jordana hired a full-time recruiter, BD rep, and sourcer. But expenses skyrocketed, margins plummeted to 20%, and client relationships suffered. She course-corrected by downsizing, letting go of low-margin clients, and doubling down on her niche—bringing her gross margins back to 60%+. Creating a Revenue Stream with Purpose Unable to serve every candidate personally, Jordana built the HireQuity Academy—an online course that gives job seekers an inside look at how recruiters think. With templates, interview prep, and real-world advice, it helps candidates stand out—and gives Jordana an additional income stream without trading time for money. About Jordana Matsos Jordana spent 15 years leading sales teams before founding Higher Equity in 2021. She now helps companies hire high-performing sales talent while running the HireQuity Academy to support job seekers. Tools & Resources Mentioned: Taplio | Otter.ai | Aspect | Cliff AI – now part of Quantive. Connect with Jordana: LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | HireQuity Academy | HireQuity Recruitment Connect with Mark Whitby: Free 30-Minute Strategy Call | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

What’s the most innovative way to scale a recruitment firm—especially in a fast-changing, competitive market? For Stuart Barnes, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Navitas Recruitment Group, the answer was combining quick-turn perm revenue with recurring contract income. That dual strategy helped Navitas grow from zero to over £2.6M in net fee income within just two years. In this episode, Stuart shares the real story behind launching a VC-backed recruitment firm in the renewable energy sector. He opens up about the early pressure, the emotional rollercoaster, and the systems that made rapid growth possible—from his blended revenue model to their structured approach to business development. You’ll also hear how Stuart returned to hands-on billing after years in leadership, personally generating over £100k in placements while laying the foundation for a high-performance culture. If you're a recruitment founder or team leader looking for real-world strategies that scale, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action. Episode Highlights: [01:43] How Stuart’s international experience shaped his mindset as a founder [06:22] From startup to £2.6M: how Navitas scaled in under 3 years [10:22] Why he chose renewables and what made it the right niche [13:41] Inside their aggressive 5-year growth plan [18:00] The “key ingredients” that powered their rapid start [29:24] Why BD should never stop—and how Navitas approaches it [37:57] The Channels they use for BD (and how Teams invites help book meetings) [46:09] Team structure and growth philosophy [53:40] Lessons from scaling too fast [55:52] Why KPIs should be meaningful, not just numbers [1:02:00] What’s next: expansion, strategy shifts, and Austin plans Key Takeaways: ✅ Balanced revenue model – Contract = recurring cash flow. Perm = speed. Together = sustainable growth. ✅ Structured BD system – The “3 buckets, 300 hiring managers, 1 hour daily” method that drives consistency. ✅ Hands-on leadership – Stuart led by example, returning to billing and setting the tone for scale. Connect with Stuart: 🔗 Stuart Barnes on LinkedIn 🌐 Navitas Recruitment Group People and Resources Mentioned Paul Taffe on LinkedIn Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

What if you could place nearly every candidate you represent—and do it at premium fees, without racing to the bottom? In this episode of The Resilient Recruiter, Mark Whitby is joined by Lysha Holmes, founder of QUI Recruitment and host of The Recruiters Recruitment Podcast. With over 20 years in Rec2Rec, Lysha shares how she’s built a values-led, inbound-only business with zero cold calling. You’ll discover: Why Lysha insists on exclusive candidate representation How she consistently achieves a 1.15:1 interview-to-placement ratio The values behind QUI: Quality, Urgency, and Integrity Her approach to relationship-driven BD and building through referrals How sobriety and wellbeing became business superpowers Whether you're a recruitment agency owner or solo operator, this episode is a playbook for building a more sustainable, high-margin, and meaningful business. Episode Highlights [00:45] Why Lysha rejects cold calls and how she builds BD differently [02:32] Her journey from failing A-levels to founding QUI Recruitment [13:24] Building a solo business while raising children [16:18] How she kept placing during maternity leave [17:19] Why exclusivity is non-negotiable for candidate control [24:27] Origin of QUI’s core values and how they shape every decision [24:56] A 1.15 placement ratio—how it’s done [26:38] The win-win case for exclusive representation [34:01] Attracting premium clients with consistency and care [38:25] BD through conversations, not spam [46:11] Using referrals and warm intros to win business [50:54] What clients are actually using AI for (hint: it’s not automation) [59:03] How sobriety transformed her leadership and mindset [01:04:18] Going sugar-free and protecting health as a growth strategy 💡 Key Takeaways Candidate Exclusivity Works Lysha explains how exclusivity leads to calmer processes, stronger placements, and better outcomes for all parties. She makes the case for exclusivity as a differentiator that drives results and reduces risk. 1.15:1 Interview-to-Placement Ratio By focusing on quality and alignment, Lysha’s ratios are among the best in the industry. Candidates are carefully vetted, and most are introduced to just one or two clients. Personal Brand + Warm BD = Sustainable Growth QUI Recruitment runs 100% on inbound business via referrals, podcasting, and LinkedIn presence. Lysha treats every interaction as business development and never spams. 👤 About Lysha Holmes Lysha began her career in sales and marketing, then transitioned into recruitment in 1998. After working with top agencies and discovering Rec2Rec, she founded QUI Recruitment in 2005. She is also the host of The Recruiters Recruitment Podcast, a mental health advocate, and a leader in the Women in Recruitment Leadership movement. 🔗 Connect with Lysha LinkedIn: Lysha Holmes Website: QUI Recruitment Connect with Mark Whitby Free 30-Minute Strategy Call LinkedIn: Mark Whitby Instagram: @recruitmentcoach X: @MarkWhitby Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter for weekly interviews with top-performing recruitment agency owners and thought leaders.

Hiring great recruiters should be second nature for recruitment business owners—after all, it's what we do for clients daily. But when it comes to growing your own team, the stakes are higher, the risks are real, and the margin for error is razor-thin. In today’s episode, we dive into what it really takes to attract, hire, and retain high-performing recruiters—especially in a competitive market where top talent has options. You’ll hear the inside story of how one firm scaled from 7 to 50 people and 7X’d its revenue in just five years—not by chance but by building a values-driven hiring and retention strategy. Whether you're hiring your first or your fiftieth recruiter, this episode will give you the mindset, methods, and metrics to do it right. Episode Outline and Highlights [03:21] From psychology to recruitment - Andy shares how he started his recruitment career, leading to the foundation of Brainworks. [07:34] How making and learning from many mistakes are key to Andy’s success. [10:20] Factors that lead to growth and scaling. [20:05] What can help you decide when considering investing in a high-compensation recruiter joining your team? [26:17] Andy reveals their hiring process when recruiting a recruiter. [31:32] How to retain top recruitment talent. [35:49] Fostering a collaborative and supportive culture - Andy elaborates on their specific action points. [43:50] Thoughts on remote work and performance management. [48:34] What the next five years look like for Brainworks. [50:53] Andy shares their tech stack that paid off. Andy Miller Bio and Contact Info Andy Miller started BrainWorks in 1991 and continues to lead the Consumer Products practice, placing talent ranging from mid level to general management and presidents, with an eye for impacting the business regardless of the level or function. Andy’s client roster ranges from large Fortune 50 companies to smaller entrepreneurial organizations that are looking to grow and believe that finding the right talent makes a difference. Andy received a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and spent 3 years in social services settings. After transitioning to business, Andy spent 10 years in the Telecommunications field, winning numerous sales awards including 5 consecutive years in the Gold Club and Salesman of the Year in 1987 and 1988. His passion and experience from competitive sports in addition to his psychology background provides a unique blend of competitiveness and people skills which has influenced how he works with both clients and candidates. This background is the basis of his philosophy -- to help clients win the competitive wars for talent by assessing, training and developing people towards greater productivity. Andy on LinkedIn Brainworks website link DRM Foundation Pinnacle Society Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

If you're struggling to hire high-performing recruiters across multiple cities or regions, the issue might not be your comp plan—it’s your value proposition. In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Dixon of FIFTEEN WEST to unpack a strategy that more recruitment agency owners need to use: customizing your EVP (Employee Value Proposition) based on location. Lisa shares hard-won insights from helping dozens of UK recruitment firms expand into the U.S. market. She reveals what actually moves the needle when it comes to attracting top talent, from wellness perks in New York to parking subsidies in Houston. If you want to build a high-performing team across multiple geographies, this episode is a must-listen. Episode Outline and Highlights [03:25] Lisa shares how they founded FIFTEEN WEST. [09:45] Discussion on strategies for US Market entry. [18:59] Compensation differences and challenges between the UK & US recruitment markets. [29:59] An Attractive employee value proposition to attract the best talent. [32:57] Discussion on tech stack and offshoring certain delivery functions as an option for recruitment companies. [37:55] How 11 Investments recently acquired FIFTEEN WEST. [46:27] Aha moments: Key learnings from working with a bigger business that has been further in the journey. Strategies When Expanding to the US Market As a rec-to-rec firm, FIFTEEN WEST initially focused on helping UK-headquartered businesses to expand to America. They have eventually moved to the US as a strategic effort to become an embedded recruitment partner across their clients’ global operations. Doing so is not easy, so I wanted to pick the strategies that Lisa and her team applied when transitioning to the US market. If you are also planning to establishing an office physically within the US, below are the things that Lisa learned that you may want to keep in mind: Leadership Deployment: One proven method was sending a founder or long-tenured employee to launch the U.S. office, ensuring the company’s DNA and values were transplanted effectively. This model was described as the most successful—helping set culture, hire locally, and scale faster. Tailored Unique Value Proposition: One main differences that Lisa pointed out is the commission and base salary structure. To get the best recruiters and talents, they adapted their commission structures and incentives for the U.S. market, realizing early on that what worked in the UK didn’t translate directly. Market Culture Adaptation: Lisa recognized that the U.S. market is more pragmatic and transactional—clients care less about past success and more about current candidates delivery. Overall, Lisa emphasized cultural embedding, leadership presence, and operational agility to navigate the distinct dynamics of the American recruitment market.

Why do most recruitment companies stall at 10 to 20 people, while others scale to 100+ across continents? In this episode, you’ll hear directly from someone who’s done it. STR Group is a family of specialist recruitment brands focused on STEM sectors. As co-founder, Clive Hutchings has spent over two decades growing the business to more than 120 staff across the UK, Europe, and the US—all while staying profitable, adaptable, and values-driven. In this interview, Clive breaks down what it really takes to build a multi-brand, international recruitment group, the leadership philosophy behind STR’s culture, and the gritty truths behind scaling a business beyond yourself. Episode Outline and Highlights [3:05] The early days: how Clive started in recruitment and his story of practicing his pitch in front of a mirror in the office. [11:37] The operational and leadership shifts needed to grow from 10 to 100+ employees [19:19] Why many recruitment founders plateau—and how to avoid it [21:09] Discussion on the best approach to train a new recruiter. [27:33] The value of having a support network around you. [32:50] What is the formula for knowing when to make your next hire? [40:00] Impact of AI: “Sales people being more sustainable, resourcing people less so.” [41:45] Clive reveals their tech stack and how AI impacts their current operations. [45:00] The relevance of cold calling in the age of AI. [52:00] Big differences between hiring in the US and the UK. [1:02:10] Learnings on expanding globally. [1:07:00] Culture and mantra that work. Leadership That Scales One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is the importance of evolving your role as a founder. Clive credits much of STR’s growth to the fact that he didn’t try to do everything himself. Instead, he and his co-founder took on complementary leadership roles, allowing each to focus on their strengths while building out a business that could scale beyond them. If you’re stuck juggling billing, management, and strategy, this is your sign to rethink your leadership structure. Building a scalable firm means building scalable leadership, and that starts with letting go of being the bottleneck. He also elaborated on the following: 1. Multifaceted Leadership Structure 2. Team Composition and Talent Strategy 3. High Energy and Personal Drive 4. Resilience Through Early-Stage Challenges 5. Realistic Growth Mindset Clive’s success as a leader came from building a balanced team, maintaining high personal energy, fostering a resilient and realistic culture, and adapting roles and structures to match the stage of the business. Decision Factors When to Make Your Next Hire With Clive’s success in scaling his team globally, I wanted to pick his brains on his thought process when deciding to make a new hire. As a recruitment business owner, this is a critical decision to make, as doing it too slowly can impede your business’s growth, while doing it too rapidly can lead to longer-term problems that cost more to fix. Clive shared the following decision factors: Strategic Forecasting & Business Planning - Hiring plans are based on quarterly forecasts developed by each brand’s leadership. Critical Mass & Team Size Considerations - A certain headcount is needed to reach operational momentum, but hiring must be sustainable. Smaller teams (e.g., <10 people) can’t absorb too many new hires without harming billing output. Billing Readiness - No new hires are made until existing team members are up and billing effectively. Managerial Capacity - Avoids spreading leadership too thin and ensures productivity isn't sacrificed. The team or brand must have a strong leader with the capacity to onboard, mentor, and support new hires. Avoiding Headcount for Vanity - Growth is measured by gross profit, not headcount, ensuring hires contribute to revenue, not just size.Culture You Can ReplicateCulture isn’t just lip service, it’s a competitive advantage. At STR, the “Make it Happen” and “D.I.N (Do it NOW)” mantra became more than a slogan; it was a daily mindset that helped the team stay focused, take ownership, and remain commercially sharp as the business scaled.As you grow beyond a small team, you’ll need a culture that can travel across desks, offices, and even continents. A clear, replicable culture creates alignment without micromanagement, making it easier to scale while maintaining high standards.“Is what I’m doing right now making me money?” It’s a simple question—but it changes how people work.”Clive Hutchings Bio and Contact InfoClive Hutchings has worked in Technical Recruitment since 1996. he established STR Group in 2000, which has evolved into a collection of niche brands in STEM sectors operating across the UK, Europe, and the USA. STR’s brands deliver people solutions in Life Sciences, Technical Engineering, Automation and Robotics, Maritime & Architecture. Now with offices in Portsmouth, Gatwick, Detroit, and Switzerland, they provide various solutions from contingent contract and permanent, through to retained, managed services, MSP, and Project solutions.Aside from work, Clive is a family man with 5 children and a long-suffering wife. He enjoys football, hiking, being outdoors, and looking after his sheep, having recently taken a course in lambing.Clive on LinkedInSTR website linkPeople and Resources Mentioned• Blackfield Associates website link• Navis Consulting website link• Urban Recruitment website link• Insignis Talent website link• Talos Automation website link• James Caan on LinkedIn • Alex Elliot on LinkedIn • Bullhorn Connect with Mark Whitby• Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call • Mark on LinkedIn• Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby • Mark on Facebook • Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoachSubscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

What does the future look like for recruitment agency owners? In this episode, I’m joined by DeeDee Doke, Editor-in-Chief of Recruiter magazine. With over 20 years in the role, DeeDee has a unique view of the industry, both in the UK and globally. We recorded this live at the Recruitment Agency Expo in London, and talked about how recruitment is changing — fast. Whether it's AI, M&A trends, or the shift from start-up to scale-up, we cover what agency leaders need to know to prepare for the next five years. Episode Outline and Highlights [03:00] DeeDee’s journey from Seattle to London — and 20 years leading Recruiter magazine [08:00] Discussion on doing business in the US in 2025 from the perspective of UK recruitment companies. [09:30] US events and the economy impact the UK recruitment market. [19:04] The differentiator between the UK recruitment industry and the US [27:00] AI and the future of recruitment. [34:47] Advocating the professionalism and pride of the recruiting profession. [40:29] Redefining recruitment: professional pride, upskilling, and smarter hiring Innovation is King - Especially in a Saturated Market DeeDee and I had a very interesting conversation on the similarities and differences between the UK and US recruitment markets. One of the key differences I pointed out is how saturated the UK market is compared to the US, while the US offers more profitable potential due to fees generated from higher salaries. DeeDee pointed out one thing that sets apart the UK market as a differentiator - she believes that the UK recruitment agencies, especially SMEs, are often more innovative than their US counterparts, not because of scale, but because saturation forces creativity. The US tends to focus on scale, while UK firms focus on differentiation and doing things differently. But the key takeaway is this: You don’t need to be the biggest—you just need to do things differently, and better. Innovation is now a competitive requirement, not a nice-to-have. AI and the Future of Recruitment You will also enjoy DeeDee’s insightful take on the advent of AI and how it will impact recruiters globally. We agree that AI will be useful in freeing recruiters from administrative tasks to focus on human interaction and strategies. The integration of AI tools can also improve the candidate experience by providing timely updates and personalized communication, fostering a more engaging and supportive recruitment process. With the streamlining and efficiency potentials AI can offer, it is also important to shift the focus from the old model of scaling, where you would need to add more people. With AI tools evolving fast, firms may no longer need as many people to get the same—or better—results. Efficiency and smart use of tech will define the next wave of growth. It’s Time to Champion the Value of Recruitment DeeDee has always advocated the value and importance of the recruitment profession. Too often, recruiters don’t get credit for the work they do—whether it’s helping someone into a new career, reskilling talent, or supporting growth in client businesses. DeeDee encourages agency leaders to enter awards, tell their stories, and raise standards across the profession. Doing your part means being proud of what you do as a recruiter or recruitment business owner by making others know of the impact you are making. Is there value in doing so? Indeed, this can attract better clients and talent in the long run. DeeDee Doke Bio and Contact Info Long-time editor of Recruiter magazine, DeeDee has more than 20 years of experience as a recruitment/HR specialist journalist and editor. She also has significant international experience as a defence and aviation journalist and in entertainment (theatre, contemporary music) reporting and editing. Originally from Seattle in the US, she has been a proud UK subject/citizen since 2007. DeeDee on LinkedIn Recruiter Magazine website link Recruiter Awards website link Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

What if discovering your neurodivergent could unlock a deeper sense of purpose—and make your recruitment business more impactful? In this episode, Adam Tobias shares how getting diagnosed with ADHD and autism in his 40s reshaped not only how he works, but why he works. That discovery ignited a new mission: helping organizations remove the hidden barriers that exclude brilliant, underrepresented talent. Adam Tobias is the co-founder of Inventum Group, a purpose-driven recruitment and consulting firm based in London and Johannesburg. With over 25 years in the industry, Adam has built a company that’s as values-led as it is commercially successful. Today, he advises clients ranging from FTSE 100 companies to fast-growth SMEs on how to recruit inclusively and build more resilient teams. Episode Outline and Highlights [02:40] How Adam got into recruiting, leading to his 20-year-old recruitment firm. [07:50] Avoiding ego-based growth: What Adam considers his lessons and learnings in his recruitment journey. [15:04] Key elements to success. [17:55] How finding out about his neurodivergence became a stepping-stone for inclusive consulting. [24:40] Adam’s discovery of his neurodivergence. [34:46] Strategies that help Adam manage ADHD and autism at work. [38:33] Channeling Adam’s advocacy as a differentiator. [45:57] Inventum’s business model. [48:38] The top hiring barriers for underrepresented candidates—and how to fix them. [56:39] Discussion on behaviour, cultures, and values. [59:00] The value of candidate experience. Turning Purpose into a Differentiator Being diagnosed with autism and ADHD past 40, Adam had a renewed perspective on how to help clients be more inclusive in their hiring process. Once he uncovered his neurodivergence, he stopped trying to fit a mold and started building around what actually worked for him, leading with empathy, structure, and a culture where people could just be themselves. This inspired him to develop The Inclusive Recruiter, a CPD-certified training program that’s now core to Inventum’s offering. It’s not just an add-on; it’s embedded into how they hire, train, and work with clients. “So what we're doing now is helping clients fix their hiring processes—not just make placements,” Adam shared. “It’s not about how well someone interviews. It’s about how well they’ll perform over time.” How did this benefit Adam’s recruitment firm? The ROI of Inclusive Hiring Adam believes that inclusive recruitment is more than a moral imperative—it’s a business advantage. Structured, unbiased interviews. Clearer job specs. Candidate experience that makes people want to re-engage. These aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they improve long-term placement success. They also turned this mission into a consulting arm of the business. Inventum has added new revenue streams while deepening client relationships. Whether it’s through advisory, workshops, or training, Adam’s team is proving that purpose can drive profit. “I think we’ve done well in a tough market because we’ve stayed true to who we are,” he said. “That’s what’s made us resilient.” Top Hiring Barriers for Underrepresented Candidates Adam shared insights on the commonly observed barriers when it comes to underrepresented groups and how they would advise their clients in terms of solutions. Below are outlined common challenges and recommended solutions: Challenges • Limited Outreach & Narrow Channels • Overloaded Job Descriptions • Masculine-Coded Language in Job Ads • Reliance on Outdated Job Descriptions • Unclear Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves • Unstructured Interview Processes • Culture Fit Bias Solutions • Proactive Candidate Engagement • Simplify Job Descriptions • Audit Job Ad Language • Start from Scratch with Job Specs • Ditch the “Desirable” List • Structured Interviews with Scoring • Reduces bias and makes evaluations more objective. • Use Multiple Independent Interviewers • Focus on Values, Not "Culture Fit" • Client Education & Conversations Adam Tobias Bio and Contact Info Adam is the co-founder of Inventum Group, a boutique recruitment and consulting firm focused on building inclusive workplaces. With teams in London and Johannesburg, Inventum partners with companies across finance, marketing, legal, and HR to deliver talent with purpose. Adam is also the creator of The Inclusive Recruiter—a CPD-certified training program—and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and equity in the workplace. • Adam on LinkedIn• Inventum Group websitePeople and Resources Mentioned • The Inclusive Recruiter (CPD Certified)• Pinnacle Society Connect with Mark Whitby • Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call • Mark on LinkedIn• Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby • Mark on Facebook • Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter