The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Recruiter’s Recruitment Podcast, Lysha Holmes sits down with long-time industry friend Caroline Kingsley, co-founder of Kingsley Recruitment, to explore the realities of building, scaling, and reshaping a recruitment business through life’s biggest challenges.Caroline shares her unconventional route into recruitment after starting her career as a surveyor, and why industry experience gave her a unique edge in the property recruitment market. Together, Lysha and Caroline reflect on the highs and lows of launching a business during the 2008 financial crash, the lessons learned from scaling to 28 staff, and why they both now believe “less is more” when it comes to sustainable growth.Most powerfully, Caroline opens up about her cancer diagnosis and recovery journey, and how that life-changing experience completely transformed her perspective on stress, success, family, and what truly matters. The episode is an honest reminder that behind every LinkedIn profile is a human being navigating challenges we rarely see.You’ll also hear about Caroline’s exciting next chapter as she prepares to launch her own podcast focused on senior leaders across the built environment and data centre sectors.🔗 Connect with the guestCaroline Kingsley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinekingsley1/Kingsley Recruitment: https://www.kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk/🔗 Connect with the hostLysha Holmes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyshaholmesr2r/Qui Recruitment: https://www.quirecruitment.co.uk/Follow the podcast on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts:https://www.youtube.com/@therecruitersrecruitmentpodhttps://the-recruiters-recruitment-podcast.captivate.fm/——————The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger, and partnered with Needi, Keybridge IT Solutions, Bristow & Hardy and Diversity in Recruitment.Our sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more about Paiger: https://paiger.co/Our partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders save companies time and money with their complimentary corporate gifting service.https://needi.co.uk/Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently.https://www.bristowandhardy.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.https://diversityinrecruitment.com/Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more.https://www.keybridgeit.com/#RecruitmentPodcast #RecruitmentLeadership #WomenInRecruitment #PropertyRecruitment #FounderStories #RecruitmentCareers #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #RecruitmentIndustry #TheRecruitersRecruitmentPodcast

In this episode of The Recruiter’s Recruitment Podcast, host Lysha Holmes sits down with James Rowe, Founder & MD of The Recruitment Experts, to explore his unconventional journey from professional rugby at Harlequins to launching one of the recruitment industry’s most unique self-employed recruitment models.James shares the highs, lows, and lessons from his career — including burnout, losing jobs, navigating COVID, and why backing yourself can completely change your future. Together, Lysha and James dive into the realities of self-employed recruitment, the mindset needed to succeed, and why flexibility and integrity are becoming non-negotiables in the future of work.They also discuss:Why recruitment is moving toward more flexible working modelsThe importance of mindset, resilience, and adaptabilityBuilding a collaborative self-employed recruitment businessWhy industry knowledge can matter more than recruitment experienceSupporting return-to-work parents and creating genuine flexibilityThe role of integrity and transparency in scaling a businessA refreshingly honest conversation packed with practical insights for recruiters, founders, and anyone considering launching their own business.🔗 Connect with the guestJames Rowe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rowe-recruitment/The Recruitment Experts: https://therecruitmentexperts.co.uk/🔗 Connect with the hostLysha Holmes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyshaholmesr2r/Qui Recruitment: https://www.quirecruitment.co.uk/Follow the podcast on another platform:https://www.youtube.com/@therecruitersrecruitmentpodhttps://the-recruiters-recruitment-podcast.captivate.fm/——————The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger, and partnered with Needi, Keybridge IT Solutions, Bristow & Hardy and Diversity in Recruitment.Our sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more about Paiger: https://paiger.co/Our partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders save companies time and money with their complimentary corporate gifting service.https://needi.co.uk/Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently.https://www.bristowandhardy.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.https://diversityinrecruitment.com/Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more.https://www.keybridgeit.com/#Recruitment #RecruitmentPodcast #RecruitmentExperts #SelfEmployedRecruitment #RecruitmentFounder #StaffingIndustry #FutureOfWork #RecruitmentLeadership #FlexibleWorking #RecruitmentBusiness

This week on The Recruiter’s Recruitment Podcast, host Lysha Holmes sits down with Simon Bucknell, founder of EMBS Talent, Peak Intelligence, GenX Talent and more, for a powerful and honest conversation on the realities shaping today’s talent market.From tackling ageism in recruitment to building a “recruitment for good” movement, Simon shares how a viral LinkedIn post sparked the creation of a Gen X-focused talent platform. The episode dives deep into the often-overlooked challenges facing experienced professionals, including bias in hiring, the impact of AI on job accessibility, and why true consultancy is now essential in recruitment.A standout part of the conversation explores menopause and “manopause” in the workplace—breaking stigma, encouraging open dialogue, and highlighting how these life stages affect confidence, performance, and wellbeing. This is a real DEI conversation that goes beyond surface-level talk and into actionable awareness.They also unpack AI literacy, why it’s no longer optional, and how recruiters can evolve into strategic talent partners in a rapidly changing world.Expect candid insights, practical advice, and a refreshing level of honesty throughout.Who this episode is for:Recruiters wanting to become true consultantsLeaders tackling DEI and age bias in hiringGen X professionals navigating career transitionsAnyone curious about AI’s impact on recruitmentEmployers aiming to create more inclusive workplaces🔗 Connect with the guestSimon Bucknell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbucknell/EMBS Talent: https://embstalent.co.uk/GenX Talent: https://genxtalent.co.uk/Peak Intelligence: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peak-intelligence-ai/🔗 Connect with the hostLysha Holmes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyshaholmesr2r/Qui Recruitment: https://www.quirecruitment.co.uk/Follow the podcast on another platform:https://www.youtube.com/@therecruitersrecruitmentpodhttps://the-recruiters-recruitment-podcast.captivate.fm/——————The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger, and partnered with Needi, Keybridge IT Solutions, Bristow & Hardy and Diversity in Recruitment.Our sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more about Paiger: https://paiger.co/Our partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders save companies time and money with their complimentary corporate gifting service.https://needi.co.uk/Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently.https://www.bristowandhardy.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.https://diversityinrecruitment.com/Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more.https://www.keybridgeit.com/#RecruitmentPodcast #GenX #Ageism #AIinRecruitment #DEI #MenopauseAtWork #TalentStrategy #FutureOfWork #RecruitmentLeadership

In this powerful episode of The Recruiter’s Recruitment Podcast, host Lysha Holmes sits down with Ellis Rouch, founder of Joint Ventures Group, to unpack one of the most raw and inspiring journeys in recruitment.Ellis shares how a devastating rugby injury—requiring multiple surgeries and relearning how to walk—forced him to completely redefine his identity and future. What followed was a journey through severe mental health struggles, imposter syndrome, and ultimately, a transformation into a successful recruitment founder.This episode dives deep into:Turning adversity into fuel for successThe importance of vulnerability (especially for male founders)Why “small wins” matter more than big milestonesThe reality behind recruitment success vs. social media highlightsBuilding a culture that balances competitiveness with opennessEllis also opens up about the pressures of founding a business, navigating personal challenges, and why honesty in leadership creates stronger, more resilient teams.Who this episode is for:Recruitment founders and leadersRecruiters navigating tough marketsAnyone dealing with setbacks or career pivotsProfessionals interested in mindset, resilience, and authentic leadership🔗 Connect with the guestEllis Rouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellis-rouch-52245555/Joint Ventures Group: https://www.jointventuresgroup.co.uk/🔗 Connect with the hostLysha Holmes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyshaholmesr2r/Qui Recruitment: https://www.quirecruitment.co.uk/Follow the podcast on another platform:https://www.youtube.com/@therecruitersrecruitmentpodhttps://the-recruiters-recruitment-podcast.captivate.fm/——————The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger, and partnered with Needi, Keybridge IT Solutions, Bristow & Hardy and Diversity in Recruitment.Our sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more about Paiger: https://paiger.co/Our partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders save companies time and money with their complimentary corporate gifting service.https://needi.co.uk/Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently.https://www.bristowandhardy.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.https://diversityinrecruitment.com/Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more.https://www.keybridgeit.com/#RecruitmentPodcast #RecruitmentLife #FounderJourney #MentalHealthAtWork #ImposterSyndrome #Leadership #Resilience #RecruitmentIndustry

What if success in recruitment wasn’t about scaling, exiting, or building a huge team?In this episode of The Recruiter’s Recruitment Podcast, Lysha Holmes is joined by Natalie Wells, founder of Natalie Wells Recruitment, to explore a different path—one focused on profitability, balance, and long-term fulfilment.Natalie shares her journey from corporate recruitment into building a highly successful solo business, and why she chose not to follow the traditional “scale and sell” model. From working in finance recruitment for nearly three decades to creating a lifestyle-led business, this conversation challenges the industry’s definition of success.They discuss:Why solo recruitment businesses can be more profitable than scaled modelsThe importance of defining your own version of successHow to build a business that fits your life—not the other way aroundThe power of true consultancy vs transactional recruitingWhy curiosity and asking better questions sets top recruiters apartThe risks of relying on PSLs and corporate structuresWhat it really takes to go out on your own (and who shouldn’t)Natalie also shares practical advice for anyone considering starting their own agency, including the importance of business development skills, building a personal brand, and working with SMEs on a retained basis.This is a refreshing, honest conversation for recruiters who want more freedom, more control, and a more meaningful definition of success.🔗 Connect with the guestNatalie Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliewellsrecruitment/🔗 Connect with the hostLysha Holmes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyshaholmesr2r/Qui Recruitment: https://www.quirecruitment.co.uk/Follow the podcast on another platform:https://www.youtube.com/@therecruitersrecruitmentpodhttps://the-recruiters-recruitment-podcast.captivate.fm/——————The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger, and partnered with Needi, Keybridge IT Solutions, Bristow & Hardy and Diversity in Recruitment.Our sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more about Paiger: https://paiger.co/Our partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders save companies time and money with their complimentary corporate gifting service.https://needi.co.uk/Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently.https://www.bristowandhardy.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.https://diversityinrecruitment.com/Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more.https://www.keybridgeit.com/#Recruitment #Rec2Rec #SoloFounder #RecruitmentLife #WomenInRecruitment #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of The Recruiter’s Recruitment Podcast, host Lysha Holmes sits down with Hong Kong–based entrepreneur Mark Francis—an exited founder, recruitment leader, and HR tech innovator.Mark shares his journey from accidental recruiter to building and exiting multiple businesses across Asia, including executive search firms and a fintech platform supporting contractor funding. He dives into the evolution of recruitment tech—from spreadsheets and landlines to LinkedIn and now AI—and what it really means for recruiters today.The conversation tackles the realities of AI in hiring: from AI-generated CVs to automation challenges, bias concerns, and why human EQ still matters more than ever. Mark also shares predictions for the next 2–3 years, including the rise of side hustles, entrepreneurial recruiters, and new wealth creation models.Plus, practical advice for founders looking to scale and exit—why contractor books matter, how to build defensible niches, and what opportunities exist in fast-growing Asian markets.Expect honest insights, global perspective, and reassurance that recruitment isn’t going anywhere—it’s just evolving.Who this episode is for:Recruitment founders scaling or planning an exitRecruiters navigating AI and tech disruptionAnyone interested in global hiring trends (especially Asia)Aspiring entrepreneurs in recruitment or HR tech🔗 Connect with the guestMark Francis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-80337a8/Preferrd: https://www.preferrd.io/🔗 Connect with the hostLysha Holmes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyshaholmesr2r/Qui Recruitment: https://www.quirecruitment.co.uk/Follow the podcast on another platform:https://www.youtube.com/@therecruitersrecruitmentpodhttps://the-recruiters-recruitment-podcast.captivate.fm/——————The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger, and partnered with Needi, Keybridge IT Solutions, Bristow & Hardy and Diversity in Recruitment.Our sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more about Paiger: https://paiger.co/Our partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders save companies time and money with their complimentary corporate gifting service.https://needi.co.uk/Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently.https://www.bristowandhardy.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.https://diversityinrecruitment.com/Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more.https://www.keybridgeit.com/#RecruitmentPodcast #RecTech #AIinRecruitment #RecruitmentLeaders #ScalingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #HRTech #GlobalRecruitment #AsiaMarkets

In this episode of The Recruiter’s Recruitment Podcast, host Lysha Holmes speaks with Natasha Klymczuk, founder of Kelham Partners, about her journey from an unexpected start in nursing to building a retained recruitment business in the global chemicals sector.Natasha shares how a chance interaction with a recruiter led her into the industry, how her background in sales shaped her recruitment approach, and why retained search became central to her business model. She also reflects on launching Kelham Partners in 2025 and the realities of stepping away from a salaried role to build something from scratch.Natasha also talks about launching her own podcast, Speciality Sessions, sharing why she recorded an entire first season early on and how podcasting has helped her connect with leaders across the chemicals industry while strengthening her brand in a new business.If you’re considering launching your own recruitment business, transitioning to a retained model, or building influence in a niche sector, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical lessons.🔗 Connect with the guestNatasha Klymczuk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashaklymczuk-chemicalrecruitment/Kelham Partners: https://kelhampartners.com/Listen to Speciality Sessions on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts:https://www.youtube.com/@SpecialitySessionsPodcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CS8Qos21QX83508RL5WX3https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/speciality-sessions/id1850962012🔗 Connect with the hostLysha Holmes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyshaholmesr2r/Qui Recruitment: https://www.quirecruitment.co.uk/Follow the podcast on another platform:https://www.youtube.com/@therecruitersrecruitmentpodhttps://the-recruiters-recruitment-podcast.captivate.fm/——————The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger, and partnered with Needi, Keybridge IT Solutions, Bristow & Hardy and Diversity in Recruitment.Our sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more about Paiger: https://paiger.co/Our partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders save companies time and money with their complimentary corporate gifting service.https://needi.co.uk/Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently.https://www.bristowandhardy.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.https://diversityinrecruitment.com/Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more.https://www.keybridgeit.com/#RecruitmentPodcast #RecruitmentFounder #RetainedSearch #RecruitmentBusiness #RecruitmentLeadership #NicheRecruitment

In this powerful episode of The Recruiter’s Recruitment Podcast, Lysha Holmes is joined by Mel Knight and Naomi Hewitt, Co-Founders of Action Potential Performance, to tackle one of the biggest questions facing our industry right now: are we investing enough in people?From the decline in trainee hiring to the over-reliance on experienced billers, Mel and Naomi unpack the commercial pressures recruitment leaders are facing – and why short-term thinking could be costing businesses their future growth.Drawing on backgrounds spanning neuroscience, operations, sales and leadership, they explore:Why Gen Z’s relationship with communication is reshaping recruiter skillsetsThe growing confidence gap in early-career consultantsCoachability, curiosity and resilience as the new “DNA” markers of top recruitersThe real impact of hybrid working on culture, training and retentionWhy top billers don’t automatically make great leadersHow leadership blind spots, lack of L&D budgets and poor management are driving attritionThe conversation also dives into fractional L&D models, safe spaces for leadership development, and why even Mel and Naomi invest in their own coach to sharpen their edge.This is a candid, forward-thinking discussion about building sustainable recruitment businesses — not just profitable ones.🔗 Connect with the guestsMel Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mel-knight-chartered-mcipd-46686422/Naomi Hewitt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-hewitt-0899b1161/Action Potential Performance: https://actionpotentialgroup.org/🔗 Connect with the hostLysha Holmes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyshaholmesr2r/Qui Recruitment: https://www.quirecruitment.co.uk/Follow the podcast on YouTube, Captivate, Spotify and Apple Podcasts:https://www.youtube.com/@therecruitersrecruitmentpodhttps://the-recruiters-recruitment-podcast.captivate.fm/——————The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger, and partnered with Needi, Keybridge IT Solutions, Bristow & Hardy and Diversity in Recruitment.Our sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more about Paiger: https://paiger.co/Our partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders save companies time and money with their complimentary corporate gifting service.https://needi.co.uk/Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently.https://www.bristowandhardy.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.https://diversityinrecruitment.com/Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more.https://www.keybridgeit.com/#RecruitmentPodcast #RecruitmentLeadership #TalentDevelopment #RecruitmentTraining #FutureOfRecruitment #AgencyGrowth #LearningAndDevelopment

In this episode of The Recruiter’s Recruitment Podcast, Lysha Holmes is joined by global talent sourcing trainer and international speaker Vanessa Raath for a refreshingly practical conversation about AI in recruitment.This isn’t another hype-filled AI episode. Instead, Vanessa shares how recruiters can use AI intentionally to remove admin, save hours each week, and refocus on what truly drives success in recruitment – human connection, relationships, and personal brand.They explore why recruiters must “up their human” to stay ahead of AI, how to avoid shiny-tool syndrome, and what recruitment leaders should be thinking about right now as the industry settles into the next phase of AI adoption. Vanessa also shares insights from working with recruitment businesses globally, meeting 100+ AI vendors, and helping teams choose tech that actually improves time-to-hire rather than adding complexity.The conversation also covers launching and scaling a recruitment business, building a brand that creates inbound opportunities, the future of LinkedIn and sourcing tools, and why passionate curiosity is the most important skill recruiters can take into 2026 and beyond.Who this episode is for:Recruitment founders, agency leaders, solo recruiters, talent acquisition professionals, and anyone feeling overwhelmed – or left behind – by AI in recruitment.🔗 Connect with the guestVanessa Raath: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaraath/Vanessa's Tried & Tested AI Tools: https://start.me/p/l6bkk7/vanessa-raath-s-tried-tested-ai-tools🔗 Connect with the hostLysha Holmes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyshaholmesr2r/Qui Recruitment: https://www.quirecruitment.co.uk/Follow the podcast on YouTube, Captivate, Spotify and Apple Podcasts:https://www.youtube.com/@therecruitersrecruitmentpodhttps://the-recruiters-recruitment-podcast.captivate.fm/——————The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger, and partnered with Needi, Keybridge IT Solutions, Bristow & Hardy and Diversity in Recruitment.Our sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more about Paiger: https://paiger.co/Our partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders save companies time and money with their complimentary corporate gifting service.https://needi.co.uk/Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently.https://www.bristowandhardy.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.https://diversityinrecruitment.com/Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more.https://www.keybridgeit.com/#RecruitmentPodcast #AIinRecruitment #RecruitmentLeadership #FutureOfRecruitment #TalentAcquisition #RecruiterLife #HumanFirst #RecruitmentFounder

Allicia Birch is the founder of 4tify, a specialist recruitment agency serving the new-build residential construction market across the UK and US.Allicia shares her journey of launching an agency in a challenging market, offering pragmatic, no-nonsense advice for anyone who’s thinking about starting a business, or trying to gain traction when conditions aren’t easy.We dive into:How Allicia has intentionally protected her mindset as a founderThe role of leadership, resilience, and self-awareness in building something sustainableWhy friendship and strong relationships sit at the heart of her successThis episode is packed with honest insights for founders, recruiters, and leaders navigating uncertainty—especially those building businesses from the ground up.🔗 Connect with Allicia:https://www.linkedin.com/in/allicia-birch/-----------The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger and partners to Needi, Keybridge IT, Bristol & Hardy and Diversity and Inclusion .Our Sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more details on Paiger here - https:// paiger.co/?utm_source=podcast..Our Partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best, local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders, save companies time and money, with their complimentary corporate gifting service . Find out more here -https:// needi.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed anidence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more didence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently. Find out more here – https:// bristowandhardy.co.uk

This week, we’re joined by Marie Pegram - Managing Partner at TC Group - one of the UK’s top 20 accountancy firms and a specialist advisor to the recruitment sector. Leading offices across Letchworth, Huntingdon, and Cambridge, Marie brings a rare combination of deep financial expertise and real, hands-on understanding of how recruitment businesses actually operate.In this episode, Marie breaks down what the past year has really looked like behind the numbers, what TC East does differently for recruitment businesses, and why “real-life finance” matters more than ever in a challenging market.We cover:• The current state of the recruitment market- what the numbers are telling us versus the headlines• Predictions for 2026 and what financially resilient recruitment businesses will be doing differently• Benchmarking days and practical financial insight - why context matters more than spreadsheets• What recruiters and business leaders can do right now to strengthen performance, margins, and decision-makingIf you’re a recruitment founder or leader who wants clarity, control, and confidence in your finances - and insight you can actually act on—this episode is essential listening.Connect with Marie here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariepegram/-----------The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger and partners to Needi, Keybridge IT, Bristol & Hardy and Diversity and Inclusion .Our Sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more details on Paiger here - https:// paiger.co/?utm_source=podcast..Our Partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best, local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders, save companies time and money, with their complimentary corporate gifting service . Find out more here -https:// needi.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed anidence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more didence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently. Find out more here – https:// bristowandhardy.co.uk

Welcome, all the way from New York City, Adam Posner, Founder of NHP Talent Group and host of #thePOZcast. Adam shares his journey from a 15-year career in marketing to becoming a boutique staffing firm owner and seasoned recruiter. He discusses the power of leveraging industry expertise, integrating AI tools like Newt for workflow automation and the evolving role of recruiters in the age of technology.Lysha and Adam explore how emotional agility, active listening and evaluating problem solving skills are key in both recruitment and personal development. They also touch on the concept of “lifequakes,” sharing personal stories of resilience and transformation. Rounding out the episode, Adam offers insights into his podcasting success, stressing preparation, consistency, and authentic connection. This conversation is a rich blend of industry expertise, human insight and forward looking advice for recruitment professionals.Connect with Adam here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjposner/www.thePOZcast.com-----------The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger and partners to Needi, Keybridge IT, Bristol & Hardy and Diversity and Inclusion .Our Sponsor: Paiger -  Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more details on Paiger here - https:// paiger.co/?utm_source=podcast...Our Partners: Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best, local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders, save companies time and money, with their complimentary corporate gifting service . Find out more here -https:// needi.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed anidence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider -  Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more didence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently. Find out more here – https:// bristowandhardy.co.uk

This week, we’re joined by fellow Northerner Paul Sharpe of NorthStar People— Business Coach, Business Mentor, RPO Consultant, NED. Trusteeand one of the most respected voices in recruitment and leadership. Paul’s journey into recruitment wasn’t planned; after starting out in retail back in 2002, he found his way into an industry he’s since helped shape from the inside out.In this conversation, Paul brings clarity, perspective, and straight-talk to a sector navigating constant change. Drawing on decades of experience advising businesses at board level, he shares what leaders should really be focusing on right now to protect their future.We cover:• Who we should be spotting for the future talent pool- and what potential really looks like today• The current recruitment landscape and which companies are setting themselves up to win long-term• Paul’s honest take on RecTech - what adds value and what’s just noise• How to build and maintain a positive mindset in high-pressure environments• Why training still isn’t being prioritised - and the cost of getting it wrongThis episode is a must-listen for recruitment leaders, founders, and managers who want to think beyond short-term wins and build resilient, people-first businesses that lastConnect with Paul here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sharpe-business-advisor/----------The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger and partners to Needi, Keybridge IT, Bristol & Hardy and Diversity and Inclusion .Our Sponsor: Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more details on Paiger here - https:// paiger.co/?utm_source=podcast...Our Partners: Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best, local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders, save companies time and money, with their complimentary corporate gifting service . Find out more here -https:// needi.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed anidence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more didence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently. Find out more here – https:// bristowandhardy.co.uk