Stopgap Talks

Stopgap Recruitment
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The recruitment landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead in the fast-paced world of marketing, digital, and creative industries has never been more important. Stopgap Talks is here to help. Brought to you by the expert recruitment consultants at Stopgap, this podcast is your go-to resource for insights, advice, and real-world strategies to support both marketing professionals and hiring managers alike. Whether you're looking to take the next step in your career or build a standout team, we’re bringing you expert conversations, practical tips, and the latest industry trends to help you navigate the ever-changing job market. Join us for honest, engaging discussions that go beyond the job boards, covering everything from hiring best practices to personal career growth—all with a fresh and informed perspective from the UK’s leading marketing, digital, and creative recruitment specialists.

  1. The Importance of the Human Touch in Recruitment

    2025-12-03

    The Importance of the Human Touch in Recruitment

    In a world where AI is reshaping the recruitment landscape, one question keeps coming up: what happens to the human touch? In this first roundtable episode of Stopgap Talks, our Leadership Team explore why human connection is still the most powerful part of the recruitment process; for candidates, for clients, and for the long-term health of employer brands. Together, they dig into: Why they chose recruitment in the first place What they love about working with candidates and clients How AI is helping and where it’s harming the hiring experience Why conversations reveal more than any CV or algorithm ever could And how human insight strengthens employer brand and improves hiring outcomesFrom understanding personality fit and motivations, to guiding clients through market trends, to helping candidates navigate interview highs and lows, this episode is a reminder of why recruitment, at its best, is both a craft and a partnership. If you’ve felt the frustration of “the silent process”, struggled with AI-driven screening, or simply miss speaking to a real human during job searches, this episode is for you!

    40 min
  2. Returning from Maternity Leave: How to Rebuild Confidence, Balance and Career Momentum

    2025-11-04

    Returning from Maternity Leave: How to Rebuild Confidence, Balance and Career Momentum

    Stepping away from your career to have children can be one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences — but returning to work afterwards often brings a mix of emotions: excitement, uncertainty, and sometimes, self-doubt. In this Stopgap Talks episode, hosts Sarah Windsor and Zoe Vannozzi open up an honest and compassionate conversation about what it really feels like to return to work after maternity leave — and how both employees and employers can make the process smoother, more supportive, and more empowering. Drawing on their own experiences and years of helping marketing and creative professionals navigate career transitions, Sarah and Zoe explore everything from the practical steps to take before you go on leave, to the emotional adjustment of returning to a new version of working life. In this episode, we discuss: What to prepare before going on maternity leave — from policies and finances to planning your returnHow to manage the confidence dip that often comes with re-entry into the workplaceThe importance of flexibility and open communication between employees and employersPractical tips for balancing new parenthood with professional ambitionHow hybrid and flexible working have reshaped what returning to work can look likeThe positive side of change — how maternity leave can spark reflection, reinvention, and personal growthWhether you’re planning maternity leave, returning from it, or managing someone who is, this conversation offers real insight, empathy, and practical advice to help you navigate one of the biggest transitions in modern working life. Connect with our speakers: Sarah Windsor, Principal Consultant, Stopgap Connect on LinkedInZoe Vannozzi, Lead Consultant, Stopgap Connect on LinkedIn✨ Follow Stopgap Talks for more open, practical discussions about marketing careers, leadership, and life at work.

    45 min
  3. Hiring Your First Product Marketer: What Really Matters

    2025-09-09

    Hiring Your First Product Marketer: What Really Matters

    Hiring your first Product Marketing Manager (PMM) can feel like a leap into the unknown. What skills matter most? How do you avoid chasing unicorns? And why does capability matter more than job titles when scaling niche roles? In this episode of Stopgap Talks, Sarah Windsor, Principle Consultant at Stopgap, is joined by Hattie The PMM, founder of productmarketers.com and a leading voice in the global product marketing community. Together, they unpack the challenges and opportunities of making that all-important first PMM hire—and share practical insights for hiring managers, founders, and marketers navigating this evolving role. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why PMM is still misunderstood—and what that means for hiringThe biggest mistakes companies make when recruiting their first PMMThe core capabilities that matter most (and why industry experience isn’t everything)How PMMs can build careers that accelerate fast—sometimes into six figures in just 2–4 yearsThe rise of PMM in Europe and the role of AI in shaping its futureWhether you’re hiring, scaling, or building your PMM career, this is a must-listen.

    48 min
  4. Building Employer Brands from the Inside Out

    2025-08-27

    Building Employer Brands from the Inside Out

    In this episode of Stopgap Talks, host Amanda McCarthy sits down with Grace French, Director and Head of Culture at Stand, to explore what it really takes to build an employer reputation that goes beyond the surface. Employer brand isn’t just a marketing exercise—it’s lived and experienced every day by the people inside your organisation. Grace shares her perspective on - What a “good” culture looks like and how to sustain it as businesses evolveHow to create genuine advocates who embody your values The risks of neglecting culture—and how brand reputation can be damaged if internal and external messages don’t align The role of purpose and values in attracting (and retaining) top marketing talent What hiring managers should be thinking about in 2025 and beyondWhether you’re leading a team, hiring talent, or building culture, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone looking to strengthen their employer brand from the inside out. Connect with our speakers: Grace French – Director & Head of Culture, Stand - LinkedIn | Website | Contact | Stand on LinkedInAmanda McCarthy – Consultant, Stopgap Recruitment | Connect on LinkedIn

    43 min
  5. Reinvention After Redundancy: Building Back with Confidence

    2025-08-11

    Reinvention After Redundancy: Building Back with Confidence

    In this episode of Stopgap Talks, host Amanda McCarthy is joined by Sara Tidy, a confidence and career reinvention coach who helps people rebuild after redundancy and other major career setbacks. Redundancy can shake more than just your job title—it can challenge your identity, self-worth, and confidence. In this honest and uplifting conversation, Amanda and Sara explore how to navigate the emotional impact, reframe your mindset, and take practical steps toward a stronger, more confident future. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why redundancy still carries so much emotional weightHow to move beyond shame and see it as a career pivot, not a setbackThe early steps to take when rebuilding your confidenceHow to approach interviews after redundancy with clarity and self-beliefReal-life stories of surprising and positive career reinventionsWhether you’re facing redundancy, supporting someone through it, or simply curious about building resilience in your career, this episode offers hope, perspective, and actionable advice. Connect with our speakers - Sara Tidy - Career, Confidence and Communications Coach. Visit Pear Tree Coaching or connect on LinkedIn.Amanda McCarthy - Consultant, Stopgap Recruitment Connect on LinkedInFollow Stopgap Talks on Spotify, Apple or Amazon Music to never miss an episode. And if something in this conversation resonated—please share, comment, or drop us a message.

    57 min
  6. Redefining the Change: Menopause, Work and the Power of Reframing

    2025-07-28

    Redefining the Change: Menopause, Work and the Power of Reframing

    For too long, menopause has been treated as a taboo subject—whispered about, misunderstood, or completely ignored in the workplace. But what if we saw it differently? What if menopause wasn’t the end of something, but the beginning of a new phase of empowerment, clarity and strength? In this episode of Stopgap Talks, our Lead Consultant Kate Boston speaks with Michelle Vaughton—Founder of VOLT Consultancy, holistic performance coach, and former People Development Director—about why it’s time to reframe the conversation around menopause at work. Michelle brings over 30 years of experience leading cultural transformation across industries. With a background in both business strategy and wellbeing (she’s also a qualified yoga teacher), Michelle takes a holistic approach to people performance—and she’s passionate about building inclusive cultures that work for everyone. Together, they explore: What menopause actually is—and why perimenopause can be so destabilisingHow the stigma around ageing and loss of relevance still persists in the workplaceWhat organisations risk when they don’t support menopausal employeesPractical, empowering ways to go from coping to thriving during this life transitionWhat employers can do to create inclusive, menopause-informed workplacesTips for supporting yourself—physically, mentally and emotionally—through changeWhether you’re going through menopause yourself, supporting someone who is, or leading a team—this is a conversation for all genders and generations. It’s time to break the silence, shift the story, and build careers (and cultures) where no one gets left behind. Connect with our speakers - Michelle Vaughton Founder, VOLT Consultancy Connect on LinkedInKate Boston Lead Consultant, Stopgap Recruitment Connect on LinkedInFollow Stopgap Talks on Spotify, Apple or Amazon Music to never miss an episode. And if something in this conversation resonated—please share, comment, or drop us a message. #StopgapTalks #MenopauseAtWork #Menopause #Perimenopause #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #WomenInWork #CultureMatters #MarketingCareers #CareerLongevity #HolisticPerformance

    42 min
  7. Silencing the Inner Critic: Unlocking Confidence for Career Moves (and Interview Wins)

    2025-06-03

    Silencing the Inner Critic: Unlocking Confidence for Career Moves (and Interview Wins)

    In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Stopgap’s Lead Consultant Kate Boston sits down with transformative life coach Katherine Ashmore—creator of The Mindset Exchange—to tackle one of the most common but rarely discussed challenges in career transitions: the inner critic. Whether you're eyeing your next big role or supporting others through the hiring process, this episode is packed with “that’s me” moments. Katherine and Kate unpack how self-doubt, perfectionism and imposter syndrome subtly sabotage career decisions and interviews—and more importantly, how to shift your mindset for success. Expect honest insights, practical mindset tools, and stories from the frontlines of job hunting and hiring. You’ll walk away more self-aware, more empowered, and more ready to own your value—on your CV and in the interview room. Contect with our speakers - Katherine Ashmore LinkedIn: Katherine AshmoreFree Live Training: Master Your Mindset and Build Real Confidence – 18 June, 8PM 👉 Register now: https://katherine-ashmore.mykajabi.com/master-your-mindset Kate Boston LinkedIn: Kate BostonWhether you're navigating a job move or want to bring more humanity into your hiring process, this episode offers both heart and strategy.

    41 min
  8. Mental Health, Identity & Finding Community in Recruitment

    2025-05-18

    Mental Health, Identity & Finding Community in Recruitment

    In this episode of Stopgap Talks, host Amanda McCarthy sits down with performance and wellbeing coach James Pickles to explore the emotional reality behind job searching, recruitment, and leadership. Drawing from James’ own experience of burnout and recovery, they dive into how community—and genuine human connection—can be the key to protecting mental health in a fast-moving world of work. Together, they reflect on the silent struggles of job seekers, the emotional labour of recruiters, and the ways employers can lead with compassion and inclusivity. Whether you’re looking for your next role, building a team, or trying to support others in your workplace, this conversation offers fresh insight, real stories, and practical takeaways. Connect with the Speakers: James Pickles - James is a performance coach, speaker, and mental health advocate who helps high performers protect their wellbeing while sustaining success. His coaching and talks are rooted in lived experience, creating space for honest reflection and forward momentum. Visit James' Website Connect on LinkedIn Amanda McCarthy - Amanda is a Stopgap consultant, passionate about supporting candidates with empathy and building inclusive communities in recruitment. Connect on LinkedIn Listen & Subscribe: Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Stopgap Talks and leave a review. Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable conversations and inspiring voices. For more insights on marketing recruitment and workplace wellbeing, visit Stopgap.

    47 min
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About

The recruitment landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead in the fast-paced world of marketing, digital, and creative industries has never been more important. Stopgap Talks is here to help. Brought to you by the expert recruitment consultants at Stopgap, this podcast is your go-to resource for insights, advice, and real-world strategies to support both marketing professionals and hiring managers alike. Whether you're looking to take the next step in your career or build a standout team, we’re bringing you expert conversations, practical tips, and the latest industry trends to help you navigate the ever-changing job market. Join us for honest, engaging discussions that go beyond the job boards, covering everything from hiring best practices to personal career growth—all with a fresh and informed perspective from the UK’s leading marketing, digital, and creative recruitment specialists.

Information

  • Creator
    Stopgap Recruitment
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stopgap Recruitment 2025
  • Show Website
    Stopgap Talks