The Full Desk Experience

Crelate
  • 5.0 (21)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Full Desk Experience, a podcast for leaders in the staffing and recruiting industry. Hosted by Kortney Harmon, Director of Industry Relations at Crelate, this show is designed to provide insights and tips from a highly knowledgeable consultant in the field. Join us live (or catch the replay) in our Workshop series, where Kortney delivers expert advice and actionable tips for you to take to your firms immediately. In the Industry Spotlight series, Kortney interviews industry experts and leaders, highlighting their journeys to success and key insights into the staffing and recruiting industry. Don't have an hour to dedicate to a podcast? Listen in to our FDE Express - where you'll get quick-hit insights and tips in 10 minutes or less. With new episodes dropping weekly, this is the perfect opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the industry. Don't miss out - join us for The Full Desk Experience today! If you'd like to attend the live session, be sure to visit our website for more information.

  1. FDE Express | Why 2026 Isn’t the Year of AI — It’s the Year of Operations

    2D AGO

    FDE Express | Why 2026 Isn’t the Year of AI — It’s the Year of Operations

    Is AI creating advantage—or exposing inefficiency at scale? Kortney Harmon breaks down why 2026 won’t be defined by better tools, but by better operations. As growth slows and teams shrink, firms can’t outwork broken systems. Fragmented data, bloated tech stacks, and unclear workflows are quietly draining productivity—and AI is only accelerating the problem. The firms pulling ahead are doing less, better: integrating systems, tightening workflows, and turning scattered data into operational clarity. Discover why operational discipline—not more technology—is what will separate scalable firms from stagnant ones in 2026. ______________________ Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.crelate.com/blog/full-desk-experience

    14 min
  2. Best of FDE| Thriving in the Post-AI Era of Recruiting with Aaron Elder, CEO - Crelate

    MAR 19

    Best of FDE| Thriving in the Post-AI Era of Recruiting with Aaron Elder, CEO - Crelate

    This Best of FDE episode is a rebroadcast of one of our MarCom Gold Award winners—and honestly, it’s even more relevant now than when we first recorded it. In this episode of The Full Desk Experience, Crelate CEO Aaron Elder joins host Kortney Harmon to break down what it actually looks like to operate in a post-AI world—and what that means for owners, directors, and executive-level leaders. In this episode, we cover: What “post-AI” really means: Why AI isn’t coming—it’s already here, and how it’s quietly becoming as essential as electricityWhere firms are actually winning: How top teams are using targeted AI (not hype) to create real value and stronger client relationshipsThe shift to “living platforms”: Moving beyond static systems to tech that actively works for you, not just stores your dataWhere humans still matter most: In high-trust work like executive search, where AI supports—and where it can’t replace—the human elementWhat’s about to change operationally: From sourcing to back office, every part of your business is on the tableDo you know if the roles you’re filling today will even exist in two years? As AI and automation accelerate client expectations and reshape work itself, the firms asking better questions now are the ones that stay ahead. Hit play to hear how leading firms are thinking about this shift—and what you should be doing next. ___________________ Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crelate/ Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.crelate.com/blog/full-desk-experience

    31 min
  3. Industry Spotlight | No Shortcuts: How Top Firms Build Durable Recruiting Businesses with Norm Volsky, Managing Partner - DRI

    MAR 5

    Industry Spotlight | No Shortcuts: How Top Firms Build Durable Recruiting Businesses with Norm Volsky, Managing Partner - DRI

    What builds a recruiting firm that lasts? In this Industry Spotlight, Kortney Harmon sits down with Norm Volsky, Managing Partner at DRI and leader within the Pinnacle Society, to explore why long-term success comes down to relationships—not shortcuts. Norm shares how top firms balance technology with trust, invest in operations to protect the client experience, and why reputation and delegation matter more than any single placement. Tune in as Norm breaks down what it really takes to build a recruiting firm that lasts—from choosing the right clients to investing in operations and protecting trust with every placement.______________________ Connect with Norm Volsky Follow Norm Volsky on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | NormCheck out Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) here Organizations Mentioned in This Episode Check out Pinnacle Society’s Website here Check out Sanford Rose Associates (SRA) here Check out Starfish Partners here Connect with Crelate Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.crelate.com/blog/full-desk-experience

    48 min
  4. Kortney Harmon Keynote | The Elite Recruiter- Selling Less, Winning More: The Power of Intentional Relationships in Staffing

    FEB 19

    Kortney Harmon Keynote | The Elite Recruiter- Selling Less, Winning More: The Power of Intentional Relationships in Staffing

    What if growth in 2026 isn’t about doing more — but choosing better? In this keynote from Benjamin Mena’s Elite Recruiter Sales & BD Summit, Kortney Harmon reframes what winning looks like in today’s staffing market. In this episode, you’ll hear insights from Kortney Harmon’s keynote at Ben Mena’s Sales and BD Summit, where she explores why narrowing focus, redesigning revenue strategy, and protecting the right relationships are critical in today’s staffing market. As sales cycles lengthen and effort becomes more expensive, Kortney breaks down how intentional account selection, system alignment, and leadership judgment can eliminate wasted activity and margin erosion. From confronting burnout and revenue concentration to building repeatable processes that reduce reliance on heroics, she shares practical frameworks to help firms move from reactive selling to relationship-driven growth Whether you’re an agency leader, full-desk producer, or building the next phase of your firm’s growth, this episode challenges you to rethink where your effort is going — and whether it’s truly compounding.____________Follow Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: LinkedIn: Benjamin Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: here The Elite Recruiter Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeliterecruiter/ Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: The Full Desk Experience

    58 min
  5. Industry Spotlight | Building Trust and Reputation in a Transaction-Driven Recruiting World with Elizabeth Rosenberg, Founder - The Good Advice Company

    FEB 5

    Industry Spotlight | Building Trust and Reputation in a Transaction-Driven Recruiting World with Elizabeth Rosenberg, Founder - The Good Advice Company

    In an industry built on speed, what actually sustains long-term success. In this Industry Spotlight, Kortney Harmon sits down with Elizabeth Rosenberg to examine why trust and reputation remain recruiting’s most durable advantage. Drawing on decades of experience advising executives on communication and personal brand, Elizabeth offers a grounded perspective on how credibility is built through everyday behavior. The conversation explores where transactional habits quietly undermine relationships, why visibility without intention can weaken trust, and how recruiters shape their reputations long before deals are closed. Rather than focusing on tactics, this discussion reframes personal brand as a reflection of consistency, judgment, and how leaders show up when it matters most. The conversation reveals why lasting relationships—not speed alone—define long-term success, and how investing in trust and authenticity shapes both stronger firms and more durable careers. ______________________ Follow Elizabeth Rosenberg on Linked: LinkedIn | Elizabeth Check out her website here Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.crelate.com/blog/full-desk-experience

    47 min
  6. FDE Express| Eight Signals Redefining Recruiting Leadership in 2026

    JAN 22

    FDE Express| Eight Signals Redefining Recruiting Leadership in 2026

    Is the recruiting industry actually changing—or simply recalibrating? Kortney Harmon cuts through the noise to examine what’s really shaping recruiting leadership as firms look toward 2026. Rather than chasing headlines or hyped predictions, this Express episode outlines eight quiet but powerful signals emerging from real conversations with owners, operators, and executives. Kortney explores why relationships are becoming strategic again, how discipline is replacing tech accumulation, and why AI is shifting from competitive advantage to expected infrastructure. The conversation reframes growth around sustainability, trust, and clarity—highlighting the rise of operator-strategists, the redefinition of candidate experience, and the identity questions firms can no longer avoid. Grab a coffee and tune in for quick, practical inspiration to help you lead and grow your talent business—with less chaos and more purpose. ______________________ Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.crelate.com/blog/full-desk-experience

    12 min
  7. Industry Spotlight | Relationship-Driven Executive Search in the Age of AI with Tom Wilson, Partner- Buffkin/Baker

    JAN 8

    Industry Spotlight | Relationship-Driven Executive Search in the Age of AI with Tom Wilson, Partner- Buffkin/Baker

    As AI accelerates across recruiting, the firms pulling ahead aren’t chasing tools—they’re doubling down on relationships. In this Industry Spotlight, Kortney Harmon sits down with Tom Wilson, Partner at Buffkin/Baker, to unpack what actually keeps recruiting leaders relevant as automation, speed, and expectations continue to rise. The conversation explores how client and candidate expectations have shifted across industries, where AI creates real leverage, and why human judgment, context, and trust remain irreplaceable. Rather than focusing on tactics, Tom offers a leadership perspective on building relevance, consistency, and long-term value in a rapidly changing talent market. Key insights you can’t miss: • Why relationships—not speed or tools—remain the real competitive advantage • How recruiting strategies must adapt across industries and market cycles • Where AI adds efficiency and where human judgment still matters most • What advisory-led recruiting looks like in a changing talent economy ______________________ Follow Tom Wilson on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | Tom Wilson Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.crelate.com/blog/full-desk-experience

    39 min
  8. FDE Express | The Submission Black Hole: How Broken Processes Are Costing Recruiting Firms Millions

    12/23/2025

    FDE Express | The Submission Black Hole: How Broken Processes Are Costing Recruiting Firms Millions

    What happens when candidate submissions disappear—and no one can explain why? In this FDE Express episode, host Kortney Harmon breaks down how undefined submission processes quietly drain revenue and momentum. Drawing on real-world audits, Kortney reframes failed submissions as an operational issue, not a recruiter problem. She outlines how inconsistent formats, missing follow-up, and lack of visibility create a costly “figure it out” tax—and what a revenue-protecting submission framework actually looks like. Key Takeaways • Why submissions are as revenue-critical as invoicing • The hidden cost of letting recruiters “figure it out” • What a standardized, flexible submission process includes • How visibility and tracking protect placements and momentum Listen in for practical strategies you can implement immediately to bring consistency and control back to your submission process. ___________________ Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.crelate.com/blog/full-desk-experience

    20 min
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Trailer

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About

Welcome to The Full Desk Experience, a podcast for leaders in the staffing and recruiting industry. Hosted by Kortney Harmon, Director of Industry Relations at Crelate, this show is designed to provide insights and tips from a highly knowledgeable consultant in the field. Join us live (or catch the replay) in our Workshop series, where Kortney delivers expert advice and actionable tips for you to take to your firms immediately. In the Industry Spotlight series, Kortney interviews industry experts and leaders, highlighting their journeys to success and key insights into the staffing and recruiting industry. Don't have an hour to dedicate to a podcast? Listen in to our FDE Express - where you'll get quick-hit insights and tips in 10 minutes or less. With new episodes dropping weekly, this is the perfect opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the industry. Don't miss out - join us for The Full Desk Experience today! If you'd like to attend the live session, be sure to visit our website for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Crelate
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Crelate, Inc.
  • Show Website
    The Full Desk Experience

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