The Elite Recruiter Podcast

Benjamin Mena

The Elite Recruiter Podcast is where top recruiters go to get better. Hosted by executive recruiter Benjamin Mena, this show dives deep into the stories, strategies, and mindsets of the most successful people in the industry — from $1M solo producers to 8-figure agency founders. Each episode delivers real, tactical insights for high-performance recruiting: How elite recruiters build and scaleTools, tech stacks, and sourcing strategiesDaily habits and workflows that drive million-dollar desksLessons from failure, breakthrough wins, and mindset shiftsWhat the best are doing next — and how they’re changing the game If you’re in agency recruiting, staffing, or executive search — this is your new secret weapon. No fluff. No recycled advice. Just the unfiltered playbook of the top 1%. 🎧 Subscribe now — and start leveling up like an elite.

  1. 2일 전

    $28 Million Staffing Agency Exit: Diane Prince’s Step-by-Step Playbook on Niches, Scaling, and Life After Selling

    Ever wondered how to build, scale, and sell a recruiting agency for $28 million? Host Benjamin Mena welcomes back Diane Prince, who shares the inside story of her multi-million dollar staffing agency exit. Discover why niches lead to riches, what buyers seek in acquisitions, and how to scale your recruiting business—no matter your starting point. Diane openly shares the playbook for successful agency exits, highlighting the power of specializing in a niche, building recurring revenue streams, and the realities post-acquisition. Avoid common pitfalls and leverage actionable insights to grow your recruiting desk or agency efficiently. Key Insights from This Episode: Diane’s roadmap to a $28M exit within just 6 years, including bouncing back after a failed deal post-9/11.Why a clear niche strategy commands top multiples and how to identify and dominate yours.Essential buyer considerations during acquisitions: solid bookkeeping, client diversity, account integration, and a robust leadership team.The post-exit reality check: common mistakes recruiters make and strategies to avoid the 'shiny object syndrome.'Proven scaling tactics: leveraging VAs, maintaining a robust sales pipeline, and creating compelling, problem-solving content. Episode Highlights: [07:27] Selling for Maximum Value: Solid bookkeeping, diverse client revenue, and deep client integration are critical. Start by hiring a skilled bookkeeper. [13:06] Navigating Life Post-Exit: Diane’s lessons on managing newfound wealth—taking strategic breaks, prudent investing, and pacing your next big move. [22:08] Mastering Your Niche: Keep it simple—select a market where you have strong connections, deep knowledge, and solve real problems through targeted content. [25:35] Surviving Market Downturns: Diversify your services within your niche to weather industry fluctuations and position yourself for rapid recovery. [37:06] Consistency in Sales is King: Never neglect business development. Utilize VAs to expand capacity and consistently build your pipeline. 5 Essential Takeaways: Own Your Niche: Specialists earn higher margins and valuations.Maintain Pristine Books: Clean financials maximize your firm's value.Prioritize Recurring Revenue: Stable cash flow protects your agency.Real-Problem Content Wins: Solve actual client challenges to dominate your market.Pivot Strategically: Explore adjacent opportunities if your niche slows down. Ready to Scale? Make 2025 your breakthrough recruiting year. Listen, subscribe, and connect with Benjamin & Diane to elevate your career. 🔗 Key Resources: Episode Sponsor: Pin – Your 24/7 Recruiting Assistant: https://www.pin.com/AI Recruiting Summit 2025: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/Finish The Year Strong 2025: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/Free PeopleGPT Trial: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912dFree Talin AI Trial: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiterSubscribe to The Elite Recruiter Podcast Emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/75bWuhGpMJ0 Follow Diane Prince: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianeprincejohnston/ Host Benjamin Mena: Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

    53분
  2. 5일 전

    From Rock Bottom to Top Biller: Cathy Stewart’s Playbook for Elite Recruiting Success

    Are you struggling with setbacks in your recruiting career and searching for the ultimate bounce-back strategy? In this can’t-miss episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, discover how Cathy Stewart—who once faced the brink of burnout and failure—rebuilt her confidence, pipeline, and reputation to soar as one of America’s top-billing executive recruiters. Tune in and learn how you, too, can turn professional droughts into record-breaking recruiting success.   Host Benjamin Menna sits down with Cathy Stewart, a celebrated member of the Pinnacle Society and an expert in executive recruiting for the senior living space. Cathy’s journey is raw, relatable, and incredibly motivating—she shares in detail how she lost her two biggest clients almost overnight and was left with no job orders on the calendar. Instead of giving in, Cathy doubled down, refined her process, and developed a bulletproof playbook for resilience and growth. In this episode, you’ll uncover: The critical turning points that reshaped Cathy’s mindset and recruiting methodologyDaily “non-negotiables” and habits that fueled her recovery and consistent performanceHow DISC personality profiling helped her instantly build rapport with tough clients and candidatesPractical ways to navigate hiring slowdowns, fall-offs, and challenging markets with positivity and accountability   Envision transforming your toughest setbacks into launchpads for your best years in agency or executive recruiting. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned recruiter aiming for the next level, Cathy’s actionable playbook delivers everything you need: How rebuilding her desk “two candidates a day” ignited a full pipeline from scratchMastering metrics, habits, and self-accountability that drive elite-level billingsLeveraging gratitude and mindset shifts to stay motivated, consistent, and connectedBuilding a reputation for placements that last, and client partnerships that endure   Ready to shift from survival mode to thriving in any recruiting market? 👉 Listen now to “From Rock Bottom to Top Biller: Cathy Stewart’s Playbook for Elite Recruiting Success.” Draw inspiration from Cathy’s true story and practical tactics—then put her strategies to work in your own recruiting desk. Remember, top billers aren’t just made in good times—they’re forged in adversity. Subscribe to The Elite Recruiter Podcast for more recruiting best practices, or connect with Cathy Stewart on LinkedIn to continue learning from a true industry leader. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to Cathy Stewart’s story [05:00] Building resilience: Learning from setbacks [09:30] The “two candidate a day” system [15:00] Developing client relationships in a recruitment niche [22:00] Mindset, accountability, and staying positive [30:00] Habits of consistent top billers [40:00] Favorite resources & closing advice Listen and transform your recruiting results—no matter where you’re starting from! This episode was sponsored by Pin - Pin, your 24/7Recruiting Assistant https://www.pin.com/   AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/   Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial of Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe  YouTube: https://youtu.be/NPYqWeab9AI  Follow Cathy Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-stewart-338b871a/   With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

    45분
  3. 7월 23일

    From Laid Off to In-Demand: The Ultimate Guide to Building a Successful Solo & Fractional Recruiting Business with Liam Haghighat

    Are you a recruiter wondering how to bounce back after a layoff and build a thriving solo business in today’s competitive market? In this episode of the Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Liam Haghighat, a recruiter who transformed career adversity into entrepreneurial success by launching a profitable solo and fractional recruiting business. If you’re facing uncertainty due to layoffs or simply dreaming about starting your own recruiting consultancy, this episode speaks directly to your challenges and aspirations. With thousands of recruiters finding themselves in flux amidst volatile hiring trends and AI-driven disruption, knowing how to secure income, attract clients, and stand out is not just desirable—it’s essential. Listen in to discover how you can: Craft an in-demand value proposition that sets you apart in the crowded recruiting landscape, using Liam’s battle-tested strategies for identifying your niche and target clients.Build a resilient business model from day one by leveraging fractional recruiting: why early-stage startups want your help, how to price your services, and how the flexible subscription/retainer model delivers stability in unpredictable times.Harness technology and content marketing for rapid client acquisition—explore the practical tools and sales processes that enabled Liam (an introvert!) to win business, boost credibility, and nurture a steady flow of inbound leads. Whether you’re launching a new venture, thinking about going solo, or just looking for smarter ways to future-proof your recruiting career, this conversation is loaded with actionable tips, tech hacks, and confidence-building advice to help you lay a strong foundation—financially and professionally.  Stop scrolling and hit play NOW to get the inspiration, clarity, and real-world know-how you need to start your own successful solo or fractional recruiting journey today!  AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial of Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter  Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe  YouTube: https://youtu.be/wFgyz620jLM  Follow Liam Haghighat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamhaghighat/ With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

    58분
  4. 7월 16일

    $100M Staffing Producer Quits at the Top — Mike Mello Reveals the AI Playbook to Crush Sales & Future-Proof Your Desk

    Are you a recruiter worried that AI will replace your desk, or excited about what the future holds for staffing sales—and want to know how top producers are already leveraging technology to win? This episode is brought to you by ASCEN, the modern, all-in-one Employer of Record (EOR) and payroll solution built specifically for staffing firms. In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena dives deep with special guest Mike Mello, a powerhouse staffing producer who’s walked away from over $100M in revenue to build a next-gen agency with AI at its core. If you’re in recruiting or staffing, you know the pressure: more competition, more tech, and the looming fear that automation might outpace your skillset. But what if the right mindset and strategy could turn these challenges into your biggest opportunity yet? This conversation is designed for today’s recruiters and sales leaders aiming to future-proof their desks and dominate their markets. Curious how you can cultivate a rock-solid sales foundation, embrace automation without losing your edge, and consistently outperform in an increasingly AI-driven world? This episode is your playbook. Listeners will walk away with: Proven, actionable sales strategies from a $100M producer who’s scaled accounts from scratch—discover what really works for winning and retaining top billing clients in the modern staffing arena.Exclusive insights into which AI tools and automation workflows drive real ROI (and which are pure hype), so you can confidently invest your time and energy where it counts.Practical advice on integrating powerful new tech—like Clay and Make—without sacrificing the human touch, all while building a resilient, goal-driven mindset to navigate any market shift. Ready to level up your recruiting game, cut through the AI buzz, and unlock elite sales results? Hit play now and discover how to crush your quotas and build a future-proof desk in the age of intelligent automation! This episode is brought to you by ASCEN, the modern, all-in-one Employer of Record (EOR) and payroll solution built specifically for staffing firms. ASCEN streamlines your entire back-office—from payroll and compliance to onboarding and invoicing—so you can focus on placing top talent and scaling your recruiting business. Learn more at https://www.ascen.com/  AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe  YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ga1HrBfzP7g  Follow Mike Mello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mello-7884b059/ With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

    1시간 4분
  5. 7월 9일

    The Million Dollar Comeback: How Rich Bradley Battled Cancer & Stayed a Top Recruiter

    Are you ready to learn what it really takes to make a million-dollar comeback—even when life throws its toughest challenges at you? In this powerful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with renowned recruiter Rich Bradley, who opens up about his journey through 43 years in the business, his battle with cancer, and what it took to rebuild after a life-changing diagnosis. For recruiters, agency owners, and professionals facing setbacks or searching for the next big leap, this episode is for anyone who knows how quickly a thriving career can get shaken by adversity. We all know the recruiting industry can be relentless—one moment you’re at the top, the next, a personal or health crisis can threaten everything you’ve built. What’s not often shared are the practical strategies and resilient mindsets that help top billers not just survive, but return stronger. Whether you’re struggling to get back on your feet or looking for ways to level up, Rich’s story is packed with actionable insights for turning setbacks into setups for success. Listen in to discover: The exact strategies Rich used to keep his business running while dealing with major health challenges and how he ramped his desk back up post-recovery.Why relentless positivity, strict metrics, and having the right support network are game-changers for recruiters wanting to beat the odds and maintain elite performance.Real-world advice for balancing ambition, personal well-being, and long-term career satisfaction—so you can avoid burnout and keep loving the work you do. Don’t miss out on this episode that will inspire you to push through barriers—press play to learn how to stay at the top of your recruiting game regardless of what life throws your way!  AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe  YouTube: https://youtu.be/yDgdEWdkkc0  Follow Rich Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbradley/  With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

    51분
  6. 7월 3일

    Outsmarting the Downturn: Steven Farrell’s Proven Tactics to Grow Your Recruiting Business When Everyone Else Is Struggling

    Are you ready to defy the downturn and grow your recruiting business while the rest of the industry struggles? With the staffing and recruiting world facing its toughest challenges in years, many agencies are treading water or worse—shrinking. But what if you could unlock tactics and mindset shifts to not just survive, but thrive when everyone else is falling behind? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast dives deep into exactly that, bringing you proven strategies from Steven Farrell—an executive who has generated tens of millions in staffing revenue, even as the industry contracts. This episode is brought to you by ASCEN - https://www.ascen.com/  If you’re a recruiter or staffing leader, you know the pain: rising client demands, declining job orders, and the pressure to hit targets with fewer resources. The stakes have never been higher, but the opportunity for bold, out-of-the-box growth is real—if you know where to look. Steven shares how to align your sales, marketing, and operations for maximum impact, turn one-off clients into long-term partners, and build true work-life harmony amid relentless change.   By listening, you’ll discover: How to niche down and zero in on ideal customers—so you work smarter, not harder, even in a tough market.Creative, actionable recruiting tactics—from viral virtual job fairs to “shock and awe” sales kits—that break through the noise and deliver real results.The step-by-step blueprint to aligning sales, ops, and marketing as a seamless, frictionless team, powering consistent revenue growth no matter the industry climate.   Looking for a genuine edge to crush your goals in 2025? Hit play now to learn how the best in staffing are winning when everyone else is struggling—you don’t want to miss these game-changing insights! This episode is brought to you by ASCEN, the modern, all-in-one Employer of Record (EOR) and payroll solution built specifically for staffing firms. ASCEN streamlines your entire back-office—from payroll and compliance to onboarding and invoicing—so you can focus on placing top talent and scaling your recruiting business. Learn more at https://www.ascen.com/  AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe  YouTube: https://youtu.be/mOE2tM7HIJQ   Follow Steven Farrell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrellsteven/  With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

    1시간 6분
  7. 6월 30일

    The LinkedIn Playbook Driving Millions in Inbound Business for Recruiters — Thought Leadership Secrets with Kelli Schutrop

    Are you still relying on cold calls and traditional sales to grow your recruiting business while others are closing million-dollar deals through inbound leads on LinkedIn? With the rapid evolution of recruiting, it’s become clear that personal branding and thought leadership on LinkedIn drive real results—filling desks with inbound business, enhancing credibility, and helping recruiters stand out in a crowded market. In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes back industry expert Kelli Schutrop to break down the secrets of using LinkedIn to generate high-quality, inbound business—without feeling salesy or artificial. AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Here’s what you’ll discover: Actionable ways to overcome the fear of posting on LinkedIn and build a consistent, authentic personal brand that attracts clients and candidates instead of just chasing them.The key strategies behind expert visibility: real examples from top recruiters who have moved millions of dollars in inbound business by sharing genuine insights, engaging with their community, and showing up for their audience.How to master the balance between using AI for efficiency and remaining authentically human—so your content connects, rather than repels. Whether you’re an agency owner, a solo recruiter, or looking to modernize your team’s approach, this episode unpacks what works right now on LinkedIn, why thought leadership trumps spammy automation, and how you can build a network that delivers opportunities instead of dead ends. Ready to change how you’re discovered by top clients and candidates? Tune in now for proven LinkedIn playbook secrets you can use today to grow your recruiting business! AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial of Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe   YouTube: https://youtu.be/6Gop4-K0iWs Follow Kelli Schutrop on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellischutrop/    With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

    48분
  8. 6월 25일

    From Leap of Faith to Six-Figure Recruiter: Kelly (Dockrell) Brown's Secrets to Building a Thriving Agency (as a Military Spouse)

    Are you ready to discover how one bold leap of faith can launch your recruiting career to six figures—even if you’re a military spouse or starting from scratch? Many recruiters—and especially military spouses—struggle to build a stable, thriving career that can move with them, offer financial independence, and allow personal fulfillment. In today’s competitive landscape, the ability to start and build a successful recruiting agency from anywhere is a game-changer. If you’re seeking freedom, flexibility, and real impact, you’ll want the proven secrets and real-life inspiration this episode delivers. In this lively episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, Kelly (Dockrell) Brown joins host Benjamin Mena to pull back the curtain on how she transitioned from running the streets of Miami in outside sales to founding a highly successful recruiting agency as a military spouse. You’ll hear how Kelly, with zero recruiting background and in the midst of major life changes—including a cross-country move, writing a book, and becoming a newlywed—overcame doubt, technical hurdles, and emotional setbacks to create a business that now thrives (and gave her purpose beyond supporting her husband’s Air Force journey). Tune in to get: Concrete strategies for launching and scaling your own recruiting agency, even if you’re juggling a demanding life or career uncertainty—plus, Kelly’s insights for military spouses and anyone seeking location independence.Lessons in resilience, faith, and mindset shifts that empower you to push past failure, bad tech investments, and slow starts, transforming frustration into six-figure wins.Actionable tips for leveraging LinkedIn, building your brand, and crafting outreach that actually lands clients—even in competitive or challenging markets. Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to turn uncertainty into opportunity, achieve career freedom, and finally claim the professional and personal life you deserve—listen now to unlock Kelly’s step-by-step playbook for recruiting success!  AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial of Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe   YouTube: https://youtu.be/a2U98S5tL5Y Follow Kelly (Dockrell) Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellydockrell/    With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

    49분
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소개

The Elite Recruiter Podcast is where top recruiters go to get better. Hosted by executive recruiter Benjamin Mena, this show dives deep into the stories, strategies, and mindsets of the most successful people in the industry — from $1M solo producers to 8-figure agency founders. Each episode delivers real, tactical insights for high-performance recruiting: How elite recruiters build and scaleTools, tech stacks, and sourcing strategiesDaily habits and workflows that drive million-dollar desksLessons from failure, breakthrough wins, and mindset shiftsWhat the best are doing next — and how they’re changing the game If you’re in agency recruiting, staffing, or executive search — this is your new secret weapon. No fluff. No recycled advice. Just the unfiltered playbook of the top 1%. 🎧 Subscribe now — and start leveling up like an elite.

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