Recruiting Alchemy with Andy Simpson

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Moving recruiters from the contingent carousel to repeatable, scalable, productised offerings.

  1. Recruiting Alchemy Ep.15: Malvin Kamara on Football, Founding Vallum Associates & Leadership.

    AUG 27

    Recruiting Alchemy Ep.15: Malvin Kamara on Football, Founding Vallum Associates & Leadership.

    In this episode of Recruiting Alchemy, host Andy Simpson sits down with Malvin Kamara, former professional footballer turned founder and CEO of Vallum Associates. From playing in the Premier League and Championship to building one of the fastest-growing recruitment firms in energy and infrastructure, Malvin shares his remarkable journey and the lessons learned along the way. They discuss what professional sport taught him about resilience, how he transitioned into recruitment, and the realities of scaling a business with no prior experience. From managing VAT shocks and cashflow challenges to building a high-performance culture, Malvin offers a refreshingly honest look at what it takes to succeed in recruitment and leadership. Whether you’re a recruiter, business owner, or simply someone interested in stories of resilience and entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 From football pitches to boardrooms – Malvin’s journey into recruitment 🔹 Why resilience and mindset matter more than experience 🔹 Scaling Vallum Associates through setbacks and turning points 🔹 Lessons in leadership, culture, and high-performance environments 🔹 The realities of tax, cashflow, and learning business the hard way Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] Introduction & Early Life Andy introduces Malvin Kamara and his journey from football to recruitment. Growing up in Plumstead and discovering a love for football. [07:00] Professional Football Career Playing for Port Vale, Huddersfield, and beyond. How injury and circumstance shaped his next chapter. [20:00] First Steps After Football Door-to-door sales in Yorkshire and tough early lessons. Transition into recruitment and discovering Venquis. [35:00] Founding Vallum Associates Why Malvin decided to start his own company. Struggles with scaling, learning tax and cashflow the hard way. Building resilience through trial and error. [45:00] Building Culture & Scaling to Exit The importance of high-performance environments. Creating a company culture that attracts and retains talent. Lessons from private equity and scaling partnerships. [01:00:00] Final Thoughts Advice for recruiters and entrepreneurs. Why setbacks can shape long-term success.

    53 min
  2. Recruiting Alchemy Ep.14: Steve Beckitt on Building SourceBreaker & the Reality of Tech Startups

    JUL 30

    Recruiting Alchemy Ep.14: Steve Beckitt on Building SourceBreaker & the Reality of Tech Startups

    In this episode of Recruiting Alchemy, Andy Simpson sits down with Steve Beckitt founder of SourceBreaker for a candid and often hilarious deep dive into how he went from contract recruiter to tech founder, built a SaaS business from spreadsheets, and exited with a life-changing deal. Steve shares his unfiltered journey: selling early products that barely worked, surviving COVID as a bootstrapped founder, and the emotional highs and lows of growing (and selling) a business under intense pressure. From S3 training rooms to building Excel tools that ended up in the hands of Google and Facebook. This episode is equal parts gritty startup story and practical masterclass for any recruiter or entrepreneur thinking of taking the leap. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 How Steve validated SourceBreaker by selling Excel spreadsheets to recruiters 🔹 The early hustle: balancing product development with cash flow 🔹 Going from contractor at S3 to founder in Croydon 🔹 Why recruitment was never the end goal—and how he pivoted into SaaS 🔹 Managing investor expectations and funding rounds 🔹 Surviving a direct competitor giving away a near-identical product for free 🔹 When and why he decided to sell the business—and how close it came to falling apart 🔹 The emotional cost of being a founder (and why he sold the cars) 📄 Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Intro & Background Steve’s recruitment roots and early days at S3 [06:00] – Leaving S3 & Starting From Scratch From flat in Croydon to the first sale [10:00] – The Spreadsheet Hustle How Steve built basic Excel tools to fund his startup—and got 500 global brands downloading [14:00] – Validating the Market From Boolean builders to product-market fit with no code [18:00] – Finding the Right Co-Founders & Freelancers Meet Zenon: the MVP-builder behind the curtain [22:00] – Turning Spreadsheets into a SaaS Company Why being underestimated helped—and what broke first [28:00] – Raising Capital & The Pressure to Perform Private equity, SEIS, and the true weight of investor money [33:00] – Navigating COVID, Near Misses & Competitive Threats How they survived a major competitor undercutting them before launch [36:00] – Scaling, Stress & Real Talk About Burnout The pressure to exit, and the price of relentless growth [42:00] – Life After the Exit What changed (and what didn’t) [44:00] – Advice for Founders From advisors to mindset to spreadsheets

    46 min
  3. Recruiting Alchemy Ep.13: Dave Rees on Fixing In-House Talent, Hiring Better & Why Quality Trumps Volume

    JUL 23

    Recruiting Alchemy Ep.13: Dave Rees on Fixing In-House Talent, Hiring Better & Why Quality Trumps Volume

    In this episode of Recruiting Alchemy, Andy sits down with David Rees, former Chief Sales Officer at S3 and now a fractional chair and investor across multiple recruitment and tech businesses. David shares his journey from his roots in South Wales to leading global teams and shaping the recruitment industry at the highest level. They discuss the evolution of recruitment, the challenges of scaling internationally, and the critical role of company culture. David also offers candid insights on leadership, the impact of technology and AI, and what it takes to build resilient, high-performing organizations in a rapidly changing market. Whether you're a recruiter, business leader, or interested in the future of work, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and industry perspective. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 Building a career from humble beginnings to industry leadership 🔹 The evolution of recruitment and why culture matters 🔹 Lessons from scaling and international expansion at S3 🔹 The impact of AI, automation, and technology on recruitment 🔹 How to build resilient, high-performing teams in uncertain times Tune in for an in-depth discussion on recruitment strategy, leadership, and navigating the future of the industry. Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Opening & Introduction David’s journey from South Wales to the top of the recruitment industry. How early experiences shaped his approach to business and leadership. [10:00] – The S3 Story & Lessons in Growth Joining S3, building teams, and navigating industry booms and downturns. Why company culture and internal development drive long-term success. [25:00] – International Expansion & Leadership The challenges and rewards of leading teams across the UK, Germany, and beyond. How to adapt leadership styles for different markets. [40:00] – Technology, AI & the Future of Recruitment How technology and AI are reshaping recruitment. Why human connection and deep market knowledge still matter. [55:00] – Building Resilient Teams & Businesses Lessons from the pandemic, investing, and chairing multiple companies. What it takes to build sustainable, high-performing organizations. [65:00] – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways The importance of adaptability, culture, and leadership in recruitment. David’s outlook on the future of the industry and advice for the next generation.

    51 min
  4. Recruiting Alchemy Ep. 12: James Ballard on Recruitment Strategy, Community & Modern Agencies

    JUL 16

    Recruiting Alchemy Ep. 12: James Ballard on Recruitment Strategy, Community & Modern Agencies

    In this episode of Recruiting Alchemy, Andy is joined by James Ballard, co-founder of Annapurna Recruitment. With over two decades of experience, James shares the evolution of his career, from early days at SThree to co-founding one of the most community-driven recruitment firms in the UK and Europe. They dive deep into the importance of human connection, why recruitment must move beyond transactions, and how building a community-first brand helped Annapurna stand out. James also discusses the future of recruitment, the impact of AI, and why being memorable and value-driven is more essential than ever. Whether you’re a recruiter, business leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation offers insight into how relationship-building, culture, and productization can fuel long-term growth. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 What recruitment looked like before LinkedIn 🔹 Transitioning from contingent to search 🔹 The business case for in-person connection 🔹 How to build a brand through community 🔹 Why recruiters must offer more than just CVs Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Opening & Introductions • James on why in-person is the only way to build real relationships • Intro to his journey: From SThree to Annapurna [02:00] – From Yorkshire to London: Early Career • Working in student politics • Starting at SThree in 2000 during the post-Y2K slump • Realizing recruitment was hardcore sales [06:00] – Launching Annapurna in a Crisis • Why the 2008 crash was the perfect time to start • Bringing a relationship-first mindset to the industry [08:30] – The Power of Community • How James built brand recognition through events and content • The importance of consistency and long-term thinking [13:00] – Relationships, Transactions • Community as a commercial asset • How physical connection is still vital post-pandemic [16:00] – Competing with Internal Talent Teams • Why AI won’t replace recruiters—human relationships still win • The challenge of convincing companies not to DIY [22:00] – Erupt: Creating a Product-Led Brand • Building a network that provides value without asking for anything • Monetizing content and events as part of a larger strategy [27:00] – The Evolution from Contingent to Search • Shifting to a senior, SME-led team • Why trust and subject-matter expertise are the future • The reality of hiring experienced recruiters [33:00] – Coaching, Growth & Culture • Creating a coaching-first culture • Helping experienced recruiters upskill [36:30] – Future Outlook & Final Thoughts • TA teams will shrink—specialist search firms will thrive • The importance of resilience and vision • Why search is the right product for the future of recruitment

    40 min
  5. Ep. 11: Dan Taylor on Public Sector Recruitment, Leadership & Building Resilient Teams

    JUL 9

    Ep. 11: Dan Taylor on Public Sector Recruitment, Leadership & Building Resilient Teams

    In this episode of Recruiting Alchemy, Andy Simpson sits down with Dan Taylor, a veteran recruitment leader and current Director at Morgan Hunt. Dan shares his fascinating journey from the coal-delivery towns of Lancashire to leading high-performing teams across the UK public sector. They dive deep into what it takes to succeed in recruitment, the challenges of leading through downturns, how AI and technology are reshaping the recruitment landscape, and why the public sector requires a different approach than the private sector. From reflections on being the outsider as a kid, to building billion-pound partnerships in the public sector. This episode is packed with valuable insights for recruiters, leaders, and anyone navigating career growth in uncertain times. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 Why high-performing teams start with values  🔹 The shift from large corporates to boutique agility  🔹 Public sector recruitment vs. private sector  🔹 Managing redundancies, growth, and resilience  🔹 Leveraging AI, offshoring, and automation in recruitment Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction & Early Life Dan’s roots in Lancashire and early transitionsHow culture shock and cricket shaped his communication skills[07:00] – From Bands to Banks: The Path to Recruitment Starting out at TSB and finding his pathHow a chance opportunity led to a career at Montrose and Hayes[14:00] – Big Wins, Burnout & Becoming a Leader The high-pressure world of high-volume temp placementsGrowing into leadership and building successful teams[18:00] – Fixing Broken Businesses The traits of underperforming teamsWhy mindset and culture are everything in turnarounds[23:00] – The Hayes Exit & the Rise of Boutique Agencies Leaving corporate rigidity for boutique flexibilityJoining Morgan Hunt and rediscovering purpose[27:00] – Public Sector Strategy & Growth Navigating frameworks, funding cycles, and politicsFinding success in niches and adapting with agility[34:00] – AI, Automation & the Consultant's Future What technology is (and isn’t) changing in recruitmentOffshoring, CRM shifts, and freeing up consultants to do better work[42:00] – The Vision for Morgan Hunt Why staying focused beats global expansionCommitment to service, delivery, and making a difference[45:00] – Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead Green shoots, cautious optimism, and the future of public sector hiringWhy recruiters still matter more than ever

    46 min
  6. Ep. 10: Ben Browning on Transforming Sales Strategy, Moving Beyond Transactions & Modern BD

    JUL 2

    Ep. 10: Ben Browning on Transforming Sales Strategy, Moving Beyond Transactions & Modern BD

    In this episode of Recruiting Alchemy, Andy Simpson sits down with Ben Browning, founder and CEO of Resonant, sales strategist, and LinkedIn voice in the recruitment space, for a deep conversation on why recruitment sales is broken and how to fix it. They explore the shift from transactional placements to transformational sales strategies that build long-term client trust. Ben opens up about his early career in recruitment, the lessons he learned working both agency and in-house, and how those insights laid the foundation for Resonant. From common BD mistakes to his views on the state of modern recruitment, this is a must-listen for agency leaders and consultants looking to grow with purpose. Whether you're a founder, sales lead, or 360 recruiter. This conversation is packed with practical ideas for delivering real value to clients, standing out in a competitive market, and transforming how you approach business development. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 Why most recruiters are “transactional” and how to break that habit  🔹 The rookie vs. rainmaker dynamic in mid-sized agencies  🔹 Productizing your service as a recruiter  🔹 The importance of recurring revenue in agency growth  🔹 How tech, brand, and sales process intersect in modern BD Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Intro & Background Andy introduces Ben Browning, CEO of ResonantBen’s early exposure to business and entrepreneurshipFalling into recruitment and learning the hard way[06:00] – Ben’s Early Recruitment Journey First jobs at Robert Half and Parker BridgeBuilding commercial skills on a perm deskLearning through failure and lack of process[10:00] – Transitioning to EY & Seeing the Other Side Ben’s in-house recruitment project at EYSeeing BD from the client side and the rise of vendor fatigueThe flawed promises agencies make[14:00] – Moving Into L&D & Training Philosophy What most recruiters lack: not skill, but sales strategyWhy messaging matters more than objection handlingHelping agencies create a sales process that scales[18:00] – The State of Recruitment BD Today The problem with “we’ve got great candidates”Why recruitment leaders confuse activity with effectivenessTech adoption, CRM gaps, and lack of methodology[25:00] – Recurring Revenue & Productization in Recruitment Why recruiters need to sell insight, not just candidatesThe power of low-ticket, high-impact advisory productsDifferentiating with data and strategic outcomes[33:00] – Brand, Video & The Modern Sales Toolkit Why video, voice notes, and visual outreach matter nowCold email fatigue and the return of the phoneWhy founder-led branding gives agencies an edge[40:00] – The Myth of Exclusivity & Productizing the Offer How recruiters bluff their way to exclusivityCreating real value vs. making hollow promisesBuilding a proposition your team can believe in[45:00] – Transformational Recruitment as a Competitive Advantage Understanding the true cost of bad hiringHelping clients measure ROI from better recruitmentShifting from filling jobs to solving hiring problems[49:00] – Final Takeaways Why sales success comes from clarity, not just energyBen’s #1 tactical and strategic tip for recruitersBecoming a trusted advisor, not just a supplier

    50 min
  7. Ep. 9: Chris Moylan on Grit, Growth and Starting Again

    JUN 25

    Ep. 9: Chris Moylan on Grit, Growth and Starting Again

    In this episode of Recruiting Alchemy, Andy Simpson is joined by Chris Moylan, CEO of Tech Link Partners, who shares the raw and real journey behind launching and scaling two recruitment businesses. From growing up on construction sites to billing £90K months, selling one company, and rebuilding after personal tragedy. Chris's story is a testament to resilience, grit, and purpose. He opens up about how life on the phones taught him discipline, what it's really like starting a business from scratch with limited runway, and the unseen emotional toll of entrepreneurship. This is a candid look at the realities behind the founder life, the wins, the losses, and the cost of staying the course. Whether you're thinking of launching your own agency or just want to hear from someone who's been through the fire, this episode is packed with lessons in perseverance, discipline, and starting over stronger. 🎙 Key Topics: 🔹 Why KPIs still matter, especially when scaling  🔹 What most people get wrong about contract recruitment  🔹 Cash flow vs. profit in growing a contract book  🔹 Losing £280K and how it shaped his next move  🔹 The emotional cost of entrepreneurship (and pushing through grief)  🔹 Why consistency beats hype on LinkedIn branding Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Opening & Introduction Chris on his early career in construction and salesHow a cold call job taught him mindset and structure[06:00] – First Steps in Recruitment Transitioning into recruitment with purposeWhy he chose to go into SAP contract rolesLearning 360 recruitment without a delivery background[12:00] – High Performance & Culture The impact of working in strong sales culturesThoughts on KPIs and why tracking mattersHow sales discipline drove long-term success[18:00] – Launching His First Business Leaving a top billing role to go soloSetting up West Work EngineeringWinning and scaling with blue-collar contract recruitment[25:00] – Lessons from Scaling & Exiting From 140 contractors to 3 in a week during COVIDLosing £280K to non-paymentsWhy he exited construction to go all-in on tech[32:00] – Personal Tragedy & Professional Rebuild Losing his brother and father within weeksHow grief shaped his return to the businessThe emotional cost behind the scenes[38:00] – Culture, Office & Discipline Why his team still wear suits and work in the officeHis non-negotiables and team expectationsThe long-term impact of sticking to your values[45:00] – Advice for Future Founders Understanding profit vs. cash flowThe true time to get new recruiters billingAvoiding comparison culture and staying in your lane[47:00] – Building a Personal Brand Why he avoided posting on LinkedIn for yearsWhat changed and why it matters nowFinal thoughts on leadership, resilience, and growth

    50 min
  8. Ep. 8: Simon Brown on Exits, Culture & Why Every Agency Needs a Plan

    JUN 18

    Ep. 8: Simon Brown on Exits, Culture & Why Every Agency Needs a Plan

    In this episode, Andy Simpson sits down with Simon Brown, founder of Richard Knows Best and one of the most candid voices in recruitment, for a no-holds-barred conversation about agency growth, leadership, and learning the hard lessons of running a recruitment business. From selling Turtle Wax door-to-door as a teenager to building and exiting multiple recruitment businesses, Simon shares his unfiltered story—including the reality behind growing a business, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the shift from recruiter to strategic consultant. They explore what most recruitment founders get wrong, why culture eats process, and the importance of strategic planning in a sub-50 headcount world. If you're a recruitment founder, leader, or just someone in the game trying to build something sustainable, this one is a must-listen. 🎙️ Key Topics 🔹 How Simon went from the phones at Walls Ice Cream to recruitment leadership 🔹 The role of strong female leaders in shaping his career 🔹 Why growing a business is harder than it looks from the outside 🔹 The story behind Richard Knows Best and redefining recruitment consultancy 🔹 How founders can get out of survival mode and plan for long-term growth Show Notes & Timestamps [00:00] – Opening & Introductions Simon’s cheeky take on agency know-it-allsWhy he and Andy hadn’t crossed paths until recently[03:00] – From Liverpool Estate to Sales Hustler Selling Turtle Wax from factory skipsEarly lessons in sales and graftChoosing uni after working at Walls Ice Cream[10:00] – Entering the Workforce How a customer service job led to internal recruitmentThe women who mentored him into leadershipMaking the leap to agency side with Reed[17:00] – Discovering His Strengths in BD Why Simon thrived in strategic salesLessons from working with the police and public sectorThe power of process and relationships over smash-and-grab recruitment[27:00] – Hitting a Ceiling and Moving South The laptop breakdown that changed his careerMoving from Liverpool to LondonCreating a client services division at Morgan Hunt[32:00] – Board Roles & Leadership Lessons Imposter syndrome on the boardFemale leadership and emotional intelligence in actionChanging his accent to fit into London business life[40:00] – Why Richard Knows Best Was Born The problem with short-term thinking in recruitmentWhy founders need long-term strategic planningThe “Tactical Review Day” explained[47:00] – Final Thoughts & Takeaways The most common struggles recruitment founders faceWhy sub-50 headcount agencies need real strategy, not just hustleEfficiency, clarity, and getting out of your own way

    49 min
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Moving recruiters from the contingent carousel to repeatable, scalable, productised offerings.

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