1% Better Recruitment Podcast

Epizode

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  How to Become the Go-To Recruiter in Your Market & High Performance Hybrid | Rich Westhead (EP 102) 18.08.2026 59min

  What does it take to become the go-to recruiter in your market?In this episode of The 1% Better Recruitment Podcast, I'm joined by Rich Westhead, Managing Director of AJ Group.Having spent 25 years in recruitment across Manpower, Search Consultancy and now AJ Group, Rich has experienced everything from large corporate recruitment businesses to rapidly growing boutiques. We discuss how AJ Group has built a high-performance culture across remote and hybrid teams, with recruiters working across the UK and Europe, while still creating genuine camaraderie, accountability and consistency.Topics Discussed:✅ Building a high-performance remote and hybrid recruitment team✅ Creating a strong culture across different countries and locations✅ Managing remote recruiters without micromanaging✅ Why communication matters even more with remote teams✅ Giving recruiters flexibility, autonomy and accountability✅ Why hybrid working should be tailored to the individual✅ Creating consistency without forcing everyone to work the same way✅ Why one-size-fits-all KPIs don't work✅ Building career progression for remote employees✅ How recruiters can be more productive working from home✅ Why niche specialisation creates better recruiters✅ How narrow should a recruiter's market actually be?✅ Why recruiters should focus on three to six core job titles✅ Building long-term candidate and client relationships✅ Why transactional recruitment doesn't work✅ The importance of meeting candidates and clients face-to-face✅ Why great candidate service creates future business⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction & welcome03:11 – Rich's 25-year recruitment journey05:00 – Building culture across remote and international teams06:59 – Creating a high-performance, high-reward environment09:00 – Communication and keeping remote teams connected11:45 – Managing and supporting recruiters remotely14:32 – How often should managers communicate with remote teams?15:54 – Building structure without micromanaging18:28 – Why one-size-fits-all KPIs don't work20:18 – Giving recruiters genuine flexibility and autonomy23:07 – Why different people need different working environments24:47 – Building careers and offices around great people26:45 – How to maximise productivity when working from home30:17 – Accountability without micromanagement34:00 – Why niche specialisation matters in recruitment37:48 – How narrow should your recruitment niche be?41:36 – When should recruiters step outside their niche?45:54 – Why candidate experience matters46:46 – Training recruiters to be less transactional48:53 – Why recruiters should meet their candidates51:50 – The problem with transactional recruitment53:21 – Why meeting clients face-to-face still matters57:11 – How to get 1% better in recruitment57:55 – Closing thoughts🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the recruitment productivity platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps recruiters save time across outreach, sourcing, data enrichment, multi-step email and LinkedIn sequences, inbox management and call notes, giving recruiters more time to focus on the human side of recruitment.👉 Book a SourceWhale demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1% Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Rich:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardwesthead/Connect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🌐 INF1NITE Learning: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.the1percentbetterrecruitmentpodcast.com/🤖 MILO – Tell Me More: https://ask-milo.com/
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  Has Recruitment Lost Its Sales Culture? | Adam Turner (EP 101) 11.08.2026 1h 4min

  Why are recruiters becoming afraid to pick up the phone?In this episode of The 1% Better Recruitment Podcast, I'm joined by Adam Turner, founder of Global Veterinary Careers (GVC). Having worked in veterinary recruitment since 2007, Adam has built GVC into an international recruitment business operating across the UK, US and Australia. We discuss why recruitment needs to get back on the phone, what's happened to sales culture since COVID, and why phone-first recruiters can instantly differentiate themselves in a world dominated by emails, LinkedIn messages, automation and AI.Topics Discussed:✅ Why recruitment needs to get back on the phone✅ Has sales culture declined in recruitment?✅ Why younger recruiters can be more reluctant to make calls✅ Building confidence and overcoming rejection on the phone✅ Creating a phone-first recruitment culture✅ Why recruiters shouldn't hide away to make sales calls✅ Learning by osmosis and the importance of the sales floor✅ Relationships vs transactional recruitment✅ Standardising processes across international recruitment teams✅ Giving recruiters structure without removing individuality✅ Balancing AI and automation with traditional recruitment fundamentals✅ Why over-reliance on AI could impact recruiter development✅ Why consistency is a superpower in recruitment⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction & welcome02:27 – Adam's recruitment journey and building GVC03:24 – What happened to phone-first recruitment?06:16 – Gen Z, rejection and getting recruiters on the phone12:28 – Has recruitment become too transactional?14:44 – How the recruitment boom changed what "good" looks like16:50 – Short-term BD vs building long-term relationships20:32 – Why relationships and customer service still win23:15 – Why recruiters hide away to make phone calls27:34 – Building confidence on the sales floor35:31 – Dealing with imposter syndrome as a founder39:48 – Standardising processes across international teams43:57 – Building recruitment playbooks people actually use48:19 – Different learning styles and recruiter development50:06 – Giving recruiters freedom within a structured process53:04 – Balancing AI with traditional recruitment fundamentals59:31 – Is AI making recruiters less capable?01:01:16 – How to get 1% better in recruitment01:02:54 – Closing thoughts🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1% Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Adam:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-turner-gvc/Connect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1 📲 TikTok: / charles.kyriakou 🌐 INF1NITE Learning: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.the1percentbetterrecruitm...🤖 MILO – Tell Me More: https://ask-milo.com/
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  The Best Recruiters Always Raise The Average | Sachin Ruparelia (EP 100) 04.08.2026 1h 4min

  How do the best recruitment leaders consistently raise the average across their teams?In this episode, I'm joined by Sachin Ruparelia, CEO of Camino Partners and Camino Search.Having spent more than 14 years building one of the recruitment industry's most respected businesses, Sachin shares the leadership lessons he's learned through rapid growth, losing key people, and rebuilding a high-performance culture. We discuss why great recruitment businesses aren't built around star performers, how leaders can consistently raise the average across their teams, and why communication, coaching and accountability are the foundations of long-term success. Topics Discussed:✅ Building a high-performance culture that isn't reliant on one individual✅ Why the best leaders hire people who raise the average✅ Creating consistent recruiter performance through standards and accountability✅ Coaching experienced recruiters, not just trainees✅ Leading through change and communicating with transparency✅ Building recruitment businesses that scale beyond the founder✅ Why AI should enhance recruiters, not replace them✅ How recruitment leaders can get 1% better every day⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction & welcome01:44 – Sachin's journey and building Camino Partners03:27 – Losing a key leader and rebuilding the business09:18 – Leadership lessons from difficult periods of change17:56 – Hiring people who genuinely raise the average20:48 – Experienced hires vs trainee academies27:40 – Why recruiter consistency beats motivation35:18 – Non-negotiables, accountability and performance standards42:02 – Balancing empathy with accountability as a leader45:37 – Defining "what good looks like" in recruitment49:06 – The founder's role in growing a recruitment business51:16 – Recruitment, relationships and the role of AI57:10 – Sachin's advice on becoming 1% better58:48 – Why Sachin chose to support MILO01:00:15 – Closing thoughts🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhale. This episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1% Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Sachin:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachinruparelia/🌐 Camino Partners: https://www.caminopartners.co.uk/🌐 Camino Search: https://www.caminosearch.co.uk/Connect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🌐 INF1NITE Learning: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.the1percentbetterrecruitmentpodcast.com/🤖 MILO – Tell Me More: https://ask-milo.com/
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  The Difference Between Good Recruiters & Top Billers | Ryan Collett (EP 99) 28.07.2026 1h 24min

  What separates a good recruiter from a consistently great one?Ryan shares the lessons he's learned over 16 years at SThree, from joining as a trainee after initially failing the recruitment process, to becoming a Sales Director responsible for building high-performing teams. We explore why consistency beats intensity, how the best recruiters build trust through genuine relationships, and why long-term success comes from mastering the fundamentals rather than chasing shortcuts.Topics Discussed:✅ What separates a good recruiter from a good biller✅ The importance of giving value before asking for information✅ Why recruiters need to play the long game✅ How to build a recruitment desk from scratch✅ Developing genuine expertise within your chosen market✅ Why curiosity can be more valuable than technical knowledge✅ Why successful recruiters consistently execute the basics✅ Setting daily non-negotiables and minimum expectations✅ How top billers stay focused and manage their time✅ Creating urgency and maintaining control of recruitment processes✅ Using testimonials, recommendations and case studies in business development✅ Building a personal brand without oversharing✅ Managing inconsistent consultant performance✅ Diagnosing the root cause of underperformance✅ Helping recruiters rebuild confidence, motivation and momentum⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction & welcome00:45 – Ryan’s journey from trainee to Sales Director02:33 – The scale of SThree and the Leeds office04:34 – What makes a genuinely good recruiter?08:09 – Giving value before asking candidates for information10:26 – The give-and-take approach to candidate conversations13:39 – Playing the long game with prospective clients17:13 – How to build a recruitment desk from scratch19:45 – Curiosity, technical knowledge and removing your ego23:52 – Finding passion for your recruitment market28:40 – Immersing yourself in your industry30:52 – The impact recruiters can have on people’s lives33:17 – The difference between good recruiters and top billers34:54 – Consistency, focus and creating urgency36:33 – The boring habits behind extraordinary billings38:27 – Accountability, hard work and daily non-negotiables41:21 – Working longer hours versus working effectively45:15 – Protecting your focus and managing distractions47:31 – How leaders and founders can plan unpredictable days48:23 – The Ivy Lee Method and managing daily priorities52:42 – Using testimonials and proof in business development56:20 – Why recruiters should capture their success59:35 – Personal branding and humanising yourself online01:03:58 – Using shared interests to build stronger relationships01:07:35 – Managing inconsistent recruiter performance01:08:16 – Diagnosing the root cause of underperformance01:11:03 – Rebuilding passion, confidence and motivation01:13:06 – Holding consultants accountable for their activity01:17:00 – How recruiters can get 1% better01:18:25 – SThree hiring opportunities and Recutation01:19:04 – Closing thoughts🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?ut...Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Ryan:💻 LinkedIn:   / ryancollett  🌐 Recutation: https://recutation.com/🌐 SThree: https://www.sthree.com/Connect with Me:💻 LinkedIn:   / charleskyriakou1  📲 TikTok:   / charles.kyriakou  🌐 Coaching Website: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.the1percentbetterecruitme...🤖 MILO Tell Me More Link: https://ask-milo.com/
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  The Best Recruiters Play The Long Game | Luke Pitkin (EP 98) 21.07.2026 1h 25min

  What does it actually mean to play the long game in recruitment?Luke shares the reality of building a recruitment technology business from the ground up, from living in a shed to fund the business, overcoming failed partnerships, and learning why playing the long game always wins. We also explore why authentic relationships outperform transactional networking, how personal branding creates opportunities, and why AI should enhance human connection rather than replace it.Topics Discussed:✅ Why recruiters need to stop thinking short-term✅ Building authentic relationships that compound over time✅ Why networking should never feel transactional✅ The power of personal branding and creating content✅ Growing a recruitment tech startup from scratch✅ The lessons learned from living in a shed to build a business✅ Why resilience matters more than overnight success✅ Using AI to enhance recruiters, not replace them✅ How to build trust that leads to long-term business✅ Why playing the long game always wins in recruitment and business⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction & welcome01:58 – Meet Luke Pitkin & his entrepreneurial journey09:30 – Why relationships beat transactional networking13:20 – The best sales strategy is simply being yourself15:25 – Authentic content vs "Corporate You"17:40 – Building trust through testimonials and customer stories19:00 – AI, automation & the future of recruitment technology22:00 – Why every recruiter should be creating content26:30 – Playing the long game in business and personal branding33:00 – Building Gig Hire from the ground up41:20 – Living in a shed to build the business43:30 – Getting ripped off on the company's first deal49:00 – Startup resilience, setbacks & surviving the early years56:50 – Why spreadsheets hold recruiters back58:20 – How Gig Hire is simplifying recruitment CRM01:01:10 – How recruiters can get 1% better01:02:10 – Closing thoughts🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhale This episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Luke:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-pitkin-79060094/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4E35iAr1JNyVhMtIXSNUBA 🖥️ Free Recruitment CRM: giighire.co/Free-Recruitment-Software-YTOConnect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐 Coaching Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Podcast Website: ⁠https://www.the1percentbetterecruitmentpodcast.com⁠/🤖 MILO: ⁠⁠⁠https://ask-milo.com/⁠
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  Recruiters Using AI Are Like Recruiters on Steroids | Elkie Holland (EP 97) 14.07.2026 1h 1min

  What happens when you combine nearly 40 years of recruitment experience with a genuine passion for AI?In this episode, I'm joined by Elkie Holland, recruitment entrepreneur, tech recruitment specialist, and founder of Prospectus Recruitment. Having been in the industry since the mid-1980s, Elkie has witnessed every major shift in recruitment and is now leading from the front by building her own AI talent partner to help recruiters become more productive without losing the human touch. We explore why AI should be viewed as a performance enhancer rather than a replacement, how recruiters can use technology to eliminate repetitive tasks, and why the future of recruitment still belongs to those who build genuine relationships. Elkie also shares practical examples of how her business is using AI today, the biggest mistakes recruiters make with new technology, and why curiosity will always outperform complacency.Topics Discussed:✅ Why recruiters using AI are like recruiters on steroids✅ How AI should enhance recruiters, not replace them✅ Keeping the human touch in an AI-driven world✅ Building your own AI recruitment assistant✅ Using AI for sourcing, screening, research and admin✅ Why curiosity is the most valuable skill recruiters can develop✅ The biggest mistakes recruiters make when adopting AI✅ Using AI to create more time for sales and relationship building✅ The future of recruitment and where AI is really heading✅ Practical AI tools and workflows every recruiter should know⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction & welcome01:45 – Meet Elkie Holland & her recruitment journey03:30 – Why recruiters must embrace AI to stay ahead07:00 – Sponsor break (SourceWhale)08:05 – Recruiters using AI are like recruiters on steroids13:10 – How recruitment founders should implement AI17:55 – Using AI to eliminate admin and create more selling time23:20 – How AI makes recruiters better, not obsolete26:05 – Why AI will never replace great recruiters30:20 – Communication and trust still win in recruitment33:10 – How recruiters build long-term client trust38:50 – Why relationships will always beat technology48:15 – The conversations that build the strongest client relationships51:10 – Inside TED: Elkie's AI Talent Partner55:10 – The AI tools every recruiter should be using59:35 – The future of AI in recruitment01:00:20 – How recruiters can get 1% better01:01:20 – Closing thoughts🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Elkie:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elkieholland/Connect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐 Coaching Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Podcast Website: https://www.the1percentbetterecruitmentpodcast.com🤖 MILO: ⁠⁠https://ask-milo.com/
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  How To Build A Recruitment Business That Runs Without You | Ash Knight (EP 96) 30.06.2026 1h 18min

  What does it actually take to build a recruitment business that people never want to leave?In this episode of The 1% Better Recruitment Podcast, I’m joined by Ash Knight, Founder at AJ Group, and an investor.Having built and scaled multiple specialist recruitment brands, Ash has created one of the UK's highest-performing recruitment businesses, with a relentless focus on leadership, culture, people development, and long-term growth. Topics Discussed:✅ How AJ Group achieved 0% staff attrition✅ Building a recruitment business that doesn't depend on the founder✅ Hiring an exceptional Managing Director✅ Why letting go is one of the hardest lessons for founders✅ Building a culture people genuinely want to stay in✅ Hiring for values, behaviours and long-term potential✅ Leadership, trust and empowering your team✅ Succession planning and building for the future✅ Investing, wealth creation and thinking beyond recruitment✅ Avoiding founder burnout while scaling your business✅ Why long-term thinking beats short-term wins✅ Lessons learned from building multiple recruitment businesses✅ Focusing on your strengths as a founder✅ Creating opportunities for people to grow⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & welcome01:18 – Ash's journey into recruitment03:56 – Building a recruitment business for the long term06:42 – Hiring a Managing Director and letting go as a founder10:15 – Why founders struggle to delegate13:48 – Building trust within your leadership team17:02 – Podcast sponsor: SourceWhale17:35 – How AJ Group achieved 0% staff attrition22:04 – Hiring for behaviours rather than experience26:12 – Creating a culture people genuinely want to stay in30:18 – Leadership, progression and developing people34:06 – Building a business that isn't dependent on one person38:11 – Founder mindset and avoiding burnout41:37 – Investing, wealth creation and long-term thinking46:09 – Lessons Ash has learned from building businesses50:24 – Advice for recruitment founders looking to scale54:11 – The future of recruitment leadership57:08 – How recruiters can get 1% better🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Ash:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashknightr2r/🌐 Website: www.ajgroup.ioConnect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🍏 Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📺 YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐 Coaching Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.the1percentbetterecruitmentpodcast.com🤖 MILO: ⁠https://ask-milo.com/
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  How To Build A High Performance Recruitment Culture | Dale Williams (EP 95) 23.06.2026 1h

  What does it actually take to build a high-performance recruitment business that scales?In this episode, I’m joined by Dale Williams, CEO of The Recolution Group, a multi-brand recruitment business operating across professional services, SAP, aerospace, defence, space, and executive search.With over 18 years in recruitment and more than 15 years as a business owner, Dale shares the lessons he's learned from building multiple recruitment brands, hiring and developing recruiters, creating a high-performance culture, and navigating the challenges of leadership in a changing industry.Topics Discussed:✅ Building a multi-brand recruitment group✅ When to launch a new recruitment brand vs a new division✅ The pros and cons of niche recruitment businesses✅ Creating a high-performance recruitment culture✅ Hiring recruiters and spotting future top performers✅ Why sales experience often beats recruitment experience✅ Developing recruiters from trainee to leader✅ Learning by osmosis and why office culture still matters✅ Work from home vs office-based recruitment✅ Has recruitment created a lost generation of recruiters?✅ Recruitment progression structures and career development✅ Why standards matter more than micromanagement✅ KPIs, accountability and recruiter performance✅ Scaling recruitment teams sustainably✅ Leadership lessons from 15+ years of agency ownership⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & welcome00:15 – Dale's recruitment journey and The Recolution Group02:00 – Building a multi-brand recruitment business04:51 – Why Dale expanded into multiple recruitment brands06:34 – Launching brands around niche market opportunities07:09 – Challenges of managing multiple brands10:51 – Creating alignment across different recruitment businesses13:05 – Internal competition, culture and collaboration15:18 – Recruitment hiring mistakes founders make17:12 – Why recruitment is difficult to hire for19:36 – The sweet spot for hiring recruiters20:46 – Why good recruiters leave the industry too early23:23 – Alternative recruitment interview processes25:12 – Developing recruiters from zero to hero28:06 – Building onboarding, L&D and progression structures30:29 – Transparent promotion frameworks33:10 – High-performance culture and business infrastructure36:09 – Why constantly changing policies creates chaos38:35 – Work from home vs office culture40:12 – Learning by osmosis and recruiter development43:31 – Has recruitment created a lost generation of recruiters?45:27 – Managing performance in a hybrid world47:45 – KPIs, accountability and trust51:03 – Common work-from-home leadership mistakes53:42 – Why remote management is a different skill55:06 – The hidden cost of remote recruitment56:46 – How recruiters can get 1% better🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠⁠⁠⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Dale:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalewilliamsrecruitment/Connect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠⁠⁠🍏 Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠⁠⁠⁠📺 YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠🤖 MILO: https://ask-milo.com/
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  Recruiters Using AI Will Beat Recruiters Who Don't | Rob Saltrese (EP 94) 16.06.2026 1h 11min

  What happens when recruitment founders know they need to embrace AI, but have no idea where to start?In this episode, I’m joined by Rob Saltrese, AI strategist, recruitment technology specialist, and founder of Lyra Labs.Rob has spent years helping businesses understand, adopt, and implement AI properly. Rather than focusing on the fearmongering headlines, we discuss what recruitment founders and leaders should actually be doing right now to stay competitive.Topics Discussed:✅ The biggest misconceptions about AI in recruitment✅ Why recruiters who ignore AI risk getting left behind✅ AI adoption vs shiny object syndrome✅ How recruitment founders should approach AI strategy✅ AI-native tools vs legacy recruitment technology✅ AI note takers and recruiter productivity✅ Market mapping and business development with AI✅ The future of recruitment training and coaching✅ AI agents and workflow automation✅ How AI can augment, not replace, recruiters✅ Building an AI-native culture within your business✅ Practical ways recruitment leaders can start using AI today✅ Why curiosity and experimentation matter more than expertise✅ The role of human connection in an AI-driven world✅ How recruitment businesses can future-proof themselves⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & welcome02:02 – What Rob has been building in AI03:49 – The biggest misconceptions about AI08:04 – How recruitment businesses should approach AI adoption09:13 – AI in candidate attraction and recruitment processes13:25 – Why founders need to embrace AI now15:13 – Building an AI strategy before buying tools17:54 – AI-native tools vs legacy recruitment technology20:21 – Curiosity, learning & staying ahead21:10 – Using AI for business development & market mapping24:31 – Predictive intelligence and spotting opportunities early26:20 – AI tools every recruitment business should be using29:20 – Email automation & keeping the human touch33:15 – Why recruiters must continuously adapt37:53 – AI and training the next generation of recruiters43:12 – Will AI replace trainers and coaches?49:38 – AI as an augmentation tool, not a replacement53:08 – How founders can learn more about AI57:04 – AI agents, automation & building your own workflows01:03:27 – Creating an AI-native culture01:07:48 – How recruiters can get 1% better🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:⁠⁠⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠⁠⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Rob:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-saltrese-17263a2/Connect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠⁠🍏 Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠⁠⁠📺 YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod⁠⁠⁠🌐 Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠⁠⁠🤖 MILO: https://www.linkedin.com/company/m-i-l-o/
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  Building A Recruitment Business With An Exit In Mind | Tara Ricks (EP 93) 09.06.2026 1h

  What does it really take to build a recruitment business that someone actually wants to buy?In this episode, I'm joined by Tara Ricks, a highly respected advisor, chair, non-executive director, and former recruitment business owner who successfully built and sold her own company before going on to advise recruitment businesses across EMEA on growth, scale, acquisitions, investment, and exits.Tara shares what founders need to be doing long before they ever think about selling, why most recruitment businesses aren't as prepared as they think they are, and the common mistakes that reduce the value of a company.Topics Discussed:✅ Building a recruitment business with an exit in mind✅ The biggest mistakes founders make before a sale✅ Why most recruitment firms underuse their CRM✅ Data-driven recruitment leadership✅ Creating a high-performance culture✅ Scaling through systems and infrastructure✅ Choosing the right advisors and NEDs✅ How to increase the value of your recruitment business⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Tara Ricks01:31 – Tara's background and building Joss & Roe03:54 – What a Chair, NED and advisor actually does04:21 – Why founders should seek external advice early10:30 – How to choose the right advisor for your business13:00 – Values, chemistry and cultural fit16:03 – The biggest impact an advisor can have on a business19:40 – Fundraising, preparation and due diligence21:45 – Collaboration in recruitment and industry networks24:03 – Why due diligence is more forensic than founders expect26:08 – What separates good recruitment businesses from great ones26:45 – The importance of data-driven decision making28:05 – Using data to drive growth and client penetration31:50 – KPIs, performance culture and accountability37:48 – CRM adoption and business visibility40:14 – Culture, leadership and creating high-performance environments42:22 – Vision, communication and coaching cultures46:16 – Why continuous learning matters49:25 – What founders should do today if they want to sell in the future52:45 – Building scalable systems and operating models57:24 – How recruitment leaders can get 1% better🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Tara:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-ricks-4b17112/Connect with me:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod🌐 Website: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with another recruiter or founder who wants to build a better business.Small improvements daily lead to big results over time.Let's get 1% better. 🚀
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  The Science Of Energy, ADHD, Burnout & Peak Performance | Debbie Bosworth (EP 92) 02.06.2026 1h 14min

  What if burnout, ADHD symptoms, energy crashes, and poor performance weren’t just mindset problems… but biological ones?Debbie Bosworth is a strategic genomist with 30 years of experience, and founder of Ideal Edge, where she works with founders, CEOs, leaders, and recruiters to understand what is really going on beneath the surface by testing and interpreting genetics, DNA, bloods, cells, energy levels, and biological markers.Topics Discussed:✅ Debbie's Burnout Story ✅ Understanding ADHD through genetics, DNA, and biology✅ Why burnout is often cellular debt, not just stress✅ How recruiters and high performers build up energy debt✅ Genetics, DNA, cells and biological bottlenecks✅ Why energy crashes happen in high-pressure careers✅ The role of dopamine, adrenaline and cortisol✅ Why recruiters often run on stress, caffeine and poor food✅ How nutrition impacts performance, focus and energy✅ Supplements, blood markers and why guessing can be risky✅ Morning routines, hydration and delaying caffeine✅ Gluten, folic acid, methylation and ADHD traits✅ Why health should be treated like business performance⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & episode context01:10 – Introducing Debbie Bosworth02:08 – Debbie’s background in healthcare, nursing and medical sales04:26 – Ideal Edge, genetics, bloods and energy levels04:46 – Debbie’s experience with severe burnout06:38 – ADHD, hyperfocus and energy crashes08:39 – Burnout, dopamine and high-performance biology10:30 – Podcast sponsor: SourceWhale11:54 – ADHD, trauma and nervous system dysregulation15:17 – Stress, B12, folate, D3 and cellular debt17:36 – Burnout as cellular debt18:11 – Recognising burnout before it goes too far20:09 – Why recruiters need to be honest about energy levels21:42 – Blood tests, DNA and biological bottlenecks23:59 – Nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle26:34 – Why you need to know your biological data27:05 – Diet, performance and Mediterranean-style nutrition29:40 – Food, inflammation and recruiter energy levels31:55 – Recruitment culture, burnout and mental health34:17 – What employers should provide for better health and performance35:51 – Supplementation, ADHD and nutrition37:32 – Dopamine, ADHD and addiction patterns39:11 – Folic acid, D3, B12 and omega profiles40:30 – Supplements, curcumin and inflammation42:59 – Cortisol, testosterone, coffee and hormone crashes48:22 – Creatine, ADHD and brain clarity50:58 – Being proactive with health before problems hit52:12 – ADHD strategies, whiteboards and working with your brain53:51 – Gluten, methylfolate and the 14-day experiment59:04 – Key blood markers to look at59:57 – Debbie’s energy routine: hydration, sunlight, protein and delayed coffee01:02:00 – Alcohol, tracking and over-optimisation01:08:20 – Cortisol, caffeine and avoiding the 3pm crash01:11:22 – How recruiters can get 1% better01:12:35 – Who Debbie works with and how to connect🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Debbie:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-bosworth-0163aa287/🌐 Website: https://www.idealedge.coConnect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠🍏 Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠📺 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod⁠🌐 Website: ⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠
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  How An Introvert Became A Top Billing Recruiter | Craig Lewis (EP 91) 26.05.2026 1h 35min

  What happens when a naturally introverted recruiter, who struggles with confidence, rejects traditional recruitment stereotypes and still becomes a top performer?In this episode, I’m joined by Craig Lewis, a recruiter with over a decade of experience who has built a highly successful desk by doing things differently. Craig opens up about confidence struggles, ADHD, personality profiling, niche specialisation, and why leaning into authenticity completely changed his career trajectory.We discuss business development without cold calling, building a recruitment desk around your strengths, market mapping, KPIs, and why some recruiters become incredibly successful simply by stopping trying to fit in.Topics Discussed:✅ How an introvert became a successful recruiter & top biller✅ Why authenticity changed Craig’s career trajectory✅ The reality of confidence struggles in recruitment✅ Building a recruitment desk around your personality✅ Why niche specialisation compounds over time✅ How Craig wins business without traditional cold calling✅ Recruitment KPIs, performance & measuring success properly✅ Why badly implemented KPIs can damage performance✅ ADHD, mindset & finding ways of working that suit you✅ Market mapping strategies for niche recruitment desks✅ Why consistency matters more than trying to fit in✅ The dangers of copying other recruiters instead of being yourself✅ Building credibility, trust & long-term client relationships✅ Rejection sensitivity, identity & confidence in recruitment✅ Why asking better questions creates stronger client relationships✅ Working with your brain instead of against it⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & welcome01:37 – Why Craig is an atypical top performer02:29 – Craig’s recruitment journey & boutique agency background04:23 – Billing £200K+ in the UK market & dominating a niche05:00 – Podcast sponsor: SourceWhale06:41 – Why pretending to be someone else doesn’t work in recruitment06:49 – Authenticity, introversion & finding what works for you07:51 – How Craig started building a new market09:00 – “Fish with bait”, Craig’s approach to gentle BD10:31 – Tripling down on your strengths12:58 – Why Craig doesn’t do things just for the sake of KPIs14:02 – The problem with badly implemented KPIs19:38 – Client value, fees & why speed can be misunderstood24:12 – Podcast CTA break25:13 – Craig’s wobble, personality profiles & self-doubt31:00 – Mapping markets through candidates and adjacent niches36:00 – Spotting gaps where other recruiters don’t understand the role01:05:10 – Name dropping, credibility & proving market knowledge01:12:57 – Why asking questions shows genuine interest01:17:25 – Recapping client calls & asking what you missed01:27:42 – ADHD, time blindness & changing your identity01:28:46 – Rejection sensitivity & why cold calling can feel harder01:29:15 – Working with your brain instead of against it🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:⁠⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Craig:💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-lewis-marketing-recruitment/⁠⁠Connect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠🍏 Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠⁠📺 YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod⁠⁠🌐 Website: ⁠⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠⁠
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  How Recruiters Stand Out In Saturated Markets | Adam Wagster (EP 90) 19.05.2026 1h 9min

  What does it take to build a recruitment business that survives 20 years, thrives in a saturated UK market, and still wins through relationships in an AI-driven world?In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Wagster, CEO of Uniting Ambition, a technology recruitment business approaching its 20th anniversary. Adam has spent over two decades in recruitment, scaling teams, navigating private equity backing, surviving market downturns, and building long-term client relationships in one of the most competitive sectors in the UK.Topics Discussed:✅ Building a recruitment business that lasts 20+ years✅ Why Adam doubled down on the UK market when others left✅ Standing out in saturated recruitment markets✅ Why relationships still outperform transactional recruitment✅ The importance of customer experience & service in recruitment✅ Narrow niche vs broad market, finding the right balance✅ How to define your ICP (Ideal Customer Profile) properly✅ Why most recruiters are too broad in their approach✅ Building long-term client partnerships that survive market cycles✅ The rise of AI, automation & how recruiters should adapt✅ Recruitment growth, scaling & private equity backing✅ Why recruiters should think like advisors, not suppliers✅ The reality of recruitment through COVID, boom years & downturns✅ Candidate experience, interview prep & improving conversions✅ Learning & development, why experienced recruiters still need coaching✅ Marginal gains & improving performance in recruitment teams✅ How recruiters get 1% better through consistency & continuous improvement⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & welcome00:46 – Meet Adam Wagster & intro to Uniting Ambition01:17 – Adam’s recruitment journey & 20 years of business03:33 – Building long-term teams through market ups & downs04:33 – Why Adam doubled down on the UK market06:49 – Is the UK recruitment market still worth it?09:12 – Why recruiters leaving the UK creates opportunity11:16 – Service, reputation & customer experience in recruitment12:01 – Transactional recruiters vs relationship-led recruiters14:28 – Why relationships still win in recruitment18:24 – Defining your ICP properly20:21 – Narrow niche vs broad market focus22:34 – Why most recruiters are too broad24:35 – Go-to-market strategy & target lists27:16 – Going too niche & scaling challenges28:41 – Breaking into enterprise clients29:30 – International expansion vs dominating locally31:50 – Why Adam believes the UK market will recover54:30 – Candidate prep, interview coaching & improving placements01:06:03 – Why recruiters need more training & coaching01:07:04 – Marginal gains, L&D & recruiter performance01:08:28 – Final thoughts & outro🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Adam:💻 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamwagster/⁠Connect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠🍏 Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠📺 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod⁠🌐 Website: ⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠
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  From £0 to £100K Months: The Mindset of a Top Biller | Michael Christodoulides (EP 89) 12.05.2026 1h 14min

  What does it really take to become a top biller in recruitment and stay there?In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Christodoulides, a recruiter I’ve known my entire life, who shares his journey from starting in recruitment admin to becoming a multi-award-winning consultant billing huge numbers across the US construction market.Michael opens up about the mindset shifts that changed his career, the lessons learned from blank months and massive wins, and why consistency, relationships, and adapting with the times are what truly separate average recruiters from elite performers.Topics Discussed:✅ From recruitment admin to top biller✅ Why Michael almost quit recruitment early on✅ Building a market from scratch in Canada & the US✅ The mindset shift that led to £100K months✅ Why consistency matters more than motivation✅ How COVID became a turning point in his career✅ The importance of relationships in recruitment✅ Why recruiters must deeply understand people✅ Phone calls vs AI & automation✅ Building culture in recruitment businesses✅ The reality of US recruitment from the UK✅ Why adaptability is critical in modern recruitment✅ Managing teams whilst still billing✅ Goal setting, manifestation & long-term thinking✅ The importance of asking better questions✅ Why the best recruiters truly listen✅ Boxing away emotion during good & bad periods✅ The sacrifices required to become elite✅ How to get 1% better in recruitment⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & welcome00:42 – Michael’s first recruitment role02:03 – Why he almost quit recruitment03:10 – Florist shops, kitchens & finding direction03:55 – Joining Vivant Consultants04:26 – Transitioning from UK to US recruitment05:24 – Winning best business developer06:06 – Leaving recruitment to travel South America08:44 – Returning to recruitment & entering tech10:43 – Joining Empiric & data centre recruitment12:36 – Learning new markets as a recruiter14:53 – AI, recruitment & adapting with the times16:23 – Michael’s difficult first year in recruitment18:27 – Learning from top performers21:26 – Adapting your style & recruitment approach23:12 – COVID, mindset shifts & £100K months30:28 – The challenges of becoming a billing manager32:03 – Recruitment behaviours that drive success34:07 – Eat the frog: making difficult calls first35:06 – Understanding candidates on a deeper level41:01 – Why relationships still matter in recruitment42:57 – Closing candidates & building trust45:26 – Handling pressure & boxing away emotions46:39 – Staying hungry after success52:27 – Why recruitment is all about questions54:49 – KPIs, quality & understanding your market01:00:02 – Finding your “why”01:03:31 – Goal setting & manifestation01:04:56 – Travelling the world after recruitment success01:05:52 – The reality of US recruitment hours01:08:05 – Big fees vs lifestyle balance01:10:23 – How recruiters get 1% better: consistency🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Michael:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-christodoulides-174197161/Connect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod🌐 Website: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/
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  From Consultant To Owner, Going Through an MBO | Ross McQuarrie (EP 88) 05.05.2026 1h 16min

  What does it actually take to go from trainee recruiter to business owner?In this episode, I’m joined by Ross McQuarrie, co-owner at Wilkinson & Associates, who shares his journey from falling into recruitment to leading and owning the business nearly 20 years later.Ross breaks down the real story behind stepping into ownership through a management buyout, the mindset shifts required to move from billing consultant to leader, and why culture, not just KPIs, is what truly drives long-term success in recruitment.Topics Discussed:✅ From trainee recruiter to business owner✅ What a management buyout (MBO) actually involves✅ The mindset shift from consultant to leader✅ Why culture is everything in recruitment✅ Balancing autonomy and accountability in teams✅ How to build a high-performing, long-term business✅ The importance of relationships in recruitment success✅ Why happy recruiters perform better✅ Investing in your intellectual property (IP) and data⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & welcome00:59 – Meet Ross McQuarrie01:41 – How Ross got into recruitment04:02 – Early training & KPI-driven environment06:26 – Moving companies & career growth10:07 – Joining a smaller, relationship-led business12:29 – The opportunity to step into ownership14:49 – The reality of a management buyout (MBO)17:14 – Challenges during the MBO process19:40 – Transitioning into business ownership21:47 – Mindset shift: consultant vs owner24:09 – Compromise & decision-making as a leader27:06 – Team vs individual performance29:36 – Breaking down the MBO structure34:24 – Responsibilities as a business owner35:45 – Building and maintaining culture40:33 – Long-term thinking vs short-term wins42:56 – Creating a no-blame, supportive environment44:23 – Why culture drives performance46:47 – Extreme ownership & accountability50:59 – Process vs personality in recruitment53:18 – Supporting consultants to perform56:35 – How to push teams to the next level59:01 – Why leaders must create opportunity01:02:55 – Real example of supportive leadership01:09:11 – Why happy recruiters succeed01:12:31 – How to get 1% better: investing in your IP🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.Connect with Ross:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossmcq1/Connect with Me:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod🌐 Website: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you like, comment, and subscribe so you never miss an episode.And remember, small improvements daily lead to big results over time.Let’s get 1% better. 🚀
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  Recruitment Agencies Are Wasting 75% of Their Effort | Steve Carter (EP 87) 28.04.2026 1h 3min

  What’s the real reason most recruitment agencies struggle to perform… lack of activity, or a broken process?In this episode, I’m joined by Steve Carter for a raw and insightful conversation about recruitment performance, efficiency, and why so many agencies are built backwards.With over 40 years in recruitment, from the desk to leading global businesses, Steve brings a no-BS perspective on what actually drives results, and where most agencies are going wrong.We break down the reality behind activity vs outcomes, why more calls isn’t the answer, and how poor structure, bad data, and legacy thinking are holding recruiters back.Topics Discussed:✅ Why most recruitment agencies are built backwards✅ The hidden inefficiency problem (and where profit is lost)✅ Why more activity won’t fix a broken recruitment process✅ Data vs KPIs, and what actually drives results✅ The difference between top billers and average performers✅ The bell curve problem and where leaders should focus✅ Why 2022 created bad habits in recruitment✅ Process vs personality in recruitment success✅ AI in recruitment, hype vs real application✅ Why relationships still outperform everything else✅ Face-to-face vs remote, and what’s being lost✅ Agile recruitment and thinking differently about structure✅ Why most agencies don’t understand their own data✅ Steve’s 1 Percent Better advice for recruiters⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and episode context00:55 – Steve’s background and 40 years in recruitment02:30 – The inefficiency problem in recruitment06:00 – Why agencies are built backwards10:00 – Activity vs outcomes13:30 – Data, ratios, and performance drivers17:00 – The bell curve and leadership focus21:00 – Recruitment as an opportunity vs a job25:00 – Culture, leadership, and performance30:00 – The impact of 202234:00 – Process vs personality38:00 – AI and the future of recruitment43:00 – Service, value, and client alignment48:00 – Face-to-face vs remote working52:00 – Building real relationships56:00 – Final thoughts and 1% better advice🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Steve Carter💻 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevecarter2/⁠🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🍏 Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast⁠📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠
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  The Behaviours That Actually Drive Billing | Chris Hart (EP 86) 21.04.2026 1h 25min

  What’s the real reason most recruiters don’t perform… lack of knowledge, or lack of action?In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Hart for a raw and honest conversation about recruitment performance, mindset, and why so many consultants stay stuck despite knowing exactly what they need to do.Chris brings a no-BS perspective shaped by years in recruitment, leadership, and personal experience, including navigating mental health challenges and coaching others through similar struggles.In a world full of advice, content, and “strategies,” this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually drives results, behaviours, consistency, accountability, and doing the work.If you’ve ever thought “I know what to do, I’m just not doing it,” this episode will hit home.Topics Discussed:✅ Mental health in recruitment, awareness vs real solutions✅ Why simple habits (movement, routine, structure) actually work✅ The problem with bandwagon advice and surface-level content✅ Why most recruiters already know what to do, but avoid doing it✅ Coachability, ego, and why some people never improve✅ BD struggles, fear of the phone, and taking action✅ Why recruiters overcomplicate something that is fundamentally simple✅ Inputs vs outputs, and why consistency always wins✅ The difference between average performers and top billers✅ Relentless follow-up and real persistence✅ Contract vs perm mindset and pace✅ Building genuine relationships vs transactional recruitment✅ Using information to influence clients and candidates✅ Why most recruiters don’t ask the questions they should✅ Chris’s 1 Percent Better advice for recruiters⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and episode context00:27 – Chris’s background and early conversation02:00 – Mental health in recruitment06:00 – Awareness vs solutions12:00 – Simple habits and routines18:00 – Burnout, journaling, and structure24:00 – Accountability and doing the work30:00 – BD struggles and fear of the phone36:00 – Coachability and ego42:00 – Cold calling and real conversations50:00 – Contract vs perm mindset58:00 – Relationships vs transactional recruitment01:05:00 – Using information to influence outcomes01:10:00 – Consistency and performance🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠⁠⁠⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Chris Hart💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismhart/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠⁠⁠🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠
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  Why Being More Consultative Will Win You More Business | Calum & Adam @ AddSomeZest 16.04.2026 6min

  In this episode of The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast, I’m joined by Adam Jennings and Calum Lyle from Zest to break down one of the biggest conversations in recruitment right now, AI vs the human element.With so much focus on automation, AI tools, and scaling outreach, many recruiters are moving in the same direction. But in this conversation, Adam and Calum share a different perspective, why the real opportunity right now is doubling down on the human skills that AI can’t replicate.We cover:✅ Why AI alone won’t make you a better recruiter✅ The biggest mistake recruiters are making with automation✅ Why following the crowd in recruitment can hurt your results✅ The importance of doubling down on human skills✅ How to think differently when everyone is chasing AI✅ What it really means to be a “consultant” vs a recruiter✅ Why there’s more opportunity in your existing network than you think✅ Building stronger client relationships through genuine understanding✅ The shift from transactional to consultative recruitment✅ Why “people buy from people” still wins✅ How to use AI to support your process, not replace it✅ Adam & Calum’s 1 Percent Better advice for recruiters⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction at the Recruitment Agency Expo00:10 – AI vs human skills in recruitment00:45 – Why following the crowd can hurt recruiters01:10 – Using AI vs relying on AI01:40 – The importance of being consultative02:10 – Building stronger client relationships02:45 – Existing network vs chasing new business03:20 – Final thoughts and key takeaway🔗 Connect with Adam Jennings💻 LinkedIn:   / adam-jennings-zest  🔗 Connect with Calum Lyle💻 LinkedIn:   / calum-lyle-01985454  🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn:   / charleskyriakou1  📲 TikTok:   / charles.kyriakou  🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod📰 LinkedIn Newsletter:   / 7244346543967731712  🌐 Website – https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/👇 If this episode made you rethink where your real edge comes from in recruitment, like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a recruiter who needs to hear this.
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  The Small Things That Separate Top Recruiters From The Rest | Jamie Burrows 16.04.2026 6min

  Jamie is a recruitment trainer and coach with deep expertise in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), giving him a unique perspective on how top recruiters think, communicate, and consistently outperform others in the market.In this conversation, we explore the idea of “the difference that makes the difference” and why success in recruitment isn’t about one big breakthrough, but the accumulation of small, often unnoticed behaviours.We cover:✅ What “the difference that makes the difference” really means✅ Why small improvements compound into big results✅ How language shapes outcomes in recruitment conversations✅ The importance of mirroring and matching client language✅ Why most recruiters overlook the small details that matter✅ NLP explained simply for recruiters✅ How thoughts, language, and actions are connected✅ Modelling excellence, how to learn from top billers✅ Breaking down top performer behaviours into teachable frameworks✅ Why belief systems drive performance in recruitment✅ How to simplify complex concepts and apply them daily✅ Jamie’s 1 Percent Better advice for recruiters⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction at the Recruitment Agency Expo00:10 – The “difference that makes the difference”00:45 – Why small improvements compound01:10 – Language and its impact on recruitment outcomes01:40 – Mirroring and matching explained02:10 – NLP simplified for recruiters02:45 – Modelling excellence and top billers03:30 – Final thoughts and key takeaway🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation. If you want better conversations, not just more activity, this is worth a look.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?ut...Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Jamie Burrows💻 LinkedIn:   / jamie-burrows-training  🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn:   / charleskyriakou1  📲 TikTok:   / charles.kyriakou  🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎙️ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod📰 LinkedIn Newsletter:   / 7244346543967731712  🌐 Website – https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/👇 If this episode made you rethink the small details in your recruitment process, like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who wants to get 1% better every day.#RecruitmentPodcast #RecruitmentTraining #NLP#RecruitmentSales #BusinessDevelopment #RecruitmentTips#RecruitmentMindset #HighPerformance #1PercentBetter
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  How High-Performing Agencies Actually Use Tech | Richard Caldicott (EP 85) 14.04.2026 1h 5min

  What actually drives results in recruitment… more tech, or better use of what you already have?In this episode, I’m joined by Richard Caldecott, a recruitment technology expert and former IT Director who has spent years helping agencies build, optimise, and scale their tech stacks.Richard has worked with recruitment businesses of all sizes, from growing agencies to large-scale organisations, giving him a grounded perspective on how technology should actually be used. Not in theory, but in practice, what works, what doesn’t, and where most agencies are going wrong.With so much noise around AI, automation, and new tools, this conversation cuts through it all and brings things back to what actually drives performance.Topics Discussed:✅ Why most recruitment businesses overcomplicate their tech stack✅ The biggest mistakes agencies make when buying new tools✅ Why more tech doesn’t equal more billings✅ Process vs tech, and why this is where most people get it wrong✅ How high-performing agencies actually use their systems✅ The reality of AI in recruitment, hype vs practical use✅ Why unused tech is one of the biggest hidden costs in recruitment✅ How to build a tech stack that actually drives performance✅ The importance of adoption, training, and consistency✅ What founders should focus on before investing in more tools✅ How to simplify your systems and improve results✅ Richard’s 1 Percent Better advice for recruiters⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and episode context00:28 – Richard’s background and move into recruitment tech02:48 – AI boom and why agencies are overcomplicating tech12:00 – Process vs tech and what actually drives results24:27 – AI content, ownership and over-automation risks31:00 – Adoption, training and why tools fail47:57 – AI vs human skills, what won’t be replaced51:49 – Using AI in coaching and the attention trade-off01:02:56 – Who Richard helps and how to connect01:04:15 – Outro🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:⁠⁠⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠⁠⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Richard Caldecott💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-caldicott/⁠⁠⁠🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw⁠⁠⁠📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/⁠⁠⁠🌐 Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠⁠⁠