The RAG Podcast - Recruitment Agency Growth Podcast

David Bloxham first appeared on The RAG Podcast in March 2020. That episode was recorded the week before the world went into lockdown. He had 130 staff, a fresh MBO behind him, and a business that was growing.Six years later, he is back. Same seat. Very different business.In the years since, David has navigated a pandemic, a post-COVID hiring boom, a brutal tech slump, and the rise of AI. Each time, his response was the same: strip the model apart and rebuild it stronger.GCS is now 100 people across 10 global offices, generating over 12 million in revenue with 95% coming from contract. 50% of the team now operates from offshore delivery centres in Cape Town, Mumbai, and Delhi. The permanent division that drove record numbers in 2022 has been deliberately wound down."Year on year, since 2019, our contract number has grown year on year. The perm has gone up and down, but the contracts kept rising."But perhaps the most striking part of this conversation is what comes next. David is building an AI-enabled recruitment tool designed to sit alongside his traditional business, one that could eventually generate the same revenue as his human team. He is not waiting for disruption. He is building it himself.WE COVER:How GCS went from 60/40 perm-contract split to 95% contract in under three yearsThe board-level conversation with nGAGE CEO Tim Cook that changed everythingWhy David cut his highest-performing permanent teams at their peakHow 50% of the workforce moved offshore and what the 120-120-120 delivery model looks like in practiceThe pivot from software development (47% of vacancies) to AI, cyber, and cloud (after coding roles dropped to 13%)Why fill rate matters more than job volume and the metrics David tracks at CEO levelThe GCS Leaders Series podcast and how 100+ episodes became a business development machineDavid's plan to build an AI recruitment tool that could cannibalise his own businessIf you have ever wondered whether resilience is a strategy or just a word people put on their LinkedIn profile, this episode has the answer. David Bloxham has been at the same company for nearly 30 years. He has rebuilt it three times. And he is about to do it again.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: Remote RecruitmentHiring shouldn’t be slow, stressful, or expensive. That’s why there’s Remote Recruitment — the smart hiring partner for modern businesses. They don’t just help you find great people. They help you access elite South African talent that’s ready to deliver. No PAYE. No NI. No bloated overheads. Just trained, remote professionals who integrate seamlessly into your team. Their process handles everything: sourcing, shortlisting, onboarding, and retention. Fully managed. Fully supported. Fully remote. And now, Remote Recruitments has entered a new chapter. From ops to admin, sales to strategy, we’re helping businesses scale smarter with people they trust, at a cost they can afford. Clients have seen: * Up to **60% productivity boosts** * **300% ROI** on BD roles * **30% faster completion** of operational tasks No overhead burden. No talent shortage panic. Just growth-focused hiring that makes business sense. Remote Recruitment is your flexible hiring solution for the modern era. **RAG Listeners:** Get 5% off your first hire + a free strategy session at www.remoterecruitment.co.uk/rag __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Ben Richardson & Mike Bott: Why LHi Group appointed two CEOsFor 25 years, LHi Group had one CEO.Founder Tom Glanfield built the business from scratch with Jim Denning taking over in 2020 and leading it it through COVID.A global recruitment group, LHi has5 brands.300 people.9Offices across the US and EuropeBen Richardson and Mike Bott had both spent their careers inside LHi.Both joined as entry level recruitersBoth built desks, teams and international offices from the ground up.Both eventually became global recruitment directors.And both had their eyes on the same job."I wanted to be CEO about a week after I joined LHI in 2007."When Jim Denning stepped down, the expectation was simple.One of them would get the role.Instead, the board made a call neither of them had anticipated.They would run the business together.Co-CEOs.This week on The RAG Podcast, Ben and Mike break down how the decision happened and what it actually takes to make a leadership structure like this work.We cover:How two recruiters who joined the business years apart both ended up competing for the CEO jobThe moment they were told they would be sharing the role instead of one of them taking itWhy the board believed the co-CEO model would work for LHiHow they divide responsibility running a global recruitment businessThe leadership principles that allow two CEOs to operate without conflictWhy ego is the biggest risk in a structure like thisThe level of trust required to make joint leadership work long-termWhat founders should think about when planning succession inside their own businessesWhy promoting from within can be a competitive advantage in recruitmentWhat the next phase of growth looks like for LHi GroupThis episode isn’t really about recruitment.It’s about succession.It’s about trust.And it’s about whether the traditional idea of a single CEO is always the right answer.Because if you’re building a recruitment business and thinking about who should lead it next…This conversation might challenge the way you think about it!__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: Remote RecruitmentHiring shouldn’t be slow, stressful, or expensive. That’s why there’s Remote Recruitment — the smart hiring partner for modern businesses. They don’t just help you find great people. They help you access elite South African talent that’s ready to deliver. No PAYE. No NI. No bloated overheads. Just trained, remote professionals who integrate seamlessly into your team. Their process handles everything: sourcing, shortlisting, onboarding, and retention. Fully managed. Fully supported. Fully remote. And now, Remote Recruitments has entered a new chapter. From ops to admin, sales to strategy, we’re helping businesses scale smarter with people they trust, at a cost they can afford. Clients have seen: * Up to **60% productivity boosts** * **300% ROI** on BD roles * **30% faster completion** of operational tasks No overhead burden. No talent shortage panic. Just growth-focused hiring that makes business sense. Remote Recruitment is your flexible hiring solution for the modern era. **RAG Listeners:** Get 5% off your first hire + a free strategy session at www.remoterecruitment.co.uk/rag __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Lucy Robinson: Fired from her job, now running a £650k global search firmLucy Robinson runs LCR International, a global executive search firm specialising in fresh produce across six continents.Today, the business is doing around £650k in revenue, but the story really started in December 2019 when Lucy was fired from her job for not hitting targets.At the time, she had no savings, a three-year-old at home, and had just spent months trying to build a new desk for an agency she’d previously worked for.Two weeks before she got fired, her husband had said something half-jokingly:"The only way you’ll ever start your own agency is if you get sacked."Two weeks later, that’s exactly what happened.Starting a business at that point didn’t exactly look like the sensible move.Lucy had a young family, no financial buffer, and was launching into a market she already knew was competitive.But she did it anyway.She launched LCR International, working three days a week, just as the world walked into COVID.The first year, she billed £100k and was mostly filling contingent work.She wanted to move into retained search, but it wasn’t really working.In 2023, she decided to change the model completely and invested in proper search training and it changed everything.The business moved to around 90% retained search, margins improved, and growth accelerated.Revenue went from £250k to £500k to £650k across three years.Now the focus isn’t on scaling faster.It’s about building a profitable, sustainable business that works for her family as well as her career.The business currently runs at around 20% net profit, with a small team and clients across the world.And Lucy has no interest in building a huge agency just for the sake of it.Instead, she’s focused on growing the business in a smarter way - using better positioning, retained search, automation and AI rather than simply adding more headcount.Her goal now is £800k this year and £1m next year, whilst keeping the business lean and flexible.This week on The RAG Podcast, Lucy shares the full story.We talk about:• Getting fired with no savings and a young child at home• Starting a business just before COVID hit• Building £100k in the first year working three days a week• Taking maternity leave twice whilst growing the business• Why contingent search stopped working for her• The training that helped shift the business to retained search• Growing from £250k → £500k → £650k• Running a global niche search firm across six continents• Raising two young kids whilst building the business• Why she prioritises flexibility over building a massive team• Her focus on profitability and a 20% net margin• Using automation and AI instead of headcount• Her plan to reach £1m revenue without sacrificing family lifeWhat I really liked about Lucy’s story is that she’s building the kind of business more founders are starting to want.A niche firm.A strong reputation in a specific market.Good margins.A small team.And a business designed around life, not the other way round.It’s a great example of what a modern recruitment business can actually look like.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasLet’s be honest. Admin is one of the biggest drains on growth in a recruitment business.That’s where Atlas comes in.Atlas is the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies that want to scale without adding more manual work.It doesn’t just track CVs and calls. It captures every conversation - emails, interviews, client calls - and makes it fully searchable.With Magic Search, you can literally ask:- Who mentioned they’re open to relocating next year?- Who talked about wanting a four-day week?- Who’s worried about their commute?Atlas searches across real conversations, not just keywords on a CV, and gives you answers instantly.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier. With Opportunities, you can track and grow client relationships using generative AI, all inside your existing workflow.And this isn’t hypothetical.Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost information.Just faster shortlists, better hires, and more time spent on the work that actually drives revenue.If you want to see what the future of recruitment looks like, unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at:https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/

In June 2023, Jory Humphreys and Sam Hope launched H People with limited capital but an insane energy to work hard.Within 25 months, they'd built a $25 million business. $8.2 million in year one, $15.5 million revenue and $1 million in EBITDA in their second full year. They're now Australia's number two fastest-growing company.But what makes their story different isn't the revenue. It's the model they built to get there.Most founders choose between growth and sanity. Jory and Sam chose leverage.From day one, they integrated an offshore team from the Philippines. Not as a cost-cutting exercise. As a strategic partner. One offshore resource supporting one onshore consultant.This involved structured daily huddles, clear shared targets and the growth of a real partnership culture.The offshore team handled high-volume screening, candidate qualification, compliance and administration. The onshore consultants handled what only they could do: client relationships, business development, negotiation, and revenue generation.This operating model has been the foundation of their success.As Jory explains: "If it was just me and Sam battling it out without offshore support, we would have only made half the amount of placements. They enabled us to deliver a better service."Today, H People is 21 people strong, expanding nationally across Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, and they're running one of the most profitable recruitment operations in Australia. They've also launched Wingman Recruitment, helping other agencies replicate the offshore model with the same rigour.Inside this unique story, we cover:- How two bootstrapped founders went from zero to $25M in 25 months- Why the offshore model isn't about cost-cutting - it's about leverage- The exact structure: one consultant, one resource, shared targets- How they grew 16 net new contractors every single month- The culture piece: why their offshore team outperforms typical VAs- How they built $1M EBITDA in year two (without venture capital)- Why they split focus between H People and Wingman Recruitment?- The real numbers: revenue, GP, EBITDA, and what's actually possible- How they managed family life while scaling a $25M business in 25 months- The future of recruitment: onshore consultants + offshore leverage + AI automationThis is a story of two recruiters who understood their market, built the right operating model, and scaled with intention. It’s super inspiring and I can’t wait for you to listen!__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: Remote RecruitmentHiring shouldn’t be slow, stressful, or expensive. That’s why there’s Remote Recruitment — the smart hiring partner for modern businesses.They don’t just help you find great people. They help you access elite South African talent that’s ready to deliver. No PAYE. No NI. No bloated overheads. Just trained, remote professionals who integrate seamlessly into your team.Their process handles everything: sourcing, shortlisting, onboarding, and retention. Fully managed. Fully supported. Fully remote.And now, Remote Recruitments has entered a new chapter. From ops to admin, sales to strategy, we’re helping businesses scale smarter with people they trust, at a cost they can afford.Clients have seen:* Up to **60% productivity boosts*** **300% ROI** on BD roles* **30% faster completion** of operational tasksNo overhead burden. No talent shortage panic. Just growth-focused hiring that makes business sense.Remote Recruitment is your flexible hiring solution for the modern era.**RAG Listeners:** Get 5% off your first hire + a free strategy session at www.remoterecruitment.co.uk/rag__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Emma Storey: How 2 part-time working mums billed £500K in their first 2 years!Emma Storey never thought she'd still be in recruitment after having kids.She'd never worked with a mum in the industry. Never had a role model who'd done it. The assumption was always the same: have a baby, and your recruitment career is over.But after successfully juggling recruitment and becoming a mum inside the pandemic, in 2023 she launched her own agency with colleague Nicola Morse, a fellow working mum.They launched Hera with the plan to both work part-time, and within months, Emma soon fell pregnant with baby number 2.Inside the first 2 years, working part-time around school runs, nursery pickups and a maternity leave, they have billed £500K.That's £150K in year one during one of the worst recruitment markets in a generation, and £350K in year two with Emma off for three months and working three days a week for the rest.But what makes Emma different isn't the revenue. It's the reason she built the business in the first place.Female candidates regularly tell Hera they're nervous about wearing their wedding ring to interviews because they know it signals they might want children. Hiring managers have told them directly: we don't want people from that age range.Emma lived it herself. In one agency, a mum who left at three o'clock was met with the same comment every single day: "Thanks for coming."So Emma and Nicola built Hera around a guarantee most agencies won't make: a diverse shortlist on every single role. They positioned diversity and inclusion not as a side project but as the commercial engine. And it worked. Every client they've won has bought into it.Their target is £500K this year. They have no plans to hire a team. No plans to scale beyond two. No plans to stop billing.Inside this unique story we cover:Why Emma assumed motherhood would end her recruitment careerThe "thanks for coming" culture that still exists in agenciesWhy female candidates hide their wedding rings in interviewsHow two part-time working mums billed £500K in their first two yearsThe diverse shortlist guarantee that wins every clientWhy they target £500K a year and have zero interest in scaling beyond thatHow shared parental leave changed everything for their familyThe co-founder relationship that started at kids' swimming lessonsThis isn't about scaling fast or building an empire.It's about two women who were told, directly and indirectly, that motherhood and recruitment don't mix. They billed half a million pounds in two years working part-time and proved it wrong. Without sacrificing bedtimes, school runs, or being present for their kids.If you're a female recruiter wondering whether you can have children, build a business, and still love what you do, this episode is your blueprint.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasLet’s be honest. Admin is one of the biggest drains on growth in a recruitment business.That’s where Atlas comes in.Atlas is the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies that want to scale without adding more manual work.It doesn’t just track CVs and calls. It captures every conversation - emails, interviews, client calls - and makes it fully searchable.With Magic Search, you can literally ask:Who mentioned they’re open to relocating next year?Who talked about wanting a four-day week?Who’s worried about their commute?Atlas searches across real conversations, not just keywords on a CV, and gives you answers instantly.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier. With Opportunities, you can track and grow client relationships using generative AI, all inside your existing workflow.And this isn’t hypothetical.Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost information.Just faster shortlists, better hires, and more time spent on the work that actually drives revenue.If you want to see what the future of recruitment looks like, unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at:https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here's the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That's the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we've created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you'll learn:Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from L

In 2022, Avetis Antaplyan was absolutely flying...HIRECLOUT, his global recruiting firm with 30 employees across the US, Colombia, Armenia, and India was breaking record after record.Two-time Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company, his best year ever and he felt everything was working.Then when the market hit hard in 2023-2024 and every other founder was doing layoffs, Avetis refused to cut people.Instead, he took most of his profits out of the business to keep his team employed through the downturn.He genuinely believed loyalty would be returned. That when things turned around, they'd kill it together.It didn't work that way."Those were the first people who resigned when we put some pressure on," he admits. "All it did was burn my profit."For two and a half years, he broke even. The money was gone. The people left anyway. But that failure taught him something most founders never learn: protecting average people doesn't build loyalty. It destroys capital.Now he's building the opposite.His new obsession: take exceptional people (circa $500-600k billers) and use AI, systems, and tools to turn them into $1m producers.He's recently hired a principal on executive search, a director of business development, and is planning a head of consulting…. Serious hires for a new phase of growth.In this episode, we cover:- Why he chose loyalty over layoffs (and what it cost)- Two and a half years of breaking even- The moment he realised protecting people was destroying capital - How he rebuilt with "bar raisers or nothing"- Building AI to turn $600k billers into million-dollar producers- Why he's never burnt out (and why most founders do)This story highlights a founder who made a decision based on loyalty, watched it blow up in his face, and chose to learn instead of blame the market.If you've ever wondered what happens when you prioritise people over profit, this episode may change how you think about loyalty. __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: Remote RecruitmentHiring shouldn’t be slow, stressful, or expensive. That’s why there’s Remote Recruitment — the smart hiring partner for modern businesses.They don’t just help you find great people. They help you access elite South African talent that’s ready to deliver. No PAYE. No NI. No bloated overheads. Just trained, remote professionals who integrate seamlessly into your team.Their process handles everything: sourcing, shortlisting, onboarding, and retention. Fully managed. Fully supported. Fully remote.And now, Remote Recruitments has entered a new chapter. From ops to admin, sales to strategy, we’re helping businesses scale smarter with people they trust, at a cost they can afford.Clients have seen:* Up to **60% productivity boosts*** **300% ROI** on BD roles* **30% faster completion** of operational tasksNo overhead burden. No talent shortage panic. Just growth-focused hiring that makes business sense.Remote Recruitment is your flexible hiring solution for the modern era.**RAG Listeners:** Get 5% off your first hire + a free strategy session at www.remoterecruitment.co.uk/rag__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Peter Kornberg: How a Non-Recruiter Built $1M+ Revenue 15 years in a row (with Just 6 People)Peter Kornberg never worked a day as an agency recruiter.He worked in Advertising and Marketing and became a Chief Digital Officer.He ran a product design agency in New York City. Clients started asking for talent they couldn't afford to engage the agency for. So Peter said: "We can provide you some people."That was 15 years ago.What started as an ad hoc favour became UX Hires -a staffing and recruitment firm that's done $1M+ in revenue every single year since (with a team of six).But it wasn't always lean and profitable.In 2021, they had 60 open roles. A full team of employees. An expensive New York City office. Peter hired a leader to run the recruitment business."He didn't bring in any business. He wasn't particularly effective at managing," Peter admits."Didn't really fulfil that potential."They were grinding. Burning out. Taking on everything that came through the door."We didn't effectively weigh the roles that came in as we saw everything as money. Everything was opportunities. So we just went for everything."The team wasn't profitable, this model wasn't working.So Peter stripped it back.He kept only his best recruiters and sourcers. People who could deliver exceptional outcomes regardless of market conditions. No 360 recruiters, only delivery consultants with him focusing on winning all new business."Really focus on people that can deliver great outcomes," he says. "I can handle the rest around that, which is client relationships."But here's what makes Peter different.He split his team between sourcing and recruiting. Sourcers find people; that's all they do. Recruiters manage clients and placements. It's all relationship-based building.60% of his revenue now comes from contract and he's rebuilt his entire approach to work: "I could probably get more done in five hours of really productive work than 15 hours of grinding away and burning out."He doesn’t believe in “hustle culture” and he’s not trying to build an empire. He’s quietly built a sustainable, profitable role business that gives him his life back.We cover:- Why never being a recruiter became his biggest advantage- The 60-role mistake that nearly broke the business- How he rebuilt around just 6 people and hit $1M+ consistently- The split desk model (and why he refuses 360 recruiters)- Why 60% contract revenue changed everything- The failed leader hire (and why BD roles are so hard to delegate)- Time blocking and the 5-hour productivity principle- How AI is reshaping UX and product design recruitmentThis isn't about scaling fast or an exit strategy.It's about a non-recruiter who stumbled into being a recruiter, nearly burned out chasing growth, and rebuilt a million-dollar business around what actually works: small team, high margins, client relationships.No investment decks and growth-at-all-costs. Just profitability and freedom.If you've ever wondered whether you can build a 7-figure recruitment business without the complexity, the burn-out, or the endless headcount - this episode will help!__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: Remote RecruitmentHiring shouldn’t be slow, stressful, or expensive. That’s why there’s Remote Recruitment — the smart hiring partner for modern businesses.They don’t just help you find great people. They help you access elite South African talent that’s ready to deliver. No PAYE. No NI. No bloated overheads. Just trained, remote professionals who integrate seamlessly into your team.Their process handles everything: sourcing, shortlisting, onboarding, and retention. Fully managed. Fully supported. Fully remote.And now, Remote Recruitments has entered a new chapter. From ops to admin, sales to strategy, we’re helping businesses scale smarter with people they trust, at a cost they can afford.Clients have seen:* Up to **60% productivity boosts*** **300% ROI** on BD roles* **30% faster completion** of operational tasksNo overhead burden. No talent shortage panic. Just growth-focused hiring that makes business sense.Remote Recruitment is your flexible hiring solution for the modern era.**RAG Listeners:** Get 5% off your first hire + a free strategy session at www.remoterecruitment.co.uk/rag__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it wo

At 21 years old, Alex Hashash was managing 15 people and 18,000 hours of temporary nurses every single week.By his early thirties, he had 120 staff. Most of them offshore.But it didn't start with a playbook. It started with 3 am phone calls, traumatic Blackberry ringtones, and weekend rotas that never seemed to end.When his company decided to build an offshore capability, Alex didn't manage it from a distance.He moved to India for eight months to build the team from scratch.Night shifts. Culture clashes. Teaching people who'd never worked in recruitment how to fill nursing shifts at 2 am UK time.He's spent over a decade learning what separates the founders who make offshore work from those who give up after six months.Most treat it like a cost-cutting exercise. They hire one remote person, hope for the best, and blame the model when it fails.Alex took the opposite approach."If someone makes a mistake, it's really easy to blame them because they're so far away. But if that was a colleague on your desk, would you be as harsh?"The problem isn't the talent. It's the leadership.This week on The RAG Podcast, Alex tells the full story.We cover:Why most recruitment founders fail at offshore within six months How to build culture when your team is thousands of miles away The biggest mistake UK consultants make when managing offshore staff Why hiring people without recruitment experience often delivers the best ROI How to structure probation and promotional targets for offshore hires The leadership buy-in you need before going offshore How he scaled to 120 staff with the majority based offshoreThis isn't theory. It's a decade of hard-won experience across three continents.If you've ever wondered whether offshore could work for your agency - or why your previous attempt failed - this episode has the blueprint.--------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That's why there's Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn't only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it's entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that's not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don't miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/--------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here's the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That's the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K - £300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we've created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you'll learn:Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedInHow small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demandThe 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency's most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Logan Naidu runs Kernel Global-a multi-brand recruitment group with 200 people across London, Hong Kong, Charlotte and New York.We first spoke in April 2021. He had 180 people. The market was about to explode.2021: £7 million EBITDA. 2022: £10 million EBITDA. Headcount doubled to 300.Then March 2023 hit. Logan closed a second PE deal. Paid out over £30 million to staff. The biggest individual payout? Multiple millions.One month later, he started making cuts."I remember talking to my father-in-law saying I'm really embarrassed by this. I've just taken on a load of money from new investors and we're already talking about making cuts and the business shrinking."By the end of 2023, Logan had cut 100 heads—a third of the business.But here's what makes this story different: he saw it coming.December 2022. Their Christmas party. Logan stood up and said: "I think we've forgotten how hard this industry can be. We've had a record year, but we're cutting corners. We're taking clients for granted. That's going to bite us if we don't get back to it really quickly."It was poorly received. Then 2023 happened.This week on The RAG Podcast, Logan breaks down the full story.We cover:Scaling from £4.9M to £10M EBITDA in three years during the boomWhy he warned his team in December 2022 that they'd "forgotten the basics"Closing a PE deal on a Saturday morning hours before Silicon Valley Bank collapsedMaking 100 cuts across two waves (and why the second wave was harder)The criteria he used to decide who stayed: character, work ethic, client treatmentWhy his sleepless nights dropped from 2–3 per week to 2–3 per yearRebuilding to 2022 levels by 2025 with a completely different foundationHis approach to AI, offshoring, and why he won't chase every new toolWhy he still hires graduates despite the cost and cultural shiftsThe plan to double the business again by 2029This isn't about avoiding pain.It's about a founder who moved fast, made hard decisions early, and came out the other side with a business built to last through cycles.If you've ever wondered how the best operators stay level when everyone else is drinking their own Kool-Aid, this episode is the blueprint.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: Remote RecruitmentHiring shouldn’t be slow, stressful, or expensive. That’s why there’s Remote Recruitment — the smart hiring partner for modern businesses.They don’t just help you find great people. They help you access elite South African talent that’s ready to deliver. No PAYE. No NI. No bloated overheads. Just trained, remote professionals who integrate seamlessly into your team.Their process handles everything: sourcing, shortlisting, onboarding, and retention. Fully managed. Fully supported. Fully remote.And now, Remote Recruitments has entered a new chapter. From ops to admin, sales to strategy, we’re helping businesses scale smarter with people they trust, at a cost they can afford.Clients have seen:* Up to **60% productivity boosts*** **300% ROI** on BD roles* **30% faster completion** of operational tasksNo overhead burden. No talent shortage panic. Just growth-focused hiring that makes business sense.Remote Recruitment is your flexible hiring solution for the modern era.**RAG Listeners:** Get 5% off your first hire + a free strategy session at www.remoterecruitment.co.uk/rag__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Ryan Gorman: How He Built £250k in Fees Without Making a Single Cold CallRyan Gorman launched Lofthouse Group in January 2021 with a newborn daughter at home.His wife asked him one question: "What sort of person do you want Isla seeing? Do you want her growing up seeing work as something you love, or just something you do to earn money?"Year one, solo, working part-time around his newborn: £93k invoiced. £60k profit. Home for every bath time."Everything has been warm. I've never had to sit down and just cold-call tons of people."While other recruiters smashed the phones, Ryan built a podcast as a BD tool. Used LinkedIn to warm every approach. And went to Instagram to find architects who weren't even on LinkedIn.Four years later? £250k in fees. Average placement of £12k (market average is £7.5k). 85% repeat business. 70% net profit.This week on The RAG Podcast, Ryan tells the full story.We cover:Why he left tech recruitment to go back to architectureThe question his wife asked that gave him the push to startHow he used Instagram to find candidates not on LinkedInWhy he's never made a cold call and still bills £250kHiring his first employee after four years soloHow his first hire billed £50k in two and a half monthsHis plan to become number one in architecture recruitmentIf you've ever wondered whether you can build a profitable recruitment business without grinding the phones, this episode is for you.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: Remote RecruitmentHiring shouldn’t be slow, stressful, or expensive. That’s why there’s Remote Recruitment — the smart hiring partner for modern businesses. They don’t just help you find great people. They help you access elite South African talent that’s ready to deliver. No PAYE. No NI. No bloated overheads. Just trained, remote professionals who integrate seamlessly into your team. Their process handles everything: sourcing, shortlisting, onboarding, and retention. Fully managed. Fully supported. Fully remote. And now, Remote Recruitments has entered a new chapter. From ops to admin, sales to strategy, we’re helping businesses scale smarter with people they trust, at a cost they can afford. Clients have seen: * Up to **60% productivity boosts** * **300% ROI** on BD roles * **30% faster completion** of operational tasks No overhead burden. No talent shortage panic. Just growth-focused hiring that makes business sense. Remote Recruitment is your flexible hiring solution for the modern era. **RAG Listeners:** Get 5% off your first hire + a free strategy session at www.remoterecruitment.co.uk/rag __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Stuart Mitchell: How he built $3M in 3 years (then realised he hated his own job)Stuart Mitchell launched Hampton North in September 2022.$1.6 million year one. $2.5 million year two. On track for $3 million plus in year three.Now 10 staff and projects $1m profit for next year.I interviewed him on the show in the middle of 2023, and things were flying.But over the following 18 months, he nearly broke.His dad died. His wife fell pregnant. And the VP he'd promised her-the guy who was supposed to take the pressure off-pulled out in January."I had to go home to my newly pregnant wife and have a really hard conversation."For 6 months, Stuart ground it out alone. High expectations, low empathy. The worst version of himself.Then at a wedding, his old running mate Greg Anderson said: "I think we should do this again."Greg joined in June and immediately told Stuart the truth: "There is nothing here. No process. Nothing written down. You're making it impossible for anyone who joins to actually do well."This week on The RAG Podcast, Stuart tells the full story.We cover:Launching just before the 2023 downturn and hitting $1.6M in the first yearLosing his dad and how it derailed him for two monthsThe VP hire that fell through one week after his wife fell pregnantWhy he admits "I had my own company and I didn't like my job"How one hire professionalised a business built entirely on talentBuilding a $3M agency with 10 people (and why he'll never scale past 25)Why he takes profit first and doesn't care about a big exitThe role this LinkedIn profile and brand played in attracting top-tier talentThis isn't about sacrifice for success.It's about a founder who built a multi-7-figure business, then redesigned it so he could pick his kids up from school.If you've ever wondered whether you can have both profit and peace, this episode is the proof you need!__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That's why there's Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn't only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it's entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that's not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don't miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here's the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That's the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we've created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you'll learn:Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedInHow small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demandThe 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency's most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Pete Watson: 22 years as a solo Rec2Rec in Australia (and why he'd never do it again)Pete Watson is the longest-serving boots-on-the-ground Rec2Rec in Australia.22 years running Mint R2R. Thousands of placements. A recognisable name across the entire Australian recruitment market.But 18 months ago, he was at the gym when he asked himself one question:"Would I do it all again?"His answer was immediate: "A fast no."Not because he failed. But because of what success actually cost him."Even though people look at 22 years as a business owner and go 'that's amazing, congratulations' - it's been brutal. It's been lonely. It's been isolating. It has not been good for mental health."So that afternoon, he knocked up a logo on Canva and launched Recruitment United.Within a week, 70 agency owners joined a WhatsApp group.Within four months, 500.Today, there are 330 subscribing members accessing weekly training, mate rates discounts, and a proper community of peers.This week on The RAG Podcast, Pete tells the full story.We cover:Why 22 years as a solo Rec2Rec nearly broke him mentallyThe gym moment that changed everythingHow he built a 500-member community in four months with zero planWhy the majority of his members have no intention of scalingThe rise of lifestyle businesses over exit strategiesNavigating divorce, becoming a stepdad, and buying back his family home13 years alcohol-free and why he finally started talking about itThis isn't about building an empire.It's about a founder who realised that isolated recruitment success was killing him—and built something to solve that for himself and others!If you've ever felt lonely as a solo founder, or wondered whether there's another way to build, this episode is for you.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That’s why there’s Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn’t only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it’s entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that’s not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don’t miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Michael Green: How he made $700K in year one (after not billing for 6 years)Michael Green spent six years running teams of 100+ recruiters.Building offices. Managing people. Zero placements.When he launched Unico in April 2024, he had to go back to basics."I had to do role plays to myself. I hadn't qualified a candidate in six years."Day one was brutal. Just him, his house and a dog.But Michael had something most recruiters don't: a genuine answer to "what makes you different?"While everyone else competed on job boards chasing $30K fees, Michael went the opposite direction.Senior positions only. Architect level and above.New York Location onlyHis average fee jumped from $30K to $60K overnight.His biggest placement? $170,000.12 months later: $700K gross profit. Solo.Year two: $1.5M with just four people.But here's what makes Michael different.He's not scaling headcount - he's scaling quality.Ultra-niche: ServiceNow and bleeding-edge SaaS. One technology. Total focus.Last week, a major partner messaged him: "I've seen your posts. I've heard your reputation. We want to use you exclusively."He'd never spoken to them before..He's now targeting growth15 profitable recruiters and $3M in 2026.This week on The RAG Podcast, Michael tells the full story.We cover:- Why he walked away from running 200 people to start from scratch- How he made $700K in year one after six years out of recruitment- The "top 3%" model that clients can't say no to- Why he pivoted from $30K to $100K+ fees overnight- The AI screening tool that's changing his close rate- His LinkedIn strategy that generates 70% conversion ratesThis isn't about scaling fast.It's about a man who had to relearn his own trade, doubted himself daily, and built a $1.5M business in 20 months that doesn't require 100 heads to hit seven figures.No venture capital. No growth-at-all-costs.Just profitable headcount over vanity metrics.If you've ever wondered whether you can start your own agency after years of management - or if there's a smarter way to scale than just adding bodies – this episode has the blueprint.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That’s why there’s Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn’t only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it’s entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that’s not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don’t miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Jen Gaster: How she sold her business to her team (and kept the tax bill at zero)Jen Gaster launched HR Heads in 2008 at the height of the financial crisis with a six-month-old baby and zero income security.17 years later, she runs three brands, 22 people, and just completed an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) transaction.Tax-free exit, 5-year payout. The employees own the business when the mortgage is paid off.One week after they completed the deal, Rachel Reeves changed the rules.EOT payments are now taxable for anyone doing it after the budget.Jen got in just in time.But here's what makes this story different.She built the business with her husband Rupert. Same office but separate brands and working processes (They've literally only attended one client meeting together in their entire lives!)This week on The RAG Podcast, Jen tells the full story.We cover:Starting a business during the 2008 financial crash with a babyWorking with your spouse without destroying your marriageWhy she admits "I don't think I'm a brilliant man manager"The EOT transaction and how they structured a tax-free exitHow Rachel Reeves' budget changed the rules one week after they completedWhy legacy mattered more than a trade saleThis isn't about building an empire.It's about a founder who wanted to reward the people who built the business with her and managed to do it without a tax bill.If you've ever wondered whether there's another way to exit, this episode has the blueprint.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That's why there's Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn't only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it's entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that's not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don't miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here's the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That's the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we've created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you'll learn:Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedInHow small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demandThe 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency's most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Helen Buchan-Connor on why she's building offshore teams and hitting $600K revenue"All I wanted to do was make £100,000. That's it"Helen Buchan Connor started her recruitment business in September 2020.Her husband had just been diagnosed with lymphoma.COVID had locked down Singapore a week earlier.She was working from her lift lobby because there was no space for an office.Most people would've waited for a "better time."Helen didn't have that luxury.First year: $350K revenue, $50K profit.But then 2023 hit. The market turned. She lost $200K.She'd taken investment. Signed a JV with a well-known player in the industry.The advice she got?"Work harder. Do more calls."But you can't bring UK-style metrics into Southeast Asia and expect them to land."In Southeast Asia, trust is built off relationships. In the West, it's built off performance."So Helen stripped it back. Looked at what the big tech companies were actually doing.Amazon. Google. The major media agencies.They were all offshoring. Quietly.She decided to do it loudly.Today:- Three-person team- $600K revenue- Phone off at 7 pm- Present mother and wife- Building offshore hubs for ad tech clients across Southeast AsiaThis week on The RAG Podcast, Helen breaks down exactly how she built it.We cover:- Why she started in the middle of a pandemic with a seriously ill husband- How she turned $350K Year 1 into a $200K loss in Year 3- Why the JV investment model failed her (and what she learned)- The Southeast Asia + Philippines combination that changed everything- How she's consulting clients OUT of hiring decisions (and still growing revenue)- Why "surviving is thriving" when you're a working parent building a businessThis isn't about grinding harder or scaling to 50 headcount.This is about building a recruitment business that fits your life.Not the other way around."Surviving is thriving. If you've got it together at the end of the week, you're good. If your kids like you, you're good. If you've got a couple of clients and you can invoice them, you're good."If you want to understand how to build profitably without sacrificing everything else, this episode is essential.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That’s why there’s Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn’t only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it’s entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that’s not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don’t miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Emily Van Eyssen on why she's firing staff and replacing them with AI"I automated someone's entire job out of my business.""They're gone. That role doesn't exist anymore."Emily Van Eyssen isn't talking about the future.She's talking about last month.She had no recruitment experience when she started.Zero training. Never worked for an agency. Stumbled into it during the pandemic through a government contract she still doesn't understand why she won.Most people would have crashed and burned.Emily placed 200 young people into employment, made a lot of money, and accidentally built a completely virtual recruitment business.When the pandemic ended and the scheme shut down, she had a choice.Go back to managing Airbnbs (which she hated), or figure out how to make recruitment work.Three years later:30-35 placements per monthTeam of just 8 people300+ people placed globallyJobs being automated out of existence in real-timeBut here's what makes Emily's story urgent.She's not planning for an AI future. She's living it right now.South African talent + AI super users = roles disappearing overnight.She fired someone last week for refusing to use AI. That job is now gone forever.One of her team automated their own role out. They're still there. The role isn't.She's training 5,000 people per month in South Africa on AI (and employing none of them).She's targeting 100 placements per month by Easter. Same 8-person team.This week on The RAG Podcast, Emily tells you exactly what's coming.We cover:Why she fired someone for refusing to adopt AI (and automated their job immediately)How one team member automated an entire salary out of the businessThe South Africa + AI combination making UK roles obsoleteWhy she's training thousands in AI but employing none of themWhat happens to recruitment when one person can do the work of fiveHer plan to 3x placements without hiring a single personThis isn't a prediction about 2030.This is happening right now. In Emily's business. Today.And if you're not preparing for it, you're already behind.If you want to understand what the next 12 months actually look like for recruitment, this episode is essential.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That’s why there’s Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn’t only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it’s entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that’s not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don’t miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Mark Thomas walked away from a six-figure salary without a concrete plan.Three co-founders. One investment. Strict 9-month covenants.Then came March: dozens of pitches, everyone loved the vision, but almost no one was buying. The retained leadership search model wasn't landing. They started questioning everything.One week later, four retained searches landed. Revenue hasn't stopped climbing since.12 months in: £1M+ revenue, 75% retained work, and a business model nobody else in insurance recruitment is executing at this level.In this episode:Why he nearly pivoted to golf (and why recruitment pays better)The £150k-£350k leadership gap nobody was serving properlyTurning down every role under £120k to protect the brandBuilding the "Real Madrid of recruiters" with 10-15 elite billersHow retained search gives you three-month revenue visibilityThe profit share model that creates a partnership without equityThis isn't a scale-to-50-people story. This is about building a boutique firm where being the worst recruiter in the room means you've hired brilliantly.For recruitment founders who want quality over quantity and believe 10 great people beats 50 average ones.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That’s why there’s Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn’t only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it’s entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that’s not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don’t miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Chris & Gemma built a 7-figure agency by saying NO to 90% of clientsChris walked into a client meeting. Got the job brief. Then said "No way."The client looked at him like he was insane."You haven't shown me the office. I don't know your team. I can't work on this job."She'd just told him they were more expensive than every other agency.He didn't care.This is how Chris and Gemma built Mixos - a husband-and-wife recruitment agency that operates completely backwards.They REFUSE to take briefs over email. They WON'T work with clients who rush them. They'd literally rather go bankrupt than cut their fees.And somehow? Rookies from retail are billing £50k+ quarters. They've grown to 15 people in 18 months. Their LinkedIn DMs are full of warm leads.In this episode:Why they lost one job last month and Chris "felt like someone stuck a knife in him"The cocktails-in-Mallorca conversation that merged two agencies during a pandemicHow they got a psychology graduate with zero experience to £53k in 90 daysBuilding a 400-person local community that makes cold calling irrelevantWhy they walked away from their biggest client (and replaced it with 5 better ones)The "blueprint everything first" strategy that stops quality diluting as you scaleWhat happens when you tell a client, "I can't help you" in the first meetingThis isn't about growth hacks or AI tools or scaling fast.This is about two people who set impossible standards, refuse to compromise, and somehow built an agency where saying NO is their superpower.For every recruiter who's tired of competing on price and wondering if there's another way.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That’s why there’s Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn’t only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it’s entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that’s not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don’t miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Mick Donaghy: How he built $1.4M from $7K (after his partnership collapsed) Mick Donaghy's mother died when he was in his twenties.Life's too short became his operating system.He left Ireland. Moved to New Zealand. Became a top-billing recruiter! A few years later, he got his shot at ownership. A partnership to launch an Australian business for the agency he worked. For many reasons, this partnership didn’t work, so Mick paid back his business partner and walked away with $7,000 in his bank account.No business. No plan B.This time, he was doing it alone.GEDON was born - named after his Mum.Ultra-niche: quantity surveying and cost management. One discipline. Total focus.12 months later: $1.4M AUD in billings.65 placements. One person every three days.But here's what makes Mick different.He's not building an empire.- he’s building freedom!Currently has 9 people, 5 offshore making 40%+ profit margins.Last week, he won 3 new clients from his personal brand. Zero cold calls.He just bought a 100-year-old house in Belfast. Cash.He drives an old Toyota Corolla, does 30 minutes in the sauna daily and is two and a half years into rebuilding his relationship with alcohol.He’s now set a new and incredible target: 20-hour work week. $300-400K profit annually.This week on The RAG Podcast, Mick tells the full story.We cover:The partnership in Australia that COVID nearly destroyedHow he started Gedon with $7K and built it to $1.4M in year oneWhy ultra-niche made his business borderlessThe personal brand strategy that replaced cold callingWhy he refuses to scale headcountHis sobriety journey and the 20-hour work week planThis isn't about scaling fast.It's about a man who lost his mom young, tried a partnership that collapsed, and rebuilt everything from $7,000 into a million-dollar business that gives him his life back.No investor decks. No growth-at-all-costs.Just freedom over headcount.If you've ever wondered whether there's another way to build a business—one that doesn't trap you -this episode has the blueprint.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That's why there's Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn't only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it's entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that's not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don't miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here's the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That's the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we've created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you'll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency's most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Jordan Shlosberg: Why agency recruiters will win (and internal TA won't)Jordan Shlosberg runs Atlas CRM—the fastest-growing, AI-native recruitment platform in the world.Thousands of recruiters use his technology every day. Real-time data. Real billings. Real problems being solved.If anyone knows what's actually working with AI in recruitment, it's him."Internal talent teams have a lot to worry about. Agency recruiters? There's a renaissance coming."Here's why:Agency recruiters have years of candidate conversations. Reference calls. Market knowledge built through relationships. The ability to cut through 1,500 AI-generated applications with actual insight.Internal TA has a resume. Sometimes a screening call. That's it.But here's the problem: agency recruitment only represents 7-8% of all hires in Europe.We could grow our share massively. Or we could shrink into irrelevance.The difference? How quickly we become AI-literate.This week on The RAG Podcast, Jordan and I go deep on what's actually happening in recruitment AI.We cover:Why Atlas crossed $1M ARR in 10 months while the market contractedHow clients are growing from 4 to 15 seats in under a yearThe fatal flaw in "agentic job boards" like Jack & JillWhy sourcing platforms only show you 50% of LinkedIn's dataThe partnership we're launching to make recruiters top 5% AI usersThis isn't another "AI is coming for your job" panic post.This is strategic intelligence from someone watching what actually works across thousands of recruiters every day.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That's why there's Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn't only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it's entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that's not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don't miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here's the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That's the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we've created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you'll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency's most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Ricky Burns: How to build £1.1M profit in year one (after losing it all at 32)Ricky Burns made incredible money at 28Then he drank it all away.Partied it into oblivion and got hit with a massive VAT bill he couldn't pay.Most people never recover from that kind of failure, but at 32, he decided to shut the business down and start again.He went back into employment for 11 years.Ran European divisions. Watched. Learned. Took notes on what actually works.Then in September 2024 he launched Pulse Group with his co-founder Tony.12 months later:£1.4M in fees£1.1M in EBITDA (profit)I don't know anyone who's achieved these numbers in year one.This week on The RAG Podcast, Ricky breaks it all down.We cover:How they hit £1.1M profit in 12 months (it's simpler than you think)What killed his first business (beyond the partying)The 10 years of lessons that made the comeback inevitableWhy he paired recruitment with SOW consultancyThe systems and client focus driving 83% marginsHow AI is making them more efficient without adding headcountWhy work-life balance is now non-negotiableThis isn't your typical "I scaled fast" story.This is brutal honesty about failure, sobriety, and building something sustainable the second time around. __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That’s why there’s Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn’t only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it’s entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that’s not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don’t miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

Matt Fox achieved a life-changing exit and walked away in 90 days!Matt Fox was 72 hours from a multi-seven-figure exit when COVID killed the deal.What followed: a complete breakdown, 2 years of therapy, and a total rebuild.But he did it differently the second time.Cut from 30 stressed employees to 10 people he loved. Stripped costs. Turned it into a cash machine. By 40, he'd cleared his mortgage and bought Spanish properties with cash.Then, in November 2024, he sold the business and walked away in 3 months.In this episode:Why scaling to 30 people nearly destroyed himThe "cash cow" strategy that made him wealthy before the exitHow to build a team that doesn't need youWhat selling a business actually feels like (the bit nobody warns you about)Why 80% of recruitment founders get exits wrongThis isn't your typical scale-and-sell story. This is what it really takes to lose everything, rebuild on your terms, and exit with your sanity intact.For recruitment founders running 5-30 person agencies, wondering what happens next.Chapters00:03:00 Building Dynamite Recruitment00:09:00 Challenges and Resilience00:15:00 Restructuring for Profitability00:21:00 The Sale Process00:27:00 Lessons Learned and Future Plans__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That’s why there’s Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn’t only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it’s entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that’s not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don’t miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

This week on The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Nick Hoadley, founder of Insurance Search, a specialist executive search practice in the global insurance market.Nick quit a successful broking career nine years ago and launched a recruitment business with zero agency experience. Since then, he has shifted from 100% contingent to 100% retained, built a lean team, and maxed out a seven-figure practice while holding 50 to 60% profit margins. He is now expanding in the US with a partner model designed to scale without fixed overheads.We talk about:- How he went from insurance broker to founder with no prior agency experience- The playbook for moving from 100% contingent to 100% retained- Why a podcast and thought leadership now drive executive mandates worldwide- Building a lean delivery engine, research and board search that sustains 50% plus margins- The US partner model that scales without headcount or fixed overhead- What to productise next, from human capital research to peer forums- Practical advice on letting go of delivery to win bigger workIf you are aiming to grow an executive search practice while protecting profit, this is the episode to watch.Chapters00:00:30 Nick Hoadley's Journey00:01:00 From Contingent to Retained00:01:28 Impact of Podcasting00:01:57 Aligning Personal and Professional Goals00:02:27 AI and the Future of Recruitment00:02:57 Building Client Trust00:03:27 Scaling with a Partner Model00:03:59 The US Market Expansion00:04:28 Conclusion and Future Outlook__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That’s why there’s Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn’t only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it’s entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that’s not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don’t miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

This week, on episode 1 of season 9 of The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Samm Green, co-founder of Few & Far, a UK-based product management recruitment business with 22 people and a powerful story of resilience.Samm was the very first guest I ever recorded on The RAG back in 2019, and at that time, he had big plans to scale to 40 staff and eventually exit. While some of that came true, the road since has been far from smooth.In this episode, Samm opens up about: - The financial and emotional toll of losing over £350,000 during the market downturn. - How burnout and stress led to physical illness and a trip to A&E. - The decision to rebuild and focus on profit, not just growth. - Why transparency and community have been key to recovery. - How he’s turned the business around to be on track for £1m EBITDA in 2025.This is one of the most honest conversations I’ve ever had on The RAG. It’s a story about resilience, leadership and learning what success really means when the pressure hits hardest.Chapters00:00 Sam Green's Journey02:53 The Growth and Challenges of Few&Far05:55 Navigating the Post-COVID Landscape09:00 The Impact of Financial Loss on Mental Health11:27 Lessons Learned from Redundancies and Business Cuts14:36 Rebuilding and Regaining Profitability17:20 The Importance of Mental Health in Business20:17 Strategies for Business Development and Community Building23:16 The Future of Recruitment in a Changing Market26:00 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations28:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That’s why there’s Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn’t only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it’s entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that’s not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don’t miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here’s the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That’s the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we’ve created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you’ll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating channelSo fill in the form today to see how this system could transform LinkedIn into your agency’s most profitable channel: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0

This week on The RAG Podcast, I am revisiting my episode with Anthony Webster, Managing Director of DVF Recruitment and board member at Career Legal.Anthony and I go way back - we worked together for five years and even planned to launch Hoxo together before his journey took a different turn. At that point, Anthony made a life-changing decision: he came out as gay after years of hiding his true self.We talk about:The challenges of coming out in a male-dominated industryWhy authenticity and inclusion are vital for culture and growthHis journey from recruiter to MD and board memberThe impact of living openly on his career and leadership styleHow DVF has grown under his leadership as part of the Career Legal groupAnthony’s story is powerful, personal, and incredibly inspiring. It’s about resilience, honesty, and the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces in recruitment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the RAG Podcast and Guest Introduction01:28 Anthony's Journey: Coming Out and Career Choices03:36 Career Path: From Recruitment to Managing Director08:25 The Drive for Success: Personal Background and Motivation11:19 Building Relationships in Recruitment: The Importance of Consistency15:28 The Decision to Come Out: Personal Struggles and Growth19:03 Navigating Life After Coming Out: Personal and Professional Changes22:51 Integrating into the LGBTQ Community: New Experiences and Friendships33:00 The Future of DVF Recruitment: Growth and Inclusion48:58 Creating an Inclusive Environment in Recruitment01:00:01 Looking Ahead: Future Plans for DVF and Personal Life__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

This week on The RAG Podcast, we are revisiting my episode with Laura Clark, CEO of OA Group.Laura’s journey is one of the most unique I’ve ever shared on the show. She grew up watching her mum build Osborne Appointments (now OA Group), joined the business at 19, and earlier this year bought it from her mother to take over as CEO.We talk about:What it was like growing up with an entrepreneurial mother as inspirationJoining the business at 19 and proving herself in recruitmentNavigating four children while building her own career and leadership styleThe emotional and strategic process of negotiating the buyout with her mumHer vision for OA Group, balancing legacy with innovationThis was the first time I’ve had a guest who has bought their business from a parent, and it raises so many relatable themes for any founder, from negotiating long-term relationships to building a business that truly reflects your values.Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Rag Podcast and Laura Clark02:21 Laura's Journey in Recruitment and Family Dynamics12:03 Early Career Challenges and Growth in Recruitment18:19 Transitioning to Management and Leadership28:38 Taking Over the Family Business32:44 Navigating Business Challenges34:37 The Emotional Dynamics of Family Business38:35 Reflections on Business Exits41:30 Post-Acquisition Vision and Growth49:54 Balancing Remote Work and Team Dynamics55:03 Gender Equality in Leadership59:43 Juggling Work and Family Life__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

This week on The RAG Podcast, I’m revisiting my episode with Ben Wallin and Dan Cox, founders of Edison Smart.When I spoke to them in August 2022, they’d already hit £1.7m revenue and built a team of nearly 20 in just over a year. One year later, they scaled to 31 employees, expanded into the US, put boots on the ground in Dubai, and built a structure that no longer relies on their own billing.We talk about:How they built an operational and leadership team that runs the agencyWhy they hired experienced recruiters while others were letting people goThe rebrand to Edison Smart and its focus on smart technologyHow they achieved 40 percent growth in 2023What it takes to truly work on the business, not in itFor any founder asking how to become more operational and scale sustainably, this episode is a clear roadmap.Chapters02:58 Edison Smart's Growth Journey06:01 Operational Structure and Leadership Dynamics09:11 Market Challenges and Strategic Responses11:57 Hiring Strategies and Team Expansion15:09 Navigating Market Changes and Client Relationships17:58 Headcount Growth and Recruitment Strategies22:03 Geographical Expansion: US and Dubai25:10 Branding and Rebranding: Edison Smart27:47 Operational Working Arrangements and Company Culture30:57 Key Takeaways and Future Vision__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

This week on The RAG Podcast, we are revisiting Episode 1 from Season 7 with Kevin Frater, Director at Stable10 and a recruitment leader with over 18 years of experience across Allegis and Frank Group.Kevin built his reputation as a fixer, turning underperforming offices into high-performing teams. Most notably, he grew a team in Germany from 12 to 180 recruiters over six years, creating one of the most successful divisions within Frank Group globally.We talk about:The playbook for turning around underperforming recruitment teamsScaling internationally across London, Singapore and GermanyWhat it really takes to grow and manage high-performing sales culturesHow to balance leadership, travel and personal life at scaleWhy Kevin chose to take a break before his next chapterWhether you’re a manager looking to build and lead bigger teams or a recruitment business searching for a leader to drive growth, this episode is packed with insight.Chapters03:02 Kevin Frater's Journey in Recruitment08:25 Transition from Allegious Group to Frank Group14:32 Leadership and Team Growth Strategies20:10 Turning Around Underperforming Teams31:50 International Experience: Asia and Germany40:37 Challenges and Successes in the German Market48:32 Scaling the Team from 12 to 18055:35 Reflections on Career and Future Opportunities__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

This week on The RAG Podcast, I’m revisiting my episode with Joe Jani, founder and CEO of Metric Search, one of the fastest growing recruitment firms in the world.Joe launched Metric in 2019 and in just six years has scaled to 90 heads across the US and UK. At only 31 years old, he’s already closed a private equity deal, taking seven figures off the table while setting the business on course for a $100m valuation.We talk about:The strategic decisions behind launching and scaling MetricNavigating the COVID pandemic without slowing momentumHow leadership and culture have fuelled rapid growthThe truth about managing and billing at the same timeWhat private equity means for the next stage of growthJoe’s story is proof that with the right vision, culture and commercial focus, you can scale globally at pace while still building a business that lasts.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Joe Jarny and Metric Search02:09 Joe's Journey in Recruitment11:52 Launching Metric Search and Navigating COVID22:03 The MBO Process and Growth Strategy35:14 Private Equity Deal and Future Plans49:21 Personal Life and Work-Life Balance01:00:38 Myths in Recruitment and Leadership__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

This week on The RAG Podcast, I’m revisiting my chat with Jordan Shlosberg, founder of Atlas, the first AI-first CRM built for the recruitment market.Jordan’s no stranger to scale. Before Atlas, he founded Prosapien, growing it to $40 million in revenue in just five years before exiting. He’s now bringing the same disruptive approach to recruitment technology.We talk about:How Atlas uses AI to eliminate low-value admin work for recruitersWhy the recruitment industry is ripe for disruptionLessons from scaling and exiting ProsapienHis vision for building a CRM that recruiters actually want to useHow he’s creating a culture where employees share in the company’s successJordan’s mission is to give recruiters more time to do what they do best, building relationships and making placements, while Atlas handles the admin.If you’re questioning whether your CRM is keeping up with AI’s potential, this is one to watch.--------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Rag Podcast and Guest Jordan Shlosberg02:51 Jordan's Entrepreneurial Journey and Background05:57 The Birth of Atlas and AI in Recruitment08:51 The Role of Family Background in Entrepreneurial Drive12:03 Transition from Finance to Entrepreneurship15:03 Building ProSapient: The First Company18:06 Growth Strategies and Challenges in ProSapient20:55 Technology's Impact on Business Operations23:52 Navigating Funding and Investment Rounds26:41 The Evolution of Leadership and Management29:47 The Future of Atlas and AI in Recruitment43:54 Navigating a Competitive Recruitment Landscape45:31 Building Software for Recruitment Success48:48 Innovating in Recruitment Technology50:31 The Future of Spec CVs and AI Integration58:30 Streamlining Administrative Tasks with AI01:00:27 Enhancing Data Management and Reporting01:08:37 Customer Support and User Experience01:17:42 Vision for the Future of Atlas__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

This week on The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Stuart Mitchell, the founder of Hampton North, a specialist cybersecurity search firm based in the US.Stuart launched his business, and in just nine months, he had already surpassed the seven-figure mark. There were no cold calls, no marketing spend, just LinkedIn and a consistent commitment to personal branding.We talk about:How he’s built a brand that attracts top talent and clientsWhat it was like launching through RecruitHubHis remote first mindset and how that’s shaped the teamThe “Magic Inbox” that helped him scale at record speedAnd why authenticity is his biggest competitive edgeEvery one of Stuart’s hires so far has approached him directly after following his content. He’s building an Avengers-level team of high performers who believe in his approach and are now reaping the rewards of it.If you’re running a recruitment business or thinking about starting one, this is the episode to watch.Catch it live on my LinkedIn at 12 pm on Wednesday or listen back afterwards wherever you get your podcasts.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Stuart Mitchell and Hampton North02:53 Stuart's Journey into Recruitment06:08 Building a Personal Brand08:59 Transitioning to Cybersecurity Recruitment11:57 The Launch of Hampton North14:34 The Role of Recruit Hub17:36 The Impact of Personal Branding on Business20:40 Navigating the Recruitment Landscape23:28 Hiring and Building a Team26:46 Work-Life Balance as a New Parent29:40 Advice for Aspiring Recruitment Entrepreneurs__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

Chris Redmond is back on The RAG for the third time and his story keeps getting better.When I first interviewed Chris in 2019, he’d just gone fully remote and was chasing a digital nomad lifestyle with no fixed office. At the time, I thought he was mad.Then COVID hit, and while the rest of the industry scrambled, Chris and his team were already built for the new world.Fast forward to now, Redholt is a retained headhunting firm running at 60 percent profit with just 8 people. Chris lives in Dubai, has transformed his health (losing 35kg in six months), and is building towards something much bigger: a business that runs without him and can one day be sold.In this episode, we cover:His unique forensic recruitment modelWhat it takes to move from lifestyle business to scalable businessThe pressure of being the only BD engine in your companyWhy personal reinvention is key to professional growthAnd how social media is helping drive both brand and client retentionWatch the episode live on my LinkedIn this Wednesday at 12 pm or catch up afterwards wherever you get your podcasts.If you're a founder thinking about long-term value and lifestyle alignment, this one’s not to be missed.Watch our ten-minute video on “The most profitable way to grow your recruitment agency in 2025” here: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0Apply to be on the next RAG season here: https://hubs.ly/Q03yjlLd0 Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Rag Podcast03:23 Chris Redmond's Journey and Business Evolution10:13 Red Hole's Unique Recruitment Methodology17:56 Scalability and Future Plans for Red Hole22:02 The Impact of Moving to Dubai29:06 Personal Transformation and Health Journey50:36 The Power of Social Media in Business01:04:30 Future Vision and Exit Strategy for Red Hole__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

What I’ve learned from 40 recruitment founder interviews in a yearThis week’s episode of The RAG is a little different - it’s just meAfter 40 in-person interviews across the UK, Dubai and Sydney, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what I’ve learned in season 8 and what’s next for the show.Here’s 3 key learnings that I cover in this solo episode:Why headcount is no longer the main measure of successWhy remote teams, offshore talent and AI are shaping the future of recruitmentWhy profit is becoming more important than scale and exitIf you’re a founder who's rethinking what growth really means and you want to build something profitable, sustainable and enjoyable - then this will helpWatch our ten-minute video on “The most profitable way to grow your recruitment agency in 2025” here: https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0Apply to be on the next RAG season here: https://hubs.ly/Q03yjlLd0 Chapters00:00 Season Reflection and Future Plans02:48 Shifts in Recruitment Success Metrics05:44 Personal Business Transformation and Insights09:01 Profit Maximization Focus for Future Seasons11:43 Engagement and Community Building__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

Would you walk away from recurring revenue to chase a bigger opportunity overseas?On this week's episode of The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Jamie Trevett, founder of Just Construction. Jamie was last on the show in 2022 when his UK construction recruitment firm had 25 staff and a growing contract book.Fast forward to today and Jamie has completely transformed the business. He shut down the contract side in the UK and relocated the company’s focus to the US market, where he now runs a similarly sized team doing 95% of their work stateside.In this episode, we discuss:Why he made the bold decision to leave the UK market behindThe operational and cultural shifts required to succeed in the USHow time zones and remote management work across continentsThe growing influence of AI on recruitment deliveryWhat the future could look like for Just Construction, including a potential saleIf you're thinking about scaling into the US or questioning how to futureproof your business in a changing market, you’ll get real insight from this one.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jamie Trevett and Just Construction02:59 Transitioning from the UK to the US Market05:56 Challenges in the UK Construction Recruitment Market08:49 Shutting Down the Contract Side of the Business12:07 Building a Stronger Focus on Permanent Recruitment14:57 Navigating Time Zones and Work Arrangements17:53 Strategies for Expanding into the US Market21:04 The Impact of AI on Recruitment23:43 Future Plans and Potential Sale of the Business__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

What’s the point in building a business if you lose everything at home?On this week’s episode of The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Matt Tyson, founder of Knockout Consulting and former owner of two successful payroll companies.Matt has achieved what many founders dream of—two life-changing exits in 15 years. But behind the success was a personal cost he never expected. In his pursuit of business growth, he lost sight of the very reason he started—his family.In this deeply honest conversation, we discuss:How Matt built and exited two payroll businessesThe pressure of selling a company during uncertain timesWhat he’d do differently to protect his marriage and mental healthWhy emotional balance matters just as much as financial goalsStrategies for building a business that doesn't cost you everything elseIf you’re a founder chasing an exit or deep in growth mode, this is a powerful reminder to check in on what really matters.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Growth and Balance02:52 Matt Tyson's Journey and Business Philosophy06:03 Transition from Banking to Payroll09:08 Building and Exiting Businesses12:01 The Importance of Compliance and Contractor Welfare14:54 Navigating Business Growth and Personal Life17:47 The Emotional Impact of Business Success20:54 The Role of Family and Support Systems23:49 Establishing Walker Smith and Growth Strategies27:01 Innovations in Contractor Support29:41 The Journey of Building a Group of Businesses32:56 Recognizing Personal Struggles and Changes35:48 Reflections on Work-Life Balance38:43 Conclusion and Lessons Learned42:43 Navigating Business Exits During Uncertain Times45:38 The Importance of Financial Control and Cost Management49:27 Identity and Purpose After Selling a Business50:39 The Emotional Impact of Business Transitions56:52 Lessons Learned from Personal Relationships and Business01:00:44 Finding Balance: Work, Life, and Personal Fulfillment01:09:29 Key Strategies for Business Growth and Exit Planning__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

Why most recruitment businesses fail to attract top-tier leadership talentOn this week’s episode of The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Dan Grim, founder of Inside Recruitment.With 25 years in the industry and two previous equity partnerships under his belt, Dan now runs a solo rec-to-rec firm helping recruitment businesses hire the kind of leadership talent that drives real scale.In this episode, Dan explains:Why most founders can't attract true A playersThe key traits and expectations that top 10% performers are looking forWhy having a clear shareholder agreement matters more than you thinkHow personal struggles shape better leadership decisionsWhat a good general manager or MD actually enables in a recruitment firmIf you're thinking about stepping back from the day-to-day or need someone to drive your next phase of growth, this is essential listening.Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Rag Podcast and Dan Grimm02:36 Dan Grimm's Journey in Recruitment09:52 Transitioning from Recruitment to Business Leadership18:35 The Importance of Values in Business25:57 Understanding Roles and Responsibilities in Business31:26 Navigating Business Partnerships and Agreements38:10 Personal Challenges and Career Resilience40:21 Navigating Expat Life and Family Dynamics43:11 Career Transitions and the Role of Networking47:13 Challenges of Leadership and Personal Struggles51:25 Reflections on Career Choices and Business Dynamics55:07 The Importance of Self-Reflection in Leadership59:44 Building a Business: Insights and Strategies01:05:47 Finding the Right Fit: Recruitment and Company Culture01:10:17 The Value of Retaining Top Talent01:15:23 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Business Growth__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ 

Most recruitment founders try to do it all and burn out in the process.On this week's episode of The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Martin Smith, founder of Talent Group, who shares how he's structured his business to double down on what he's best at and handed over the rest.Martin runs TalentDrive and Talent Finance, with a 12-person team across the UK. In this episode, we talk about:His journey from agency to founderThe lessons he learned from early mistakesBringing in an MD to run one brand while he focuses on growthSpending 90% of his time on BD, brand, and communityWhy self-awareness and strategic delegation can lead to long-term successMartin’s also brutally honest about the personal side of business, living on the South Coast, navigating the loneliness of leadership, and staying motivated through tough times like COVID.If you’re a founder who’s still figuring out where you add the most value or how to step back without slowing down, this one’s a must-listen.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Growth in Recruitment02:15 Martin's Journey: From Recruiter to Founder11:11 Transitioning from Agency to In-House Recruitment18:35 The Decision to Start Talent Group21:56 Navigating the Early Days of Entrepreneurship24:21 Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic27:32 Building Resilience and Community in Business31:46 Leadership Lessons and Team Dynamics35:30 Scaling the Business: Growth Strategies and Challenges39:57 Adapting to Market Changes and New Ventures46:51 Defining the Role of a CEO and Business Strategy47:57 Navigating Life on the South Coast50:07 Balancing Remote Work and Team Dynamics52:05 Future Growth and Business Strategy55:26 The Role of AI in Recruitment01:01:16 The Human Element in Recruitment01:04:30 Motivation and Personal Values in Business01:10:11 Finding Balance in Work and Life__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: UntappedUntapped is THE market leader and go-to agency for finding and hiring tried-and-tested offshore talent into UK, US and Australian-based recruitment companies.They’re providing top-class TEAMMATES, NOT OUTSOURCES! We use Untapped for Hoxo’s own offshore hires, and it’s been a total game-changer for our team. No one else can compete with the quality of their network, their in-depth candidate assessment process or their time to hire. If hiring elite-level overseas talent into your business to boost sales and increase productivity whilst saving yourself a huge amount in employment costs isn’t on your radar for 2024, it should be!Untapped are hiring recruitment, sales, marketing and support staff into recruitment agencies of all shapes, sizes and specialisms globally and they are growing rapidly!Join the waiting list today so you don’t miss out on the next cohort of business-launching hiring projects. https://bit.ly/47GGdvZ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0 to get started. See you there!

What happens when your 15-person agency runs out of cash and you have to start over from scratch?On this week's episode of The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Philippa Smith, founder of Silver Swan Recruitment, a luxury staffing agency for ultra-high net worth individuals.After growing her team to 15, COVID and poor cash flow caught up with her. In August 2024, she made the entire team redundant and scaled the business back to just herself.Nine months later, Philippa is now generating more than £1 million in pro-rata EBITDA. She's happier, more focused, and running a business built around lifestyle and profit, not just headcount.In this episode, we cover:How she pivoted her model to charge upfront and improve cash flowWhy personal branding has transformed her client relationshipsThe emotional cost of scaling too fastHow she’s using podcasting and community to drive inbound growthThe upside of running a smaller, more agile agencyIf you’re questioning whether scale is really the goal, this episode will give you a new perspective.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Silver Swan Recruitment02:04 Philippa's Journey into Recruitment07:52 Transition to Silver Swan Recruitment10:00 Growth and Challenges in Recruitment18:22 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business22:01 Navigating Revenue Challenges24:05 Strategies for Business Development24:17 Building the Team: Structure and Challenges25:08 The Turning Point: Running Out of Money27:19 Facing Reality: Making Tough Decisions30:01 The Aftermath: Adjusting to Change32:10 Rebuilding: A New Business Model34:12 Commitment to Change: Charging Upfront39:04 Success Redefined: Filling Roles Effectively41:21 The Power of Personal Branding46:47 The Power of Podcasting in Recruitment49:00 Building Communities for House Managers52:58 Creating Value Through Events and Networking56:58 The Balance of Work and Personal Life01:01:02 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

From recruiter to CEO and majority shareholder, Matt Murphy’s journey at Levy Global is nothing short of remarkable. Now, with Rory McGowan joining from Opus as COO, the business is entering what they call "Levy 2.0" - a new chapter focused on scale, structure, and serious wealth creation.On this week's episode of The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Matt and Rory, who now lead a 50-person business headquartered in the UK with offices in Amsterdam and Belgium.Matt shares how he joined Levy as a recruiter 22 years ago, led two management buyouts, and transitioned from top biller to CEO. Rory explains why he left a global leadership role managing 150+ people to join a high-margin, high-growth business with a clear trajectory and massive opportunity ahead.In this episode, we discussHow Matt took ownership through phased MBOs to lead Levy into its next phaseRory’s decision to downsize the team size but upscale in ambitionWhat it really takes to scale a recruitment business for exitHow they’re building a leadership team and operational engine to match their visionWhy clarity, culture, and autonomy are key to navigating the AI eraIf you're thinking about scale, succession, and what comes after strong performance, this episode is full of lived experience and strategy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Levy Global and Its Growth Journey03:03 Matt Murphy's Transition from Recruiter to CEO06:05 Rory McGowan's Move to Levy Global08:54 The Management Buyout Experience12:03 Challenges and Lessons from the First MBO14:49 Building a Leadership Team and Managing Growth18:00 Navigating COVID-19 and Its Impact on Business21:12 Cultural Differences in Professional Environments25:11 Transitioning Leadership and Team Dynamics28:41 The Drive for Growth and Legacy36:36 The Role of a COO in Scaling Business41:27 Navigating Change and Building a Strong Team49:09 Financial Strategies and Preparing for Growth50:57 Navigating Unique Deal Structures52:05 Personal Reflections on Career Transitions54:51 Exploring Business Opportunities and Challenges57:58 Initial Impressions and Early Contributions01:00:23 Gathering Insights from Team Members01:02:22 Combining Business Models for Growth01:05:08 Strategic Changes in Client Management01:10:59 Future Vision for Recruitment and Growth01:17:25 Advice for Future Leaders01:23:49 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: UntappedUntapped is THE market leader and go-to agency for finding and hiring tried-and-tested offshore talent into UK, US and Australian-based recruitment companies.They’re providing top-class TEAMMATES, NOT OUTSOURCES! We use Untapped for Hoxo’s own offshore hires, and it’s been a total game-changer for our team. No one else can compete with the quality of their network, their in-depth candidate assessment process or their time to hire. If hiring elite-level overseas talent into your business to boost sales and increase productivity whilst saving yourself a huge amount in employment costs isn’t on your radar for 2024, it should be!Untapped are hiring recruitment, sales, marketing and support staff into recruitment agencies of all shapes, sizes and specialisms globally and they are growing rapidly!Join the waiting list today so you don’t miss out on the next cohort of business-launching hiring projects. https://bit.ly/47GGdvZ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0 to get started. See you there!__________________________________________

What does it take to bill over $1 million a year for seven years straight, while leading the highest-performing team in your company?On this week’s episode of The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Jay Wynter, SAP Practice Lead at Precision Sourcing in Australia. From a tough start in recruitment to becoming a standout performer, Jay has built an elite billing record and helped shape a team known for its consistency and culture.In this episode, we discussHow Jay has billed $1 million annually for seven consecutive yearsThe leadership mindset that built the most consistent team in the businessHow personal branding and podcasting helped deepen relationshipsWhy balancing delivery, culture and family is at the heart of his approachIf you’re serious about high performance in recruitment—either as a biller or a leader—this is the one to watch.Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Rag Podcast and Guest Introduction01:07 Jay Wynter's Journey to Australia and Recruitment07:25 Transition from Football to Recruitment14:29 Early Challenges in Recruitment19:45 Adapting to COVID-19 and Leadership Response23:02 Embracing LinkedIn and Personal Branding27:29 Early Wins and Building a Personal Brand28:52 The Power of Podcasting in Recruitment31:37 Leadership and Team Dynamics36:19 Value-Driven Recruitment Strategies41:36 Work-Life Balance and Family Impact47:55 Future of Recruitment and Business Growth__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

What does growth really look like in 2025's recruitment market? For Dan Moussa, it means combining consulting skills, AI adoption and personal branding to move the industry forward.On this week's episode of The RAG Podcast, I'm joined by Dan Moussa, founder of Talesca, a specialist recruitment business in Australia. Dan’s story is one of consistent adaptation, leaning into the tools and strategies that add genuine value in a fast-changing space.In this episode, we discussHow personal branding has shaped Talesca’s growthWhy consistency and consulting skills are more vital than everHow AI is transforming recruitment models and client expectationsWhat it takes to build a business that stays relevant and delivers valueIf you’re a recruitment founder looking to evolve your business, sharpen your commercial edge or understand how to futureproof your brand and delivery, this episode is well worth your time.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Rag Podcast01:50 Overview of Talesca and Its Growth03:36 Reflections on Recruitment Career Beginnings09:14 The Importance of Consistency in Recruitment20:28 Current State of Recruitment and AI Impact28:53 The Value of Time in Recruitment31:12 Consulting Skills in Recruitment34:29 The Future of Recruitment: Data and AI39:16 Changing Recruitment Models44:01 Defining Success in Recruitment49:05 Building a High-Performing Team55:35 Community Building and AI in Recruitment__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: UntappedUntapped is THE market leader and go-to agency for finding and hiring tried-and-tested offshore talent into UK, US and Australian-based recruitment companies.They’re providing top-class TEAMMATES, NOT OUTSOURCES! We use Untapped for Hoxo’s own offshore hires, and it’s been a total game-changer for our team. No one else can compete with the quality of their network, their in-depth candidate assessment process or their time to hire. If hiring elite-level overseas talent into your business to boost sales and increase productivity whilst saving yourself a huge amount in employment costs isn’t on your radar for 2024, it should be!Untapped are hiring recruitment, sales, marketing and support staff into recruitment agencies of all shapes, sizes and specialisms globally and they are growing rapidly!Join the waiting list today so you don’t miss out on the next cohort of business-launching hiring projects. https://bit.ly/47GGdvZ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0 to get started. See you there!

What does it take to go from running a cleaning business to founding a global recruitment firm? Leon Mitton shares how he launched Agnes Cole Consulting during COVID and is now using AI to drive scale and efficiency in a way few are even attempting.On this week's episode of The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Leon Mitton, founder of Agnes Cole Consulting, a specialist SAP and S4 HANA recruitment firm based in the UK and operating globally.Leon started with no background in business and built everything from the ground up. In this episode, he opens up about his journey, the role of personal fulfilment in entrepreneurship, and how he’s using AI to build a lean, high-performing business for the future.In this episode, we discussHow Leon went from cleaning homes to closing global recruitment dealsWhat it was like launching a company at the peak of COVIDWhy AI is the future of outbound and client engagement in recruitmentHis vision for creating a long-term legacy for his familyIf you're thinking about what recruitment could look like in five years or want to hear a story rooted in grit, innovation, and purpose, this episode is not to be missed.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leon Mitton and Agnes Cole Consulting02:14 Leon’s Journey: From Cleaning Business to Recruitment10:01 Navigating Recruitment During COVID-1912:29 The Transition to Entrepreneurship15:05 Establishing Agnes Cole Consulting17:12 Growth and Challenges in Year Two19:11 The Messy Middle: Managing a Growing Team24:28 Reflections on Business and Personal Fulfillment27:08 Creating a Legacy for Future Generations30:46 The Role of AI in Recruitment32:19 Intentional Parenting and Education Choices34:36 The Evolution of School Systems37:04 Communication Skills as a Superpower39:10 The Impact of Technology on Recruitment41:44 AI's Influence on Client Relationships46:18 Adapting to Change in Recruitment51:00 The Future of Recruitment and Business Structure55:23 Finding Joy in the Recruitment Journey01:01:20 Inspiring Others Through Personal Stories__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0  to get started. See you there!

What happens when scaling your recruitment business doesn’t bring success, but stress? Tom Warner opens up about the highs and lows of building GroTech and why going solo was the best decision he ever made.On this week's episode of The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Tom Warner, founder of GroTech, a specialist go-to-market recruitment agency for SaaS businesses in the Nordics.Tom launched GrowTech during the COVID-19 pandemic, experienced two strong years of growth, built a team of seven and then decided to scale it all the way back to just himself. Now he's billing over £500K annually and loving the freedom and focus of a lean model.In this episode, we discuss:Why Tom chose to step back from managing a team and go soloThe lessons learned from hiring mistakes and scaling too quicklyThe emotional and financial pressures that come with business ownershipHow clarity, efficiency, and focus are driving his next chapter of growthIf you’re a recruiter who’s scaled, stumbled, or simply wondering if bigger is always better, this episode offers a refreshing and honest take on what success can really look like.Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Rag Podcast and Guest Background02:52 Tom Warner's Journey to Founding GrowTech05:46 The Early Days of GroTech and Initial Success08:52 Challenges of Scaling a Recruitment Business11:59 Navigating the Recruitment Landscape During COVID15:06 Reflections on Growth and Future Plans20:50 Navigating Recruitment Challenges23:01 The Impact of Hiring Decisions26:08 Crisis Management in Recruitment29:57 Building a Personal Brand34:03 Future Growth and Scaling Strategies__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: UntappedUntapped is THE market leader and go-to agency for finding and hiring tried-and-tested offshore talent into UK, US and Australian-based recruitment companies.They’re providing top-class TEAMMATES, NOT OUTSOURCES! We use Untapped for Hoxo’s own offshore hires, and it’s been a total game-changer for our team. No one else can compete with the quality of their network, their in-depth candidate assessment process or their time to hire. If hiring elite-level overseas talent into your business to boost sales and increase productivity whilst saving yourself a huge amount in employment costs isn’t on your radar for 2024, it should be!Untapped are hiring recruitment, sales, marketing and support staff into recruitment agencies of all shapes, sizes and specialisms globally and they are growing rapidly!Join the waiting list today so you don’t miss out on the next cohort of business-launching hiring projects. https://bit.ly/47GGdvZ __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoRecruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.What’s your plan for the rest of 2025?If it’s based on more cold outreach, referrals, or hiring more recruiters… we’ve got news for you. That’s not where the smart money is going.The market has changed. AI is everywhere. Noise is louder than ever.So if you want to scale profitably this year, you need to do things differently!It starts with what you already have.Your experience. Your network. Your voice.And we are showing you exactly how to use it in a brand-new, FREE Masterclass - built specifically for recruitment leaders like you.You’re going to learn:Why your LinkedIn content isn’t working - and how to fix it fastHow to generate inbound leads without being “LinkedIn famous”And the exact Hoxo 3X System agencies are using to book more calls - in just a few hours a week78% of our clients made over 100K in the first 6 months using this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just stuff that works.The Masterclass is free - but it’s only available for a limited time.So if you’re serious about growing this year, don’t wait.Head to https://hubs.ly/Q03lBpYC0 to get started. See you there!

James Waissel set a modest goal of £125K in year 1 of launching his own agency. Instead,  he ended up billing over £300K in revenue in just seven months.On this week’s episode of The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by James Waissel, founder and CEO of Huntsman Consult, a construction and real estate recruitment business based in London.James started the business in June 2024, backed by a couple of key clients, and has built a small but growing team of three. In this conversation, he shares what it’s really like in the first nine months of running a recruitment agency: the wins, the lessons, and the pressure of getting it right.In this episode, we discuss:What helped him smash his first-year revenue goal in just seven monthsThe financial, emotional, and operational challenges of early-stage growthHow he’s building the foundation for long-term successIf you're in the early stages of launching a recruitment business (or thinking about it), this is a must-listen.Chapters00:00 Introduction to The RAG Podcast and James Waissel02:31 James Waissel's journey into recruitment10:02 The decision to start a business16:54 Building a recruitment business from scratch25:29 First steps and early successes33:23 Achieving growth in a challenging market34:27 Transitioning to a 360 role in recruitment37:30 Leveraging LinkedIn for business growth41:34 Exploring new business verticals44:16 Building a partner network for growth46:47 The role of AI in recruitment49:44 The importance of quality over quantity52:45 Understanding client needs for business success56:35 Lessons learned from past experiences01:00:06 The importance of financial management01:03:36 Combining sales, AI, and brand for success__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasYour memory isn’t perfect. So Atlas remembers everything for you. Atlas is an end-to-end recruitment platform built for the AI generation. It automates your admin so you can focus on the business tasks that matter. How many conversations do you have every day? With clients. Candidates. Your team. Service providers.Now how many of those conversations can you recall with 100% accuracy? How many hours a week do you spend making notes to try and retain as much as possible? And how much is still getting lost along the way? Traditional CRM systems weren’t built for the type of recruitment business you’re running right now. They were built to rely on the structured, tagged, categorised, and formal data you could feed it. Manual processes that needed you to input specific information, based on specific questions and answers. But what about all the other conversations you’re having every single day? Atlas isn’t an ATS or a CRM. It’s an Intelligent Business Platform that helps you perform 10X better than you could on your own. How? By removing all your low value tasks, acting as your perfect memory, and providing highly relevant recommendations to impact your performance. Learn more about the power of Atlas – and take advantage of the exclusive offer for The RAG listeners – by visiting https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/ __________________________________________Episode sponsor: HoxoRecruiters: are you sitting on a goldmine of LinkedIn connections without knowing how to turn them into real opportunities?Most recruiters spend hours every day on cold outreach and endless scrolling, hoping for replies that never come. But what if LinkedIn could work for you instead?The Hoxo 7-Day LinkedIn Challenge is a simple, step-by-step framework designed to help you:Identify warm leads already in your networkStart meaningful conversations with potential clients and candidates—without feeling pushyShare content that gets noticed and builds trust – without spending hours onlineTransform LinkedIn into an inbound lead generator in just 7 days!This challenge isn’t about writing viral posts or spamming DMs.It’s about small, proven actions that take just 20 minutes a day – and start generating results from day one!Ready to unlock your LinkedIn potential?Over 7,000 recruiters worldwide have already used this framework to generate inbound leads, grow their pipeline, and win more business. Now it’s your turn.Join the FREE 7-day LinkedIn Challenge today and start unlocking the opportunities already in your network.Head over to https://hubs.ly/Q031DT2s0 to get started. See you there!

What happens when you go all-in on a niche? Graham Cosgrave shares how MatchMedics transformed from a traditional agency into one of Ireland’s leading medical recruitment brands by focusing solely on doctors.On this week's episode of The RAG Podcast, I'm joined by Graham Cosgrave, Director at MatchMedics, a recruitment business specialising in placing doctors from across the globe into roles in Ireland.Graham began as a recruiter and is now helping lead an international brand that’s relocating entire families, not just individuals. From six-figure results driven by content to high-stakes international events, MatchMedics is proof that a focused strategy and great storytelling can fuel serious growth.In this episode, we discuss:Why they went from a multi-discipline agency to 100% doctor-focusedHow their brand strategy attracts doctors from South Africa, Europe, and beyondThe power of podcasting, storytelling, and recruitment events to build trust and credibilityWhat it takes to build a recruitment business that changes lives and not just careersIf you're looking to grow your brand, go niche, or build an international talent pipeline, this episode is packed with practical insight and inspiration.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Graham03:13 Graham's journey in recruitment05:53 The impact of relocation on lives08:56 Transitioning to a niche market11:56 Building a brand and marketing strategy15:14 The evolution of roles and responsibilities18:05 The power of content and online presence20:49 Nurturing relationships and ambassador networks23:49 The decision to focus on doctors only26:57 Global recruitment strategies29:56 Conclusion and future outlook31:17 The impact of international medical professionals34:06 Challenges in South African healthcare37:40 The power of storytelling in recruitment40:34 Building credibility through real experiences43:00 The role of podcasts in recruitment46:02 Navigating the Irish job market49:19 Engaging with South African doctors52:05 Investment in recruitment events54:04 Long-term vision for recruitment success01:01:51 The future of medical recruitment__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: UntappedUntapped is THE market leader and go-to agency for finding and hiring tried-and-tested offshore talent into UK, US and Australian-based recruitment companies.They’re providing top-class TEAMMATES, NOT OUTSOURCES! We use Untapped for Hoxo’s own offshore hires, and it’s been a total game-changer for our team. No one else can compete with the quality of their network, their in-depth candidate assessment process or their time to hire. If hiring elite-level overseas talent into your business to boost sales and increase productivity whilst saving yourself a huge amount in employment costs isn’t on your radar for 2024, it should be!Untapped are hiring recruitment, sales, marketing and support staff into recruitment agencies of all shapes, sizes and specialisms globally and they are growing rapidly!Join the waiting list today so you don’t miss out on the next cohort of business-launching hiring projects. https://bit.ly/47GGdvZ __________________________________________Episode sponsor: HoxoRecruiters: are you sitting on a goldmine of LinkedIn connections without knowing how to turn them into real opportunities?Most recruiters spend hours every day on cold outreach and endless scrolling, hoping for replies that never come. But what if LinkedIn could work for you instead?The Hoxo 7-Day LinkedIn Challenge is a simple, step-by-step framework designed to help you:Identify warm leads already in your networkStart meaningful conversations with potential clients and candidates—without feeling pushyShare content that gets noticed and builds trust – without spending hours onlineTransform LinkedIn into an inbound lead generator in just 7 days!This challenge isn’t about writing viral posts or spamming DMs.It’s about small, proven actions that take just 20 minutes a day – and start generating results from day one!Ready to unlock your LinkedIn potential?Over 7,000 recruiters worldwide have already used this framework to generate inbound leads, grow their pipeline, and win more business. Now it’s your turn.Join the FREE 7-day LinkedIn Challenge today and start unlocking the opportunities already in your network.Head over to https://hubs.ly/Q031DT2s0 to get started. See you there!