1% Better Recruitment Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What if the real reason you’re not winning more business isn’t your tech, your market, or your scripts… but the fact you’re not doing the basics well enough?In this episode of The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast, I’m joined by Kalpesh Baxi, a 29-year recruitment veteran, advisor, investor, and founder who has helped build, scale, and transform recruitment businesses across the globe.Kalpesh has seen the industry from every angle, from building high-performing teams at S3 to now advising founders, investing in businesses, and helping shape the future of recruitment and rec tech. His perspective on community, value, and long-term success is one every recruiter and founder needs to hear.We cover:✅ What 29 years in recruitment teaches you about long-term success✅ Why community building is the ultimate competitive advantage✅ How to become a “super connector” in your market✅ Why chasing money is the wrong approach in business✅ The importance of value-first thinking in recruitment✅ How to build meaningful relationships that drive opportunities✅ Where most recruiters go wrong with business development✅ Tech vs relationships, what actually matters in recruitment✅ The role of AI and what should (and shouldn’t) be automated✅ Why most recruitment businesses overcomplicate their tech stack✅ The difference between average, good, and elite recruiters✅ Why doing the basics better is still the real secret✅ Kalpesh’s 1 Percent Better advice for recruiters⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:20 – Kalpesh’s background and 29 years in recruitment01:48 – How Kalpesh built his network and reputation04:35 – Why chasing money is the wrong approach06:50 – Understanding your value beyond “just a CV”09:19 – How to start building a community12:21 – WhatsApp groups, community rules, and keeping it simple16:26 – Tech stacks in recruitment, what you need vs what you don’t22:06 – KPIs, activity, and what actually drives performance29:34 – Phone anxiety in recruiters and how leaders should handle it34:26 – How to train graduates and build confidence early40:06 – Tech, AI, and how recruiters should think about the future47:56 – Human connection vs AI in recruitment and L&D52:42 – What founders should and shouldn’t automate58:05 – Why better recruiters will become even more valuable01:00:24 – Kalpesh’s 1 Percent Better advice, do the basics better01:02:50 – What Kalpesh is working on now01:04:20 – Outro🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation. If you want better conversations, not just more activity, this is worth a look.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Kalpesh Bakshi💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalpesh-baxi/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🌐 Website – https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/👇 If this episode made you rethink your approach to recruitment, community, and performance, like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a recruiter who needs to hear it.#RecruitmentPodcast #RecruitmentSales #BusinessDevelopment#RecruitmentAgency #RecruitmentTips #RecruitmentLeadership#RecruitmentGrowth #SalesMindset #1PercentBetter

What actually changes in recruitment business development… and what stays the same after 26 years in the industry?In this episode, I’m joined by Toby Babb, founder of Harrington Starr, who has spent over two decades building recruitment businesses, developing teams, and evolving his approach to business development.Toby has seen recruitment through multiple cycles, from the early days of heavy outbound calling and mail shots to today’s world of LinkedIn, content, and multi-channel outreach. That gives him a grounded perspective on what has genuinely changed, and more importantly, what still works.Topics Discussed:✅ What 26 years in recruitment teaches you about business development✅ Old school vs modern BD, what’s changed and what hasn’t✅ Why doing the basics well still wins in recruitment✅ The importance of consistency, activity, and follow-up✅ Why most recruiters overcomplicate business development✅ Multi-channel outreach, calls, email, LinkedIn, and content✅ The shift from transactional to relationship-based recruiting✅ Using content, events, and podcasts to build a personal brand✅ Why building a brand creates inbound opportunities✅ The role of curiosity in better client conversations✅ KPIs, performance, and what actually drives results✅ Toby’s 1 Percent Better advice for recruiters⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and episode context02:00 – Toby’s 26 years in recruitment06:00 – How BD has changed over time12:00 – What still works in recruitment18:00 – Doing the basics well26:00 – Why recruiters overcomplicate BD34:00 – Multi-channel outreach strategies42:00 – Relationships vs transactional recruiting50:00 – Building a brand through content and podcasts58:00 – KPIs, performance, and consistency01:05:00 – Toby’s 1 Percent Better tip🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:⁠⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Toby Babb💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-babb-32704411/⁠⁠🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠🎙️ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw⁠⁠📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/⁠⁠🌐 Website: ⁠⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠⁠👇 If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with a recruiter who wants to simplify and improve their business development.

Emily works closely with recruitment businesses using SourceWhale’s multi-channel outreach platform, giving her a front-row seat to how recruiters are evolving their business development strategies in a world increasingly driven by tech.While AI and automation are making outreach faster and more efficient, this conversation highlights something many recruiters are forgetting, the power of face-to-face relationships and getting back in the room with clients and candidates.We cover:✅ Why face-to-face meetings still outperform digital-only outreach✅ How AI and automation should support BD, not replace it✅ Why recruiters are relying too heavily on email and LinkedIn✅ The biggest mistake recruiters have made post-COVID✅ How to use time saved from automation to build real relationships✅ Why face-to-face meetings lower barriers and build trust faster✅ Simple ways to prepare for in-person meetings✅ Why recruiters overthink face-to-face conversations✅ Multi-channel outreach, why email alone isn’t enough✅ How combining calls with email dramatically increases response rates✅ SourceWhale features recruiters should be using more (Hot Lists, Ask AI, Search AI)⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction at the Recruitment Agency Expo00:15 – Why face-to-face is making a comeback00:40 – AI, automation, and where recruiters get it wrong01:00 – How to approach face-to-face meetings01:25 – Tips for preparing and not overthinking01:45 – Getting the most out of SourceWhale02:45 – Multi-channel outreach and why calls matter03:15 – Final thoughts and key takeaway🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation. If you want better conversations, not just more activity, this is worth a look.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Emily White💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-white-sw/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🌐 Website – https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/👇 If this episode made you rethink how you approach business development, like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a recruiter who needs to get back in the room.#RecruitmentPodcast #BusinessDevelopment #RecruitmentSales#RecruitmentAgency #AIinRecruitment #SourceWhale#RecruitmentTips #BDStrategy #1PercentBetter

What does it actually take to go from billing big numbers to becoming a top-performing recruiter year after year?In this episode, I’m joined by Oli Stockford, a consistent top biller who has generated over £2M in revenue and built a reputation for delivering results through discipline, consistency, and process.Oli’s approach cuts through a lot of the noise in recruitment. While many recruiters look for shortcuts, new tools, or quick wins, he focuses on doing the basics well, every single day, and that’s what separates him from the rest.In this conversation, we break down what actually goes into becoming a top biller, the habits, mindset, and structure required, and why most recruiters overcomplicate what should be simple.If you’re a recruiter who wants to increase your billings, improve consistency, and understand what it really takes to perform at a high level, this episode will give you clarity.Topics Discussed:✅ How Oli became a £2M biller in recruitment✅ Why doing the basics well still wins at the highest level✅ The role of consistency and discipline in billing big numbers✅ Why most recruiters overcomplicate business development✅ The importance of volume and controlling your inputs✅ Process, structure, and building repeatable success✅ How top billers think differently about their day✅ Handling rejection and staying mentally consistent✅ Why talent is overrated compared to work ethic✅ The difference between average and top-performing recruiters✅ Lessons from multiple years as a top biller✅ Oli’s 1 Percent Better advice for recruiters⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Oli’s journey into recruitment06:00 – Becoming a consistent top biller12:00 – What it takes to bill £2M18:00 – Doing the basics well26:00 – Volume, inputs, and consistency34:00 – Why recruiters overcomplicate BD42:00 – Mindset and handling rejection50:00 – Structuring your day for performance58:00 – Lessons from top billing years01:05:00 – Oli’s 1 Percent Better tip🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation.👉 Book a demo here:⁠⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Oli Stockford💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/oli-stockford/⁠⁠🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠🎙️ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw⁠⁠📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/⁠⁠🌐 Website: ⁠⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠⁠👇 If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with a recruiter who wants to become a more consistent top biller.

What does it actually take to go from solo recruiter to building a real recruitment business?In this episode, I’m joined by Dan Payne, founder of a fast-growing recruitment agency that has gone from just himself to 11 heads in only 19 months, with the business now approaching the seven-figure mark.Dan first came on the podcast when he had just launched the business and was operating alone. At the time, he spoke about his ambitions to scale quickly and build a high-performing team. Fast forward less than two years, and those targets are becoming reality.In this conversation, Dan shares the real story behind that growth, the roadmap he created from day one, the hiring triggers he used when scaling the business, and the mistakes he made along the way that nearly slowed everything down.If you’re a recruiter thinking about launching your own agency, currently building a team, or trying to scale your business without overcomplicating things, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical lessons.We cover:✅ Dan’s journey from solo recruiter to 11 heads in 19 months✅ Why “doing the basics well” still wins in recruitment✅ The roadmap he created to scale the business from day one✅ Hiring triggers founders should consider before scaling✅ Risk appetite and backing yourself as a founder✅ The biggest mistakes Dan made while growing the business✅ Getting lost in tech stacks and overspending✅ Why strong early hires make or break a business✅ Building a team culture while scaling quickly✅ The relationship between headcount growth and revenue growth✅ Lessons learned from scaling fast in recruitment✅ Dan’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruiters and founders⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and episode context02:00 – Dan’s journey since the first podcast06:00 – From solo recruiter to scaling a team12:00 – Setting the roadmap for growth20:00 – Hiring triggers and when to scale30:00 – Mistakes made during the growth journey40:00 – Tech stacks, spending, and lessons learned48:00 – Building the right early team55:00 – Scaling challenges and leadership lessons01:02:00 – Dan’s 1 Percent Better tip🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation. If you want better conversations, not just more activity, this is worth a look.👉 Book a demo here:⁠https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demo⁠Mention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Dan Payne💻 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-payne-26a458218/⁠🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠📲 TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠🎙️ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw⁠📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/⁠🌐 Website: ⁠https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/⁠👇 If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with a recruiter who’s thinking about starting or scaling their own agency.

Ever wondered why your emails don't get replies? Or how you can maximise your email outreach to book more calls? In this episode of The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast, I’m joined by Ben Fielding, an email deliverability and outreach specialist who helps recruitment businesses get their emails into inboxes instead of spam.Ben works closely with recruitment agencies to fix one of the most overlooked problems in modern business development, email deliverability and outreach strategy. Many recruiters are sending hundreds of emails but never realise why their messages aren’t landing, getting opened, or generating replies.We cover:✅ Why recruitment emails land in spam✅ The technical basics recruiters should understand (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)✅ How spam filters actually work✅ Why most recruitment email campaigns fail✅ The biggest mistakes recruiters make with outreach✅ How to structure email campaigns that generate replies✅ The importance of multi-channel outreach (email, calls, LinkedIn)✅ Personalisation vs automation in email campaigns✅ The psychology behind emails that get opened✅ Why recruiters should focus on starting conversations, not just sending CVs✅ How recruiters can improve their email deliverability immediately✅ Ben’s 1 Percent Better advice for recruiters⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Why recruiters struggle to get replies to emails06:00 – Email deliverability explained12:00 – The technical setup recruiters often miss18:00 – Why emails end up in spam24:00 – Email outreach mistakes recruiters make32:00 – How to write better recruitment emails40:00 – Personalisation vs automation48:00 – Multi-channel outreach strategies55:00 – The psychology of email engagement01:03:00 – Ben’s 1 Percent Better tip🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation. If you want better conversations, not just more activity, this is worth a look.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Ben Fielding💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfielding/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🌐 Website – https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/👇 If this episode made you rethink how you approach email outreach, like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a recruiter who needs to see it.

In this episode of The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast, I’m joined by Leon Mitten, Founder & Director of Agnes Cole Consulting, to unpack a topic that divides the recruitment industry:👉 Is recruitment a sales job?Leon started his career in hardcore software sales, making 100–150 calls a day, before moving into recruitment and building his own specialist tech recruitment business operating across the UK, Europe, and the US.This conversation is raw, honest, and practical. We break down why sales culture in recruitment is fading, why qualification is everything, and why the best recruiters don’t “pitch harder” — they listen better.If you’re a recruiter, founder, or leader who feels like BD is harder than ever… this episode will challenge you.We cover:✅ Why recruitment is 100% a sales job✅ The psychology of getting candidates to sell themselves✅ Qualification, and why most recruiters don’t do enough of it✅ The power of silence in sales✅ Why cold calling isn’t dead, but lazy BD is✅ Multi-touchpoint business development in 2026✅ Why relationships still win in recruitment✅ Imposter syndrome and selling to high earners✅ “You had a poo this morning” – overcoming sales fear✅ Why failure is essential for success✅ Leon’s 1 Percent Better advice🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders. SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation. If you want better conversations, not just more activity, this is worth a look.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Leon Mitten💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-brandon-mitton-134992129/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🌐 Website – https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/

What if the biggest threat to your recruitment business isn’t the market… but your financial discipline?In this episode, I’m joined by Pav, also known as The Boring Accountant, to break down the financial mistakes that quietly damage recruitment agencies every single year.Pav works closely with recruitment founders on tax, cashflow, and long-term financial planning. That gives him a front-row seat to the patterns that repeat, surprise tax bills, poor cashflow management, directors taking too much out of the business, and founders making decisions based purely on what’s in their bank account.This is not a dry accounting episode. We strip recruitment back to financial fundamentals, discipline, and visibility. We talk about why ignoring your numbers compounds risk, why cashflow kills more agencies than competition, and how simple monthly habits can dramatically improve stability.If you’re a recruiter, leader, or founder who wants to build a sustainable business rather than lurch from tax panic to tax panic, this episode will give you clarity.We cover:✅ The most common financial mistakes recruitment founders make✅ Why “bank balance decision-making” is dangerous✅ Surprise tax bills and how to avoid them✅ VAT, corporation tax, and personal tax explained simply✅ The director’s loan trap many founders don’t understand✅ Cashflow risks in contract recruitment✅ When to DIY your accounts vs hire an accountant✅ Investing in tech and headcount responsibly✅ Why AI won’t replace financial accountability✅ Financial discipline and time blocking✅ The compounding effect of small financial habits✅ Pav’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruitment founders⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Why this episode is different03:00 – The biggest financial mistakes founders make08:00 – Why founders avoid their numbers14:00 – VAT and setting money aside properly21:00 – Director’s loan accounts explained29:00 – Cashflow in recruitment businesses38:00 – Bank balance decision-making47:00 – Investing in tech and headcount wisely55:00 – AI and the future of accounting01:03:00 – Financial discipline for founders01:10:00 – Pav’s 1 Percent Better tip🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation. If you want better conversations, not just more activity, this is worth a look.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Pav💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boringaccountant/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🌐 Website: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/👇 If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with a founder who needs to stop ignoring their numbers.

What if recruitment isn’t just a sales job anymore… but a marketing job?In this episode, I’m joined by Kris Holland, Founder of Kitto, to unpack a debate that’s dividing recruiters right now, has recruitment fundamentally shifted from pure sales to sales enabled by marketing?Kris works with growth-focused recruitment agencies on brand, positioning, demand generation, and revenue enablement. That gives him a front-row seat to how agencies are actually winning business in 2026, and why cold calling alone simply isn’t enough anymore.This is not a “sales is dead” episode. We break down how marketing supports sales, why multi-touch outreach is now essential, and how recruiters can move from being transactional CV senders to trusted, consultative partners.If you’re a recruiter, leader, or founder trying to stand out in a saturated market, build inbound demand, and create trust before you ever pick up the phone, this episode will challenge how you think about business development.We cover:✅ Is recruitment a sales job or a marketing job?✅ Why cold calling alone doesn’t cut it anymore✅ The 20-touchpoint reality of modern business development✅ Sales enablement and marketing’s real role✅ Why most recruiters don’t truly understand their ICP✅ How to uncover real client pain points✅ Building personal brands that actually generate inbound✅ Why posting only jobs damages your brand✅ Trust, positioning, and long-term differentiation✅ Why recruitment is now a team sport✅ What recruitment agencies must rethink for 2026✅ Kris’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruiters and founders⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and the sales vs marketing debate03:00 – Why recruitment has changed08:00 – Multi-channel outreach and trust building14:00 – Sales enablement explained21:00 – ICP clarity and client pain points29:00 – Email, LinkedIn, and content strategy38:00 – Personal branding done properly47:00 – Differentiating as a recruitment agency55:00 – Marketing mindset vs sales mindset01:03:00 – What agencies need to do in 202601:10:00 – Kris’s 1 Percent Better tip🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation. If you want better conversations, not just more activity, this is worth a look.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Kris Holland💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-holland/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🌐 Website: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/👇 If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with a recruiter who still thinks recruitment is “just picking up the phone.”

What if the biggest problem in recruitment business development isn’t the market, tech, or competition… but forgetting what actually works?In this episode, I’m joined by Martin Crapper, Managing Director at Redline Group, to unpack the business development lessons that still win after 40 years in recruitment.Martin has spent four decades building and evolving a specialist recruitment business in the electronics sector. That longevity gives him a rare, grounded perspective on how BD has changed over time, what’s stayed the same, and why people, curiosity, and consistency still outperform shortcuts and shiny tools.If you’re a recruiter, leader, or founder who wants to sharpen your BD approach, build credibility, and create long-term success rather than quick wins, this episode will give you clarity.We cover:✅ The business development lessons that still win after 40 years✅ Why the best recruiters still pick up the phone✅ The “magic phone” mindset and professional persistence✅ Why people buy from people, not companies✅ Curiosity as a competitive advantage in recruitment✅ Consistency vs intensity in business development✅ Why hiding behind email and LinkedIn hurts results✅ Using technology to support BD, not replace it✅ Confidence, preparation, and knowledge in client conversations✅ Building trust, reputation, and long-term relationships✅ Developing recruiters without cloning personalities✅ Martin’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruiters and founders⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and episode context03:00 – Martin’s background and Redline Group08:00 – Business development then vs now14:00 – The “magic phone” and persistence21:00 – Why people still buy from people29:00 – Curiosity, confidence, and preparation38:00 – Technology, generations, and adaptation47:00 – Trust, reputation, and relationships55:00 – Consistency vs intensity in BD01:03:00 – Advice for recruiters and founders01:10:00 – Martin’s 1 Percent Better tip🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation. If you want better conversations, not just more activity, this is worth a look.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Martin Crapper💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martincrapper/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🌐 Website: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/👇 If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with a recruiter who wants to get back to what actually works in business development.

What if AI isn’t the silver bullet recruiters think it is?In this episode, I’m joined by Derry Holt, Founder & CEO of OneUp Sales, to break down where AI actually helps recruiters, and where it causes more problems than progress.Derry works closely with recruitment founders and leaders on sales performance and execution, giving him a front-row seat to how agencies are really using AI and automation day to day. We talk candidly about what’s working, what’s not, and why many agencies are panic-buying tech without fixing the fundamentals underneath.This is not an AI hype episode. We strip recruitment back to process, discipline, and behaviour, and explore how AI amplifies strengths, but also exposes weak habits, average performance, and broken sales systems.If you’re a recruiter, leader, or founder trying to use AI properly, protect selling time, and avoid costly distractions, this episode will give you much-needed clarity.We cover:✅ Where AI actually helps recruiters✅ Where AI creates friction and false productivity✅ Why recruitment doesn’t have an AI problem, but a process problem✅ Internal automation vs client-facing automation✅ How AI exposes weak sales fundamentals✅ The danger of panic-buying recruitment tech✅ Why average performance gets exposed faster with AI✅ Sales discipline, consistency, and execution✅ What recruiters should automate, and what they shouldn’t✅ The future recruiter skillset✅ What founders should rethink right now✅ Derry’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruiters and leaders⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and episode context03:00 – Derry’s background and OneUp Sales08:00 – AI hype vs reality in recruitment14:00 – Why process beats tech21:00 – Where AI helps recruiters29:00 – Where AI causes problems38:00 – Internal vs external automation47:00 – Sales discipline and performance fundamentals55:00 – What average recruiters should be worried about01:03:00 – Advice for recruitment founders01:10:00 – Derry’s 1 Percent Better tip🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation. If you want better conversations, not just more activity, this is worth a look.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Derry Holt💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derryholt/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🌐 Website: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/👇 If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with a recruiter who’s trying to figure out where AI actually fits.

What if the future of recruitment isn’t better recruiters… but fewer humans altogether?In this episode, I’m joined by Alex Odwell, founder of Referment, to explore one of the most challenging and controversial ideas in recruitment today, the rise of the zero-human recruitment agency.Alex has spent nearly two decades building and scaling recruitment businesses and is now operating an agency powered almost entirely by agentic AI. From job intake and candidate qualification to engagement and shortlisting, Referment challenges many long-held assumptions about where recruiters add value, where bias creeps in, and whether humans always improve outcomes.This is not an AI hype episode. We strip recruitment back to first principles and ask uncomfortable questions about process, inconsistency, cost, and scalability. We also explore what this means for recruiters, founders, and agencies trying to work out where they still matter, and where they may not.If you’re a recruiter, leader, or founder trying to understand where AI genuinely changes the game, who survives, who struggles, and where the human edge still counts, this episode will challenge how you think about recruitment.We cover:✅ What a zero-human recruitment agency actually looks like✅ Why most recruitment processes are broken by default✅ Agentic AI explained in practical terms✅ Where humans add value, and where they introduce risk✅ Bias, inconsistency, and emotion in recruitment decisions✅ Why recruiters are judged by their worst performer✅ The hidden cost of average recruiters and bloated teams✅ High-touch niches vs scalable, systemised delivery✅ Why automation exposes weak recruitment fundamentals✅ The future of agency recruitment models✅ What founders should rethink right now✅ Alex’s 1 Percent Better tip for surviving what comes next⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and why this episode will divide opinion03:00 – Alex’s recruitment background and Referment’s origins08:00 – First-principles thinking in recruitment14:00 – Why recruitment value is often overstated21:00 – Bias and inconsistency in human-led recruitment29:00 – Agentic AI explained38:00 – Candidate experience without humans47:00 – Client trust, transparency, and outcomes55:00 – What happens to recruiters next01:03:00 – Advice for founders facing AI disruption01:10:00 – Alex’s 1 Percent Better tip🐋 Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhaleThis episode is sponsored by SourceWhale, the multi-channel outreach platform I personally use and recommend to recruiters and founders.SourceWhale helps you combine email, LinkedIn, calls, and tasks into one structured, consistent BD workflow, without relying on spray-and-pray automation. If you want better conversations, not just more activity, this is worth a look.👉 Book a demo here:https://sourcewhale.com/book-demo/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=&utm_term=charles_kyriakou&utm_content=book_a_demoMention The 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you book.🔗 Connect with Alex Odwell💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexodwellreferment/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🌐 Website: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/👇 If this episode challenged your thinking, follow the show and share it with a recruiter who still believes AI “won’t affect them”.

What if the biggest mistake recruiters are making right now isn’t the market, AI, or competition… but forgetting the fundamentals that actually drive sales?In this episode, I’m joined by Rohit Kapoor to break down what really works when you combine old-school sales discipline with new-school recruitment technology. Rohit has spent his career across agency recruitment, tech sales, and building recruitment tech, giving him a rare, practical perspective on what helps recruiters win and what simply adds noise.We dive into why recruitment will always remain a sales-led, people-first business, where automation genuinely adds value, where it distracts, and why broken processes can’t be fixed by better tools. This conversation is grounded in real-world experience, not buzzwords, hype, or “just buy more tech” thinking.If you’re a recruiter, leader, or founder trying to balance automation with authenticity, improve consistency, and build a sustainable desk or business, this episode is essential listening.We cover:✅ Old-school sales fundamentals that still outperform today✅ New-school recruitment tech, and how to use it properly✅ Why recruitment is (and always will be) a sales game✅ Process vs tech, and where agencies get this wrong✅ The difference between being busy and being effective✅ Why automation alone doesn’t create revenue✅ Video, voice notes, and standing out in a crowded market✅ Sales confidence, rejection, and building resilience✅ Consistency, pipeline management, and future-proofing billings✅ Human relationships in an AI-driven world✅ Lessons from recruitment that apply to tech sales✅ Rohit’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruiters and founders⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and Rohit’s background03:00 – From recruitment to tech sales08:00 – Old-school sales culture and recruitment floors15:00 – Cold calling, rejection, and learning the hard way22:00 – Why recruitment is still a sales-led business30:00 – Video, voice notes, and modern BD38:00 – Automation vs human selling46:00 – Process, consistency, and pipeline discipline54:00 – Relationships, trust, and long-term growth01:02:00 – Sales lessons recruiters ignore01:10:00 – Rohit’s 1 Percent Better tip🔗 Connect with Rohit Kapoor💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-kapoor-/🔗 Connect with Charles Kyriakou💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfw📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🌐 Website: https://www.inf1nitelearning.com/🐋 Find out more about SourceWhaleMention 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you sign up by clicking the link below, or head to:https://sourcewhale.com/demo

What if the biggest mistake recruiters are making as we head into 2026 isn’t the market, AI, or competition… but believing automation alone will drive success?In this episode, I’m joined by Dougie Loan, CRO at SourceWhale, to break down what recruiters, leaders, and founders actually need to get right as technology, automation, and AI continue to reshape the industry. Dougie has spent his career working at the intersection of recruitment, sales, and tech, partnering with agencies of all sizes to improve productivity, performance, and profitability.We dive into why recruitment will always remain a sales-led, people-first business, where automation genuinely adds value, where it causes damage, and why broken processes can’t be fixed by better tools. This conversation cuts through the hype to focus on clarity, decision-making, selling time, and the fundamentals that separate effective recruiters from busy ones.If you’re a recruiter, leader, or founder who wants to use AI properly, protect the human edge, and build a sustainable career or business heading into the next few years, this episode is essential listening.We cover:✅ What recruiters actually need to get right in 2026✅ Why automation on its own won’t drive recruitment success✅ Process vs tech, and where most agencies get this wrong✅ Why recruitment is still a sales game at its core✅ The difference between being busy and being effective✅ How recruiters should really be using AI and automation✅ Where automation helps internally, and where it harms externally✅ Why AI won’t replace recruiters, but will expose weak fundamentals✅ Productivity, admin overload, and winning back selling time✅ Choosing where you sit, high-touch vs high-volume models✅ Authenticity, relationships, and the human edge in recruitment✅ What the future recruiter’s role will actually look like✅ Dougie’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruiters and founders⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro, purpose of the podcast and Dougie’s background03:00 – Dougie’s journey into recruitment tech and sales08:00 – Recruitment tech before and after COVID14:00 – Why tech fails when process is broken21:00 – Recruitment as a sales-led business29:00 – Automation vs productivity, where recruiters go wrong38:00 – Internal vs external automation and AI risks47:00 – Choosing your model, high-touch vs high-volume55:00 – The future of recruitment roles and AI agents01:03:00 – What recruiters need to get right in 202601:10:00 – Dougie’s 1 Percent Better tip🔗 Connect with Dougie LoanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougieloan/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46LjJfwLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/🐋 Find out more about SourceWhale Mention 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you sign up by clicking the link below, or head to:https://sourcewhale.com/demo

What if the real reason some recruiters thrive long-term while others burn out, stagnate or disappear isn’t market conditions, AI, or competition… but the way they think, work and serve people?In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Leete, Co-Founder of Lawrence Dean Recruitment, a business she has grown and led for over 15 years through recessions, market crashes, COVID, and now the rise of AI. Sarah is one of those rare operators who didn’t “fall into” recruitment, she chose it, and built her career on service, honesty, resilience and long-term relationships.We dive into what truly separates average recruiters from great ones, why customer service still wins in a tech-heavy world, how mindset and work ethic shape long-term success, and why AI will expose poor recruiters rather than replace great ones. This conversation is honest, grounded, and packed with real lessons from the coalface of recruitment, not theory or hype.If you’re a recruiter, leader or founder who wants to build trust, stand out in a crowded market, and create a career that lasts, this episode is essential listening.We explore✅ The real difference between average and great recruiters✅ Why customer service is still the ultimate competitive advantage✅ Short-term thinking vs long-term recruitment careers✅ Work ethic, resilience and what it really takes early in your career✅ Why great recruiters don’t rely on CV-sending✅ Partnership recruitment vs chaos-led contingency✅ Educating clients and pushing back with confidence✅ Where AI adds value, and where it damages candidate experience✅ Why AI won’t replace great recruiters, but will expose weak ones✅ Hybrid vs office working and how recruiters actually develop✅ Why listening is one of the most underrated recruitment skills✅ Building a reputation that compounds over time✅ Sarah’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruitersTimestamps00:00 – Intro and welcome02:00 – Sarah’s journey into recruitment06:30 – Building Lawrence Dean during a recession11:00 – Average vs great recruiter mindset16:00 – Customer service and candidate empathy22:00 – Work ethic, resilience and early-career realities28:00 – Partnership recruitment and client education35:00 – AI, automation and the future of recruitment43:00 – Hybrid working and recruiter development50:00 – Reputation, longevity and trust57:00 – Sarah’s 1 Percent Better tipConnect with Sarah LeeteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-leete-26652122/Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712Podcast Sponsor – SourceWhale 🐋Mention 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you sign up by clicking the link below:https://sourcewhale.com/demo

What if the biggest milestone in building something meaningful isn’t the downloads, the sponsors, or the stats… but realising how many people you’ve helped along the way?In this special end-of-year episode of the The 1% Better Recruitment Podcast, there’s no guest and no script, just a raw reflection on 2025, the journey so far, and what’s coming next in 2026.Recorded at home, this episode starts with Marshall making an appearance, who’s become a bit of a regular star on recordings done from the house. Partway through, I’m also on full dad duty, which means Millie makes her first-ever appearance on the podcast while my wife is out. No edits, no polish, just real life happening mid-recording.We talk about why this podcast was started, what 52 episodes in one year has really taken behind the scenes, the Spotify Wrapped moments that genuinely surprised me, and why consistency, authenticity, and enjoyment matter more than perfection.We explore:✅ A full reflection on the podcast journey in 2025✅ Spotify Wrapped highlights and the most listened-to episodes✅ Why this podcast was never meant to be polished or corporate✅ Balancing coaching, building MILO, content creation, and family life✅ Becoming a dad and managing ambition with perspective✅ Landing the podcast’s first-ever sponsor and what that represents✅ Plans for 2026, more in-person episodes, higher production quality, and future sponsorsThis episode is, above all, about gratitude.To every guest who’s trusted me with their story, every listener who tunes in on their commute, at the gym, or between calls, and everyone who’s supported the podcast in any way, thank you.If this podcast has helped you get even 1% better, then it’s doing exactly what it was built for.🎄 We’ll be taking a short break over Christmas and returning in early January.🚀 2026, let’s go.

What if the biggest problems holding recruitment agencies back right now aren’t bad markets, lack of candidates or not enough tools… but the simple truth that most agencies are running on broken processes?In this episode, I’m joined by Saeed Bor, Founder of Embedded Ops, and one of the most respected operators in the industry. After a career that spans enterprise tech recruitment, agency leadership, COO roles and now consulting across dozens of recruitment businesses, Saeed has developed a reputation for fixing what founders overlook — the processes, ratios, habits and workflows that directly drive profitability.We dive into the realities of recruitment operations today, why process beats tech every time, the truth behind skill vs will performance issues, how to diagnose broken delivery, and why ops and L&D now sit at the centre of every modern agency. This conversation is honest, practical and packed with insights that most recruiters never hear, but desperately need to understand if they want to scale sustainably.If you’re a recruiter, leader or founder who wants to improve performance, build consistency, increase profitability, and future-proof your agency, this episode is essential listening.We explore✅ Why process beats tech, and how most agencies get this backwards✅ Skill vs will — and how to diagnose recruiter performance issues instantly✅ The ratios every recruiter and founder should track✅ Why process mapping often fails and how to fix it✅ How L and D, ops and delivery now overlap✅ Why consultants avoid structure — and how to build habits that stick✅ The hidden bottlenecks costing agencies time, money and clients✅ How personal branding creates warm BD at scale✅ The realities of solo consulting, burnout and boundaries✅ Parenting, balance and building a business without losing yourself✅ How AI and GPT tools are reshaping operational work✅ The difference between process-led delivery and chaos-led delivery✅ Saeed’s 1 Percent Better tip for recruiters and founders⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro and welcome01:00 – Who is Saeed Bor04:00 – Processes over tech: the truth about agency performance08:00 – Diagnosing skill vs will12:00 – Ratios, data and recruiter output17:00 – Why process mapping normally fails22:00 – L and D, ops and continuous improvement28:00 – Skill, will and recruiter development33:00 – ROI, implementation and operational impact38:00 – The reality of being a solo operator45:00 – RecExperts and building new ventures50:00 – Burnout, life balance and parenthood58:00 – Personal branding and awareness01:05:00 – AI, GPTs and the future of recruitment ops01:12:00 – Saeed’s 1 Percent Better tip🔗 Connect with SaeedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saeedbor/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712🔗 Find out more about SourceWhale 🐋Mention 1 Percent Better Recruitment Podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you sign up by clicking the link, or head to https://sourcewhale.com/demo to get started.

What if the biggest opportunities in recruitment right now aren’t about more clients, more jobs or more tools… but about shifting how you position your service so you’re seen as a partner, not a CV supplier?In this episode, I’m joined by Nicholas Thomas, CEO and Founder of Everhire, who has built one of the fastest-growing civil engineering and renewable energy recruitment agencies operating across the UK, US and Scandinavia. After starting his career in a corporate environment, Nicholas went on to build Everhire into a multi-office, multi-country operation — fuelled by retainers, subscription hiring models and a value-led process that clients buy into before fees are even discussed.We dive into the realities of selling retainers and RPOs, the commercial journey from cold prospect to seven-figure subscription, the mindset shift recruiters must make to become true partners, and why delivery-only models won’t survive the next wave of AI. This conversation is honest, strategic, and full of the lessons most recruiters never get taught — but desperately need.If you’re a recruiter, leader or founder who wants to win better clients, sell higher-value work and future-proof your desk or business, this episode is essential listening.We explore:✅ How Nicholas sold a £2.1M RPO — and why the client said yes✅ Why most recruiters fail to sell retainers (and how to fix it today)✅ The shift from “cost centre” to “strategic investment”✅ The customer journey from first call → retained → subscription model✅ Why delivery-only recruiters will be replaced by AI✅ How Everhire build value through process, not promises✅ The mindset and behaviours behind high-value selling✅ Why consultants avoid discomfort — and how to develop resilience✅ Building and scaling offices across the UK, Sweden, Denmark & Texas✅ Digital distraction, dopamine & why presence improves performance✅ The difference between transactional recruiting and true partnership✅ What founders must build to survive the next 5 years of industry change⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and welcome01:00 – Who is Nicholas Thomas?02:30 – Selling a £2.1M subscription RPO06:30 – Why recruiters can’t sell retainers10:00 – Shifting recruitment from cost to investment15:00 – The commercial journey to RPO20:00 – Why process beats persuasion26:00 – UK vs Sweden vs US recruitment culture32:00 – Skillset vs markets: what really creates a top biller38:00 – AI, automation and the death of pure delivery45:00 – Internal standards, ads and the power of process52:00 – Trainees, terms and negotiation confidence58:00 – Discomfort, resilience & mindset in sales01:05:00 – Digital distraction, dopamine & focus01:12:00 – Scaling internationally the right way01:16:00 – Nicholas’ 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with NicholasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/everhire-nicholas/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠🔗 Find out more about SourceWhale 🐋Mention 1% better recruitment podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you sign up, by clicking the ⁠link⁠, or head to ⁠https://sourcewhale.com/demo⁠ to get started.

What if the biggest mistakes recruitment agencies make aren’t about BD, sourcing or billing… but about scaling too fast, carrying too much headcount, and forgetting the fundamentals that actually win business?In this episode, I’m joined by Austin Clark, Co-Founder of SCI Partners and Entrust Resource Solutions, who has spent over 15 years building, scaling, right-sizing and rebuilding life sciences recruitment teams across the UK and Europe. After growing SCI to 30 heads before the market crashed, Austin had to navigate one of the toughest periods the sector has seen — and came out with a smarter, leaner and more profitable agency.We dive into the reality of market downturns, the truth about scaling, why 360 is dying, how to structure modern delivery teams, AI’s impact on sourcing, tech stack overload, candidate-led strategies and why the basics of good recruitment still matter more than ever. This conversation is honest, commercial, experienced and packed with the real lessons most founders never share publicly.If you’re a recruiter, leader or agency owner looking to understand the future of the industry — and avoid the mistakes most agencies make — this episode is essential listening.We explore:✅ The rise, fall and right-sizing of SCI Partners✅ Why headcount can become a “vanity project”✅ The life sciences crash and how SCI survived it✅ Why 360 is dying and the rise of specialist 180 models✅ Why sales and delivery rarely live in the same person✅ AI, bots and how automation is changing resourcing✅ LinkedIn licensing chaos and tech stack overload✅ Candidate-led BD and the “masterkey” mentality✅ Why consultants give up too early on follow-ups✅ The difference between transactional recruitment and true partnership✅ The fundamentals recruiters have forgotten — and why they still win⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and welcome01:30 – Austin’s journey and the life sciences landscape03:00 – Scaling SCI to 30 heads06:30 – Why headcount became a vanity metric09:00 – Profitability vs scaling12:00 – The life sciences downturn15:00 – Why 360 doesn’t work in 202618:00 – Sales vs delivery22:00 – Follow-ups and the problem with new consultants26:00 – Offshoring, pods and delivery optimisation30:00 – AI, automation and recruitment bots36:00 – How LinkedIn and job boards reshaped the market40:00 – The “masterkey” candidate approach45:00 – Modern BD and real relationship building50:00 – Retained, exclusive and partnership models55:00 – Tech stack overload and distractions01:00:00 – Partnership instead of transactional recruitment01:05:00 – What agencies must change in 202601:14:00 – Austin’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with AustinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-clark-1b6b947/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712🔗 Find out more about SourceWhale 🐋Mention 1% better recruitment podcast or my name, Charles Kyriakou, when you sign up, by clicking the link, or head to https://sourcewhale.com/demo to get started.

What if the fastest way to grow in recruitment wasn’t by trying to do everything… but by building a name so strong that your market starts coming to you?In this episode, I’m joined by Roxanne Kirkhope-Winnan, Head of Bolt Technical, who built her reputation the hard way — through consistency, honesty, personality, and showing up online even on the days life felt chaotic. From cabin crew to recruitment, from starting again in engineering to launching Bolt Technical, Roxanne has built both a name and a market by being unapologetically herself.We dive into the realities of building a desk from scratch, managing ADHD, parenting a child with autism, leading a team, posting daily, and growing a new division inside a recruitment business. This conversation is raw, real, funny and brutally honest — exactly what the industry needs more of.If you’re a recruiter looking to build a brand, build a market, or build the confidence to show up as you, this episode is your blueprint.We explore:✅ How Roxanne built a market AND a name from scratch✅ The confidence and mindset needed to launch a new desk✅ ADHD, energy cycles & how to turn them into a superpower✅ Autism parenting, vulnerability & community on LinkedIn✅ Simple BD habits most recruiters overcomplicate✅ How scheduled posting & hooks attract inbound opportunities✅ Why authenticity beats polished branding✅ Culture, leadership & building a team people want to follow✅ Burnout, balance & managing the chaos of real life✅ Why conversations and consistency still win in 2025If you want the truth about what it really takes to build a desk, build a brand, and build a reputation that travels further than any job ad — this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & welcome01:00 – Roxanne’s journey from cabin crew to recruitment03:00 – Early lessons, confidence & starting again in engineering06:00 – Launching Bolt Technical from scratch09:00 – ADHD, energy management & work sprints12:00 – Autism parenting & finding her voice on LinkedIn18:00 – Building a name before building a market22:00 – Hooks, consistency & scheduled posting27:00 – Culture, leadership & leading from the front32:00 – Why recruiters overcomplicate BD37:00 – The fundamentals of great communication44:00 – Burnout, boundaries & energy cycles50:00 – Personal brand vs company brand56:00 – Roxanne’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with RoxanneLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannekirkhopewinnan/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712

What if the difference between a failing trainee and a £1M biller isn’t talent… but sacrifice, environment, and expectations?In this episode, I’m joined by Brandon White, Founder of Volta Search and one of the most honest voices in the Rec2Rec space. With 11 years in the industry, Brandon has seen exactly why some trainees quit early — and why a small few go on to build huge careers.We dig into the realities of becoming a top performer in recruitment: long hours, consistency, culture, communication, burnout, rebuilding confidence, and why working from home too soon is quietly killing the next generation. Brandon also shares the raw story behind his own journey — from launching a successful business, to it collapsing, to therapy, burnout, and rebuilding himself and his career in 2024.This is a real, unfiltered conversation about standards, sacrifice, mindset, and what separates average recruiters from future £1M billers.We explore:✅ Why some trainees fail — and why others bill £1M+✅ The truth about sacrifice, long hours & expectations✅ How WFH is holding early-career recruiters back✅ Why most people believe the “£100k first-year” lie✅ The difference between real effort & surface-level activity✅ How environment, culture & routine drive success✅ Brandon’s journey through burnout, therapy & rebuilding✅ How to attract better clients and build real relationships✅ Consistency, habits & doing the boring stuff daily✅ Why the basics will always beat shiny tools⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Brandon’s backstory05:00 – How Charles & Brandon connected12:00 – Why trainees struggle with expectations16:00 – Sacrifice, long hours & top-biller reality20:00 – Social media vs real recruitment25:00 – WFH vs office culture32:00 – Why “£100k year one” is a lie40:00 – Communication, confidence & rapport48:00 – Burnout, therapy & rebuilding01:02:00 – How to attract better clients01:10:00 – Consistency, routines & habits01:16:00 – Brandon’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with Brandon WhiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonwhiterecruitment/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712

What if the real problem in recruitment today isn’t the market… but how people are working?In this episode, I’m joined by Sheldon Clottey — Founder of Charles & Charles Recruitment, who’s built a global business spanning London, Dubai, and the US construction market.We dig into what “real recruitment” looks like in 2025 — from data-driven BD and candidate marketing, to exclusivity, client control, and why most recruiters have forgotten the basics. Sheldon shares how he built his US desk from scratch, the blueprint for setting up new markets, and how to balance automation, AI, and actual skill.This is an honest, unfiltered, and practical conversation about standards, mindset, and the future of recruitment — and why the best recruiters will always stand out, no matter how advanced the tools become.We explore:✅ How to build a US recruitment desk from scratch✅ Why data and email marketing still win✅ The difference between UK & US recruitment mindsets✅ The power of saying no to bad clients✅ How to protect your time and control the process✅ Why PSLs are often a trap, not a trophy✅ AI, automation & the new skills recruiters need✅ Why phone-based recruiters will always have the edgeIf you’re tired of lazy recruitment, want to rebuild your process, and believe in raising the bar — this episode is for you.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Sheldon’s backstory06:00 – How recruitment has changed since 201214:00 – UK vs US recruitment mindsets22:00 – Setting up a US desk from scratch26:00 – Data, targeting & marketing properly37:00 – Why recruiters fail with eShots44:00 – The rise of lazy recruitment50:00 – Interview slots & client control56:00 – PSLs & saying no59:00 – AI, automation & real recruitment01:08:00 – Sheldon’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with Sheldon ClotteyLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-clottey-723b6555/⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712

What if you expanded your recruitment business to America before everyone else thought it was cool?In this episode, I’m joined by Elliott Manning — Founder & Managing Director of Kayman Recruitment, who built one of the UK’s most recognised Rec2Rec firms, expanded into the US before it became the trend, and is now helping agencies scale globally through outsourcing and consultancy.Elliott lifts the lid on the reality of building in the US without a roadmap — from flying to New York ten times in a year to learn the market, to discovering the cultural differences that make American recruitment so unique. He also shares how he built an outsourcing arm in South Africa that’s helped over 60 agencies scale faster, smarter, and more profitably.This is a practical and unfiltered conversation about expansion, BD strategy, and how to future-proof your recruitment business by thinking globally, not locally.We explore:✅ How to set up in the US (without burning money)✅ The cultural & commercial differences between US and UK recruitment✅ Why relationships beat transactions in America✅ The truth about “full-desk recruiters” in the US✅ How to interview and hire American talent✅ Building consistency through relationship nurturing✅ How to use case studies & name-dropping to win clients✅ Outsourcing to South Africa — the model, pros & cons✅ Remote management tips & avoiding micromanagement✅ The future of recruitment: value, solutions & diversificationIf you’ve ever thought about expanding your agency to the US — or want to understand how outsourcing can transform your business — this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Elliott’s backstory02:00 – Launching Kayman Recruitment05:00 – Early US trips & lessons learned10:00 – Cultural differences between US & UK recruitment16:00 – The power of relationship nurturing21:00 – How to stand out in the US market25:00 – Selling with value & solutions33:00 – Why traditional recruitment models are changing39:00 – Building teams & managing remotely52:00 – Niche vs. geographical specialisation in the US55:00 – How Elliott built his outsourcing model58:00 – The truth about South African delivery teams01:02:00 – Managing remote recruiters effectively01:07:00 – Lessons on balance, family & flexibility01:13:00 – Elliott’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with Elliott ManningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliott-manning-4b3b6b7/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712🎟️ Don’t forget to grab your ticket for the live podcast event in London:⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1-better-recruitment-live-podcast-how-to-thrive-in-challenging-markets-tickets-1777948464719?aff=oddtdtcreator

What if being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer completely changed the way you think, lead, and live?In this episode, I’m joined by Naz Harrison — Director, Coach & L&D Leader, who opens up about his battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, how it transformed his outlook on life, and why it shaped his mission to help recruiters and leaders think, coach, and perform differently.We unpack Naz’s journey from recruiter to global L&D leader, what real coaching actually looks like (and why most managers get it wrong), and how mindset, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence drive true performance.This is an honest, practical, and deeply human conversation about coaching, leadership, and resilience — and the lessons you only learn when life forces you to slow down, reflect, and rebuild.We explore:✅ Beating stage 4 cancer & the mindset shift that followed✅ Coaching vs mentoring — and why most managers confuse the two✅ The difference between presenting and true training✅ Coaching frameworks like GROW that actually work✅ How to build a coaching culture inside recruitment✅ Emotional intelligence, anchoring & managing chaos✅ Overcoming fear, failure & the illusion of control✅ How trauma can shape purpose & leadership✅ Building confidence, resilience & clarity as a coachIf you want to understand how to lead, coach, and perform with more purpose — and how the right mindset can change everything — this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Naz’s backstory05:00 – From recruiter to L&D leader11:00 – Lessons from building global training programs16:00 – Beating stage 4 cancer & changing perspective31:00 – Mindset shifts & purpose after recovery39:00 – Coaching vs mentoring explained46:00 – How to actually coach (not tell)52:00 – Management tools & NLP techniques01:08:00 – Mindset, confidence & emotional growth01:27:00 – Naz’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with Naz HarrisonLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazharrison/⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠🎟️ Don’t forget to grab your ticket for the live podcast event – 20th November in London:⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1-better-recruitment-live-podcast-how-to-thrive-in-challenging-markets-tickets-1777948464719?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠

What if your dream job offer fell through the week before you started — and the world went into lockdown?In this episode, I’m joined by Jay Gurney, Director of Radiology at Projectus, who went from working warehouse shifts during COVID to becoming one of the company’s top global billers and leading its US expansion.Fun story, I actually interviewed Jay in 2020 to be my resourcer! We dig into Jay’s journey from rejection to resilience — from packing boxes and delivering food to billing hundreds of thousands in medical technology recruitment and relocating to Austin, Texas. He opens up about how he built his desk from scratch, the mindset shifts that turned him into a top performer, and how he approaches business development, candidate relationships, and consistency at scale.We explore:✅ How losing his job offer before COVID became a turning point✅ The grind of starting from scratch during lockdown✅ How to go from resourcer to top biller✅ Building a niche and becoming the go-to recruiter in your space✅ Transitioning from transactional recruiter to true consultant✅ The power of commercial curiosity & information gathering✅ Why the best recruiters think like businesspeople✅ Lessons from moving to the US & building credibility abroad✅ Confidence, resilience & consistency in recruitment successIf you want to understand what it really takes to rise through the ranks in recruitment, build a market from the ground up, and turn setbacks into fuel — this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Jay’s background02:00 – The job offer that fell through before COVID05:40 – Working in warehouses & deliveries to survive08:40 – Getting the Projectus opportunity & starting from scratch11:00 – Early BD strategies & finding market gaps14:00 – From resourcer to top biller mindset18:20 – What it means to be a true consultant24:00 – Jay’s cold call approach that actually works30:00 – Losing the fear & taking clients off a pedestal37:00 – Niching down & building credibility41:00 – Team builds vs. transactional placements45:00 – The US move: challenges & breakthroughs52:00 – Cultural differences in US recruitment59:00 – Lessons from building a US desk01:04:00 – Jay’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with JayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-gurney-🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712don't forget to get your ticket for the live podcast - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1-better-recruitment-live-podcast-how-to-thrive-in-challenging-markets-tickets-1777948464719?aff=oddtdtcreator

What if the best way to stand out in recruitment wasn’t about flashy KPIs or cold call sprints — but by being unapologetically yourself?In this episode, I’m joined by Adam, Director at At Talent, a Rec2Rec specialist helping recruiters find the right businesses, leaders, and environments to truly thrive in.We dive into Adam’s journey through recruitment and Rec2Rec, why authenticity is the ultimate sales advantage, and how too many recruiters still put clients on a pedestal. From finding the right company fit to the truth about job hopping, KPIs, and toxic recruitment cultures, Adam shares honest lessons every recruiter needs to hear.This is a practical and unfiltered conversation about authenticity, resilience, and what it really takes to build a meaningful career in recruitment.We explore:✅ Why authenticity beats scripts and personas in recruitment✅ How to find the right business (and leader) for you✅ The truth about job hopping in 2025✅ Why most recruiters have the wrong idea about KPIs✅ How to fix toxic recruitment culture✅ Why being a decent person still wins in recruitment✅ How personal development makes you a better recruiter✅ The role of resilience & consistency in long-term successIf you want to understand what it really takes to build a successful recruitment career, find the right environment, and lead with authenticity, this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00, Intro & welcome02:00, Why authenticity is key in recruitment08:00, Finding your own style vs “telephone voice”13:00, Building rapport & asking better questions20:00, Being transparent as a new recruiter27:00, How to find the right recruitment business for you33:00, What recruiters really look for post-COVID42:00, Money, mindset & early career mistakes48:00, Job hopping: red flag or reflection of the times?55:00, LinkedIn, cold calling & authenticity online01:02:00, Remote work, culture & why office buzz matters01:08:00, Why recruiters get a bad name & fixing industry culture01:13:00, KPIs: too much vs none at all01:20:00, Adam’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with AdamLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamattalent/⁠⁠⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠⁠⁠

What if the best way to grow in recruitment wasn’t by chasing quick wins, but by mastering long-term relationships and persistence?In this episode, I’m joined by Fraser Graham, Founder of Nautic, a Rec2Rec business specialising in placing recruiters from consultant to director level across Manchester and the Northwest.We dive into Fraser’s journey from leaving football and sport behind at 18, to jumping into recruitment during the post-lockdown boom, and now launching his own agency. From the brutal realities of Rec2Rec and why recruiters have such a bad reputation, to selling to salespeople, creative BD tactics, and the challenges of starting solo, Fraser shares the lessons that shaped his career.This is a practical and honest conversation about resilience, creativity, and why polite persistence is the real key to recruitment success.We explore:✅ Why recruiters get a bad reputation (and how to fix it)✅ Polite persistence & multiple touchpoints in Rec2Rec✅ Creative outreach ideas that actually get replies✅ The reality of starting a recruitment business solo✅ How to sell to salespeople without “selling”✅ AI, automation & the future of recruitment✅ Why empathy and listening make great recruiters✅ The role of mentors in taking the leap to founderIf you want to understand what it really takes to succeed in Rec2Rec, build relationships that last, and make the jump to running your own agency, this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00, Intro & welcome02:00, Fraser’s background & why he started Nautic05:30, Breaking into Rec2Rec at 18 during a booming market09:00, Why recruiters get such a bad reputation12:30, Polite persistence & creative candidate touchpoints18:00, Calls vs LinkedIn — finding the right BD balance21:00, Selling to salespeople without being “salesy”27:00, The leap to starting Nautic & early challenges32:00, AI, automation & the future of recruitment40:00, Personality fit & finding your recruitment niche54:00, Why empathy is a recruiter’s secret weapon58:00, Fraser’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with FraserLinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/frazer-graham-9a4915209/⁠⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠

What if the best way to succeed in recruitment wasn’t to be everywhere, but to dominate a niche so well that clients had no choice but to come to you?In this episode, I’m joined by Emma April, Founder of HuntStart Consulting, a specialist recruitment agency for FX brokers and fintech companies across Cyprus, the UAE and beyond.We dive into Emma’s journey from HR in Cyprus to recruitment in London, the fear that held her back from starting her own business, and the personal challenges she faced while launching her agency — including losing her father and navigating a miscarriage. Despite everything, Emma built a reputation so strong that clients know her by name, not just her company.This is a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, discipline, and what it really takes to dominate your ICP in recruitment.We explore:✅ How to build a desk from scratch in a new market✅ Why specialising in your ICP beats being a generalist✅ Time management & consistency as recruiter superpowers✅ The role of mentors in early career success✅ Grit, resilience & discipline as the real differentiators✅ Shifting from personal brand to company brand✅ Why mistakes are part of building any business✅ What makes a truly great recruiter in 2025If you want to understand what it really takes to build a recruitment business, dominate your market, and grow through resilience, this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00, Intro & welcome01:20, Emma’s background in HR & move from Cyprus to London07:00, Early career in FX & fintech recruitment13:30, Quitting on day one and rebuilding from scratch18:30, Building out the Cyprus desk and finding her niche24:00, Facing the fear of starting her own agency29:00, Leaving comfort vs betting on yourself36:30, The investor who gave her the push to launch39:30, Personal challenges: miscarriage & losing her father45:00, Starting Hunt Stop properly in August 202448:00, How to build and dominate a niche market52:00, The 3 keys to building a desk: consistency, time management, mentors58:00, Why discipline matters more than hacks01:04:00, Listening to your gut as a founder01:08:00, Mistakes, resilience & founder lessons01:09:30, Emma’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with EmmaLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-april/⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠

What if you started in recruitment when CVs were faxed across town — and now lead teams navigating AI, automation, and a new generation of recruiters?In this episode, I’m joined by Stuart Biggs, veteran recruiter and sales leader, who’s lived through the full evolution of recruitment — from fax machines and cold calls to CRMs, automation, and AI-driven sourcing.Recorded in March 2025, we dive into how the industry has changed, why sales culture has declined post-COVID, and what leaders can do to rebuild it without burning people out. Stuart also opens up about his passion for giving underprivileged people opportunities in recruitment, and why hiring on behaviours matters more than degrees.We explore:✅ The evolution of recruitment: fax machines, Rolodexes & AI✅ Why sales culture has declined in many agencies (and how to fix it)✅ How automation & AI help — and where they make recruiters lazy✅ Creating non-negotiable sales sprints that actually work✅ The “warm bath” analogy for avoiding feast-or-famine billings✅ Why behaviours beat qualifications when hiring✅ How working from home has reshaped recruitment culture✅ The role of resilience, diversity & inclusion in today’s industry✅ Why sharpening the saw through training never stopsIf you want to understand where recruitment has come from, where it’s heading, and how to thrive in the age of AI without losing the human touch — this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Stuart’s background02:00 – From fax machines to AI: recruitment’s evolution07:40 – Sales culture then vs now13:20 – Why recruiters are losing BD skills post-COVID20:10 – Balancing automation, AI & human touch26:30 – Non-negotiable sales sprints explained34:00 – The “warm bath” analogy for consistent pipelines42:00 – Hiring on behaviours vs qualifications50:20 – How working from home has affected sales culture58:30 – Diversity, inclusion & underprivileged talent in recruitment01:05:00 – Training, sharpening the saw & constant development01:12:40 – Stuart’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with StuartLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-biggs-b1415289/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712

What if you launched a recruitment business in the middle of a global pandemic — and then had to rebuild it from the ground up when the tech boom turned bust?In this episode, I’m joined by Ivor Stratford, Co-Founder of Morpheus, a recruitment business specialising in early-stage, VC/PE-backed tech companies with a strong focus on AI and machine learning.We dive into what it was really like starting a business in March 2020, why their early success was built on sand, and how they pivoted to create stronger foundations, culture, and credibility. Ivor also opens up about his sobriety journey, how going alcohol-free reshaped his life and business, and why sharing his story on TikTok has built a personal brand that’s opened unexpected doors.P.S Ignore the crying dog in the background hahaWe explore:✅ The reality of starting a recruitment firm during the pandemic✅ Why 2021’s “boom” left many recruiters with false confidence✅ How to fix a business that’s built on dependency, not sales culture✅ The mindset shift post-COVID recruiters need to make✅ Building credibility by asking the right questions✅ Why over-communication & clear KPIs matter for culture✅ Personal branding on TikTok — and overcoming imposter syndrome✅ Sobriety, discipline & the hidden impact on leadership✅ Why consistency beats quick wins for long-term successIf you want to understand the boom-and-bust of tech hiring, the future of sales culture in recruitment, and the lessons from sobriety that can make you a better leader — this episode is a must-listen.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Ivor’s background01:20 – Founding Morpheus in March 202005:40 – The post-COVID boom & building on sand09:30 – Why 2022 became their toughest year12:50 – The tech hiring boom and sudden bust15:10 – Post-COVID recruiters vs pre-COVID recruiters23:00 – Location mistakes & building culture28:00 – Pivoting to sustainable foundations32:00 – Why over-communication & KPIs matter39:40 – Questioning as the #1 recruiter skill48:10 – Building a personal brand on TikTok57:30 – Sobriety & the turning point for Ivor01:04:00 – The first year alcohol-free01:12:00 – New energy, fitness & relationships01:16:20 – Ivor’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with IvorLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivorstratford/⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠

What if recruitment wasn’t about transactions, but about making every client and candidate feel like a VIP?In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Green, Co-Founder & COO at Few&Far, one of Europe’s leading digital product recruitment firms.We dig into how Sam and his team built a reputation for creating a “celebrity experience” — from community-led business development and events, to consultative client meetings and a culture that’s kept average tenure at 4.7 years. We unpack how to stand out in recruitment by combining culture, consistency, and care with smart use of AI and operations.We explore:✅ What the “celebrity experience” really means in recruitment✅ Why face-to-face meetings still beat phone calls & Zoom✅ How to add true consultative value in client conversations✅ Building culture & KPIs around behaviours, not just billings✅ Community & events as a long-term BD engine✅ The reality of AI in recruitment (beyond email automation)✅ Why happy consultants bill more (and stay longer)✅ Treating alumni as advocates, not rivalsIf you want to stand out in 2025’s recruitment market — this episode is packed with practical lessons on culture, community, and client experience.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Sam’s background at Few&Far03:00 – What the “celebrity experience” means in practice07:30 – Balancing BD sprints with consultant autonomy12:00 – Why face-to-face meetings beat remote interactions16:20 – Consultative value: going beyond small talk21:40 – Innovative client plays (like hotel-based interview days)25:00 – Building community as a long-term BD strategy30:10 – AI in recruitment: what’s hype & what’s real36:00 – Preventing burnout & keeping consultants happy40:30 – Alumni pride, reputation & industry collaboration46:30 – Sam’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with SamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammfewandfar/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712

What if winning new clients didn’t mean hammering cold calls all day?In this episode, I’m joined by Reece Warren, founder of Nameless Ventures in Dubai and former early employee at Few & Far in London.We dive into the brutal reality of business development in recruitment: what actually works when you’ve got no brand, no warm network, and no endless jobs falling on your desk. From pivoting his business model after a painful first year, to building a desk in Dubai without a single contact, Reece shares the raw truth about BD, retainers, and why consistency always beats clever tricks.We explore:✅ Why winning business sucks (and why you should do it anyway)✅ The process behind BD (not one call, one email, or one spec CV)✅ How to use referrals, events & senior candidates to open doors✅ Why good recruiters always have space in the market✅ Retainers vs. contingent: why client commitment changes everything✅ Building trust with cold clients (without cheesy sales tricks)✅ How to balance chasing new logos with serving existing clients✅ The importance of persistence, consistency & adding valueIf you’re struggling with BD or want to sharpen your approach to client development, this episode will give you a reality check — and a repeatable process to follow.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Reece’s background in London & Dubai recruitment02:45 – The equity model that nearly broke the business08:30 – Pivoting to a retained model (and why it worked)13:15 – What makes a “good recruiter” in 202519:20 – Why winning business sucks (and why you should still do it)23:40 – The BD process: referrals, branding, events & persistence29:15 – Cold outreach vs. warm connections (and how to mix them)33:30 – How persistence & consistency win clients long term38:55 – Why most recruiters fumble retainers44:10 – Reece’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with ReeceLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/reece-warren/?originalSubdomain=ae⁠🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712

What happens when your agency scales — but your systems, ops, and people can’t keep up?In this episode, I’m joined by Charlie Hunt — fractional CFO & COO, former head of operations in recruitment, and trusted advisor to startups and scale-ups.We unpack what really breaks inside recruitment businesses when they try to grow too fast, why CRMs and tech stacks are so often misused, and how to build the right foundations before you add headcount.From AI note-takers to KPI debates, 180 vs 360 models, and the tipping point for investing in operations, this one is a reality check for founders and future leaders.We explore:✅ The truth about CRMs, tech stacks & why consultants hate them✅ When to build an ops department (and when not to)✅ Getting salespeople engaged in the CRM without “policing”✅ Why some agencies go too far with automation & AI✅ The risks of running without KPIs (and what good ones look like)✅ 180 vs 360 models — and how to make them work in 2025✅ How delivery consultants can feed BD with commercial insights✅ Brutal lessons from startups that scaled too quicklyIf you’re building a recruitment business (or planning to), this episode will save you wasted money, stress, and sleepless nights.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Charlie’s background in recruitment ops02:05 – Structure & systems: what founders get wrong early07:50 – Tech stacks: balance between too much & too little14:10 – Analytics, KPIs & gamification tools (Cube19, OneUp, etc.)19:20 – CRM engagement: getting consultants to actually use it24:40 – AI in recruitment: hype vs. practical tools30:40 – Using AI for training, L&D & note-taking37:00 – Linking KPIs to CRM & performance management43:20 – Why running without KPIs is a recipe for chaos53:40 – When to hire ops, HR & L&D (fractional vs. in-house)59:20 – Marketing & sales alignment in recruitment businesses01:03:00 – 180 vs 360 models: pros, cons & hybrid solutions01:10:30 – Charlie’s 1% Better tip🔗 Connect with Charlie HuntLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-hunt-54b7b89a/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakouLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712

Are you posting the wrong stuff on LinkedIn?In this episode of The 1% Better Recruitment Podcast, I’m joined by Sam Rasdall, founder of Potent Positioning, former MD at Bold Identities, and branding/marketing strategist for the recruitment industry.Sam breaks down the four LinkedIn content types, including the two that generate the most revenue but rarely get used, and shows how to turn branding and marketing into real business development results.We unpack how to build personal and employer brands that command higher fees, create inbound leads, and win retained work, plus Sam’s simple DM framework that actually gets replies.We explore:✅ The three types of brand every recruiter should know✅ How brand perception impacts the fees you can charge✅ The four LinkedIn content types & the two that make you the most money✅ “Invite offers”, the small call-to-action that turns lurkers into leads✅ Why proof, testimonials & case studies are your strongest sales asset✅ How to use marketing assets to open BD conversations✅ DM strategies that sound human (and get responses)✅ How to overcome the fear of posting & embrace failing early✅ Why founder visibility is key to employer brand strengthWhether you’re a rookie recruiter or a seasoned founder, this episode will help you move from vanity branding to marketing that directly impacts your bottom line.⏱ Timestamps:(00:00) – Intro & welcome to the episode(01:54) – Sam’s background: recruiter to branding specialist(03:57) – Why brand matters & how it makes you money(06:13) – Employer brand, personal brand & ROI(08:26) – Building a warm market through consistent posting(10:28) – Why most recruitment marketing fails(12:38) – Content that resonates beyond “hot jobs”(14:26) – Overcoming fear & lack of confidence in posting(17:29) – Embracing failure to grow your brand(19:29) – Never running out of content ideas(21:22) – The four types of LinkedIn content explained(23:35) – Adding “invite offers” to posts for inbound leads(24:04) – Using proof & evidence to sell without selling(26:56) – Why you must showcase testimonials & case studies(29:12) – Overcoming the cringe factor in self-promotion(31:14) – Writing content for your ideal client(33:20) – Being authentic vs. chasing likes(34:52) – Should recruiters be on TikTok?(37:58) – Avoiding burnout with your content creation(39:44) – Handling trolls & negativity on social platforms(41:19) – Marketing as a BD tool(43:47) – Giving recruiters reasons to reach out(45:32) – Why marketers should speak directly to clients(47:28) – How marketing & sales should work together(49:28) – The role of personality types in communication(53:10) – DM strategies that feel human(56:44) – Why “hope you’re well” kills your outreach(58:53) – Writing LinkedIn messages like a WhatsApp(1:02:20) – Moving the conversation to a personal level(1:03:59) – Automation & AI in outreach: what works(1:06:22) – When automation kills trust(1:08:17) – Safe ways to automate without risking your account(1:10:18) – Charles’ light-touch automation approach(1:12:03) – Sam’s 1% Better tip: embrace fear & be consistent🔗 Connect with Sam RasdallLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/sam-rasdall-501863108/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1673161288YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPodLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-1-better-recruitment-podcast-7027606689657085952

Is your recruitment team hiding behind keyboards instead of picking up the phone?In this episode of The 1% Better Recruitment Podcast, I’m joined by Terry Payne, Global MD at Aspire, leading recruitment teams across the UK, Singapore, Dubai, and New York, with nearly three decades in staffing.Terry lifts the lid on why sales culture has declined in recruitment, how to rebuild it without burning people out, and why hiring on behaviours (not just qualifications/experience) can transform your business.We unpack practical strategies for balancing automation with human touch, running non-negotiable sales sprints, and keeping your “tap” running so you never face feast-or-famine months again.We explore:✅ Why sales culture has declined in recruitment (and how to fix it)✅ The danger of going “all-in” on automation or cold calling✅ How to create non-negotiable sales sprints that actually work✅ Balancing BD with service delivery (and avoiding feast-or-famine)✅ The “warm bath” analogy for keeping pipelines healthy✅ How working from home has impacted sales skills & culture✅ The case for hiring on behaviours over qualifications✅ Terry’s journey from council estate to global MD✅ Why underprivileged talent can outperform “perfect CVs”✅ The importance of resilience, EQ, and constant learningWhether you’re leading a small agency or running a global recruitment team — this episode is packed with insights to reignite your sales culture and drive sustainable growth.⏱ Timestamps:(00:00) – Intro & welcome to the episode(01:56) – Terry’s background & Aspire’s global reach(03:44) – How sales culture in recruitment has diminished(05:34) – Balancing automation and human connection(07:53) – The power of LinkedIn & WhatsApp voice notes(09:41) – How to rebuild sales culture in your team(12:05) – Why weekly sales training is non-negotiable(14:20) – Sharpening the saw: why top billers still train(16:09) – The “warm bath” analogy for consistent BD(18:08) – Avoiding feast-or-famine in recruitment(20:08) – Ranking jobs A, B, C to prioritise effort(21:05) – Planning & protecting sales sprint time(22:52) – Key BD activities during sales sprints(25:12) – How WFH has impacted sales culture(27:30) – Why face-to-face meetings still matter(29:40) – Why trainees should start in-office(31:41) – How office culture builds EQ & resilience(33:47) – The value of diverse perspectives & debate(35:42) – Terry’s school experience & early career(38:02) – Hiring for behaviours over qualifications(40:28) – Education vs. opportunity in recruitment(42:39) – Charles’ similar school & career journey(43:35) – Why sales celebrates underdog stories(45:51) – Lessons from combat sports & top athletes(47:46) – Why nobody owes you anything in business(49:01) – Terry’s 1% Better tip: push through fear & keep learning🔗 Connect with Terry PayneLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-payne-09722856/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/⁠

What if performance psychology was the missing link in your recruitment business?In this episode of The 1% Better Recruitment Podcast, I’m joined by Alex Elliott — recruitment investor, advisor, and former founder who exited his own agency after scaling it over 10 years.Alex lifts the lid on what truly drives elite performance and sustainable leadership in recruitment — and why most businesses are still focused on the wrong things.We unpack the psychology behind motivation, consistency, standards, and how the best managers act more like therapists than KPI enforcers.We explore:✅ Why performance psychology beats just teaching skills✅ The real difference between A players and B players✅ How to uncover someone’s true intrinsic motivators✅ Hiring motivated people vs. trying to “fix” them later✅ The leadership trap of treating people like you✅ Emotional management, discipline & long-term success✅ How to build and maintain high standards (without toxicity)✅ Adapting values & culture as you scale✅ Whether Gen Z can still thrive in high-performance recruitment✅ Why work ethic still matters more than everWhether you’re leading a 5-person team or scaling to exit — this episode is packed with practical, psychological insight you can apply immediately.⏱ Timestamps:(00:00) – Intro & Alex’s recruitment background(02:21) – Skill vs. will: why willpower drives outlier performance(04:41) – Identifying motivation gaps & the importance of nature(07:04) – Why hiring intrinsically motivated people matters(09:23) – Coaching goal setting and pressing the right buttons(11:09) – Aligning career plans to personal drivers(13:19) – Treating B players like A players: common leadership mistake(15:38) – Losing great people by pushing too hard(17:51) – Sales floors as bell curves & moving performance to the right(20:06) – Legacy as a motivator & understanding deep drivers(22:23) – The 5 whys & digging into someone’s real motivation(24:46) – Real-life motivators & emotional goal setting(27:02) – Holding space for discomfort & rewiring thought patterns(29:22) – Logical plans for emotional goals(31:35) – Radical Candor & caring personally while challenging directly(34:00) – Why performance psychology = emotional management(36:24) – Reframing beliefs around sleep, recovery & routines(38:48) – Managing energy as a trainer or coach(41:01) – Leadership psychology vs performance psychology(43:24) – Building a values-led culture & communicating it properly(45:45) – What values actually are (and why you already have them)(48:05) – How values evolve & changing toxic cultures(50:23) – The dark side of "standards" and outdated environments(52:47) – What it really means to hold standards(55:08) – Social contracts & setting expectations in hiring(57:29) – When flexibility is valid, and when it’s an excuse(59:50) – Can you succeed in recruitment without hard work?(01:02:06) – Hard work, perspective & the emotional reward loop(01:04:28) – Will Gen Z still want to work hard in recruitment?(01:06:47) – How to hire for culture without generational bias(01:08:57) – Final thoughts & Alex’s 1% Better tip: gamify performance🔗 Connect with Alex ElliottLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexelliott123/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPod⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/

What happens when you build a fast-growing recruitment business, raise millions in investment… and realise you’ve completely lost yourself in the process?In this episode, I’m joined by Elaine Tyler — founder of Venatrix, a specialist SaaS sales recruitment firm, and a fearless voice for female founders navigating growth, pressure, and leadership burnout.Elaine opens up about the real cost of scaling too quickly, chasing the wrong kind of investment, and trying to lead while constantly people-pleasing. But this isn’t just a founder story — it’s packed with hard-hitting lessons for recruiters, leaders, and anyone building a business that’s outgrown them.We explore:✅ What most founders get wrong about raising investment✅ People-pleasing, over-functioning & perfectionism in leadership✅ Why qualifying investors is just as vital as pitching them✅ How burnout shows up in both founders and recruitment teams✅ Training recruiters to push back and manage expectations✅ The myth of “activity = results” and shifting to outcomes that matter✅ How to build long-term client trust (not just chase roles)✅ Delegating relationships and letting recruiters lead BD✅ Aligning your recruitment process with values — not just speed✅ What Elaine would never do again (and what she’d do sooner)Whether you're placing SDRs, building your first team, or trying to reclaim control of a business that’s running you — this episode delivers real, relatable perspective on how to reset.🔗 Connect with Elaine TylerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainetyler/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakouApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1PercentBetterRecPodLinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/

What happens when automation takes over your BD — and you forget how to actually speak to people?In this episode, I’m joined by Marc Burgess — contract recruitment leader, sales director at 4mation Partners, and fierce advocate for process, structure, and proper human connection in recruitment.We dive into Marc’s no-BS take on lazy BD, automation culture, and why so many recruiters are losing deals they should be winning — all because they’re skipping steps and hiding behind tools.From multi-million pound billings to war room training and $200K mistakes, this one is a masterclass in how to stop winging it and start operating like a pro.We explore:✅ Why “relationship-building” is more than just a buzzword✅ The problem with ChatGPT content and over-automated outreach✅ Marc’s 30/30/30 rule for consistent billings✅ Sales call openers that actually work✅ The importance of process — and the cost of skipping steps✅ How to build a proper recruitment desk in 2025✅ What lazy BD really looks like (and how to fix it)✅ Why you should treat information like currency✅ Brutal stories that will make you rethink your pipelineIf you’re a recruiter relying on LinkedIn messages and luck, this episode is your wake-up call.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Marc’s background and intro to contract recruitment04:00 – The human factor vs. AI hype09:00 – Automation, lazy BD & why most recruiters sound the same14:00 – Sales call openers: permission-based vs. value-led20:00 – Relationship-building: what it really means in 202526:00 – Face-to-face meetings, AI cheating & trust33:00 – War room training, feedback loops & process breakdowns40:00 – Marc’s 30/30/30 model for consistent performance47:00 – Real-life mistakes that cost six figures53:00 – Best practice vs. winging it — how to run a tight process01:03:00 – Marc’s 1% Better tip: “You only get something if you give something first”🔗 Connect with Marc BurgessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burgessmarc/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou⁠⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@charleskyriakou⁠⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712⁠⁠

What happens when the party lifestyle becomes your identity — and you wake up one day with no goals, no purpose, and nothing left in the tank?In this episode, I’m joined by Jack Salmon — high-performance coach, extreme endurance athlete, and a brutally honest voice on sobriety, structure, and self-leadership.We dive into Jack’s journey from 48-hour benders and rock-bottom mornings to becoming a present dad, disciplined business owner, and the man he never had growing up. From rewiring his mindset to redefining masculinity, Jack shares the routines, reflections, and raw truths that helped him build a life worth showing up for.We explore:✅ The hidden drug culture inside recruitment & city life✅ What rock bottom really looks like — and how to come back✅ Creating structure when you feel totally lost✅ Morning routines that build confidence & identity✅ Journaling prompts that actually shift your mindset✅ How to find purpose (even if you think you don’t have one)✅ The problem with modern male role models — and how to be oneIf you're battling burnout, rebuilding from rock bottom, or just want to level up your habits and headspace — this episode is packed with honest, actionable perspective.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Jack’s story: from chaos to clarity05:00 – The recruitment scene, coke culture & “living for the weekend”10:00 – Depression, ego & the point everything changed14:30 – Reading, routines & getting off autopilot19:45 – Building morning discipline: what actually works24:00 – Prompts, purpose & rewiring your brain30:00 – The 4 questions that changed Jack’s life36:00 – Masculinity, role models & helping men in their 20s42:00 – Living in alignment with your purpose48:00 – Final thoughts on coaching, sobriety & showing up daily🔗 Connect with Jack SalmonLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacksalmon-be/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502⁠YouTube: ⁠https://youtu.be/⁠LinkedIn Newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/?displayConfirmation=true⁠#RecruitmentPodcast #MindsetMatters #HighPerformanceHabits #1PercentBetter #SoberLife #RockBottomToRise #RealTalkRecruitment #MaleMentalHealth #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #CoachingJourney #SelfLeadership #ModernMasculinity

What happens when a young female recruiter launches two businesses before 30, pivots mid-pandemic, and bills over £2M — all while being constantly underestimated?In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Hunter, founder, temp recruitment specialist, and fierce advocate for leading from the front.We dive into what it really takes to scale a high-performing temp desk, how to pivot your business when the market shifts, and why mindset, structure, and resilience will always beat “hype” and shortcuts. From 4:30am site visits to securing investment in her 20s, Sam shares a brutally honest take on growing a business people don’t expect you to succeed in.We explore:✅ Scaling a temp desk to 100+ workers with high-margin clients✅ What it’s like raising investment as a young female founder✅ How to pivot your niche (without losing your credibility)✅ Cold calling in 2025 and how to actually make it work✅ Building a business around your gaps (admin, structure, support)✅ The mindset habits that build legacy — not just income✅ Why AI won’t replace relationships (but recruiters might)If you're building a recruitment business, scaling a temp desk, or just want to shut down the doubters — this episode is full of hard-earned lessons that go way beyond your average "success story."⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Who is Sam Hunter? From 26-year-old founder to £2M biller04:00 – The reality of being underestimated as a young woman in rec08:00 – Mindset, upbringing, and building with zero excuses12:00 – How she pivoted into PPE & food mid-COVID18:00 – Scaling to 100 temps per day: process, margins, team26:00 – Cold calling, voice notes & why recruiters are scared to connect34:00 – Building teams that fill your gaps (and don’t drain your energy)39:00 – AI, automation & keeping it human44:00 – Personal brand, leadership, and staying authentic50:00 – Final thoughts on scaling with soul & shutting out the noise🔗 Connect with Sam HunterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-hunter-recruitment/🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://youtu.be/LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/?displayConfirmation=true#RecruitmentPodcast #FemaleFounders #TempRecruitment #ScalingBusiness #ColdCalling2025 #MindsetMatters #1PercentBetter #RealTalkRecruitment #AgencyOwnerLife #PivotAndScale #YoungFounders

What happens when two recruiters say no to spec-outs, ditch the e-shots, and decide to raise the bar in Rec2Rec?In this episode, I’m joined by Dani-Louise and Kate, Co-Founders of Barkely Ellis Talent Solutions — a Rec2Rec brand built on high standards, strong relationships, and straight-talking honesty.We get into what Rec2Rec should look like in 2025 — and why most of the industry is getting it wrong. From WhatsApping clients before sending CVs to the hidden cost of not meeting your candidates, this one’s packed with practical lessons and a few mic drops.We explore:✅ Why e-shots and spray-and-pray approaches damage your brand✅ The power of relationships (and what they actually look like)✅ Candidate-led strategy vs. job-led thinking✅ DEI that goes beyond tick boxes — parenting, disability & flexibility✅ Why they meet every candidate before sending them out✅ The good, the bad, and the brutally honest truth about Rec2Rec todayIf you're in Rec2Rec, hiring recruiters, or just want to place better, this episode will make you think twice about how you're operating.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Who are Dani-Louise & Kate?04:00 – Working candidates vs. working jobs08:30 – What markets are candidate-led vs. job-led?12:10 – Why they don’t do spec-outs or e-shots18:00 – Meeting every candidate: why it matters26:00 – Relationship-led Rec2Rec that actually works30:00 – Market differences: US, UK, Europe39:00 – What Rec2Rec used to be like vs. now44:00 – Personal brand, values, and staying human47:00 – The real problem with “diversity hiring”54:00 – How to get 1% better in recruitment🔗 Connect with Dani & KateLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-louise-barkley/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiele-kle/Barkely Ellis Talent Solutions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/barkley-ellis-talent-solutions/posts/?feedView=all🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://youtu.be/rHVh48mNU8ILinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/?displayConfirmation=true