The Growth Bites Podcast

In this episode of Growth Bites, Jo sits down with Shaun Ritchie, Founder of Third Wave and Marmalade’s Martech partner, to talk about one of the biggest missed opportunities in recruitment: the value already sitting inside your CRM.Too many agencies assume they have a tech problem when in reality they have a data and workflow problem. Shaun explains why the issue isn’t the CRM itself, but how the data is structured, maintained and used across the business. From client data tagging and candidate segmentation to job matching, nurturing and automation, this episode explores what it takes to turn a CRM from a passive database into a genuine commercial asset. Jo and Shaun also dig into why automation and AI only work when the foundations are right, and why messy data will always lead to poor outputs.They cover the common mistakes recruitment businesses make, why buying another tool is rarely the answer, and where to start if you want to get more value from the systems you already have.If your CRM is full of records but not doing much else, this episode will help you understand how better structure, cleaner data and stronger processes can lead to better marketing, smarter outreach and stronger pipeline performance.

In this episode of Growth Bites, Jo talks to Amanda Capon, Chief People Officer at idverde UK with decades of experience shaping workplace culture and strategy. Together, they unpack the real implications of AI and automation on work, beyond the buzzwords we’re seeing online every day. Amanda shares how she’s already using AI day-to-day, what the shift means for HR and people leaders and why it’s more about augmentation than elimination.They explore the growing need for ethical guardrails, practical strategies for closing the human and technical skils gap and why reverse mentoring, career mosaics and flexible contracts could be the key to a stronger, more human workplace.If you’re grappling with productivity, retention, tech adoption or the future shape of your team, this one’s essential!

What does a seasoned digital leader with experience at Boohoo, Missguided and now Glamira have to say about the realities of modern marketing?Quite a lot and it’s just as relevant for recruitment leaders as it is for e-commerce brands.In this episode, Duke shares his career journey and talks candidly about the impact of privacy regulations, the rise of AI, and why marketing fundamentals haven’t changed, even if the tools have.He explains how brands can improve personalisation, deal with changing search behaviours, and balance creative ideas with commercial outcomes. There’s insight on segmentation, evolving attribution models, and how to stay relevant in a shifting digital landscape, without losing the human connection.This one’s packed with experience and real-world lessons. Worth your ears if you care about smarter, more strategic marketing.

In this episode of Growth Bites, Jo sits down with Simon Malpas, Co-founder of TRS Media, to unpack the messy truth about recruitment advertising and what smart agencies are doing differently.With over 20 years in the industry, including senior roles at Totaljobs and Jobsite, Simon now helps recruitment agencies take control of their job board spend. He shares why simply renewing last year’s contract is no longer good enough and how data-led health checks are helping teams spend less but get more.If you’re a recruitment leader or marketer looking to optimise budgets, improve candidate quality and use your data better, this one’s for you!

In this episode of Growth Bites, Jo sits down with Michael Halpin, Head of Global Marketing at Recite Me, to explore the business-critical topic of accessibility in recruitment. With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into force in June 2025, many recruitment agencies are still unsure about what’s required, where to begin, or how this will affect their candidate experience. Michael breaks it all down clearly, offering both strategic insight and practical next steps.He explains what the EAA actually means for UK-based recruitment businesses (even post-Brexit) and why it’s vital to start planning now. The conversation touches on how inclusive digital experiences can open up candidate pools, boost SEO, and build brand trust, making accessibility a commercial win as well as a compliance need.Michael also shares real-world examples and easy actions teams can take today, including how to audit your website, improve user journeys, and make content accessible without overloading internal teams. He highlights common pitfalls, the importance of accessible ATS systems, and how small changes can lead to major improvements in candidate experience and conversion rates.If you’re a marketing lead, agency founder, or ops specialist looking to get ahead of the deadline and make your brand more inclusive in the process, this episode is a great place to start.

In this episode of Growth Bites, Jo is joined by Stewart Morgan, co-founder and owner of Mixxyl, an AI-powered analytics platform helping recruitment agencies unlock and action the DE&I insights hiding in their CRMs. With over 15 years in recruitment tech, including time at Bullhorn and Kyloe Partners, Stewart brings a sharp and honest perspective on what really matters when it comes to using data well.They explore how recruiters can use diversity data to win business, retain clients, and build more inclusive, insight-led campaigns. From navigating sensitive topics to proving ROI on DE&I, this episode is a practical listen for any recruitment leader or marketer looking to turn ethics into a commercial advantage.

In this episode of Growth Bites, Jo is joined by Matt Comber, Founder and CEO of SourceFlow, and a well-known name in the recruitment tech world. With a background in both recruitment and digital, and as the former co-founder of Volcanic, Matt brings years of hard-earned experience to the conversation around websites, marketing strategy, and real performance.They cover everything from how recruitment agencies should be measuring the ROI of their websites to what actually moves the needle when it comes to candidate attraction and client conversion. Matt shares his thoughts on template vs. custom builds, the rise of B2B in recruitment marketing, and why EVP isn’t always the silver bullet it’s made out to be.This is a must-listen for recruitment marketers and business leaders who want their website to do more than just look good.

In this episode of Growth Bites, Jo is joined by Jeanette Barrowcliffe, Finance Director and co-owner of Meridian Business Support - one of the UK’s largest independent multi-sector recruitment agencies.With nearly three decades in recruitment and two MBOs under her belt, Jeanette brings a sharp, no-nonsense perspective to what it really takes to scale sustainably. From navigating economic uncertainty to making smart tech investments, this episode is packed with insight for recruitment leaders who want to grow, without losing control of the numbers.She shares how Meridian has weathered tough market conditions, why cash flow is still king, and the metrics that matter when making high-stakes business decisions. Jeanette also talks about the evolving role of finance in recruitment businesses and what founders need to understand before diving into M&A.

The role of a recruitment leader has changed significantly. After a whirlwind few years of hypergrowth, economic uncertainty and the rise of AI, many leaders are finding themselves back on the tools, navigating new challenges and rethinking how they build resilient, high-performing teams. But with every challenge comes an opportunity.In this episode, Jo sits down with Dawn Hampton , Director of Dawn Hampton Consulting, to explore what it really takes to lead a recruitment business today. From managing cost pressures and maintaining profitability to embracing AI without losing the human touch, Dawn shares her insights on how leadership has changed and what recruitment businesses need to focus on to thrive.With a wealth of experience from growing businesses at scale, Dawn explains why adaptability is now a leader’s greatest asset, how to build teams that can handle whatever comes next and why controlling the way AI is used in your business is critical to staying ahead.If you’re a recruitment leader looking to face the next wave of industry challenges with confidence, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

 Big legislative changes are coming, and they’re set to shake up the recruitment world. Paul Chamberlain, Partner and Head of Employment at JMW Solicitors LLP, joins us to unpack the Employment Rights Bill and what it means for recruitment businesses. From day-one unfair dismissal rights to zero-hours contracts, Paul explains the key changes and offers practical advice on how to prepare without hitting the panic button.Tune in for a detailed analysis of how these changes could impact your business and how to stay one step ahead. This is essential listening for recruitment leaders looking to tackle what’s next with confidence.

Big legislative changes are coming, and they’re set to shake up the recruitment world. Paul Chamberlain, Partner and Head of Employment at JMW Solicitors LLP, joins us to unpack the Employment Rights Bill and what it means for recruitment businesses. From day-one unfair dismissal rights to zero-hours contracts, Paul explains the key changes and offers practical advice on how to prepare without hitting the panic button.Tune in for a detailed analysis of how these changes could impact your business and how to stay one step ahead. This is essential listening for recruitment leaders looking to tackle what’s next with confidence.

This week on Growth Bites, Jo sits down with Duncan Swainsbury, Managing Director of Bounceback Food, to discuss the incredible mission and evolution of this not-for-profit tackling food poverty. From their innovative buy-one-give-one model to opening community kitchens and teaching cooking skills, Duncan shares how Bounceback is creating long-term solutions for those in need.Duncan also dives into the challenges of running a sustainable food organisation, the vital role partnerships play in their success, and their ambitious plans to scale nationally.

Ever feel like you’re scrolling through hundreds of metres of content daily? Adam Oldfield, CEO and founder of Force24, shares how brands can stand out in a crowded digital landscape. In this episode, Adam reveals the secrets to making automation work smarter (not harder) for recruitment companies. He dives into how to nurture contacts, personalise your marketing, and build a brand presence that doesn’t just compete – it resonates.Tune in to hear why Adam believes automation isn’t just a tool but a way to empower marketers to work strategically, leverage data, and connect on a personal level.

In this episode of Growth Bites, Jo chats with Dougie Loan, CRO at SourceWhale, about how technology can empower recruiters to work smarter, not harder. Dougie shares the core features that set SourceWhale apart, from data accuracy and CRM integration to Campaign AI, a game-changer for outreach personalisation. Dougie brings years of experience in recruitment tech to the conversation, sharing insider tips on why SourceWhale’s approach to automation is changing the game. From Campaign AI to CRM integrations, he shares the tools that actually help recruiters to work smarter and not harder.Is your recruitment tech actually working for you? After this episode, you’ll know exactly how to find out! 

In this episode of Growth Bites, Jo sits down with Simon Brown, Founder of Digital 51, a recruitment agency that breaks the traditional mould. Simon shares his unique journey in recruitment - how he went from working in-house to building Digital 51 with a focus on community and genuine partnerships.Tune in to hear about the challenges Simon faced, including his experience with a failed MBO, and how he eventually grew and regained control of his brand. Simon also gives his thoughts on doom-mongering in the recruitment industry, why being niche is powerful, and how businesses can leverage technology and resilience to thrive in today’s market. If you want real-world advice on building a people-first recruitment business and surviving turbulent times, this is a must-listen.

Entering a new market? It’s not just about finding clients, it’s about finding the right clients, understanding the market, and avoiding costly mistakes.In this episode, Jo sits down with Karen De-Merist, who shares her approach to building a solid client acquisition strategy, researching new territories, and validating demand before taking the plunge. From leveraging niche expertise and industry knowledge to using data to validate market fit, Karen explains why it’s crucial to have both internal expertise and external insights to make informed decisions.Jo and Karen also discuss what data you need to research a new market properly, the legal traps to avoid, and how to use your CRM to build relationships that really stick.If you’re a recruitment leader looking to expand regionally or globally, don’t miss this one - Karen’s practical advice could save you time, money, and a lot of headaches!

AI Won’t replace you, but it can make you better - if you use it right.In this episode, Jo sits down with Bradley Placks, a recruitment veteran with 30 years in the game. Bradley talks about the real difference between AI and automation, and why recruitment leaders need to stop chasing every shiny new tool. He also shares why the tech stack graveyard is filled with under-used investments, and how to avoid falling into the same trap.Tune in for no-nonsense advice on scaling your business, hiring smart, and why building relationships still trumps tech when it comes to recruitment success. There’s plenty of chat about how fractional work is changing the game too.Want to know Bradley’s golden rule for running a business? Listen until the end - you won’t be disappointed.

In this fresh episode of Growth Bites, join Janan Gok from Xcede Group as she unpacks her early days as a marketing exec right through to spearheading the department. Jan discusses the impact of mentorship and professional development on her career, the challenges of expanding a recruitment business globally, the influence of AI and technology on recruitment practices, and more!

In the latest episode of the Growth Bites podcast, Jo sits down with William Jacques, the mastermind behind Xcede's impressive growth. They explore the key elements of navigating a company merger, the challenge of aligning diverse cultures, and the bold strategies that took Xcede to new heights. William doesn't hold back, sharing golden nuggets on adapting leadership styles, the art of attracting and retaining top talent, and giving a pep talk for aspiring entrepreneurs that comes straight from his extensive experience in the industry.

Jo Perotta sits down with Jay Freeman, the trailblazing Co-Founder and CEO of Panda International, to discuss the complexities of leadership in life sciences recruitment.From over two decades in the recruitment industry, Jay shares his views on the importance of maintaining emotional balance and self-awareness in leadership, the impact of AI on business processes and how continuous personal and professional growth can drive an organisation forward.

Join Jo Perotta as she sits down with the esteemed Jo Sellick, a luminary in the recruitment industry, on Marmalade Marketing's latest episode of the Growth Bites Podcast. Diving into a conversation that spans decades of industry experience, Jo Sellick shares the story of his humble beginnings, launching his business with nothing but a credit card and a laptop, and the pivotal moments that defined his career.Jo reveals the entrepreneurial spirit that drove him from making his first placement in his mum's kitchen to establishing multiple offices across the UK.From the challenges of leadership and the importance of building a unique culture in a recruitment business to the continuous evolution required to thrive in a competitive market - this episode covers it all. 

Jo Perrotta meets Paul Rawson, one of the original "Godfathers" of recruitment marketing, and asks him what he's learnt over the last two decades working in the UK and abroad. Paul shares his wisdom on the enduring nature of marketing fundamentals, which have remained unchanged for 60 years. He highlights the importance of understanding clients and explores the potential of AI for effectively reaching the right audience. 

Jo Perrotta meets Melanie Forbes, one of the UK's most inspirational female recruitment leaders. Melanie talks about her non-academic route into the industry and overcoming imposter syndrome.She also explains what she's doing to help others without academic backgrounds break the glass ceiling and, through greater collaboration, help more women achieve leadership roles.

Join Jo as she sits down with Louise Shaw, Managing Director of Omni RMS to talk all things recruitment. Having worked in various organisations such as The Bank of Scotland and AstraZeneca, Louise has seen it all. In this episode, we hear all about what it takes to be a great leader, from the importance of emotional intelligence in business leadership to ensuring diversity in the workplace.

In this episode, we hear from the founder and CEO of the workflow automation platform, Autometry, Alex Farrell. From selling coat hangers to scaling and selling a business, we find out exactly what it took for her to become the successful entrepreneur that she is today. Alex also shares why she believes that AI and automation should supercharge recruiters, instead of circumnavigate them.

Having built and sold a recruitment company, it's safe to say that Kamal truly understands the industry. From candidate chaos to operational obstacles, he's seen it all. In this episode, Kamal shares the important lessons he has learned along the way, advises on when is best to review a tech stack and lets us in on the areas he would be investing in if he were a recruitment business leader today.