The Special Source

This week’s episode is a little different from our usual conversations, and that’s exactly why it’s worth the listen. We’re joined by Verge Das Neves, executive search recruiter from Boyd & Moore, who works at the highest levels of recruitment, placing senior leaders and executives where the stakes (and salaries) are high. We unpack what really happens behind the scenes in executive search, the qualities that separate top candidates from the rest, and bust a few myths about executive recruiters along the way. It’s a fascinating look into a side of recruitment most people never see, from relationship-building and reputation to why the best opportunities often never get advertised. Whether you’re in recruitment, leadership, or just curious about how executive hiring actually works, this episode brings a completely different perspective from the recruiter conversations we usually have.

What does it really take to build a high-performing recruitment business in 2026? In this episode of The Special Source, we sit down with Simon Yeung, Managing Director at Talent International, to break down what separates average recruiters from elite performers. With over 25 years in the industry, Simon shares how Talent consistently produces $1M+ billers, maintains low staff turnover, and builds a culture that actually lasts. We cover everything from market conditions across Australia to the real shift happening in recruitment, and why the old “360 recruiter” model might not be the future. If you're serious about building a long-term career in recruitment (or scaling a team), this one is packed with practical insight.

This week on the podcast, we sit down with James Farrey from Refactor, bringing sharp insights, big energy, and a Geordie accent so strong you might need the subtitles. James dives into what it really means to stay true to yourself in business, no fluff, no chasing trends, just backing your instincts and sticking to your guns. He shares how he structures his time, protects his focus, and consistently delivers high-quality results without burning out. If you’re trying to cut through the noise and actually get things done, this one’s worth a listen.

In this episode, we sit down with Adrian Byra from Lead Group and The Outsource People to talk about what high-performance recruitment actually looks like behind the scenes. Adrian has built structured systems and repeatable processes that enable consultants to bill $100K in their first quarter and the business to average $600k per Recruiter per year. We talk about how he’s successfully guided experienced recruiters to embrace new technology and AI, without resistance. If you’re looking to improve performance, or actually make AI & Tech work in your business (not just talk about it), this episode is packed with real-world insights you can apply immediately.

This week we’re joined by Pete Watson. We dive into the changing landscape of the recruitment industry and why collaboration is becoming more important than ever. Pete also shares the story behind his business, Recruitment United, his mission to bring recruiters together, and why creating a genuine community can make such a difference in an industry that’s often competitive by nature.

In this episode, Chris and Lee share their firsthand experience working in and recruiting for both large and small agencies. They discuss common misconceptions, compare career progression, flexibility and culture, and help you weigh up which environment best suits your goals. If you’re considering your next move in recruitment, this episode will give you clarity on what really matters.

If you're a recruiter considering a move Downunder, this is the episode for you. In this weeks mini source, Lee and Chris discuss all things working and moving to Australia. From where to consider moving, the Australian recruitment market, visas to timelines you need to keep in mind for a smooth and successful job search. 

Everyone says they want “top talent”, but few agencies are set up to attract it. In this week's Mini Source, Chris and Lee, look at the hiring mistakes agencies don’t realise they’re making, how a poor interview process can cost you top talent, and the incentives that help agencies stand out as employers of choice.  Whether you’re struggling to hire or want to raise the bar on who you bring into your agency, this episode will give you all the info you need.  

Welcome to the first Mini Source episode of The Special Source – Recruitment Podcast. Alongside our usual full-length interviews with recruiters from across the industry, we’re introducing a mini series of short, sharp episodes focused on the most frequently asked questions in recruitment. We’re kicking things off with a big one - commission structures in recruitment agencies. In this episode, we’ll share insights for agency owners, managers and recruiters to help you better understand and navigate commission. 

In our 2025 wrap-up episode, we reflect on the biggest recruitment trends, behaviours, and mindset shifts we’ve seen across the year. The changes we've seen in salaries, commission structures and why its been so hard to find good recruiters.  Then we look ahead to 2026 and discuss our predictions for the market and how to position yourself for a strong year ahead. 

Jonjo O'Hara has a unique outlook on what needs to be done by recruiters to bill a million dollars. In this episode, we get a refreshing insight into the mindset and mentality Jonjo takes to make sure he can consistently bill big. In his niche of GTM and Tech Sales, he dominated in Agency land, had a stint in internal and then went on to start his own business. In year one, he billed just under $1m which is outrageous! With his experience, this episode has something for every recruiter.

In this episode, we welcome Sam Ryan from Michael Page, who proves that leadership and high performance can go hand in hand. With a team of 50 under his wing, Sam still finds time to bill big numbers personally and he shares exactly how he does it. Learn how to build relationships that last, and manage your time like a pro. Plus, Sam drops practical advice on how to stand out and make an impact in meetings, whether you’re leading the room or trying to earn a seat at the table. If you’re a recruiter looking to grow your desk and your leadership game, this one’s for you. 

We sit down with Dale Young to uncover the secrets behind building and leading a high-performing recruitment team. Dale shares how he’s grown a thriving team at Sharp & Carter, his leadership style, and the unique approach they take to drive consistent performance. You’ll also hear Dale’s practical advice for managing your capacity, balancing priorities, and his top tips for young recruiters looking to make their mark in the industry. It’s an inspiring, insightful chat with one of the best in the business.

This week, we chat with Jay Wynter from Precision Sourcing, Australia’s go-to SAP recruiter, who’s billed over $1 million a year for 7 years straight. With over 11 years in the game, Jay shares how he’s maintained big numbers all while leading a high-performing team of 9. He breaks down the mindset, methods, and metrics behind his success, from building value-driven relationships to why his obsession with numbers is his ultimate edge.

On this episode of The Special Source, we are joined by Ryan Kelly from Creative Natives. Ryan was recently ranked #15 in the Atlas-Hoxo Elite 100 for most influential Recruitment Leaders.     Having started his agency, Creative Natives in 2019, Ryan has developed a brand that most recruiters and recruitment agencies would kill for.    We talk about how he managed to build such a successful brand while also consistently billing huge numbers on his desk. We also take a deep dive into how he leverages posting on LinkedIn to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

Pamela Panagopoulos has built an enviable reputation recruiting across MedTech, Pharma, and Life Sciences in the Australian market. In this episode, we explore how Pamela has made significant inroads in her sector since launching her own agency, Talent Redefined. She shares how she’s leveraged her personal brand to drive impressive business growth in her first 12 months. Pam also dives into the power of building communities within her sector and explains how offering value beyond traditional recruitment services has been a key driver of her success.

This week’s episode takes a different turn as hosts Lee and Chris dive into what’s really happening across the Australian recruitment industry. From visa pathways for recruiters to the latest shifts in market sentiment, they break down what’s hot right now, and what’s not. Wrapping things up, the guys also explore the roles currently on offer for recruiters and what agencies are looking for in their next hires.

With over 20 years in recruitment across the UK and Australia, Marcus Lynch has truly seen it all. From cutting his teeth in London’s fiercely competitive market to founding the highly successful Australian tech agency Halcyon Knights, Marcus has built a career defined by consistency and big results. In this episode of The Special Source, we dive into how he managed to personally bill over $1 million a year while simultaneously growing a thriving business. Plus, having trained and mentored recruiters who’ve gone on to launch their own agencies, Marcus gives us the scoop of what it is A-grade recruiters do when it’s time to perform.

Episode 3 of The Special Source features Laura Frazer, the newly crowned RCSA Recruitment Professional of the Year. Balancing a million-dollar desk, a growing agency, and a young family is no easy feat, but Laura makes it happen. We dive into the daily habits and strategies that keep her performing at the highest level while staying focused on what matters most in life.

Priscilla Walkem may be relatively new to recruitment, but she’s already made a big impact in her field of expertise. She entered the industry at the height of the post-COVID boom, finding early success before facing the challenges of the downturn that hit many tech recruiters. In this episode, Priscilla shares how she stayed positive through the tough times, built resilience, and ultimately came back stronger, pumping out massive results in 2025. 

Danny Hansard has built his reputation in the Melbourne Tech scene as a trusted advisor for a number of Tech Start-Up's. In this episode, we talk to Danny about how playing the long game has helped him have a successful recruitment career in the Australian market. From building communities and giving to get back, Danny talks to Lee and Chris about the things that make clients and candidates continue to come back to him for advice.