Shows
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsJob Posting to Data-Driven Recruitment: Darren Brown on CRM Evolution & the Future of Job BoardsIn this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with one of the most behind-the-scenes operators in recruitment tech – Darren Brown, Co-Founder of LogicMelon.LogicMelon has quietly been powering job distribution, candidate attraction and recruitment data insights for over a decade – and in this conversation, Darren lifts the lid on how the platform was built by recruiters, for recruiters, and why job posting alone is no longer enough to win in today’s market.Darren shares the LogicMelon origin story, from spotting frustrations with early multiposters to building a highly...
2026-01-0947 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsRecruitment Websites in the Age of AI: SEO, ChatGPT & Proving ROI with Will Astbury of SourceFlowIn this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Will Astbury, Global Head of Marketing at SourceFlow, to break down what a modern recruitment website really needs to do in 2026 and beyond.This is not a conversation about “pretty websites”.Will goes deep on how recruitment websites should act as growth engines – driving inbound candidates, client leads, SEO visibility, AI discoverability, and ultimately measurable revenue.They explore how Google, ChatGPT, and AI search engines are fundamentally changing how candidates and clients find recruiters, why mo...
2026-01-0751 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsInside Tracker with Cam Brady – The All-In-One CRM, AI, and the Future of Recruitment TechIn this episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma is joined by Cam Brady, Business Development lead at Tracker – a recruitment CRM and ATS that quietly does a lot of heavy lifting without shouting about it.Tracker has been around for over 20 years, and in this conversation we unpack why so many agencies stick with it, what makes their all-in-one approach genuinely different, and how they’re thinking about the real future of recruitment tech – beyond buzzwords and shiny AI marketing.They talk openly about where CRMs fall down, why recrui...
2026-01-0540 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsBackdoor Fees, Restraints & Recruiter Myths — Barry Cullen of recLAW Tells It Like It IsIn this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with the man many recruiters know as “Backdoor Barry” — Barry Cullen, Partner & Solicitor at recLAW, one of the UK’s leading specialist law firms serving the recruitment industry.Barry lifts the lid on what recLAW really does (spoiler: it’s much more than just backdoor fee claims), how the firm has grown to a multi-lawyer practice, and why recruiters often misunderstand legal risk until it’s too late.This is a straight-talking, myth-busting conversation covering everything from fee disputes and effective ca...
2025-12-2952 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsWhy Recruitment Agencies Are Broken – And How JOBBA Is Fixing It (with Andrew Philipson)In this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Andrew Philipson, Founder of JOBBA, to unpack one of the biggest problems in recruitment today: why businesses hate agencies, why great recruiters are getting punished, and what a fairer model actually looks like.Andrew shares the real story behind building JOBBA — a platform designed to connect businesses directly with independent recruiters, cutting out bloated agency margins while increasing transparency, trust, and outcomes for everyone involved.They dive deep into:Why the UK recruitment market is flooded with “cowboy recr...
2025-12-2643 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFOUNDER DIARIES - Kirsty Craig & Pauline Emmott-Royston on Why Your Hiring Process is BrokenIn this powerful Founder Diaries episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma, founder of the whole-of-market recruitment directory Rectools.io, sits down with two industry heavyweights:Kirsty Craig (40 years in recruitment, founder of KCA People) andPauline Emmott-Royston (Founder of Neom Recruitment, 26 years in the game).Together, they unpack why your hiring process — not recruitment itself — is actually broken.This episode dives into real, unfiltered recruitment truths: how candidates think, why employer brand matters more than ever, why businesses struggle with retention, and why treating people like...
2025-12-191h 11RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFOUNDER DIARIES - Taylor James on Mental Health, Starting Out, and the Truth About PodcastingWelcome back to Founder Diaries, a RecTalk podcast hosted by Nitin Sharma, founder of Rectools.io — the only whole-of-market directory for recruitment suppliers.This week, Nitin sits down with Taylor James — Co-Founder of Twentytwo Productions, award-winning podcast host, producer, and creator of The Waffle Shop. Taylor’s journey is anything but ordinary, and in this deeply real and refreshingly honest conversation, he opens up about:🔥 What We Dive IntoHow a darkest-hour moment became the catalyst for Taylor starting a podcast.Nearly losing his mum, becoming a full-time carer ove...
2025-12-1258 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsRecTalk Masterclass: Market Reality, Smart Scaling & Survival Skills for 2025Welcome to a special roundtable masterclass edition of RecTalk, hosted by Nitin Sharma. Get ready for pure, unfiltered industry knowledge from five of the most respected brains in recruitment… and Bobby. 😉In this honest (and hilarious) discussion, Nitin is joined by:Keith Davidson – Recruitment Funding SolutionsBobby Banerjee – Elev8 LearningStewart Roberts – MayachiChristian Mather – One Day WealthKan Mallawathantri – Avensys TechThis masterclass digs into what recruitment leaders are really facing in 2025 — from market nerves to founder burnout, tech chaos, and financial blind spots. Expect a perfect mix of insight, humour, real-life horror stories, a...
2025-12-031h 21RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsGetting Exit-Ready: How to Prepare Yourself AND Your Recruitment Business for a Future SaleIn this special edition of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with two returning favourites and Rectools Recommended suppliers — Poonam Mawani of Azuki Accounts and Christian Mather of One Day Wealth — for a deep and brutally honest conversation about what it actually takes to get both your business and yourself truly exit ready.Most recruitment founders don’t think about selling until they’re burned out, facing partner issues, or dealing with a life-changing event. By then, it’s usually too late — and buyers know it. Poonam and Christian break down exactly why so many recruit...
2025-12-0149 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFOUNDER DIARIES - Joe O’Mahoney on People-First Leadership, Mental Health, and Rebuilding a LifeWelcome back to Founder Diaries, a RecTalk podcast hosted by Nitin Sharma — founder of Rectools.io, the whole-of-market directory for recruitment tools.In today’s powerful and deeply human episode, Nitin sits down with Joe O’Mahoney — a people-focused Change Management Leader and Coach whose career spans E.ON, Hastings Direct, and Three Mobile, where he oversaw a £1.6bn portfolio ahead of the Vodafone merger.This conversation goes far beyond change frameworks and leadership theory. Joe opens up about:The difference between managing tasks and leading people — and why most or...
2025-11-281h 08RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFinancial Freedom for Recruiters with Christian MatherThis week on RecTalk, Nitin sits down with the brilliant and endlessly entertaining Christian Mather, founder of One Day Wealth, to unpack one of recruitment’s biggest blind spots: financial planning, resilience, and learning to build wealth that actually sticks.You’ll hear Christian’s wild journey from stockbroker culture in London to becoming the recruitment industry’s go-to financial planner — and why he believes recruiters are some of the most vulnerable high earners when it comes to money management.Expect open, honest, and at times emotional conversations about:Why recr...
2025-11-2654 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsThe Hidden Risks in Recruitment: Insurance, Cyber & Global Hiring ExplainedIn this episode of RecTalk, Nitin sits down with Gary Williamson and Gary Brotherton of Gazelle Risk Solutions, recorded right inside the Gazelle podcast studio. Gazelle are newly recommended suppliers on Rectools.io — and after this chat, you’ll fully understand why.They break down the real risks recruitment businesses face today and why most agency owners unknowingly carry outdated, incomplete or flat-out wrong insurance policies. They explain why the typical “cheapest quote wins” mindset is dangerous, how global expansion (US, EU, Middle East) completely changes your risk profile, and why insurance should be seen as...
2025-11-2154 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsInside RPO Arena: Scaling Recruitment Teams with BPM, Offshore Talent & Real ROI – with Ketan GajjarIn this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Ketan Gajjar, Co-Founder of RPO Arena and host of The Recruitment Curry podcast. If you're in the recruitment industry, you've likely seen Ketan across LinkedIn, the Recruitment Agency Expo, or Elite Leaders — and now he's officially part of the Rectools Recommended Supplier community.This conversation goes way beyond the usual outsourcing chat. Ketan breaks down the real difference between VAs, outsourcing, and Business Process Management (BPM) using one of the best analogies ever: a curry-house restaurant. 🍛What we cover in th...
2025-11-1959 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFOUNDER DIARIES - John Shipley: From Sales Floors to Wrestling RingsIn this incredible Founder Diaries episode of RecTalk, Nitin sits down with John Shipley — former General Manager of Leicester Championship Wrestling (LCW). John shares the fascinating journey of how he turned his lifelong passion for professional wrestling into one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent wrestling promotions.From battling mental health struggles to building a legacy brand from scratch, John’s story is one of grit, creativity, and relentless drive. He opens up about:How a childhood dream reignited during a tough mental health period.The birth of LCW and how he scaled it fro...
2025-11-141h 05RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsThe Human Behind the Tech — Kan Mallawathantri of Avensys TechIn this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Kan Mallawathantri, the Founder and CTO of Avensys Tech, to uncover the person behind the professional.Kan shares his journey from growing up in Sri Lanka to building a Microsoft-certified IT services business that helps recruitment firms modernise their systems without wasting money on bad tech. But this isn’t just another “tech talk” — it’s an honest look at ambition, guilt, balance, and what it means to build a business without losing yourself in the process.Together...
2025-11-121h 11RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsThe Recruitment Roundtable: Masterclass on Sales, Strategy & Survival in 2025Welcome to a special edition of RecTalk — the first-ever Roundtable Masterclass, celebrating 100K subscribers on YouTube, hosted by Nitin Sharma, founder of Rectools.io.In this powerhouse episode, Nitin brings together five of the industry’s most insightful voices to dissect the real state of recruitment in 2025:Poonam Mawani – Director of Azuki AccountsBen Fielding – Founder of QuinsetJeremy Snell – Creator of Rookie2RecruiterRoss Thompson – Executive Manager of Infinity Staff GlobalMatt Fox – Managing Director of Exitus Advisory & Polaris GrowthTogether, they dive deep into the evolution of sales, marketing, and...
2025-11-071h 27RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsHow to Offshore Right: Lessons from South Africa with Ross ThompsonIn this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Ross Thompson, Executive Manager of Infinity Staff Global, the go-to partner for ethical and effective offshoring to South Africa.Ross joins Nitin to unpack the realities of outsourcing recruitment roles offshore: the opportunities, the pitfalls, and the right way to do it. Having placed two of his own staff through Ross, Nitin dives into what makes Infinity Staff Global’s model both compliant and people-first.🔍 Episode HighlightsDoing offshoring the right way: Why using freelancers or third-party EORs can p...
2025-11-0544 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsTALKING TALENT - Building Trust & Truth in Employer Branding with Emily Firth of TheTruthWorksIn this insightful episode of Talking Talent, hosts Nitin Sharma and Sean Kennedy sit down with Emily Firth, Co-founder of TheTruthWorks, to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing employers today — trust.Recording from IHR Live in London, the conversation dives deep into how businesses can rebuild credibility and authenticity in an increasingly artificial world — one dominated by AI, automation, and corporate buzzwords. Emily shares her perspective on why employer brands must start with honesty, how to craft a genuine employee value proposition, and why leaders need to be more transparent, communicative, and self-aware.
2025-10-3139 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsRecTalk Live from IHR Live Lounge in London, Featuring Cordelia Osewa-EdiaeIn this powerful and thought-provoking episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Cordelia Osewa-Ediae — a respected Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) leader and advocate — live from the IHR Live Lounge in London.Cordelia opens up about her incredible personal and professional journey — from growing up in Nigeria and running a fashion business, to building a meaningful career in the UK and becoming a voice for inclusion, empathy, and cultural understanding in the workplace.They dive deep into:The realities of loneliness and community when moving to a new co...
2025-10-2428 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsTALKING TALENT - Tim Browning on AI Rejection, Candidate Experience & Keeping Recruitment SimpleIn this episode of Talking Talent, a RecTalk podcast hosted by Nitin Sharma and Sean Kennedy, the duo sit down with Tim Browning, internal Recruitment Lead at Supermassive Games to unpack the real challenges facing recruiters and candidates in today’s job market—particularly in gaming and tech.From the rise of AI-driven rejection systems to the declining quality of candidate experience, Tim shares why the human touch still matters and how he approaches high-volume hiring with empathy and transparency. The trio dives into:Why great candidates are getting rejected faster than ever.The b...
2025-10-2223 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFOUNDER DIARIES - Turning Grief Into Growth with Dianne Flory Intal of Success MatcherIn this deeply moving and inspiring episode of Founder Diaries, Nitin Sharma sits down with Dianne Flory Intal, Founder and President of Success Matcher, a global recruitment business based in Montana, USA.Dianne shares her incredible journey of transforming personal tragedy into purpose. After losing both of her parents within the same year, she channelled her grief into creating a recruitment company built on empathy, integrity, and cultural understanding. Success Matcher was born from love — literally. As Dianne beautifully says, “Grief is love with nowhere to go.”This episode explor...
2025-10-1735 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsTALKING TALENT - Degrees, Recruitment, and AI, with Mark Kunaseelan of UALWelcome to Talking Talent, the brand-new RecTalk spin-off where agency meets in-house, and recruitment meets real talk.In this episode (filmed at IHR Live London), hosts Nitin Sharma and Sean Kennedy dive into the world of internal talent acquisition — and why the transition from agency life isn’t as easy as it looks.They’re joined in the second half by Mark Kunaseelan, Head of Resourcing at University of the Arts London, for a refreshingly honest chat about:The purpose-driven world of public sector and higher education recruitmentWhether degree...
2025-10-1530 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFOUNDER DIARIES - From Recession Startup to Successful Exit: The Chris Peace StoryIn this episode of Founder Diaries, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Chris Peace, former Hayes top biller turned founder of the award-winning Peace Recruitment, to unpack his incredible journey from launching a business during the 2008 recession to achieving a multimillion-pound exit — and finding renewed purpose as a business coach and co-founder of the Impact Board.Chris opens up about:Leaving corporate comfort at Hayes to start a business at the worst economic time imaginable.Building Peace Recruitment from his kitchen table into one of Scotland’s top construction and property recruitment firms.The...
2025-10-1046 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Content to Candidates: Will Grashoff on Building a Modern Rec2Rec BusinessIn this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Will Grashoff, the LinkedIn and TikTok sensation behind Will’s Talent. Known for his witty industry videos and no-nonsense approach, Will shares the journey of rebranding his business, going all-in on the Rec2Rec market, and why being selective with clients is at the heart of his success.Will and Nitin dive deep into:Why Will pivoted from a generalist agency to a specialist Rec2Rec modelHow video content became his most powerful business development toolThe importance of trust and empowerment for retaining to...
2025-10-0841 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFOUNDER DIARIES - From Social Media to Strategy: James Whitelock on 13 Years Building ThinkinCirclesIn this episode of Founder Diaries, Nitin Sharma sits down with the dynamic James Whitelock — Managing Director of ThinkinCircles, investor, advisor, and community-builder in the recruitment and HR tech space.James shares his candid founder journey, from nearly giving up in the early days of ThinkinCircles to celebrating 13 years of growth and evolution. He discusses how the business transitioned from being known for social media delivery to becoming a trusted strategic marketing partner at board and C-suite level.We dive into:The realities of starting ThinkinCircles and surviving th...
2025-10-0341 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Billers to Business Owners: How Mayachi Helps Recruiters Master FinanceThis week on RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Stewart Roberts and John Hetherington of Mayachi, a Rectools Recommended supplier that’s transforming the way recruitment agencies think about finance.Recruiters are great at billing—but running a business takes more than making placements. In this conversation, Stewart and John share how Mayachi’s free two-hour consultation uncovers hidden savings, strengthens financial structures, and empowers agency owners to make smarter, data-driven decisions.We dig into:Why many recruiters are unknowingly overpaying on tax 💸How setting up the right share cla...
2025-10-0145 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFOUNDER DIARIES - From Recruitment to TikTok & Lessons They Don’t Teach in School with @prof_mimsIn this episode of Founder Diaries, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Prof.MakeItMakeSense (aka. John) — the TikTok creator with over 100,000 followers who’s built a reputation for making careers, money, and politics make sense for Gen Z and millennials.John shares his candid journey — from struggling at school and finding his way through grammar education, to studying biology and biomedical engineering, then stepping into recruitment and medical devices before turning to content creation. Along the way, he learned invaluable lessons about negotiation, financial literacy, and resilience — insights he now shares with his audience to help...
2025-09-261h 17RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsThe Psychology of Sales: Rules Every Recruiter Must KnowIn this solo episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma takes you deep into the psychology of sales—a skill every recruiter needs to master in today’s competitive market.Drawing on years of sales leadership and running his own recruitment agency, Nitin shares the 10 rules of sales psychology that determine why people buy, how to break through objections, and how to create real emotional connections with clients and candidates.You’ll learn:✅ Why buying decisions are emotional first (and only later justified by facts)✅ How to get pas...
2025-09-2430 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFOUNDER DIARIES - Fixing the Leaky Bucket: Swof Media on Trust, ROI & Running Your Own RaceIn this Founder Diaries episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Steve Swoffer (Founder & CEO), Chester Boothe (Client Relationship Director), and Jay Muldoon (Marketing Manager) of Swof Media — a digital marketing and technology agency with over a decade of experience helping businesses grow.Recorded at the Swof Media offices, this candid conversation explores the realities of building and running a marketing agency, from its humble beginnings to navigating today’s fast-changing digital landscape.The trio share their insights on:The evolution of marketing and technology over the last...
2025-09-1950 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsLive from the Onrec Awards 2025: Celebrating Recruitment’s BestIn this special live edition of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma takes you inside the Onrec Awards 2025 — one of the biggest nights in the recruitment calendar.From award-winning innovations to candid behind-the-scenes conversations, this episode captures the energy, achievements, and celebrations that define the Onrec Awards. Expect reflections on the state of the recruitment industry, inspiring stories from winners, and a first-hand feel of what it’s like to be part of this prestigious evening.A special thank you goes to Stuart Gentle, the organiser of the awards show, for maki...
2025-09-1751 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFOUNDER DIARIES - From Fax Machines to AI: Tim Lane’s 40-Year Recruitment JourneyIn this episode of Founder Diaries (a RecTalk podcast), Nitin Sharma sits down with Tim Lane, founder of Park Lane Recruitment and a true veteran of the recruitment industry with over 40 years of experience. Tim shares his incredible journey from the early days of IT mainframes and fax machines to running his own business in today’s AI-driven world.We explore how Tim consciously chose recruitment (rather than “falling into it”), the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the lessons he learned while building Park Lane Recruitment over the past decade. From being headhu...
2025-09-1250 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFOUNDER DIARIES - From Sporting Dinners to Sustainable Office Solutions – The Entrepreneurial Journey of Karl WardWelcome to the very first episode of Founder Diaries, a brand-new RecTalk podcast hosted by Nitin Sharma. In this launch episode, Nitin sits down with Karl Ward, Managing Director of Office Recycling Solutions, to explore a remarkable entrepreneurial journey that spans from organising corporate sporting dinners with legends like George Best and Jack Charlton, to building one of the UK’s most respected office furniture recycling businesses.Karl shares how rugby shaped his values, why people buy from people they like, and how spotting an opportunity in the waiting list for a local sporting cl...
2025-09-1050 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsRedefining Entry-Level Hiring with Marc Turner of JobHackIn this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Marc Turner, founder of JobHack and long-time call centre leader, to explore how recruitment for entry-level roles is changing — and why the CV might finally be on its way out.Marc shares his personal journey from redundancy during lockdown to creating JobHack, a platform designed to give candidates without polished CVs a fair shot by showcasing their skills, personality, and potential through video profiles and creative content. Inspired by social media and even dating apps, JobHack helps employers see the person behind the application wh...
2025-09-0539 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Startup to Exit: Matt Fox on Building, Scaling & Selling Recruitment BusinessesIn this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Matt Fox, founder of Exitus Advisory and Polaris Growth, to unpack the highs, lows, and ultimate exit of his recruitment business.Matt shares his raw and honest journey — from launching a recruitment firm in 2011 with limited resources, scaling to award-winning success, battling toxic hires and burnout, navigating COVID, and eventually selling to the right buyer (not just the highest bidder).Now, through Exitus Advisory, Matt helps recruitment business owners discreetly plan and execute their exits, while Polaris Growth supports am...
2025-09-0344 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsLive from RecFest 2025: Disney Recruitment, Gen Z Careers & The Future of WorkStraight from RecFest 2025, this special live episode of RecTalk takes an unexpected and energetic turn! Nitin Sharma is joined by co-host Sean Kennedy and two surprise guests: Ross Wiltshire, Senior Recruiter for Technology at The Walt Disney Company, and Holly Hobbs, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer at urfuture — and TikTok creator with 50,000+ young followers.This conversation blends humour with hard-hitting insights into the future of recruitment and talent:🚀 Breaking into careers without connections – Holly’s path from Microsoft apprentice to launching urfuture, a Gen Z job-matching app ranked Top 100 within 12 hours of launch.🏰 Disney recruitment...
2025-08-2942 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsLive at RecFest 2025: Authentic Employer Branding, Culture, and the Realities of Work-Life BalanceRecTalk is live once again from RecFest 2025! Nitin Sharma and co-host Sean Kennedy are joined by two brilliant guests: Chris Woods (Recruitment Marketing Lead at Mars) and Alexandra Hunt (Senior Recruiter at Highspot).Chris and Alexandra bring refreshing honesty about what really matters in talent acquisition, employer branding, and company culture. From the challenge of cutting through today’s shrinking attention spans to making sure the “holiday matches the brochure” when selling your company, this episode digs deep into why authenticity and transparency are non-negotiables in recruitment marketing.The discus...
2025-08-2741 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsLive at RecFest 2025 | Rebecca Collis on Fractional TA, Vendor Blind Spots & The Future of WorkIn this RecFest 2025 special, Nitin Sharma and co-host Sean Kennedy sit down with Rebecca Collis, founder of GearUp Talent, to explore how recruitment is shifting in a world obsessed with efficiency, AI, and quick fixes.Becca shares her personal journey — from redundancy to launching her own fractional TA consultancy — and explains why scale-ups (300–500 employees) and HR tech vendors desperately need a rethink. She dives into:Why senior TA leaders are struggling to find perm roles and why fractional work is on the rise.The vendor blind spot: how RecTech providers keep solving problems recrui...
2025-08-2241 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsRecFest 2025 Special: AI, Recruitment, and the Future of Talent with Dominic Joyce & Tim BrowningLive from RecFest 2025, Nitin Sharma and co-host Sean Kennedy sit down with Dominic Joyce of Maverick Otter and Tim Browning of Supermassive Games for a lively discussion about the real state of AI in recruitment.In this episode, we dive into:The AI gold rush in recruitment tech – why vendors are pushing efficiency over genuine productivity.“Harassment as a Service” – the dark side of automated outreach and spammy job applications.AI-written CVs vs AI-written job descriptions – and the messy mismatch that follows.Candidate experience – why over-automation risks alienating talent and damaging employer brands.Humanising r...
2025-08-2020 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsLive from RecFest 2025: TA Market Truths, Personal Branding & Networking Power with Sean KennedyRecTalk is back, and this time, we’re live from the heart of RecFest 2025 – the biggest festival in recruitment! In this special introduction episode, host Nitin Sharma teams up with guest co-host Sean Kennedy to set the stage for an exciting series of conversations recorded at the event. As the Official Podcast Partner of RecFest 2025, RecTalk is bringing you the unfiltered energy, ideas, and industry insights straight from the field.Nitin and Sean dive into the realities of today’s talent acquisition market – from overcomplicated hiring processes and mismatched job expectations to the power of build...
2025-08-1516 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsProtect Your Fees & Future: Recruitment Contracts, Compliance & Risk with Adrian Marlowe of LawspeedIn this essential RecTalk episode, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Adrian Marlowe — founder of Lawspeed and one of the UK’s most trusted legal experts for the recruitment sector.Adrian shares the hard-earned lessons from decades of protecting recruitment businesses, covering:Why having watertight terms of business is non-negotiableHow outdated contracts can cost you six figures (real case study inside!)The growing compliance risks with umbrella companies — and what joint and several liability could mean for your agencyNegotiating client terms without losing the dealProterms, a platform built by Lawspeed to keep your contra...
2025-08-1348 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsHow Recruiters Can Monetise AI Without Hiring or HustlingWelcome to the final instalment of a no-holds-barred 3-part solo series with your host, Nitin Sharma, Founder and CEO of Rectools.io – the only whole-of-market directory of recruitment suppliers.In this episode of RecTalk, Nitin steps out of his comfort zone to break down a real-world strategy that’s helping recruitment consultancies diversify revenue – without picking up the phone for more BD calls or flooding inboxes with cold emails.With hiring volumes down, payroll spending shrinking, and a saturated recruitment market, Nitin challenges recruiters to rethink their model. He reveal...
2025-08-0821 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsStop Working for Free: Productise Your Recruitment Process NowIn this no-holds-barred solo episode, host Nitin Sharma—founder of Rectools.io—dives into part two of his game-changing three-part series on rethinking recruitment. If you’re still treating recruitment like a sales job, you're behind. It’s time to start running your agency like a professional service business—and yes, that means charging for the work you’re already doing for free.Nitin breaks down:Why the recruitment industry’s free work culture is unsustainableThe power of productising your recruitment servicesHow the sunk cost fallacy is holding recruitment businesses backThe law of accumulation a...
2025-08-0624 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsWhy Sales Psychology is the Missing Link in RecruitmentIn the first of a powerful three-part solo series, host Nitin Sharma, founder of Rectools.io, takes the mic solo to dive deep into the psychology of sales—and why it's the secret weapon most recruiters are overlooking.This isn’t your typical “go back to basics” talk. This episode challenges the outdated sales tactics still lingering in recruitment and repositions business development as a human-first, emotionally intelligent, and insight-driven practice.🚫 Say goodbye to 50 cold calls a day.✅ Say hello to voice notes, LinkedIn DMs, and building trust before...
2025-08-0132 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsWhy Your Wellbeing Strategy Is Failing (And What To Do About It) w/ Katie Maycock of GYST WellbeingIs your company’s wellbeing strategy actually doing more harm than good? In this eye-opening episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with the straight-talking and brilliant Katie Maycock, founder of Get Your Sh*t Together, to dive deep into the mismatched relationship between business strategy and employee wellbeing.Katie, an ex-nutritionist turned workplace wellbeing and performance expert, shares the truth about why unlimited holidays, four-day workweeks, and unlimited mental health days might not be the silver bullets you think they are. Instead, she reveals how companies can align business growth with team dynamics, an...
2025-07-3041 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Spam to Strategy: Ben Fielding on Mastering Email Marketing in RecruitmentIn this no-fluff, high-signal episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Ben Fielding, founder of Quinset, for a deep-dive on what recruiters are doing wrong—and what they should be doing right—when it comes to email marketing.Off the back of their first conversation on email deliverability (link below!), this sequel goes straight into practical, strategic advice on building brand equity, warming up inboxes the right way, and creating value-led marketing campaigns that don't get marked as spam.Expect to learn:The real definition of email mark...
2025-07-2559 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Rookie to Rainmaker: Jeremy Snell on Accountability, Mastery & Evolving Recruitment TrainingIn this game-changing episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma is joined by the ever-insightful Jeremy Snell, founder of the Rectools-recommended Rookie2Recruiter, to unpack the evolution of recruitment training in today's high-pressure market.Jeremy returns to RecTalk to debut the next chapter of the Rookie2Recruiter platform — a fully-fledged accountability framework designed to bring context to recruiter training, not just content. They dig into why traditional training methods are falling flat, and how Jeremy’s approach is flipping the script on L&D.🔥 Topics covered:Why leadership ≠ management (and why t...
2025-07-2354 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Billing Big to Building Smart: Keith Davidson on Risk-Free Recruitment StartupsIn this powerhouse episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma chats with Keith Davidson of Recruitment Funding Solutions (RFS)—a back-office powerhouse and Rectools.io recommended supplier. With over 20 years of experience in funding, payroll, and all the “unsexy” but critical parts of running a recruitment business, Keith brings a rare combo of practicality, wisdom, and real-world examples that any recruiter-turned-founder will value.Keith breaks down why top billers often stumble when launching their own agencies—and how RFS removes the risk from that leap. From understanding CRMs, credit control, payroll, insurance, and even handling invoice financin...
2025-07-1855 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsOffshore but On Point: Why South Africa is the Future of Recruitment Outsourcing with Ross ThompsonIn this eye-opening episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Ross Thompson, founder of Infinity Staff Global, to explore why South Africa is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse for recruitment outsourcing.Ross shares the unique journey behind Infinity Staff Global — from launching in Australia to scaling across the UK — and why their offshore recruitment and back-office staffing model isn’t just cost-effective, it’s a genuine growth engine for recruitment agencies.This isn't just outsourcing — it's building real, embedded team members offshore.We get int...
2025-07-1632 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsMarketing-Led, Sales-Enabled: Building a Recruitment Brand That Converts – with Kris Holland of KittoIn this power-packed episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Kris Holland, founder of the recruitment marketing powerhouse Kitto, for an unfiltered, insight-rich dive into how recruitment agencies can stop “redefining recruitment” in words—and start doing it in action.If you've come to terms with the fact that recruitment isn't just a sales job and you're finally ready to take marketing seriously, this episode is your blueprint. Kris unpacks Kitto’s “Universe” model—a unique, strategy-first approach to recruitment marketing that includes building an engaging orbit, leveraging push/pull content, and cultivating a brand that a...
2025-07-1154 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFixing Broken Commission Schemes with Carl Jones of KonquestEver wondered if your commission structure is doing more harm than good? In this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Carl Jones, founder of Konquest, the red gorilla shaking up the world of recruitment incentives.Konquest helps agencies move from clunky spreadsheets and vague commission plans to automated, transparent, and gamified incentive systems. But this chat goes deeper than software — Carl shares eye-opening data from Konquest’s annual Commission Census (250+ agencies!), revealing industry benchmarks, payout trends, and why thresholds are back in fashion.We dive into:The...
2025-07-0942 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsSurviving & Thriving in Modern Rec2Rec: Lysha Holmes on Resilience, Relevance & ReinventionIn this dynamic episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma is joined by the vibrant Lysha Holmes—Founder of Qui Recruitment and host of her own insightful podcast series, The Recruiter’s Recruitment Podcast. Lysha brings nearly 30 years of Rec2Rec experience to the mic, and together, they deep-dive into the ever-evolving state of recruitment, leadership, generational shifts, and what it really means to run a resilient recruitment business today.From unpacking the myth of "lazy Gen Z" to exploring creative revenue models, the conversation spans everything from AI’s impact on BD to why face-to-face meetin...
2025-07-0446 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsWhy Cybersecurity Isn’t Just for the Big Guys – with Kan from Avensys TechThis week on RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down (again!) with the brilliant Kan Mallawathantri, co-founder of Avensys Tech, to talk all things cybersecurity—but from the lens of recruitment businesses like yours.Think you’re too small to be hacked? Think again.In this brutally honest episode, Nitin opens up about how he once saw cybersecurity as just "scaremongering"—until Kan breaks down exactly why recruitment agencies are prime targets for digital attacks. From ransomware and spoofed emails to compromised client data and candidate identity theft, Kan explains the real-w...
2025-07-0251 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsTech Fatigue, AI Hype & Building Recruitment Empathy — with Nick BeecroftIn this insightful and no-holds-barred episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Nick Beecroft — formerly one of the hottest free agents in SaaS and now making serious waves at Televerde. Broadcasting from Televerde’s Glasgow office, the conversation dives deep into the reality of recruitment technology, AI, market fatigue, and what recruiters actually need versus what they’re being sold.From dissecting the chaos of over-saturated tech stacks to breaking down the misconceptions around automation and AI, Nick brings both experience and sharp honesty. The duo challenges industry norms — like the subscription-heavy SaaS model, t...
2025-06-3052 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Accenture to Aircraft Hangars: Ajmal Mushtaq’s Boss Pizza Empire & the Franchise FormulaIn this fire-powered episode of RecTalk, filmed once again at Firefish HQ (https://www.firefishsoftware.com/), Nitin Sharma sits down with the unstoppable Ajmal Mushtaq—law grad turned corporate consultant turned food industry juggernaut—to unpack the explosive growth of Boss Pizza, the UK’s fastest-growing pizza franchise.Ajmal shares the behind-the-scenes grind that turned a single kitchen into a franchise blueprint, marketing secrets that put Boss Pizza on the map (spoiler: TikTok is king), and why simplicity and execution beat corporate theory every time. From franchisee attraction strategy to building national brand recognition with n...
2025-06-2541 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Cold Emails to True Partnerships — Tom Brown on Fixing the Recruitment & TA DivideIn this fiery and insightful episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with the candid and always-on-point Tom Brown — one of the voices behind Root Embedded Talent and creator of Talivo.If you're tired of spray-and-pray outreach, cringe at chest-thumping cold emails, and want to know what really makes Talent Acquisition teams tick, you’ll love this one.Tom shares why most recruitment agency outreach fails to resonate with TA leaders — and how his platform Talivo helps fix that. Drawing from 15 years inside TA and hundreds of cold emails (the go...
2025-06-2032 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsHow SaaS Customer Success Tactics Can Supercharge Your Recruitment Game – with Louise CunninghamThis time on RecTalk, Nitin Sharma takes the mic live from the iconic Aquarium at Firefish HQ in Glasgow, joined by none other than Louise Cunningham, Director of Customer Success at Firefish Software.In this refreshingly honest and highly practical episode, Louise breaks down how recruitment agencies can lift key strategies from SaaS customer success models—without turning into a software company. We dive deep into how journey mapping, CRM optimisation, trust-building, and candidate communication strategies can be adopted to drive loyalty, retention, and repeat business in the recruitment world....
2025-06-1822 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Celtic to Compliance: Chris Fahey’s Journey from Pro Goalkeeper to Payroll ProIn this laugh-out-loud and deeply inspiring episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Chris Fahey, founder of AGPayroll and former goalkeeper for Celtic, Albion Rovers, and more. They delve into Chris’s unconventional route into the payroll industry after an early football career that included contracts with Scottish giants and run-ins with rival fans, lap-dancing billboard sponsors (!), and run-ins with passionate village derbies that turned chaotic.Chris opens up about:His early dreams of becoming a professional footballer and playing at Celtic ParkTransitioning from pitch to business, selling ad space at semi-pro cl...
2025-06-1344 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsBite Down and Go Harder: Honouring Ryan McCabe with Roisin McCabeIn this incredibly moving and heartfelt episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma welcomes Roisin McCabe to share the life, legacy, and enduring impact of her late husband, Ryan McCabe—CEO of Odro and a true giant in the recruitment world. Filmed at Firefish HQ (https://www.firefishsoftware.com/), this conversation goes beyond recruitment—it’s a story of resilience, fatherhood, entrepreneurship, and the unshakeable power of love and community.Roisin opens up about life after unimaginable loss and how she’s chosen to channel her grief into purpose—through parenting, launching the Ryan McCabe Foundation...
2025-06-1135 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Cold Calls to CRM Culture: Paul Sangster on Selling, Socials & Software That ScalesIn this power-packed episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Paul Sangster, the dynamic Sales & Marketing Director at itris, for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build brand trust, evolve from cold calling to consultative selling, and lead a tech brand in a recruitment world that's changing by the day.With 14 years at itris, Paul shares his journey from dialing-for-dollars to driving an integrated sales-marketing strategy behind one of the industry's most trusted CRMs. They unpack everything from the old-school print ad days, to the rise of thought leadership, and...
2025-06-0655 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsRelevance Over KPIs: Kerry Greenland’s No-Nonsense Guide to Sustainable RecruitmentIn this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Kerry Greenland, Founder of Vantage Recruitment and TEAM Member of the Year 2024, to talk about the realities of running a successful recruitment business in a world of AI, KPIs, and burned-out consultants.Kerry doesn't just share insights—she drops truth bombs. From her anti-KPI philosophy to her donut-powered BD strategy, she reveals how she’s built lasting client relationships, steered clear of transactional traps, and transitioned her agency into a professional services model.We also dive into:Why “have y...
2025-06-0445 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsNeurodivergent, Not Broken: The Raw Reality with Daen FoxIn this powerful and unfiltered episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Daen Fox from In-house Recruitment—a name synonymous with bold, honest conversations in the talent acquisition world.Daen opens up about life as a neurodivergent professional in recruitment, as we challenge the industry’s obsession with "superpowers" and stereotypes. Instead of sugarcoating neurodiversity, this episode digs into the realities of masking, identity, resilience, and growth—from being the “class clown” in school to becoming one of the youngest Heads of TA in the UK.We explore:Whether...
2025-05-3043 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsThe Candidate Conundrum: Dave Jenkins on Branding, AI & Broken Job ProcessesIn this dynamic episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma chats with Dave Jenkins, founder of Wave and longtime voice in the candidate attraction space. From the evolution of job boards to the brand disconnect in recruitment websites, Dave gets real about what’s still broken in hiring — and what might fix it.💥 The duo deep-dives into:Why job applications have become noisy and ineffective.The vicious cycle between desperate jobseekers and overwhelmed recruiters.How branding consistency across digital touchpoints (websites, LinkedIn, comms) builds or breaks trust.What recruiters can learn from consumer brands.The real de...
2025-05-2846 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsBurnout Is Not a Buzzword: The Real Stages & Fixes with Katie MaycockEver felt "burned out" but couldn't explain why? This week on RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with the candid and charismatic Katie Maycock, burnout specialist and founder of Get Your Sh*t Together and GYST Wellbeing, to unpack one of the most misused terms in today's working world.From decoding the six stages of burnout to challenging the old-school hustle mentality still plaguing the recruitment industry, this episode is a no-BS deep dive into the realities of modern work stress. Katie explains how burnout is more than just feeling tired – it's a full-body, full-brain br...
2025-05-2339 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Beans to Boardrooms: Azuki Accounts’ Guide to Financial Mastery in RecruitmentEver wondered what your accountant should be telling you—but isn’t?In this episode of RecTalk, we hand the mic to the dynamic duo Adil and Poonam Mawani, founders of Azuki Accounts, a specialist finance partner to the recruitment industry. From the early days of building their business post-Milestone Ops to becoming award-winning back-office experts, they’ve seen it all—and they're here to spill the tea.💥 What we cover:Why outsourcing finance is booming during the downturnHow to spot the real cost of running your agencyBoard packs that...
2025-05-2147 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsAI Agents, CRMs & the Future of Recruitment with Matt Comber of SourceFlowIn this bold and boundary-pushing episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Matt Comber, MD of SourceFlow, to unpack the real future of recruitment tech—beyond the buzzwords. From the misuse of AI in CRMs to the rise of agentic AI models and the concept of AI as a co-worker (or even an employee!), this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about staying relevant in the recruitment world.Matt and Nitin go deep on:What "agentic AI" actually means and why it matters for recruitersThe slow death of the traditional CR...
2025-05-1649 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsRewiring Recruitment: Apprenticeships, ADHD & the Gen Z Mindset with Paul NightingaleIn this dynamic episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Paul Nightingale, the unapologetically bold and brilliantly insightful force behind Juniper Training. This one’s for anyone passionate about the future of recruitment, neurodiversity, and the power of apprenticeships in breaking industry stereotypes.Paul opens up about his journey from education into recruitment, why Gen Z is being misunderstood by agency owners, and how personal branding is now more vital than a polished CV. The episode dives deep into how recruitment firms can unlock the true potential of young talent by leaning in...
2025-05-1446 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsBehind the Scenes of Recruitment: Back-Office Power Plays with 3R and INEO ConsultingLive from the buzzing floor of TEAM Conference 2025, Nitin Sharma sits down with two powerhouses in recruitment support—Kim De’ath from 3R and John Egan from INEO Consulting—to dive into the unsung heroes of the recruitment world: the back-office, compliance, and startup support that keep agencies running.The trio unpack:The biggest operational pain points recruiters face when setting up or scaling an agency.Why outsourcing back-office functions like payroll, invoicing, and compliance isn’t just a time-saver—but a business enabler.How 3R supports recruiters from startup through scale, offering a white-la...
2025-05-0928 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsBuilding Brands, Marketing Mastery & Human-Centric Leadership with Robert Woodford & Miles LloydLive from the buzzing floors of TEAM Conference 2025, this episode of RecTalk is a double-header with two powerhouses of the recruitment world — Robert Woodford, Founder of The Marketing Junction, and Miles Lloyd, CEO of NorthStar People. Host Nitin Sharma digs into how agencies can elevate their brand presence and build resilient, people-first businesses.🎯 In this Episode:Robert Woodford talks about the evolution of recruitment marketing, the power of differentiation, and how agencies can use smart branding to cut through the noise.Miles Lloyd shares his people-first leadership philosophy, the commercial edge of strategic recru...
2025-05-0924 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsShort-Form, Big Impact: David Durant on Going Viral in RecruitmentIn this episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with David Durant, the magnetic voice behind Virtus Talent and a social media force in the recruitment world. With his short, snappy, and insight-packed videos regularly making waves across LinkedIn and beyond, David shares the secrets behind building a personal brand that truly resonates with recruiters.We dive deep into:What makes short-form content stick in a crowded feedThe psychology of recruiter engagement on social mediaHow Virtus Talent uses content to fuel growthWhy David believes vulnerability is his biggest asset onlineThe fine line...
2025-05-0751 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsWhy Recruiters Shouldn’t DIY IT & Finance: with MAYACHI & Avensys Tech | LIVE at TEAM Conference 2025This week on RecTalk, we’re live from the buzzing TEAM Conference 2025, and Nitin Sharma is joined by two recruitment operations pros: Stewart Roberts of MAYACHI and Kan Mallawathantri of Avensys Tech.Together, they unpack a recurring pitfall in the recruitment industry: recruiters doing everything except what they’re best at—recruiting. From clunky DIY IT setups and sketchy cybersecurity blind spots to financial chaos caused by poor bookkeeping, Stewart and Kan explain why outsourcing is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.Expect hard-earned truths, cautionary tales, and practi...
2025-05-0227 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Luxury to Necessity: How LogicMelon Is Reinventing Recruitment Tech with Kieran LoveWelcome to another dynamic episode of RecTalk, recorded live from the TEAM Conference 2025!This week, I sit down with the charismatic Kieran Love of LogicMelon, and trust me, it’s not one to miss. We dig deep into how LogicMelon evolved from a multi-posting tool into a full-blown CRM powerhouse designed for today’s recruitment challenges. Kieran breaks down the seismic shifts in the industry — from post-pandemic false booms to ongoing candidate shortages, sky-high job board costs, and the rising trend of agencies merging tools to cut costs.But it’s n...
2025-05-0212 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsHow Recruiters Can Win with Data, AI, and Productized Services — with John Bourke, Founder of RecViewWelcome back to another exciting episode of RecTalk, hosted by Nitin Sharma, founder of Rectools.io! This week, Nitin chats with John Bourke, Founder and CEO of RecView, about the seismic shifts happening in the recruitment industry.John shares his journey from door-to-door sales to building one of the most innovative recruitment tech platforms out there. We dive deep into:How RecView transforms live candidate interviews into rich, actionable data using AI 🚀Why "productizing" your recruitment services is the future for agenciesHow recruiters can use automation and AI tools to save time, reduce adm...
2025-04-3043 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsInsurance Essentials Every Recruiter Should Know – With Su Haddrell of Marsh CommercialIn this insightful episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Su Haddrell, recruitment insurance expert at Marsh Commercial, recorded live at the buzzing TEAM Conference 2025.Whether you're a one-person agency or managing a multinational team, Su breaks down the must-know insurance policies tailored for the recruitment industry—professional indemnity, public liability, employer’s liability, and the increasingly vital cyber insurance.From real horror stories of ransomware to UK vs US liability differences, Su explains how proper coverage can save your business from unexpected disasters. You’ll also hear about...
2025-04-2513 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsMeet DWIGHT: The Digital Coworker Transforming Recruitment Ops with Dries De CosterIn this exclusive and unmissable episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma welcomes back a fan favorite—Dries De Coster, co-founder of meet DWIGHT (formerly Chat Automation). This isn't just a rebrand—it's a revolution in recruitment operations.DWIGHT, short for Digital Worker Interface for Generic Human Tasks, is not your average automation tool. It’s a 24/7 digital coworker designed to streamline your middle and back-office recruitment processes—from onboarding and compliance to payroll and redeployment. And guess what? Dries drops this game-changing pivot before anyone else knows. That's right, you're getting the first look right here.
2025-04-2329 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsAre Recruiters Really Embracing Tech? With Darren Westall & Alan McFaddenIn this high-energy episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma hits the floor at the TEAM Conference 2025 to dive into the heart of the recruitment tech conundrum—why do so many agencies still struggle with tech adoption, despite the vast array of tools available?Joining Nitin live from the event are Darren Westall of Paiger, and Alan McFadden of Firefish Software—two industry heavyweights who know what it takes to get recruiters truly engaged with new platforms.From internal resistance to "shiny tool syndrome," this episode peels back the layers on:
2025-04-1820 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsBreaking Into the US Recruitment Market: Francis Larson on Opportunity, Tariffs & TenacityIn this power-packed episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Francis Larson, CEO and founder of Ascen, a global Employer of Record provider revolutionizing how UK recruitment businesses expand into the US.From breaking down what an Employer of Record actually does to sharing battle-tested insights on how UK recruiters are thriving across the pond—even amidst unpredictable tariff policies—Francis brings clarity, candor, and a global perspective to your recruitment game plan.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why UK recruiters are way better than t...
2025-04-1648 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsBreaking Bias in Recruitment: Kate O’Neill on Gender Equality & Empowering Women in the IndustryIn this empowering episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Kate O’Neill, a seasoned Recruitment Coach, Trainer, and Behavioural Profiling Specialist, and the driving force behind Job Slinger Academy. Kate brings her wealth of experience to the mic, sharing an honest and powerful conversation about what it’s like to be a woman in recruitment—from the early days of her career to today’s changing landscape.Expect straight talk on the progress we’ve made, the biases that still exist, and the crucial steps needed to level the playing field. Kate sheds light on the gender...
2025-04-091h 05RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsWhy Cold Calling Isn’t Dead (And How to Actually Win at It) with Giulio SegantiniWelcome to another punchy episode of RecTalk, hosted by Nitin Sharma, founder of Rectools.io — the only whole-of-market directory for all recruitment industry suppliers. This week’s guest is the electrifying Giulio Segantini, CEO of UnderDogSales, LinkedIn & TikTok sales guru, and the man in the yellow shirt known for making cold calling cool again.💥 In this episode, Giulio and Nitin go toe-to-toe on one of the hottest recruitment debates: Is recruitment really a sales job?We dive deep into:Giulio’s journey from philosophy grad to recruitment badassHow he built a personal brand by embracing rejection...
2025-04-0435 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsTrading Podcast Tips with Charles KyriakouIn this episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma chats with Charles Kyriakou, the charismatic host of the 1% Better Podcast and founder of Infinite Learning, about how a scrappy, no-frills podcast turned into a business-generating machine—and what that means for recruiters, L&D pros, and founders alike.We cover:How Charles built 1% Better from scratch with minimal kit and maximum intent.The real ROI of podcasting for recruiters and coaches.His journey from recruitment to in-house L&D and into independent training.Podcasting pitfalls, growth hacks, and the “Amateur Porn Effect” (yep, you read that right).How podcastin...
2025-04-0247 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsThe Future of Flexible Work in Temp/Contract/Staffing Agencies, with StaffUpAppIn this episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Bryan Wilson and Chris Richard from StaffUpApp to discuss how their innovative platform is changing the game for gig workers and recruitment agencies alike.🔍 What’s in this episode?What StaffUpApp is and how it streamlines workforce managementWhy their white-label solution is a game-changer for recruitment agenciesHow the US gig economy is evolving – and what the UK market can learn from itThe importance of flexible work beyond desk-based rolesHo...
2025-03-0526 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsMastering Your CRM: AI, Optimization & Recruitment Insights with Wendy McDougallIn this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Wendy McDougall, CEO of Firefish Software, to dive deep into the world of CRM optimization in recruitment. Wendy brings her expertise to the table, sharing practical strategies on how recruiters can maximize their CRM usage, get the best performance from their systems, and stay ahead of the curve with the latest AI advancements shaping CRM technologies.Whether you're struggling to get your team fully engaged with your CRM or curious about how AI is revolutionizing data management in recruitment, this episode is packed with...
2025-02-1228 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsNavigating Business Insolvency, Rescue and Recovery with Chris WordenIn this eye-opening episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Chris Worden, founder of Director First, to break down the complex world of business insolvency and rescue options for struggling companies. If you've ever worried about Bounce Back Loans, Recovery Loans, or Covid Loans, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you make the right financial decisions.
Chris shares real-world strategies for business owners facing financial distress, exploring key rescue options, potential pitfalls, and how to navigate insolvency like a pro. Whether you're a recruitment agency owner, a startup founder...
2025-02-051h 08
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsBreaking Borders: Chris Fahey on AGPayroll’s Global Payroll OfferingIn this episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Chris Fahey, the visionary behind AGPayroll International, to explore their groundbreaking move into international payroll services. Having built a solid foundation as a UK Umbrella and CIS specialist, AGPayroll is now empowering recruitment agencies with payroll solutions in over 150 countries as an Employer of Record (EOR) and for self-employed contractors.
Chris shares invaluable insights into the international recruitment market, highlighting why it’s easier to fill contracts offshore, where rates are often better, and why businesses are eager to embrace global talent. He al...
2025-01-2435 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Recruitment to Ripple Effect: Dan Martin on Mindset Coaching and the Millennial AwakeningIn this episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma chats with Dan Martin, founder of The Ripple Project, a transformational mindset coach dedicated to helping SME leaders unlock their potential. Dan takes us through his journey from the recruitment world to discovering his true calling in mindset coaching, fueled by personal experiences and a passion for guiding others toward clarity and success.
We delve into:
Dan’s personal story and what inspired his shift from recruitment to coaching.
The challenges faced by SME leaders and how mindset coaching helps them thrive.
How Dan works with clients facing addiction, life transitions, an...
2025-01-2256 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsOperational Excellence with Paul de Rozarieux, Founder of Beyond The FounderIn this insightful episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Paul de Rozarieux, founder of Beyond The Founder, to dive deep into the journey of building and scaling a successful recruitment agency. Paul shares his remarkable story of founding his agency, the strategies he used to retain top talent, and how prioritizing strategic thinking over day-to-day operations transformed his business.
Paul introduces his latest venture, Beyond The Founder, a game-changer for recruitment businesses looking to achieve operational excellence. Learn how Paul's team specializes in embedding exceptional leaders—team managers and performance drivers—into recruitment businesses, empowering owners to focu...
2025-01-1745 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsMarketing, Mindset & Mischief with Christina Robinson: Understanding Personal & Professional GrowthIn this exciting episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Christina Robinson, the Managing Director of Green Umbrella Marketing, to explore the pillars of her success: marketing, mindset, and mischief. Christina is a force to be reckoned with in the recruitment marketing space, but this conversation goes beyond industry insights.
Dive into Christina's journey of self-awareness, her struggles with imposter syndrome, and the mindset shifts that have propelled her to the top. With a sprinkle of personal anecdotes, professional advice, and honest reflections, this episode is equal parts inspiration and actionable advice.
If you've ever wondered how to...
2025-01-141h 23
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsLessons in Recruitment and Resilience with Mark Hopkins of Thomas Lee RecruitmentThis week on RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma reconnects with Mark Hopkins, a seasoned recruitment business owner at Thomas Lee Recruitment and the host of the It Starts With You podcast. What starts as a casual catch-up between friends transforms into a heartfelt conversation about the past year—its challenges, triumphs, and everything in between.
Mark opens up about the attitude and mindset required to succeed in recruitment, the power of building a supportive community, and the lessons he’s learned navigating both highs and lows. Whether you're a recruitment professional or an entrepreneur looking for practical insights and inspiration, this...
2025-01-0851 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsSurviving or Thriving? Balancing Goals, Generational Differences, and Motivating RecruitersIn this episode of RecTalk, I sit down with the insightful Soreya Senior to explore a critical question for business leaders: Is your business merely surviving, or is it thriving?
We discuss why it’s essential to work with clients who want to do business with you, not just anyone who agrees. Soreya shares valuable perspectives on generational differences between Millennials and Gen Z in the workplace and how leaders can strike the right balance and blend instead of falling into the outdated “work hard, play hard” mindset.
Other key takeaways from this episode include:
Understanding behavioural change and why it...
2024-12-1838 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsStewart Roberts on Avoiding Common Recruitment Pitfalls and Scaling SmartIn this insightful episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Stewart Roberts, the visionary founder of Mayachi, to discuss the lessons every recruitment business owner needs to hear. From navigating the most common mistakes made by new business owners to identifying the latest industry trends, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned recruiter, this episode dives deep into essential topics like cash flow management, the keys to industry success, and even strategies for selling your recruitment agency. Stewart's journey and candid ad...
2024-12-1143 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFrom Recruitment to SaaS: Jack McManus on Personal Branding, Sales, and LinkedIn FameIn this week’s episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma catches up with his longtime friend Jack McManus, National BDM for MatchMaker CRM software. It’s a fun and insightful walk down memory lane as the duo reminisces about their early days as recruiters and the journey that led Jack to where he is today.
Jack shares the story behind his rise to LinkedIn fame as the creator of the beloved "LinkedIn Lunches" series, offering tips on how recruiters and professionals can build a standout personal brand. We also dive into the art of selling: the key differences between pitc...
2024-12-0449 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsThe Power of Branding in Recruitment: Insights from Simon Glenn & Scott KirbyIn this exciting episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma dives deep into the role branding plays in driving the success of your recruitment business. Joining him are two exceptional guests: Simon Glenn, the founder of Meeow, BrandBoy, and Raised, and Scott Kirby, a Fractional CFO and the founder of Raised. Together, they unpack actionable strategies and expert insights into how a strong brand can position your recruitment firm for long-term success.
From building a brand identity that resonates to leveraging storytelling and financial planning for sustainable growth, this episode is packed with practical advice. Whether you're just starting out or...
2024-11-271h 02RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsRecruitment is a Marketing job - with Kris Holland and Nitin SharmaIn this week’s episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Kris Holland to dive into the critical role of marketing in recruitment. Kris shares his journey from launching Kitto to making it a Rectools-recommended product within its first year in business.
They discuss why recruitment is, at its core, a marketing job and how strategic recruitment marketing can set businesses apart in today’s competitive landscape.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for recruitment professionals looking to elevate their marketing strategies and align them with their business goal...
2024-11-2048 minRecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsMastering Recruitment Marketing: Insights with Tom Burkinshaw of ProminenceIn this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Tom Burkinshaw, the owner of Prominence Recruitment Marketing, to explore the evolution of recruitment marketing and his journey leading a global business in this dynamic space. Tom shares the story behind acquiring Prominence, what it takes to manage a successful recruitment marketing company worldwide, and how he has adapted to the challenges of running a remote team across multiple regions.
Together, they delve into the most pressing issues facing recruitment marketers today, from shifting trends in digital marketing and employer branding to the role...
2024-11-1336 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsImportance of Funding in your recruitment agency, with Bobby Russell of Contact Business FinanceIn this insightful episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with Bobby Russell, an expert in business finance from the rectools recommended: Contact Business Finance, to demystify the world of invoice finance and invoice factoring. They explore the different financing options available for businesses, the role of brokers in helping you find the right solution, and why understanding these financial tools is crucial for recruiters and businesses looking to improve their cash flow.
Bobby also shares the importance of knowing the facts when it comes to funding and finance, including common pitfalls to avoid and how the right financial...
2024-10-3044 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsStarting, Growing, Scaling - John Smith's journey with ARG, hosted by Nitin SharmaIn this insightful episode of RecTalk, I sit down with John Smith, the founder of Accountancy Recruitment Group, to dive deep into his entrepreneurial journey. From the early days of building his business, facing challenges, and celebrating wins, John shares it all. We discuss the parallels between his experiences and my own, offering a relatable perspective for recruitment business owners.
We also explore the future of John's business and what he sees on the horizon for the recruitment industry. If you're a recruitment entrepreneur wondering whether all the hard work, planning, and execution will pay off – this episode is fo...
2024-10-0948 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsGamifying Recruitment Success with Derry Holt, CEO of OneUp SalesIn this episode of RecTalk, we sit down with Derry Holt, the dynamic founder and CEO of OneUp Sales, to explore the power of gamification in revolutionizing KPIs and performance targets in the recruitment industry. Derry sheds light on how gamifying daily operations not only boosts team engagement but also drives better results by making data-driven decisions.We also dive into the market conditions of the past year, discussing how recruitment firms are staying ahead of the curve amid rapidly shifting trends. Derry shares insights into the future of recruitment technology and offers practical advice on how businesses can...
2024-10-021h 06
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsRecTalk with Danny Steel: From Recruitment to Tech – The RECRUSO JourneyRecTalk with Danny Steel: From Recruitment to Tech – The RECRUSO Journey
In this week's episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Danny Steel, Founder of RECRUSO CRM software, for a deep dive into the recruitment tech world. Both Nitin and Danny share their unique journeys—from running recruitment businesses to becoming tech founders. Tune in as they explore the highs, lows, and pivotal lessons learned along the way, plus a look ahead into the future of recruitment technology.
Danny gives us a fascinating history of how RECRUSO was born, a CRM software created by recruiters, for recruiters. He e...
2024-09-2548 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsSimple Strategies for Explosive Growth with Mixxos Group Founders Chris Mapp & Gemma DowningWelcome to another episode of RecTalk, hosted by Nitin Sharma, the founder of rectools.io - the world's largest whole-of-market directory of recruitment suppliers. In this episode, we're joined by the dynamic duo behind Mixxos Group, Chris Mapp and Gemma Downing.Mixxos Group is a standout recruitment agency known for its consistent year-on-year growth, target-smashing performance, and unwavering commitment to superb service. Chris and Gemma share their insights on the simple yet powerful strategies that have fueled their success. We dive deep into how they're achieving these results, the motivations driving their approach, and actionable tips for you to...
2024-06-121h 06
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsFinancial Mastery for Recruitment Business Owners with Scott Kirby & Nitin SharmaHosted by Nitin Sharma, Founder of RECTools.io, featuring Scott Kirby, Founder of Access to Funding and Fraction CFO for RECTools.io.
In this insightful episode of RECTALK, we dive deep into the crucial topic of financial mastery for business owners. Scott Kirby shares his expertise on why understanding finance is essential for business success, especially in the current challenging economic climate.
Key Topics Discussed:
Importance of Financial Understanding: Why every business owner needs a solid grasp of finance, accounting, and cash flow management.
Recent Challenges: The financial hurdles business owners have faced in...
2024-05-2953 min
RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment InsightsMental Health in Recruitment | RecTalk with Nitin Sharma & Lee Godwin | Mental Health Awareness WeekJoin us for a special episode of RecTalk hosted by Nitin Sharma, the visionary founder of rectools.io. This week, we are honored to have Lee Godwin, COO of Emplomind, as our guest. Together, they dive deep into the crucial topic of mental health within the recruitment sector, shedding light on the unique challenges and solutions.
In this episode, we discuss:
The impact of mental health on recruiters and job seekers.
Practical strategies for promoting mental well-being in the workplace.
How Emplomind is leading the way in mental health support for employees.
Insights from rectools.io...
2024-05-1453 min