In this episode of the Greenbook Podcast, host Karen Lynch sits down with Matt O’Mara, President of Cranbrook Search Consultants, to discuss the state of hiring and career development in the insights industry. With more than 30 years of experience spanning client, supplier, and recruiting roles, Matt offers an insider’s view on the opportunities and challenges shaping today’s job market.

From the advantages of working with a search firm, to misconceptions about recruiters, to the growing role of AI in hiring and candidate preparation, this conversation is packed with timely advice. Whether you’re an active job seeker, a hiring manager navigating a slow market, or a researcher thinking about your next career step, Matt’s perspectives on networking, skill-building, and the future of work will leave you with actionable takeaways.

Key Discussion Points:

• Why search firms can be a strategic advantage for both candidates and hiring companies
• Misconceptions about recruiters—and how ethical consultants add real value
• Current hiring market conditions: demand shifts, sector slowdowns, and where growth remains strong
• The role of AI in hiring and how candidates can smartly use AI to prepare resumes and interviews
• Remote, hybrid, and gig work: how work arrangements are evolving in the insights industry

Resources & Links:

• Cranbrook Search Consultants
• Insights Career Network
• Freakonomics Radio (Stephen Dubner’s podcast)
• The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
• Marketplace with Kai Ryssdal
• Insights on the Brink by Tim Hoskins

You can reach out to Matt O’Mara on LinkedIn.

Many thanks to Matt O’Mara for being our guest. Thanks also to our production team and our editor at Big Bad Audio.