Looking to break through to your next revenue milestone or sharpen your firm’s competitive edge? This episode is a must-listen for executive search leaders, owners, and directors ready to thrive—not just survive—in 2025.

Key takeaways:

• AI as a Game-Changer: Hear how integrating AI thoughtfully (while keeping humans in the driver’s seat) is reshaping the entire talent pipeline—without sacrificing the personal touch that defines executive search.
• Value Propositions & Client Relationships: Discover why revisiting your firm’s unique value, saying “no” to bad business, and delivering genuine consultative partnership is critical to growth and differentiation.
• Metrics that Matter: Learn how top firms rely on clear ratios and KPIs to predict sustainable growth and quickly course-correct, ensuring consistent, high-quality performance across the board.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Get insider perspectives on operational pivots, team optimization, and bringing new talent into the business—especially during turbulent markets.

Questions to ponder: Can AI ever fully replicate the intuition of a seasoned recruiter? What risks (or rewards) come from walking away from legacy clients or underperforming business models?

Tune in for actionable strategies, candid war stories, and fresh perspectives to help your firm stand out—and scale up. Listen now!
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About the Panelists:

Todd Dawson began his professional career in law enforcement for 7 years and then nearly 7 years in insurance investigation prior to becoming a recruiting in 1985. Todd ran a successful insurance desk for 20 years and purchased the MRI franchise in 2002 from the office founder. During Todd's career with MRI, he was recognized as an MRI Regional winner 7 times, MRI National Account Executive of the Decade for the 90's, MRI CSAM of the Year in 1998 and MRI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Todd's office was recognized as a Top 10 Office of the Year at MRI each of the office's last 2 years as an MRI franchise office. Todd is currently the Legal Practice Leader for WBP.

Jen Meyer brings over 28 years of expertise in the search and recruitment industry. Before becoming a part of Govig & Associates, she served as the president and co-founder of North Coast ExecuSearch, Inc. for more than 13 years. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with a diverse array of organizations across various industries and scales, with notable focus on VP/C-Suite roles for firms under private equity ownership. Her impact has even propelled certain entities to double in size and achieve a revenue of over $1 billion. Recognized for her unwavering dedication and philanthropic endeavors, Jennifer is particularly esteemed for her role in mentoring top talents, nurturing their growth, and cultivating long-lasting business relationships that yield mutual benefits. Her resolute commitment to her profession and the industry ensures exceptional outcomes for all involved.

Brian Kirlik is a forward-thinking talent strategist who believes the entire hiring system is fundamentally broken—on both the candidate and employer sides. Throughout his career, Brian has observed that while candidates lament the lengthy and frustrating application process, companies simultaneously complain of a weak talent pipeline. He sees this disconnect as both sides talking past each other, perpetuating the very problems they hope to solve. Determined to break the cycle, Brian is reshaping the way organizations and individuals approach hiring. He’s a strong advocate for the transformative power of AI, believing it holds the key to connecting talent with opportunity on demand and in real time. But for Brian, the real solution lies at the intersection of innovation and empathy: boldly implementing AI while keeping the human element firmly in the driver’s seat. He is committed to finding that balance, confident that with the right approach, both companies and candidates will benefit—and the future of work will be brighter for all.

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Tools mentioned in this episode:

1. ChatGPT – Directly mentioned by Jen Meyer as one of the AI tools they use internally.
2. Perplexity – Also specifically mentioned by Jen Meyer as a tool they use for research and summarization.
3. Crelate – Mentioned as the team’s ATS (Applicant Tracking System), with specific reference to “Crelate Co-Pilot,” their AI assistant for recruiters.
4. LinkedIn – Referenced multiple times as a social platform for business development, recruiting, posting, and networking.
5. Claude – Briefly mentioned by Kortney Harmon as a favorite AI platform especially for generating content and handling projects.

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Follow Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmeyergovig/
Follow Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankirlik/
Follow Todd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawsontodd/

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