Hiring & Inspiring

In this episode I catch up wiht Kat Kingshott director of Touchstone Talent, who specializes in placing Australian recruiters into the US and UK markets. 

Kat shares insights on her business launch in 2025, the dynamics of rec-to-rec recruitment, and the opportunities for Australian recruiters abroad. 

She discusses success stories of individuals who have made the move, the visa process, and the importance of having a sense of adventure. Kat also addresses common reservations about relocating and reflects on her own experiences in the US recruitment landscape. 

Takeaways

• Australian recruiters have a unique advantage in the US market.
• The US offers a larger market and more opportunities for growth.
• Success in recruitment often depends on mindset and storytelling.
• The E3 visa allows Australians to work in the US with certain qualifications.
• Relocation requires a level of risk appetite and planning.
• Clients often prefer Australian recruiters for their specialized training.
• Success is defined by personal fulfillment and time for loved ones.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kat Kingshop and Touchstone Talent
02:32 Overview of Touchstone Talent's Operations
05:29 Opportunities for Recruiters in the US and UK
11:03 Success Stories of Relocated Recruiters
15:31 Navigating the Move: Visa and Adventure
20:49 Targeting Candidates: Age and Commitment Factors
23:13 Reflections on Recruitment Experience in the US
30:26 Future Goals and Definition of Success

Check out Kat below :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katkingshott/

This epsisode is in partnership with Recview :

https://recview.ai/

In this episode, I catch up with Ryan Kelly, founder and CEO of Creative Natives, a boutique recruitment company specializing in creative, digital and marketing Recruitment. 

We discuss discuss Ryan's journey in building a strong online brand, the importance of content creation, and how to effectively qualify clients. Ryan shares insights on the current business landscape, how to generate more inbound leads through your content, and the significance of authenticity in personal branding.

We also touch the importance of recruiters to be selective with clients, how to say no to a client and the importance of having a clear vision and values for their business.

Takeaways

• Saying no to certain clients is crucial for maintaining quality partnerships.
• Consistency in content creation is essential for building an online presence.
• Failing is part of the learning process in content creation.
• Authenticity and personal storytelling resonate well with audiences.
• Building trust through content is more effective than traditional sales methods.
• Recruiters should focus on their values and brand identity.
• Engaging with your audience is important, but time constraints can make it challenging.
• Success in recruitment is not just about financial gain, but also about impact and fulfillment.
• Changing perceptions of recruitment agencies is a key goal for Ryan.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ryan Kelly and Creative Natives
01:01 Current Business Landscape and Growth Strategies
03:34 Building an Online Presence: The Power of Consistency
10:11 The Benefits of Inbound Opportunities through Content
17:08 Advice for New Recruiters: Building a Personal Brand
30:18 Future Goals and the Purpose of Recruitment

Check out Ryan below :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpatrickkelly99/

This episode is in partnership with Recview:

https://recview.ai/

In this episode, I can up with old friend Noah Santoni, founder and CEO of an AI business - WhatAIdea - focused on document summarisation. 

Noah shares his journey from a sales professional to an entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and successes he has faced along the way. He highlights the importance of networking, community building, and the art of storytelling in presenting his ideas. 

Noah also reflects on the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the pressure of running a business, and his vision for the future. The conversation emphasizes the benefits recrutiers can fidn by using AI tools in their work.

Takeaways:

• Noah's journey began with a childhood interest in AI and cryptocurrencies.
• He developed a tool for document summarization to help businesses prepare for meetings.
• The initial focus was on defense and cybersecurity sectors.
• Networking and relationship building are crucial for business growth.
• Noah's role involves pitching products and managing partnerships.
• Public speaking skills were honed through extensive demo presentations.
• Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship requires adaptability and self-motivation.
• Building a community of tech startup founders has been beneficial for support and collaboration.
• Success is defined by work-life balance and the ability to help others grow. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Noah Santoni and His Journey
02:52 The Birth of an AI Business
06:04 Target Customers and Success Stories
09:00 Daily Life as an Entrepreneur
11:50 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
15:09 Building a Community and Networking
17:57 The Importance of Skills and Learning
21:08 Defining Success and Future Goals

Check out Noah below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahsantoni/

This episode is in partnership with Recview:

https://recview.ai/

In this episode, I catch up with Tess Nguyen, the owner of luxury sleepwear brand Midnight Mischief. 

Tess shares her entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced while building her brand. She emphasises the importance of learning from experiences, the impact of her background in physiotherapy, and the character traits that have contributed to her success. 

Tess also reflects on the significance of giving back to the community, defining success, and her future aspirations for both her business and personal brand.

Takeaways

• Tess started Midnight Mischief in 2018, initially focusing on women's sleepwear.
• The brand gained traction during COVID, leading to an expansion into men's and children's sleepwear.
• Tess quit her full-time job as a physiotherapist due to burnout and the demand for her business.
• She emphasizes the importance of learning from podcasts and online resources.
• Tess encourages reaching out for mentorship and shadowing opportunities.
• She battled imposter syndrome despite her business's success.
• Her background in physiotherapy provided valuable life lessons and perspective.
• Tess attributes her success to resourcefulness and consistency.
• She believes in the importance of having a clear vision and purpose.
• Tess aims to create a positive impact through her brand and personal story.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Midnight Mischief
01:19 The Journey of Quitting and Going All In
03:39 Learning Through Experience and Mentorship
06:40 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
07:53 Lessons from Physiotherapy
11:52 Character Traits for Success
14:12 The Importance of Vision and Persistence
16:44 Taking the Leap of Faith
19:59 Building a Strong Brand Message
22:54 Giving Back to the Community
26:22 Defining Success and Purpose
28:27 Future Ambitions and Personal Growth
31:44 Wisdom for the Next Generation

Feel free to check out Tess below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-nguyen/

This episode is in partnership with:

https://recview.ai/

In this end-of-year review episode, I reflects on the growth and achievements of the podcast in 2024. I touch on and discuss the increase in episodes, the quality of guests, and the establishment of a niche in the recruitment industry. 

I shares challenges faced, particularly around consistency, and valuable lessons learned, including the importance of seeking help. I highlights his favorite guests and the insights gained from them, as well as what has worked and what hasn't behind the scenes.

Looking ahead, I outlines goals for 2025, aiming to enhance the show's value as a resource for recruiters.

This episode is in partnership with Recview : 

https://recview.co/

In this episode I catch up with Mollie Gunn, global top performing recruiter at i-Pharm consulting.

Mollie reflects on the importance of enjoying the process, the resilience of the healthcare recruitment industry, and her strategies for client acquisition. She emphasizes the significance of building long-term relationships and treating candidates and clients with care and respect. 

Mollie also discusses her personal growth and the impact her career has had on her life, highlighting the joy of helping others find fulfilling jobs.

Takeaways:

• The Recruitment market in healthcare has been resilient despite market challenges.
• Building strong relationships is key to client acquisition success.
• Molly's strategic approach to business development has paid off.
• Long-term thinking is essential in recruitment for lasting success.
• Treating candidates like friends leads to better outcomes.
• Consistency in effort leads to consistent results in recruitment.
• The joy of helping others find jobs is a major motivator for Molly.
• Mollie values the culture and team dynamics at i-Pharm

Chapters

00:00 Marathon Reflections: The Journey Begins
04:57 Recruitment Landscape: A Year in Review
10:11 Business Development: Strategies for Success
15:05 Long-Term Relationships: The Key to Recruitment Success
17:53 The Value of Longevity in Recruitment
19:12 Incentives and Team Dynamics
21:33 Emotional Resilience in Recruitment
23:52 Building Strong Client and Candidate Relationships
26:39 Maintaining High Standards and Self-Expectations
30:10 The Human Element of Recruitment
33:41 Personal Growth Through Career Choices

Please feel free to check out Mollie below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/molliegunn/

This episode is in partnership with Recview:

https://recview.co/

In this episode, I catch up with Daniel Bryant, a senior recruitment consultant at Chandler McLeod, who shares his journey from a production operator in the steel industry to a successful recruiter. 

Daniel discusses the challenges he faced during his transition, the impact of relocating to Adelaide on his career, and the importance of adaptability in the fast-paced recruitment landscape. 

He emphasizes the rewarding nature of helping others find jobs and the continuous improvement mindset he maintains in his role. Daniel also talks about his aspirations for personal branding and the definition of success in his life, which centers around family and career balance.

Takeaways

• Relocation to Adelaide significantly boosted his career growth.
• Learning by osmosis from colleagues was crucial for his development.
• He found a passion for recruitment through self-education and resources.
• Building client relationships is key to successful business development.
• Adaptability is essential in the fast-paced recruitment industry.
• Helping candidates find jobs is a rewarding aspect of recruitment.
• Continuous improvement is a priority for Daniel in his role.
• Personal branding is important for future career opportunities.
• Success for Daniel is defined by family happiness and stability.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Daniel Bryant and His Journey
06:12 Overcoming Self-Doubt in a New Industry
11:41 Strengths and Contributions in Recruitment
18:27 The Importance of Adaptability in Recruitment
24:13 Building a Personal Brand and Future Goals

Check out Daniel below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bryant-31a75719a/

This episode is in partnership with Recview :

https://recview.ai/

In this episode, I catch up with Natasha Lee, a recruiter and business owner who recently launched her own recruitment agency, Raw Earth Recruitment. 

Natasha shares her journey of starting the business, the challenges she faced, and the importance of resilience and confidence in her growth. 

She discusses the current state of the job market in heavy industries, her experiences in recruitment, and the significance of building authentic relationships with clients and candidates. 

Tash also reflects on her past roles and the lessons learned, emphasizing the continuous journey of personal and professional development.

Takeaways

• Starting a business is both fun and challenging.
• The job market is what you make it; opportunities exist everywhere.
• Confidence grows from authenticity and surrounding yourself with supportive people.
• Resilience in recruitment means accepting setbacks and moving on quickly.
• Building relationships is key to success in recruitment.
• Every experience, good or bad, contributes to personal growth.
• Learning from past roles helps shape current practices.
• The importance of having a structured process in business operations.
• Success is defined by the impact you have on others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Natasha Lee and Her Journey
03:04 The Challenges of Starting a New Business
05:50 Raw Earth Recruitment: Focus and Evolution
08:58 Navigating the Job Market in Heavy Industries
12:04 Personal Growth and Confidence as a Business Owner
15:00 Learning from Past Experiences in Recruitment
17:59 The Importance of Resilience in Recruitment
20:57 Reflections on Recruitment in the US
24:11 Building Relationships and Authenticity in Business
27:02 Future Plans and Growth with Family
29:59 Defining Success and Impact in Recruitment

Please feel free to check out Tash below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashaleerawearth/

This episode is in partnership with Recview:

recview.co

In this episode, I catch up with  Harriet Mellor, a sales transformation coach and entrepreneur, who shares her journey of starting her own sales coaching business. 

Harriet discusses the challenges faced in sales today, the importance of effective lead handling, and the transformative power of education in sales. She reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, the self-doubt she overcame, and her commitment to continuous learning. 

Harriet emphasizes the significance of impact over material success and outlines her future goals for her business, including helping reformed prisoners find success in sales roles.

Takeaways

• Sales transformation coaching focuses on unlocking potential in individuals.
• Effective lead handling requires persistence and multiple touchpoints.
• Salespeople often underestimate the value of leads they receive.
• Building relationships and trust is crucial in sales.
• Harriet's entrepreneurial journey began with a desire to help others succeed.
• Self-doubt is a common challenge, but it can be overcome with support.
• Leaning into discomfort can lead to personal and professional growth.
• Continuous learning is essential for success in sales.
• Success is defined by the impact one has on others, not material possessions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Harriet Mellor and Her Journey
01:08 Current Business Overview and New Offerings
03:42 Understanding Sales Transformation Coaching
06:20 Challenges in Sales Today
10:06 The Importance of Follow-Up in Sales
13:11 Harriet's Entrepreneurial Journey
18:01 Reflections on the Business Journey and Overcoming Self-Doubt
21:17 Embracing Discomfort for Growth
23:38 The Entrepreneurial Journey: A Personal Reflection
25:48 Attributes of Success: Recognizing Strengths
27:49 Sales Skills: The Art of Persistence
30:00 Continuous Improvement: The Path to Mastery
33:26 Key Lessons from Early Career
36:05 Future Aspirations: Scaling and Impact
37:55 Defining Success: Impact Over Materialism

Feel free to check out Harriet below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriet-mellor/

This episode is in partnership with Recview:

https://recview.co/

In this episode, I catch up with Theo Elliott, a recruiter of nearly 10 years who has recently started his own  Industrial recruitment business in Australia after years of experience in New Zealand. 

Theo shares insights into the challenges of starting a new venture, the importance of personal branding, and the dynamics of the industrial recruitment space. He discusses client acquisition, retention, and the significance of understanding client needs. 

Theo reflects on his journey, the importance of work ethic, and his vision for success in both business and personal life.

Takeaways:

• Starting a new recruitmnet business comes with challenges, including client acquisition and rejection.
• Personal branding is crucial in the recruitment industry.
• Understanding client needs is key to successful account management.
• The industrial recruitment space is currently candidate-driven, making retention a challenge.
• Building strong relationships with clients is essential for long-term success.
• Theo emphasizes the importance of grit and accountability in recruitment.
• Investing in personal development is vital for growth in the recruitment field.
• Work ethic has been a significant factor in Theo's career progression.
• Success for Theo includes building a sustainable business and work-life balance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Theo Elliott and His Journey
02:56 Starting Rover Recruitment: Challenges and Triumphs
06:05 Understanding Personal Branding in Recruitment
08:59 Navigating the Industrial Recruitment Space
11:50 Client Management and Delivering on Promises
15:13 The Importance of Accountability in Recruitment
17:58 Overcoming Rejection and Building Confidence
20:52 The Motivation Behind Starting His Own Business
24:08 Balancing Business Ownership and Recruitment
27:10 Self-Reflection and Continuous Improvement
29:50 Defining Success in Business and Life

Check out Theo below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theo-elliott-12b134148/

This epsiode is in partnership with Recview:

https://recview.ai/