Searching Smarter: The Financial Services Careers & Hiring Podcast

The world of work is changing faster than ever.

Remote work rules, AI, and the availability of talent across different sectors are reshaping how companies hire and how candidates plan their careers. But are candidates and employers keeping pace?

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Chris Berta, Partner at Laurel Group. Chris is an executive recruiter and thought leader, with a ton of insight into today’s labor markets.

Whether you’re hiring or searching for your next career move, Chris shares timely insights and actionable advice you’ll want to hear.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:31 - The state of the labor market in 2025.
• 2:44 - Is today’s market candidate-driven or employer-driven?
• 4:50 - The pendulum swing of the recruitment market.
• 5:58 - The impact of diluted hybrid and work-from-home options.
• 10:48 - How remote work is affecting career growth.
• 13:05 - The ways AI is transforming sourcing and evaluation of talent.
• 17:16 - What AI means for future supply and demand in the workforce.
• 20:06 - The surprising skills that will be most in demand moving forward.
• 22:28 - Chris’ top advice for candidates and hiring teams in 2025.
• 26:37 - Should candidates be worried about reduced opportunities as AI and tech advance?
• And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/ 

Chris Berta on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisberta/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

What does being a leader really mean? This episode could completely change your perspective.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Mike Irving, Founder of Advanced Business Abilities which helps businesses realise their full potential.

Mike brings over 30 years of experience to the table and some unique perspectives on leadership and hiring.

This applies to any professional working in financial sciences and services whether you’re looking for your next role or want to become a better leader.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:43 - What sales really is, why we all do it, and why everyone should learn it.
• 4:23 - The rules of great communication.
• 5:43 - The real purpose of a leader.
• 6:49 - How to create more leaders.
• 9:15 - Why expectations often don’t turn out the way you’d hope.
• 10:39 - What leaders should be looking for when hiring.
• 13:54 - What being truly incorporated into a team means.
• 14:53 - Why it’s okay to be nervous at an interview, and why a perfect resume can be a red flag.
• 19:10 - The questions that hiring managers need to stop asking candidates.
• And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/ 

Mike Irving on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/irvingmike/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

In a year marked by global uncertainty and economic volatility, the financial markets have held up in ways few expected.

So what’s really going on beneath the surface?

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Lananh Nguyen, U.S. Finance Editor at Reuters. With a background in covering major investment banks, Lananh brings a clear, grounded perspective on the dynamics shaping today’s financial sciences and services industry.

From the surprising strength of trading desks to what candidates in the finance industry need to understand about this year’s activity, this is a conversation that goes beyond the headlines.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro.
• 3:01 - How banks are performing amid 2025’s economic uncertainty.
• 5:01 - Why trading revenue is outpacing M&A activity.
• 6:04 - What makes 2025’s market environment so unusual?
• 10:10 - What is driving market resilience?
• 11:50 - Why financial services remain a “people-first” market.
• 15:47 - What candidates should consider when entering the financial sector in 2025.
• 18:32 - Insights from Lananh’s interview with the Bank of America CEO.
• And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/ 

Lananh Nguyen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lananh-nguyen-1653833/ 

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

There is a big difference between management and leadership.

And that distinction could mean the difference between an empowered, engaged team that is able to stay agile and move an organization forward, and one that is disengaged, and unable to adapt to change.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Matthew Price, author of How-to IQ and Founder of MKP Strategies, to explore the difference between management and leadership and the dangers of an overly constricted leadership style. 

Matthew shares a refreshingly open-minded approach to leadership, showing how regulation and red tape can be used as a guide rather than a single lane, and why leaders who can delegate well, lead with empathy, and resist the urge to control are the ones who truly progress.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:42 - What’s the difference between leadership and management?
• 4:15 - Why empathy is essential to modern leadership.
• 7:06 - A 3-step process for delegation that actually empowers your people.
• 7:37 - Why effective leaders need to let go of total control.
• 9:07 - How professionals can spot (and survive) controlling leadership.
• 10:43 - Leading well in highly-regulated industries such as financial sciences and services.
• 13:23 - Navigating regulation without losing flexibility.
• 15:22 - What causes overly-strict guard rails in an organization?
• 16:14 - Using AI responsibly inside regulated industries.
• 19:30 - Why hyper-control is dangerous and what to do instead.
• And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Get Matthew’s book - https://www.amazon.com/How-IQ-Principle-Based-Approach-Decisions/dp/1738330214 

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/ 

Matthew Price on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-price-mkp/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

Labor markets are changing fast, and much of this change is being driven by AI. 

But how can financial sciences and services professionals and employers keep up with the pace at which AI is evolving?

In this episode, we find out.

We're joined by Cary Sparrow, Founder and CEO of WageScape - an expert in labor market intelligence. We dive deep into how AI is transforming skills demand, its  growing influence on the hiring process, and how hiring and HR teams can stay ahead.

Whether you’re a leader trying to future-proof your recruitment strategy or a professional wondering how to stay relevant and stand out, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 – Intro
• 01:33 – How labor market trends are shifting in 2025.
• 03:54 – What skills are going to be in high demand in the near future?
• 05:09 – Graduate labor market trends.
• 07:03 – The “AI gold rush” and how to take advantage of it.
• 09:26 – Is it worth using AI to apply for a role?
• 10:38 – The impacts of agentic AI on recruitment.
• 13:25 – How hiring teams are handling increased applicant volume.
• 18:21 – The evolution of tools and tech for talent professionals.
• 20:48 – Does inclusion still matter to candidates?
• 24:01 – AI’s limitations and how to be a smart AI user.
• 27:03 – Underhyped or overhyped: AI’s future in hiring.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

WageScape - https://wagescape.com/ 

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/ 

Cary Sparrow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carysparrow/ 

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

One of the most important topics in recruiting and talent - and one that both candidates and hiring teams need to always be aware of is counter offers.

Whether the market is booming or busting, counter offers are always prevalent, but are they a risk, a reward or a red flag?

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Ryan Mazza. With Ryan’s eleven years of recruitment expertise in financial services, we uncover what both professionals and hiring teams need to know before making their next move - because a wrong decision could cost you more than just a pay bump.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 01:38 - Are counter offers becoming more common in 2025?
• 03:01 - At what seniority level are we seeing counter offers the most?
• 04:16 - Why are counter offers so prevalent within the hedge fund industry?
• 06:58 - What counter offers actually look like (it’s not just salary).
• 10:13 - How hiring teams can keep candidates engaged throughout notice periods and avoid losing out on top talent.
• 16:30 - Should you accept a counter offer? What candidates need to consider.
• And much more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/ 

Ryan Mazza on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmazza/ 

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

The European financial sciences and services market is seeing more movement, and in this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re sitting down with Matt Nicholson, Managing Director of Selby Jennings Europe, to uncover the findings of our 2025 Talent Report to find out why.

We explore the impact of salary and bonus trends on hiring, why volatility can actually be a good thing for the market, and what both candidates and firms should be paying close attention to in the second half of 2025.

If you're hiring or job hunting in European financial services, this episode is not to be missed.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:52 - The current state of the European financial sciences and services sector.
• 03:42 - How base salary increases are shaping candidate expectations.
• 05:08 - The effects of the tariffs on financial markets.
• 05:55 - Where in the market is activity happening in terms of seniority level?
• 08:06 - Which sectors saw the biggest salary jumps?
• 11:20 - Bonus trends across Europe in financial services in 2025.
• 12:07 - The removal of bonus caps and how it's driving movement.
• 16:54 - What’s motivating candidates the most when pursuing new roles?
• 21:16 - Strategic advice for both hiring managers and job seekers for the rest of 2025.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Get the full report - https://hubs.la/Q03mGfbn0

Selby Jennings - https://www.selbyjennings.com/

Phaidon International - https://www.phaidoninternational.com/

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/ 

Matt Nicholson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattnicholson100/ 

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

What does volatility mean for public and private markets candidates? Should they be concerned about the volatility of their seats?

In this week’s episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we speak with Nicholas Saglimbene, Head of Investment Management at Selby Jennings, to unpack the latest trends impacting hiring and retention in investment management.

This episode rounds out our mini-series which unpacks the results from the 2025 Talent Report. We uncover how candidate sentiment is being shaped by recent bonus and salary results, how firms are adapting their hiring strategies, and what investment management professionals can expect for the rest of 2025.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 – Intro
• 00:47 – Bonus and salary trends within investment management.
• 3:07 - Sentiment around bonus and salary expectations for candidates.
• 07:13 – How volatility within investment management is affecting hiring decisions.
• 10:24 – Flexible working and benefits trends in investment management.
• And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Download the 2025 Talent Report - https://hubs.la/Q03mGjz-0

Selby Jennings - https://www.selbyjennings.com/

Phaidon International - https://www.phaidoninternational.com/

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Nicholas Saglimbene on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-saglimbene-0a8b3657/ 

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

No organization can do without the vertical that we’re covering in this episode. As the finance & accounting space evolves, so do the expectations of candidates. And because of this, so too must the strategies of these hiring teams.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, Anthony McCann, Executive Director - US Head of Risk Management & Analytics & Financial Operations at Selby Jennings, joins us for his second appearance on the podcast.

We unpack 3 major insights from the 2025 Talent Report, with regards to finance & accounting. From the differences in compensation between buy-side and sell-side, to the impact of flexibility on job satisfaction, this episode offers essential insight for both candidates and hiring managers looking to stay competitive in 2025.

Covered in this episode:

- 00:00 – Intro

- 01:01 – What does the latest data tell us about bonuses and salaries within finance & accounting?

- 02:10 – Buy-side vs. sell-side compensation breakdown.

- 04:25 – What’s driving candidate movement in finance & accounting?

- 07:43 – Flexibility, return to office, and retention insights.

- 09:32 – Advice for candidates and employers in the finance & accounting market.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Download the 2025 Talent Report - https://hubs.la/Q03mGjz-0

Selby Jennings - https://www.selbyjennings.com/

Phaidon International - https://www.phaidoninternational.com/

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Anthony McCann on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-mccann-35606759/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

The competition for top tech talent in financial services is more competitive than ever. So what can fintech firms do to stay ahead?

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, Isabel Ceniza, Director - HFT/Prop/Hedge Fund, FinTech, and Crypto Recruitment at Selby Jennings, joins us to break down the latest salary and retention insights from the 2025 Talent Report.

We explore what's driving salary changes in tech, how return-to-office policies are impacting retention, and what hiring teams need to know about candidate priorities in the fintech market.

If you're hiring tech talent or considering your next move, this episode offers insights on where the market’s heading throughout 2025 and how to stay competitive.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 - Intro.
• 01:47 - Salary trends and how satisfied fintech candidates really are.
• 4:34 - Understanding market sentiment within fintech.
• 05:13 - What companies are doing to retain tech professionals and what’s causing candidates to look elsewhere.
• 08:19 - How is return-to-office being received in the fintech sector?
• 13:35 - How hiring teams can stand out in a competitive market.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Download the 2025 Talent Report - https://hubs.la/Q03mGjz-0

Selby Jennings - https://www.selbyjennings.com/

Phaidon International - https://www.phaidoninternational.com/

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Isabel Ceniza on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-ceniza/ 

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw