Most recruitment founders try to do it all and burn out in the process.

On this week's episode of The RAG Podcast, I’m joined by Martin Smith, founder of Talent Group, who shares how he's structured his business to double down on what he's best at and handed over the rest.

Martin runs TalentDrive and Talent Finance, with a 12-person team across the UK. In this episode, we talk about:

• His journey from agency to founder
• The lessons he learned from early mistakes
• Bringing in an MD to run one brand while he focuses on growth
• Spending 90% of his time on BD, brand, and community
• Why self-awareness and strategic delegation can lead to long-term success

Martin’s also brutally honest about the personal side of business, living on the South Coast, navigating the loneliness of leadership, and staying motivated through tough times like COVID.

If you’re a founder who’s still figuring out where you add the most value or how to step back without slowing down, this one’s a must-listen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Growth in Recruitment

02:15 Martin's Journey: From Recruiter to Founder

11:11 Transitioning from Agency to In-House Recruitment

18:35 The Decision to Start Talent Group

21:56 Navigating the Early Days of Entrepreneurship

24:21 Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic

27:32 Building Resilience and Community in Business

31:46 Leadership Lessons and Team Dynamics

35:30 Scaling the Business: Growth Strategies and Challenges

39:57 Adapting to Market Changes and New Ventures

46:51 Defining the Role of a CEO and Business Strategy

47:57 Navigating Life on the South Coast

50:07 Balancing Remote Work and Team Dynamics

52:05 Future Growth and Business Strategy

55:26 The Role of AI in Recruitment

01:01:16 The Human Element in Recruitment

01:04:30 Motivation and Personal Values in Business

01:10:11 Finding Balance in Work and Life

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Episode Sponsor: Untapped

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Episode Sponsor: Hoxo

Recruitment agency founders - this one’s for you.

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