Talent Hunters

One of the biggest trends we've seen in the working world recently is the rise of the Boomerang Boomer—retirees returning to the workforce.

There are many factors driving this trend, and while financial necessity might seem like the obvious reason, it's not the only motivator.

Human beings are relationship-forming animals. We're actually driven by purpose, community, and learning, not just money.

We need to feel useful in ways that go beyond financial contribution.

The challenge is that many of the other places where humans used to find these things—connection, identity, meaning—are disappearing.

So work becomes the place where we try to meet those needs.

For Boomers returning to the workforce, things might feel a bit unfamiliar. AI and remote work have reshaped what "going to work" looks like.

But here's the good news: those are just tools. At its core, work is still about relationships, and that part hasn't changed.

So, is the modern workplace really designed for how human beings work best? What do we actually need to thrive at work?

In this episode, we're joined by internationally recognized thought leaders in behavioral science and business management, Dr. Bob Murray and Dr. Alicia Fortinberry. We talk about the psychology of work, and why money isn't actually the main motivator.

Guest Bio

Dr. Bob Murray and Dr. Alicia Fortinberry are internationally recognized thought leaders in behavioral science and business management. Over 30 years ago, their groundbreaking work—rooted in emerging neuroscience and clinical practice—highlighted the central role of relationships in human wellbeing, a now widely accepted idea that was radical at the time. Their research has influenced fields ranging from mental and physical health to organizational culture and strategy, earning them global acclaim and an AAS Science Achievement Award.They developed a practical, science-based method for building strong connections to enhance health, performance, and fulfillment. They've lectured at leading institutions including Duke, Tufts, and the University of Melbourne, and taught graduate courses at the University of California at Northridge and Melbourne Law School. Their bestsellers, Creating Optimism and Raising an Optimistic Child, made their approach accessible to a broader audience. Through their firm Fortinberry Murray, they've helped Fortune 500 companies and major organizations build relationship-centered cultures and strategies. They served as keynote speakers, executive coaches, and advisors worldwide, and were appointed by President Obama to lead the U.S. National Workstress Initiative. Bob also serves on the board of the Mental Health Institute of Legal Professions and advises the NSW Law Council on lawyer mental health. Visit https://www.fortinberrymurray.com/ for more information.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

America's healthcare system is nothing short of remarkable. We have cutting-edge technology that lets us diagnose conditions we couldn't detect before, treat illnesses that were once considered untreatable, perform groundbreaking procedures, and even scan and edit DNA.

But there's a catch. These incredible advancements come at a high cost, and that's led us to a major issue: skyrocketing healthcare expenses.

So what's the fix?

Flipping the script and shifting from managing disease to preventing it altogether. Making this shift means rethinking the whole system. It's about moving away from reacting to health crises and instead focusing on keeping people healthy in the first place.

Of course, that kind of change takes people—healthcare workers who can engage more with patients and support this proactive model. The challenge? We're already facing a huge talent shortage in healthcare. That's where recruiting comes in. How can we build the workforce needed for preventive care? Can AI be part of the solution to ease the staffing crunch?

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. James Canedy, a retired board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Vice Chairman of Clarkson Regional Health Services. He shares how preventive healthcare can cut costs and how staffing professionals can play a key role in making it happen.

Guest Bio

Dr. James Canedy is a retired, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. As Vice Chairman of Clarkson Regional Health Services, he is committed to innovative approaches in the health care industry that help health care providers and facilities improve their practices, employers manage rising health care costs and regulation, and individuals lead healthier, more productive lives. Dr. Canedy is also an adjunct associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Connect with Dr. Canedy on LinkedIn.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years of industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

In a sales-driven industry like recruiting, making decisions based on data and analytics is critical. You can't truly improve a process if you're not measuring it. The problem is, many organizations rely on gut-feel decision-making, and unfortunately, they end up winging it.

On a gut-feel level, our prospecting pipeline might look good to us, but drilling down into the data shows us how well we're really doing. Sales deals often stall because the organization isn't properly monitoring performance indicators and using those insights to drive their actions.

Too often, sales organizations lean heavily on intuition, mistaking short-term success for sustainable strategies. Basing decisions on data and facts, instead of relying solely on gut feeling, can be the game-changer many companies need. After all, how do you know if you're being successful if you're not analyzing your progress?

In this episode, I'm joined by Shad Tidler, a consultant and coach at Lushin powered by Sandler. He shares how his engineering background helps sales organizations make better decisions by relying on analytics, not intuition.

Guest Bio

Shad Tidler is a leading consultant and coach at Lushin powered by Sandler. Specializing as a leading sales transformation consultant, he is known for crafting scalable strategies and processes tailored for client success. Shad's structured approach instills a sense of calm in clients, guiding them past immediate challenges and toward their goals. Shad helps business owners/presidents/CEO's/leaders 10X their businesses and take them to the next level. Connect with Shad on LinkedIn.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Over the last decade, the way people hire and apply for jobs has changed significantly. We've gone from paper resumes and applying in person, to digital resumes and virtual hiring processes.

Recruiters and hiring authorities used to be able to talk to every candidate, now candidates are lucky to even get a reply. At the heart of much of the change is the fact that we're dealing with a lot more digital noise than we ever have before.

For recruiters, the rise of digital tools and platforms is a blessing and a curse.

On one hand, it adds efficiency to the hiring process but on the other, we can easily lose sight of the foundation of this business - relationships. Ultimately, technology should be supplemental, and not the primary pillar of our business.

Why are relationships key to surviving the ups and downs of recruiting? How do you provide value to the candidate, even if they don't end up getting the job?

In this episode, I'm joined by Owner/President at Snelling Staffing Agency of Northern Colorado, Trish Banister. She shares how she went from higher education to recruiting, how to navigate rough seasons in business and what tech can and can't do.

Guest Bio

Trish Banister is the Owner/President at Snelling Staffing Agency of Northern Colorado and a board member of the Colorado Staffing Association. The Snelling Staffing Agency of Northern Colorado team brings 42 combined years' professional recruiting and career matchmaking experience in NoCO and surrounding areas. They specialize in skilled light industrial, engineering, professional construction, behavioral health professionals and office operations roles. Trish is a former educator who came into the recruiting world 10 years ago. Connect with Trish on LinkedIn.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

The past decade has seen a major drive to get more people into STEM careers. The main challenge in expanding the STEM workforce isn't a lack of interest; it's the way STEM is portrayed. Many people see it as an exclusive field, accessible only to a select few. But in reality, STEM is all around us, embedded in almost every job and industry.

The key to building our future STEM workforce? Showing people that STEM touches everything, and then connecting it to the things they are already passionate about. Not everyone needs to go into STEM, but showing its influence in every aspect of our lives will spark interest and that will bring the talent in.

How do we show people the connection between STEM and everything we do? Why do we need to learn to recruit to skill instead of just focusing on job titles?

In this episode, I'm joined by STEM policy expert, professor, TEDx Speaker and the Senior Director of Programs at The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Dr. Ashley Huderson. She shares how to change our perception of STEM and why that's a huge game changer for our present and future workforce.

Guest Bio

Dr. Ashley Huderson is a researcher, stem policy expert, professor, author, TEDx Speaker and the Senior Director of Programs at ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers). With over 15 years of dedicated experience in STEM outreach and advocacy, Dr. Huderson is passionate about fostering a love for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among diverse communities. Her journey has been marked by designing innovative informal science programs, mentoring STEM students, empowering parents with vital resources, and equipping educators with culturally relevant training. Dr. Huderson's commitment lies in creating inclusive environments that inspire and nurture the next generation of STEM leaders. Currently, as the Senior Director of Programs at ASME, she spearheads the team that develops and implements ASME's global premier initiatives that engage and support aspiring engineers. Previously Dr. Huderson served as a STEM and CS Equity Policy Advisor in the U.S. Department of Education where she shaped and executed a STEM and CS strategy aligned with the US Deputy Secretary's vision for STEM education.

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

In 2023, cybersecurity is a $202 billion industry with hundreds of thousands of jobs. It's hard to imagine that it was once a fledgling sector, but back in 2009 when Al Lerberg chose it, that's exactly what it was.

"Up and coming" was how cybersecurity was once described. Today, it's a dominant, mainstream niche that shows no signs of slowing down, especially when it comes to jobs. Al saw that early, and benefitted from getting ahead of a massive wave.

What's it like recruiting in the world of high-security clearances and 3-letter government agencies? How do hockey and playing guitar influence how Al does his job? In this replay of one of our most downloaded episodes, the founder of Cyber Security Recruiters shares how he took a chance on an industry before it exploded, and the intricacies of recruiting for the government.

Guest Bio

Al Lerberg founded MRI of Elk River in the fall of 2009 after MRI boot camp in Cleveland Ohio. Originally started as an executive recruiting firm focused on the pharmaceutical industry, it quickly evolved into an IT recruiting firm with a strong focus on Cyber Security. Prior to starting Cyber Security Recruiters, Al Lerberg had been a SSgt in the North Dakota Air National Guard as well as a top producer at Aureus Medical (a contract staffing firm) based in Omaha, NE. He also worked in the telecom/Internet industry for McLeod USA, as well as a Pharmaceutical rep for Sepracor in Minneapolis, MN. Since starting Cyber Security Recruiters he has been awarded a $12 million dollar government prime contract as well as a Lifetime Cumulative Cash In Award and Top Interim Staffing Awards for the years 2021 and 2022. Head to https://cybersecurityrecruiters.com/ for more information.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

The last 3 years have made it clear that AI isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's set to become a bigger part of our jobs.

In the recruiting industry, we've seen the rise of tools that are changing the way we find and communicate with candidates.

Even though many recruiters are concerned about AI, it's actually not the enemy. It's the key to efficiency in our businesses.

By leveraging certain tools, we can elevate our productivity, work at a faster pace and even do the work of 3 recruiters on our own.

How can we incorporate AI into our jobs? How can technology solve some of the challenges we face in contacting people?

In this episode, we're joined by HireQuest Inc's lead corporate recruiter, Jamie Close. She shares how we can keep up with tech, and why AI doesn't spell the end of recruiters.

Guest Bio

Jamie Close is a Corporate Recruiter for the HireQuest Inc. family of companies. With over 20 years of experience in full-cycle recruiting, Jamie specializes in corporate staff recruiting, talent acquisition strategy, and recruiting process optimization. She provides expert guidance to franchisees on best practices and workforce solutions. Jamie plays a key role in streamlining recruitment efforts and leveraging technology to attract top talent. Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

When you've spent your corporate career specializing and thriving in an industry you love, why not build your search business in the same space? The more you know your industry, the easier it is to spot A+ talent and build trust, and the easier it is to run your business.

The opportunity to continue in an industry he's passionate about from the other side of the desk has been a powerful driver for Carlos Perez. How did he make the transition from corporate to running his own business? What was it like starting his business during the pandemic?

In this replay of one of our most popular episodes, the founder of CP & KRELL GROUP, Carlos Perez talks about getting started during the pandemic, how his cultural background enhances his skills, and the most important choice he made.

Guest Bio

Carlos Perez is the founder of CP & KRELL GROUP, a firm which specializes in recruiting in the Beauty, Wellness and Fashion industries and has scaled from being ranked #112 in 2020 to being #24 in total revenue in the global MRINetwork in 2022.

With nearly 25 years of experience in executive corporate roles for iconic CPG e-commerce companies in the feel-good industries--beauty, wellness, and fashion sectors, Carlos leverages his unparalleled insight to connect the best and most relevant professionals with your organization. Having occupied leadership and executive roles nationally and internationally, Carlos Perez has shared the perspective from your side of the desk. It's his experience and insight that serves as the bedrock of our success.

For more information head;

https://www.cpkrell.com/

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

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Social media recruiting is all the rage right now, and while it has its merits, we have to be clear that we're not doing it for all the wrong reasons.

Posting content on LinkedIn is a good way to gain visibility as a recruiter and even warm up a cold lead, but that's not why many recruiters use it.

For a recruiter who is afraid to pick up the phone, social media is the perfect thing to hide behind, but it alone won't lead to success.

You can't find passive candidates on social media. You can't see the true potential of a candidate without talking to them. You also can't build solid relationships without actually reaching out to people.

LinkedIn and other social media platforms should be something we do in addition to what we know works - calling people and having a conversation.

How do we get younger recruiters warmed up to the phone? How do we use social media to supplement what works (not replace it)? What is the biggest issue the hospitality industry is facing right now?

In today's episode, we're joined by Managing Director of Snelling Hospitality, John Carpenter. He talks about his approach to recruiting and navigating high costs in hospitality recruiting. He also shares the trap of relying on social media recruiting.

Guest Bio

John Carpenter is the Managing Director of Snelling Hospitality, where he has excelled as an executive recruiter for over 13 years. With a proven track record of working with more than 100 companies, John has successfully placed over 500 professionals in hospitality leadership and key roles. His expertise in executive search and recruitment strategy has helped optimize hiring processes, reduce recruitment time, and improve retention rates. John has also trained over 30 hiring managers, equipping them with the skills to recruit with confidence and precision. His approach focuses on aligning talent with culture and business goals, driving success and scaling businesses through strong leadership. Connect with John on LinkedIn.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

The current economy has been good to the construction industry, but the entire field is still fighting a major battle on two fronts.

The lack of both qualified labor and talented project management personnel continues to be a challenge, and it might get worse before it gets better. With recent political changes, construction companies are going to face some hurdles when it comes to staffing for their sites and offices.

Some people think technology is the key to lessening the effects of this shortage, but the truth is, the need for great people will never go away.

For recruiters in this space, some questions are front of mind: how do we develop more local talent? How do we emphasize the country's need for more people in the trades?

The solution is to start looking for construction talent early and in places we've never thought to look before. In this episode, I'm joined by construction industry executive coach and leader, Eric Anderton. He shares how to address the talent shortage in construction, and how leaders in this industry can solve problems and bring out the excellence in their people.

Guest Bio

Eric Anderton has more than two decades of career and entrepreneurial business experience, alongside 25 years of public speaking, small group facilitation and one-on-one mentoring. He is a trusted leadership advisor, executive mentor and expert meeting facilitator for construction companies that range in revenue from $10 million - $1 billion. Since 2004 he has helped his clients increase profitability by clarifying their business purpose, building strategic plans, developing their best people, systematically innovating through obstacles, and executing their most important priorities. Visit https://www.constructiongenius.com/ to learn more.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!