The Authentic Recruiter

The Authentic Recruiter

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The Authentic Recruiter episodes

  • S4 Ep1: The Recruitment Alchemy Manifesto: Why Success Should Feel Like Success
    Welcome to The Authentic Recruiter Podcast. I’m Claire Ackers — coach, mentor, and reformed top-billing recruiter — here to help you build a business that doesn’t just look good on LinkedIn, but feels good in your soul.

    In this manifesto episode, I share the truth behind why hustle culture keeps you stuck, how to align your energy for consistent success, and what it really takes to build a recruitment business that gives you wealth, freedom, and purpose.

    ✨ You were never meant to just survive this industry — you were meant to transform it.

    Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe so you never miss an episode.


    #recruitment #businessenergetics #leadership #authenticity

    10 min
  • S3 Ep12: Interview: Andy Shatwell, CEO of Charlton Morris
    In episode 12, series 3 of The Authentic Recruiter podcast, Claire Ackers talks to Andy Shatwell, CEO of Charlton Morris.

    In this candid chat, Andy tells Claire about his vision for doing recruitment differently, including successfully introducing a 4 day work week. This episode is a must-listen for any recruiter who doesn't want to grow a cookie cutter business.

    They cover:
    • His vision for a people-first culture, and the brave decisions that have led to the 4 day week, family policy (inspired by his own experiences with IVF) and mental health support
    • The strategies he uses to stay sane - Claire and Andy lay down a marathon challenge for each other here
    • How Covid changed the trajectory of the business, and also changed his communication style and forced him to be vulnerable
    • What scares the pants off him - and where he believes his value lies as CEO.
    • You can check out Charlton Morris here. We hope you enjoy the episode.
      42 min
    • S3 Ep11: The 5 Step Strategy to Neutralise Imposter Syndrome
      This is the episode you've been waiting for - my 5 Step Strategy to neutralise your Imposter Syndrome so it doesn't need to stop you.

      In episode 11 of this series of The Authentic Recruiter podcast, Claire Ackers teaches you the 5 step strategy she uses with all her VIP clients.

      You'll learn:
      • How to identify your own particular brand of Imposter
      • The exact questioning sequence Claire uses with her VIP coaching clients to neutralise their Imposter
      • What you need to do to make these changes sustainable and permanent, so you can achieve your potential and reach your next level

      • We hope you've enjoyed this 3 part special on Imposter Syndrome - let us know!
        15 min
      • S3 Ep10: Imposter Syndrome in Recruiters - Part 2
        "If you're curious about how Imposter Syndrome is limiting your recruitment career, you need to listen to this episode"

        In episode 10 of this series of The Authentic Recruiter podcast, Claire Ackers talks about the three biggest mistakes recruiters make when it comes to Imposter Syndrome.

        If you've ever felt like one of these, this episode is for you:
        • Mistake no. 1 is believing you're a fraud, and that your success thus far has been down to luck
        • Mistake no. 2 is accepting what your Imposter has to say - listen to the impact this can have your career as a result
        • Mistake no. 3 is all about self-sabotage - something recruiters are pre-disposed to do - find out why

        • This is a big topic, so we've broken it down into bite-sized episodes. Episode 1 was all about the 7 signs you have Imposter Syndrome. 

          In the final part, Claire will be teaching you her 5 Steps to Freedom strategy, so your Imposter never needs to get in the way of your success again.
          11 min
        • S3 Ep9: The 7 Signs of Imposter Syndrome in Recruitment Business Owners
          "If you are not getting the results you want with your recruitment business, you need to listen to this episode"

          In episode 9 of this series of The Authentic Recruiter podcast, Claire Ackers talks about one the most important topics a recruitment business owner can consider - Imposter Syndrome.

          Some highlights include:
          • Why Imposter Syndrome is rife in the recruitment industry
          • The 7 Signs that you might be struggling with Imposter Syndrome
          • The impact this could be having on your performance and your business

          • This is a big topic, so we've broken it down into bite-sized episodes. Tune in next week to understand the biggest mistake recruiters make when they realise they're struggling with Imposter Syndrome (and what to do instead)
            10 min
          • S3 Ep7: "I know the value of Supporting Women" Interview with Tracy Fletcher
            In episode 7, series 3 of The Authentic Recruiter podcast, Claire Ackers talks to Tracy Fletcher, Managing Director of Campbell & Fletcher.

            In this candid chat, Tracy tells Claire how a 20 year career in banking led to an epiphany that she should launch a recruitment company. 15 years on, this has led to some incredible lessons and opportunities for her, and is a must-listen for any recruiter who needs a bit of inspiration about what is possible with their recruitment business.

            They cover:
            • Why she believes wholeheartedly in women supporting women, and how she puts her money where her mouth is on this topic
            • How a spot of flatulence kickstarted her whole career
            • The Imposter Syndrome she still struggles with today
            • The golden thread of integrity that runs through everything she does
            • Why she refuses to engage in candidate ownership debates (and the results that's led to for her)
            • Her advice to recruiters who wish to thrive during the coming economic storm
            • Her recent appointment to the Board of the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter, where she gets to create change for women in the workplace, such as menopause support
            • Tracy mentions Smartworks, where she's a trustee. They provide interview support for women - coaching and clothing and are proud that 72% of women they help get a job within 1 month. You can find out more about Smartworks here.
              36 min
            • S3 Ep6: Self-mastery for Recruitment Leaders
              "Nobody is coming to save me. It's up to me to create the life I want, and have the impact I want to have on the planet"

              This is an incredibly vulnerable and raw episode from The Authentic Recruiter host Claire Ackers, as she talks about self-mastery. 

              In this bitesized episode she covers:

              • how to stop fitting in and being a people pleaser

              • how she finally learned to like herself

              • why giving up telly has led to the best ideas and creativity of her life

              • how to get rid of the albatrosses holding you back
              • 10 min
              • S3 Ep5: 10 Ways to Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
                Call it Imposter Syndrome, call it the wobbles, call it the voice of reason. Whenever you step out of your comfort zone, fear will pop up and try to talk you out of it.

                There are scientific, evolutionary reasons for this – 'safety' to your mind equals the familiar – so when you do anything new, your subconscious panics and tries to bring you back to your comfort zone – and what it perceives as familiar and safe.

                The problem is, nothing great happens in your comfort zone. If you want to reach your potential, you’ve got to take some risks. 

                Here are my top 10 ways to feel that fear, and do it anyway.
                10 min
              • S3 Ep4: The truth about being a working parent in 2022 - how to employ one & how to be one
                In this episode host Claire Ackers chats to founder of MMB magazine Abbie Coleman about the truth about balancing work and having a family in 2022.

                No matter the size of your company, if you are serious about supporting your employees (whether they are parents, or need flexibility for other reasons) - this episode is a must-listen.

                Abbie is a passionate advocate for working parents, and this episode is packed with golden nuggets.They talk:

                • How to avoid (and even capitalise on) the Great Resignation
                • The lost opportunity of the pandemic
                • As an employer, the best things you can be doing right now to support your employees
                • As an employee, the smart conversations you can be having
                • Being a geriatric mum (Claire & Abbie definitely overshare on the personal anecdotes)
                • MMB published a lauded 'Maternity Returners Survey, with some really sobering facts about the reality of being a working parent. You can check it out here.

                  This episode was originally featured on our sister podcast Audacity: The Authentic Entrepreneur in March 2022, but is still well worth a listen.


                  44 min
                • S3 Ep8: Reg Flags, More Placements & Firefish: Interview with Wendy McDougall
                  In episode 8 of this series of The Authentic Recruiter podcast, Claire Ackers talks to Wendy McDougall, CEO & Founder of Firefish Software.

                  Some highlights include:
                  • Why being an entrepreneur is in her DNA
                  • The importance of role models
                  • Her unique perspective on the current challenges with candidate - and the trends she's seeing in the data
                  • Her top tips for growing a values-led culture in your recruitment business
                  • The most common mistakes she sees recruitment leaders make - and what to do about it

                  • You can check out Wendy and Firefish software here.
                    30 min

                  About The Authentic Recruiter

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                  The Authentic Recruiter Podcast