Are you ready to discover how a group of determined women transformed a living room startup into a $6 million legal recruiting powerhouse — all during a global crisis?

 In this episode of the Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Aida C. Rodriguez, the founder of Ascension Global Staffing and Executive Search. Together, they unpack how building a winning team, especially in the high-stakes world of legal recruiting, can lead to extraordinary business growth—even when starting with just an Excel sheet and a lot of perseverance. If you’re a recruiter, entrepreneur, or leader with dreams of scaling up, this episode will show you what’s possible, even in the face of uncertainty.

As the recruiting landscape becomes more competitive, many agency owners and aspiring firm-builders struggle to stand out, pivot in difficult markets, and keep their teams motivated. The journey of Aida and her all-women team tackles this head-on, providing real-world solutions to the challenges of launching and growing a successful recruiting firm from the ground up—especially when resources are limited and the market is in flux.

Listeners will walk away with actionable insights, including:

• Proven strategies for launching and scaling a recruiting business during tough economic times, starting with minimal resources.
• Building and leading highly motivated, diverse teams that thrive on healthy competition, camaraderie, and shared dreams.
• The power of adaptability—how to pivot your business development, embrace technology and automation, and never let perfectionism stop your progress.

If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration mixed with practical guidance to fuel your recruiting ambitions, hit play now and see how you can turn your own “brunch crew” into a thriving placement empire!

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Are you struggling to bounce back from setbacks in your recruiting career, wondering how top recruiters cultivate the resilience to thrive no matter what challenges come their way?

In today’s recruiting landscape, high-pressure environments, economic fluctuations, and constant rejection can lead to burnout or even make you second-guess your place in the industry. If you're looking to build a long-lasting career, you've probably realized that mastering resilience isn't just a “nice to have”—it’s essential. This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, featuring Jonathan Z. Cohen, delivers actionable frameworks and firsthand stories designed for recruiters who want to overcome obstacles, future-proof their mindset, and discover a greater sense of value in their work.

You’ll learn powerful strategies such as how to “manage suffering strategically”–breaking big goals down into small, achievable steps to make even the toughest obstacles feel manageable. Find out how to iterate and improve your daily processes so career setbacks become stepping stones, not roadblocks. You'll also discover the crucial link between the stories you tell yourself, building evidence of your value, and transforming imposter syndrome into career-defining confidence.

Listeners will walk away with:

• Proven techniques for reframing setbacks and leveraging them as opportunities for growth and long-term resilience.
• A practical method for auditing your day-to-day work to unlock your true value as a recruiter and communicate it powerfully.
• Mindset shifts and daily practices to eliminate burnout, boost motivation, and create lasting momentum in your career.

Ready to equip yourself with the tools and mindset that top recruiters use to forge ahead—no matter how tough things get? Press play now and start building the foundation for a resilient, successful recruiting career!

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Are you a recruiter dreaming of building a wildly profitable desk while traveling the world as a digital nomad—but not sure where to start?

 The latest episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast uncovers the real strategies behind remote recruiting success, featuring Ashley Woods, who built a $10M+ desk while exploring 45 countries. If you've ever felt chained to your desk, burned out by endless tasks, or uncertain how to scale and streamline your recruiting business, this conversation is your blueprint for freedom and high achievement.

 The desire for location independence and time-rich living is more relevant than ever for recruiters and staffing professionals—and yet, distractions, lack of systems, and fear of lost productivity keep most from taking the leap. Ashley’s journey proves you don’t have to sacrifice growth or client relationships to win in recruiting from anywhere.

 In this episode, you'll discover:

• Proven methods to build efficiency-focused systems so you can work from anywhere in the world and still crush your revenue goals.
• How to design a clear vision and daily structure to overcome distractions, maintain motivation, and consistently deliver results—no matter your timezone.
• Tactical advice on outsourcing, automating your workflow, and developing strong habits that let you enjoy the nomad lifestyle without losing momentum.

 Ready to create a recruiting desk that funds your dreams and frees your time? Listen now to hear actionable tips, stories, and motivation so you can start building your own time-rich, high-performing recruiting business today!

This episode is brought to you by ASCEN, the modern, all-in-one Employer of Record (EOR) and payroll solution built specifically for staffing firms. ASCEN streamlines your entire back-office—from payroll and compliance to onboarding and invoicing—so you can focus on placing top talent and scaling your recruiting business. Learn more at https://www.ascen.com/

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Are you ready for the future of recruiting, or will you wake up wondering what just happened as AI and automation transform the industry overnight?

As recruiters, leaders, and agency owners, we all strive to stay ahead—yet keeping up with evolving tech like AI and automation can feel overwhelming. In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena and tech-forward guest Sam Kuehnle dive deep into what it means to build a future-proof recruiting tech stack. From the frustrations of outdated CRMs and applicant tracking systems to hard-earned lessons about AI-driven talent pipelining, this episode tackles the real issues recruiters face: information overload, shrinking margins of differentiation, and the pressure to deliver more, faster.

Listeners will discover how leading recruiters are leveraging proactive talent pipelines to avoid starting every search from scratch, freeing their time to refocus on what really matters—relationships and results. You’ll learn actionable strategies for cleaning up your data (without breaking the bank), why agencies need to experiment with automation now, and what the recruiting firm tech stack of tomorrow should look like. Plus, hear candid advice on when to niche down, how to stand out as AI levels the playing field, and the best ways to balance cost and tools as you build your competitive edge.

By tuning in, you will gain:

• Proven tactics for leveraging AI and automation to save hours each week and spend more time building meaningful relationships
• Insider insights into the recruiting tech stack of the future, including must-have tools and how to make them work together seamlessly
• Practical advice on proactive pipelining and CRM best practices to retain your competitive advantage as tech evolves

Don’t fall behind—press play now to learn how you can stay ahead of industry changes and build a tech-enabled recruiting business that stands out in 2025 and beyond.

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Are you ready to turn a layoff into your biggest career breakthrough and finally launch your own recruiting agency—even if you have a family, financial worries, or zero prior leadership experience?

If you’re a recruiter or talent professional dreaming of starting your own agency, you already know how intimidating that leap can feel: the risk, the need for capital, securing clients, and balancing it all with family life. With so many recruiters thinking about going solo but stalling out at the starting line, finding a proven path to success is more important than ever.

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, Zach Keen shares his honest, step-by-step blueprint for launching and scaling a successful recruiting firm after being laid off—all while raising three kids and prioritizing family first. If you’ve ever faced uncertainty or wanted to know how to grow beyond working a desk or relying solely on your solo efforts, this conversation is your shortcut.

Here’s what you’ll take away by tuning in:

• A real-world guide to securing mentorship and investors: Zach reveals how he found the right backers and mentorship, accelerating his growth and reducing personal risk. Learn practical tips for finding the support you need to launch your agency faster and smarter.
• Mastering business development in today’s market: Discover what still works (and what doesn’t) for getting clients in the modern recruiting landscape, including the role of cold calls, LinkedIn outreach, and building a local reputation, all based on Zach’s firsthand results.
• Building a resilient agency while maintaining balance: Zach gets candid about how he structures his days, hires recruiters, stays authentic with clients, and juggles startup chaos with being a present parent—so you can grow your firm without sacrificing what matters most.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re serious about going from recruiter to agency owner—press play now to uncover the blueprint that can make your leap a success.

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This episode is brought to you by Remote Assistants https://www.remoteassistants.ai/ – the go-to partner for recruiters who are done wasting time on operations, sourcing, or marketing. Their Remote Assistants are pre-vetted and fully trained for an entire 4 months. We’re talking sourcing, candidate follow-up, backend automation, marketing support – all the things that pull you away from actually growing your business. So if you’re serious about scaling your agency, and want to buy back your time with real, plug-and-play talent – go to www.remoteassistants.ai and get matched in under 48 hours.

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Are you ready to become an AI-powered "super recruiter" and future-proof your success as the recruiting landscape transforms before your eyes?

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Steven Lu, CEO and co-founder of pin.com, for a candid, energetic conversation about the real impact of AI in recruiting—and what it genuinely means for recruiters right now. As AI tools proliferate and many recruiters worry about automation, this episode zeros in on how you can leverage intelligent technology not as a threat, but as a force multiplier to achieve more placements, build better relationships, and dramatically grow your billing potential.

Are you tired of tedious sourcing, clunky tech stacks, and endless manual outreach? Are you wondering how to rise above the flood of generic, AI-generated candidate spam? Steven shares an insider’s perspective—honed from years at companies like Interseller and Greenhouse—on how to select tools that genuinely solve recruiters’ problems, not just Silicon Valley’s wishlist. He debunks the hype, tackles the “doomsday” fears around AI, and explains why the most successful recruiters of tomorrow aren’t those who work harder, but smarter, by combining top-notch relationship-building with supercharged technology.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• Actionable insight into the actual AI automations—like advanced resume parsing, omnichannel messaging, and precise candidate mapping—that free you from busywork and let you double down on high-value conversations.
• A roadmap to make yourself indispensable, by becoming a trusted industry expert and harnessing AI-driven market intelligence that goes way beyond Boolean search.
• Realistic advice for both early-career recruiters and seasoned pros on adopting the right AI tools, future-proofing your role, and even scaling solo billing to eye-popping new heights.

If you want to separate yourself from the outdated “numbers game” and become a more impactful, relationship-driven recruiter—press play now and unlock the next level in your recruiting career with the power of AI!

Pin https://www.pin.com/ - Pin, your 24/7 Recruiting Assistant

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Are you ready to break through your recruiting revenue plateau—even in a tough market?

If lately you’ve felt the recruiting industry is flooded with noise about market slowdowns, outdated cold calling, and not getting responses from mass emails, you’re not alone. But what if you could tune out the negativity and actually hit your biggest month ever? This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast reveals how real top biller Rich Rosen managed a $300K month in an uncertain market—and exactly how you can apply his strategy, tools, and mindset to crush your own goals.

In today’s competitive recruiting landscape, working smarter and harder is critical. Many recruiters are stuck playing it safe with old-school tactics or relying too much on unreliable email automation. This episode cuts through the clutter with real-world, actionable advice for recruiters who want to outperform, even when industry sentiment is down.

Here’s what you’ll gain by listening:

• An inside look at the proven, tactical blend of high-volume outbound, smart use of AI tools, and daily discipline that led Rich Rosen to his record-breaking month—far above what most recruiters achieve in a whole year.
• Direct strategies for balancing business development, candidate management, and daily productivity—including why consistent LinkedIn posting, rigorous phone time, and smart personalization blow mass email out of the water.
• The motivational fuel to reset your mindset, break free from limiting beliefs, and surround yourself with success-driven peers—so you not only earn more but also reclaim your time for family, travel, and personal growth.

Don’t settle for average results or excuses—hit play now and discover how you can transform your approach to recruiting, win bigger clients, and unlock your best billing month ever!

This episode was sponsored by Pin https://www.pin.com/ - Pin, your 24/7 Recruiting Assistant

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Are you ready to future-proof your recruiting career by mastering the latest industry trends, critical legislation changes, and must-have growth strategies?

Whether you're a new recruiter trying to break into the industry or a seasoned professional striving to stay ahead, this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast with guest Trinette Cunningham — CEO of the National Association of Personnel Services—dives deep into the evolving world of recruitment. In today’s market, rapid shifts in technology, laws, and work culture demand more from recruiters than ever. Are you prepared to adapt and succeed in this competitive landscape?

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If you’ve ever felt uncertain about new compliance requirements, wondered how AI will impact your role, or struggled to find a true network of like-minded recruiters, this episode offers exactly what you need. You’ll discover how industry certification can set you apart, why mental health is gaining traction in recruiting, and the power of professional associations in driving your career forward.

Here are three powerful takeaways from this episode:

• Discover why getting certified isn’t just a checkbox but a competitive advantage when facing complex legislation, ethical dilemmas, and the fast pace of recruiting.
• Gain insider knowledge on the latest trends reshaping the industry—think AI advancements, the increasing importance of mental health in the workplace, and shifting best practices.
• Unlock proven strategies for building your professional network, learning from peers, and accessing resources that help boutique firms and solo recruiters excel in a crowded market.

Ready to level up your recruiting career and get insights you won’t hear anywhere else? Hit play now to join Trinette Cunningham and Benjamin Mena for a conversation that could change the game for you this year!

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Are shiny new recruiting tools distracting you from what actually drives placements and revenue?

In today’s recruiting world, it’s easy to get swept away by AI hype and the avalanche of new tech promising to transform your desk. But here’s the hard truth: many recruiters are stuck in “shiny object syndrome,” wasting precious time exploring the next big thing instead of consistently executing the proven systems that actually build their business.

In this value-packed episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes back Keely Flood, a sales coach and recruiting consultant who works daily with top-performing recruiting firms. They dive deep into what separates consistent billers from those who are constantly starting over, sharing timeless advice that’s more relevant than ever in today’s fast-moving industry.

You’ll walk away from this episode with:

• Practical frameworks for creating a daily, distraction-free plan that leads to measurable wins—whether you’re just starting out or rebuilding from scratch.
• Mindset strategies used by high performers to avoid busy work and focus on real conversations that drive business, not just tasks that fill your calendar.
• Step-by-step breakdowns of time blocking, market mapping, and networking basics—optimized for today’s tools but built on fundamentals you can repeat for success, regardless of market changes or tech trends.

If you’re ready to stop chasing shiny AI toys and start achieving real recruiting growth, hit play now to discover how to build a resilient desk, keep your pipeline full, and make 2025 your best year ever!

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AI, automation, and remote work aren’t future buzzwords—they’re impacting recruitment right now. In this actionable episode of the Elite Recruiter Podcast, “The Future of Recruitment: AI Talent Partners, Remote Scaling & Winning in 2025 with James Blackwell,” host Benjamin Mena teams up with recruitment thought leader James Blackwell to break down the exact changes happening in the talent acquisition industry. Whether you’re a recruitment founder struggling to keep up or a solo recruiter aiming to scale without burning out, this episode addresses the real pressures you’re facing—from shrinking agency budgets and rising client expectations, to the daunting pace of AI adoption.

This conversation is packed with immediate-value insights, including:

• How AI is actively transforming sourcing, outreach, and the business model behind successful agencies—and why resisting these tools could put you out of the game, especially for mid- and lower-tier roles.
• Proven strategies for scaling your recruitment business with remote talent and automation, including exactly how to delegate tasks and free yourself from the “Superman/Superwoman” trap that keeps you stuck.
• A detailed, client-focused blueprint for packaging and selling AI-powered recruitment solutions—enabling you to win clients who are slashing traditional agency spend but hungry for efficiency and measurable results.

Ready to leap ahead of your competition and future-proof your recruiting business? Tap into this episode for practical steps you can implement today—and discover how to put the latest technology, strategy, and mindset to work so 2025 becomes your most profitable year yet. Play now to transform challenges into opportunity!

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