Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share The Power of Retained Search & Relationship-Led BD in Recruitment: Nick Hoadley’s Story
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
The Power of Retained Search & Relationship-Led BD in Recruitment: Nick Hoadley’s Story
Nick Hoadley shares his transformative journey from insurance broker to founder of Insurance Search, a successful retained executive search firm serving the UK, US, and Bermuda insurance markets.
But the path wasn’t linear. Nick opens up about how working in contingent recruitment chipped away at his confidence and professional identity. “You don’t really want to mention to people that you’re a recruiter because of the stigma that comes with it,” he reflects, describing how even major companies overlooked his industry insight and expertise.
The turning point? Embracing retained search.
By shifting to a model where clients commit upfront, Nick was able to deliver real value, from comprehensive market mapping to strategic talent insights, while rebuilding his reputation and relationships in the industry.
In this episode, Nick shares how he:
- Transitioned to retained to build deeper, more professional client partnerships
- Expanded his offering to include standalone research and strategic insights
- Launched innovative BD channels like The Insurance Coffee House podcast
- Uses podcasting to connect with senior leaders and drive inbound business
- Built communities through the Board Club and HR Executive Club
- Created a Managing Partner Program to scale under the Insurance Search brand
- Rejected the 360 model in favour of playing to people’s natural strengths
His advice to recruiters?
“If you value your time, you’ve got to move to retained.”
For those unsure, he recommends starting small - testing the waters, building confidence, and experiencing firsthand how the retained model changes everything. This isn’t just about fees. It’s about restoring pride, building partnerships, and creating a career that feels good again.
___
Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/
Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/
Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/
___
LinkedIn
Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/
Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/
Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/
View all episodes
By Retrained SearchNick Hoadley shares his transformative journey from insurance broker to founder of Insurance Search, a successful retained executive search firm serving the UK, US, and Bermuda insurance markets.
But the path wasn’t linear. Nick opens up about how working in contingent recruitment chipped away at his confidence and professional identity. “You don’t really want to mention to people that you’re a recruiter because of the stigma that comes with it,” he reflects, describing how even major companies overlooked his industry insight and expertise.
The turning point? Embracing retained search.
By shifting to a model where clients commit upfront, Nick was able to deliver real value, from comprehensive market mapping to strategic talent insights, while rebuilding his reputation and relationships in the industry.
In this episode, Nick shares how he:
- Transitioned to retained to build deeper, more professional client partnerships
- Expanded his offering to include standalone research and strategic insights
- Launched innovative BD channels like The Insurance Coffee House podcast
- Uses podcasting to connect with senior leaders and drive inbound business
- Built communities through the Board Club and HR Executive Club
- Created a Managing Partner Program to scale under the Insurance Search brand
- Rejected the 360 model in favour of playing to people’s natural strengths
His advice to recruiters?
“If you value your time, you’ve got to move to retained.”
For those unsure, he recommends starting small - testing the waters, building confidence, and experiencing firsthand how the retained model changes everything. This isn’t just about fees. It’s about restoring pride, building partnerships, and creating a career that feels good again.
___
Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/
Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/
Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/
___
LinkedIn
Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/
Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/
Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/