In the final episode of 2025, Louise sits down with RecConnect founder Simon Lewis to unpack what’s really coming for the recruitment industry in 2026 and why traditional contingent perm is on a slow, silent death march.

Simon shares his unconventional journey from Sunday Times journalist to IT recruiter, to job board owner, to community builder for recruitment leaders. Drawing on conversations with hundreds of agency owners and economists, he explains why this moment is the most radical shift recruitment has seen in decades and why those clinging to “business as usual” are in trouble.

They dive into:

• Why contingent perm is shrinking fast (and what will replace it)
• How retained, project and subscription models create space for real consultancy
• Why human connection, not automation, will be your competitive edge in 2026
• The power of communities and shared experiences in transforming leaders, not just businesses
• Old-school tactics that are suddenly working again (think handwritten notes and real-life lunches)
• The one word Simon says should define your strategy next year: collaboration

If you’re a recruiter or recruitment leader wondering how to evolve, protect your margins and actually enjoy the next cycle, this episode is your roadmap.

🎧 Listen now, share it with a recruiter who needs a wake-up call for 2026, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

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