Talent acquisition vs. HR and why recruiting is sales

Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined by talent acquisition expert Kat Duncan for a deep dive into the ever-evolving art and science of hiring in today's agency world. If attracting and retaining top talent has ever felt daunting, you're in the right place—Kat Duncan brings over two decades of recruiting experience and actionable advice for agency leaders looking to build standout teams.

Together, Drew McLellan and Kat Duncan explore the common hiring pitfalls many agency owners face, from relying solely on resumes and "been there, done that" experience to underestimating the real costs of a bad hire. Kat Duncan sheds light on the critical distinctions between HR and talent acquisition, explains why every hire is a sales pitch (on both sides!), and shares insights into what makes recruitment so complex—and rewarding—for creative businesses.

You'll hear practical strategies for systemizing your hiring process, establishing efficient feedback loops, and fostering a candidate experience that enhances your agency's reputation, not damages it. The pair also address emotional blind spots in the process: What happens when candidates feel ghosted? How do you protect your agency's brand during interviews? And why should you look for a "culture add" instead of just a culture fit?

Don't miss this candid discussion if you're hiring now—or know you will be soon. By the end, you'll know how to avoid common mistakes, shorten your hiring timeline, and create an interview experience that attracts the very best talent. With Kat Duncan's tips and Drew McLellan's signature practical approach, you'll be ready to transform your next hire from a roll of the dice to a strategic win for your agency.

A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.

• Why recruiting is more than just HR: understanding the critical distinction for agencies
• The dangers of a disorganized hiring process and the impact of poor candidate communication
• Why agencies should prioritize proactive, systematic feedback during recruitment
• The value of hiring for potential and culture add—not just resume or industry background
• Building a consistent, respectful, and efficient interview system for long-term reputation
• Why a great hire is about mutual enthusiasm—not just technical skill matches
• The increasing importance of every team member as agencies run leaner, smarter, and more efficiently