The Elite Recruiter Podcast
Benjamin Mena
The Elite Recruiter Podcast is where top recruiters go to get better.
Hosted by executive recruiter Benjamin Mena, this show dives deep into the stories, strategies, and mindsets of the most successful people in the industry — from $1M solo producers to 8+-figure agency founders.
Each episode delivers real, tactical insights for high-performance recruiting:
How elite recruiters build and scaleTools, tech stacks, and sourcing strategiesDaily habits and workflows that drive million-dollar desksLessons from failure, breakthrough wins, and mindset shiftsWhat the best are doing next — and how they’re changing the game
If you’re in agency recruiting, staffing, or executive search — this is your new secret weapon.
No fluff. No recycled advice. Just the unfiltered playbook of the top 1%.
🎧 Subscribe now and start leveling up like an elite.
Hosted by executive recruiter Benjamin Mena, this show dives deep into the stories, strategies, and mindsets of the most successful people in the industry — from $1M solo producers to 8+-figure agency founders.
Each episode delivers real, tactical insights for high-performance recruiting:
How elite recruiters build and scaleTools, tech stacks, and sourcing strategiesDaily habits and workflows that drive million-dollar desksLessons from failure, breakthrough wins, and mindset shiftsWhat the best are doing next — and how they’re changing the game
If you’re in agency recruiting, staffing, or executive search — this is your new secret weapon.
No fluff. No recycled advice. Just the unfiltered playbook of the top 1%.
🎧 Subscribe now and start leveling up like an elite.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 10, 2025 • 51min
Resilience in Recruiting: How to Overcome Setbacks, Master Mindset, and Build a Lasting Career – Lessons from Jonathan Z. Cohen
Jonathan Z. Cohen, the Associate General Counsel at PMI Technologies and host of the Inside the Inspired podcast, shares insights on resilience in the recruiting industry. He discusses how to break down large goals into manageable steps to combat burnout and foster growth. Cohen emphasizes the power of self-narratives, linking personal stories to transforming imposter syndrome into confidence. Listeners will also discover stress management techniques, turning setbacks into stepping stones for a fulfilling career.
19 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 47min
How Ashley Woods Built a $10M Recruiting Desk While Traveling to 45 Countries: Vision, Systems, and the Digital Nomad Life
Ashley Woods, partner at Tema Solutions Group and founder of the Time Rich Recruiter, shares her incredible journey building a $10M recruiting desk while traveling to 45 countries. She offers proven methods for creating efficient systems that maintain productivity remotely. Ashley discusses transitioning from hospitality to recruitment, the significance of setting clear goals, and the transformative power of travel. She emphasizes the importance of outsourcing, automation, and a strong vision to succeed in the dynamic recruiting landscape.
10 snips
May 29, 2025 • 42min
Recruiting on the Edge with Sam Kuehnle: AI, Automation & the Future-Proof Tech Stack
Join Sam Kuehnle, an expert in AI and automation, as he unpacks the future of recruiting technology. He discusses the pressing need for proactive talent pipelines and how to navigate outdated systems like CRMs and ATS. With a focus on cost-effective automation, Sam emphasizes the importance of data quality and personalization in recruitment. Listeners will learn actionable strategies to optimize their tech stacks and maintain competitive edges as AI reshapes the industry. Plus, he shares insights on how to stand out in a crowded market.
8 snips
May 26, 2025 • 37min
Laid Off to Agency Owner: Zach Keen’s Proven Blueprint for Launching and Growing a Winning Recruiting Firm
Zach Keen, the founder of Keen Search and Staffing, shares his transformative journey from being laid off to successfully running a recruiting firm. He discusses the importance of mentorship and securing investors to ease the transition. Zach offers insights into modern business development strategies, contrasting traditional approaches with innovative outreach. He candidly addresses the challenges of balancing family life with entrepreneurship while emphasizing the need for authenticity in client relationships. Tune in for tangible tips on thriving in the competitive recruiting landscape!
22 snips
May 21, 2025 • 52min
AI Super Recruiters: How Tech Is Shaping Sourcing, Placements & the Future of Recruiting — with Steve Lu, CEO of Pin
Join Steve Lu, CEO and co-founder of pin.com, an AI-driven sourcing platform, as he discusses the transformative role of AI in recruiting. He emphasizes leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and build genuine relationships rather than viewing it as a threat. Steve also shares insights on essential AI tools that reduce manual work while improving candidate matching. He highlights the importance of adaptability and collaboration between tech and recruiters while encouraging listeners to embrace change and future-proof their careers.
24 snips
May 15, 2025 • 48min
Rich Rosen’s $300K Month: The Step-by-Step Breakdown to Winning Big in Any Recruiting Market
Rich Rosen, a top biller in the recruiting field, shares his secrets to achieving a staggering $300K month. He discusses the power of integrating AI tools and high-volume outbound efforts with traditional personal recruiting methods. Rich emphasizes the importance of consistent LinkedIn posting and a disciplined work ethic as keys to success. With a focus on overcoming industry noise and mental barriers, he offers actionable strategies to help recruiters thrive and reset their mindsets for financial growth.
May 12, 2025 • 30min
Recruiting Uncovered: Trends, Legislation, and Next-Level Advice with Trinette Cunningham
In this engaging discussion, Trinette Cunningham, the CEO of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS), shares her passion for the recruiting industry. She emphasizes the critical importance of certifications in navigating complex legislation and ethical scenarios. The impact of AI on recruitment and the rising significance of mental health in the workplace are also explored. Cunningham advocates for networking and ongoing education, revealing how professional associations can elevate a recruiter's career in today's rapidly changing landscape.
23 snips
May 7, 2025 • 53min
Stop Chasing Shiny Objects: Proven Recruiting Systems & Mindsets (No AI Hype!) with Keely Flood
Keely Flood, a seasoned sales coach and recruiting consultant, tackles the distractions of 'shiny object syndrome' in recruiting. She discusses the importance of strategic planning and nurturing client relationships over chasing the latest tech trends. Flood shares valuable frameworks like time blocking and market mapping that empower recruiters to focus on meaningful conversations. With insights on building genuine connections and a growth mindset, listeners can shift their focus from AI hype to real, measurable success.
11 snips
May 1, 2025 • 59min
The Future of Recruitment: AI Talent Partners, Remote Scaling & Winning in 2025 with James Blackwell
James Blackwell, a recruitment thought leader and mentor specializing in AI and automation, shares insights on the current transformation in the recruitment industry. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing sourcing and outreach, stressing that adapting to these tools is vital for agencies. Strategies for scaling recruitment businesses remotely while avoiding burnout are explored, along with the importance of effective delegation. Finally, practical advice for selling AI-driven recruitment solutions to meet rising client demands is provided, ensuring listeners stay ahead in a competitive landscape.
Apr 28, 2025 • 52min
Agency vs. Internal vs. Fractional: Kaylee Estes on Revenue, Relationships, and Reinventing Recruiting for 2025
Kaylee Estes, owner of Estes Group, shares her journey from executive assistant to recruiting visionary. She dives into the evolving landscape of recruitment, highlighting the benefits of embedded and fractional recruiting models. Kaylee reveals insider secrets about what internal talent teams truly desire and offers strategies for building trust and authentic relationships. Personal anecdotes illustrate the emotional rollercoaster of recruiting, emphasizing balance and community support as keys to success in the industry.
