Welcome back to another episode of The Full Desk Experience! In this Industry Spotlight, host Kortney Harmon sits down with Lauren Jednat to unravel the true impact of AI sourcing agents on the recruiting world. With tales from the trenches and insights from daily conversations with recruiting leaders, Lauren and Kortney dive deep into how AI is augmenting—not replacing—the human touch in staffing. From slashing hiring costs and boosting efficiency to shifting recruiter roles from repetitive sou...
Aug 07, 2025•36 min
Step confidently into the post-AI era with this episode of The Full Desk Experience. Join CEO Aaron Elder and host Kortney Harmon as they uncover how AI is not just changing, but fundamentally reinventing, the rules of recruiting—transforming processes, expectations, and business models in real time. Key Insights: Discover why every search firm’s true competitive edge is their proprietary data and the conversations they own—not just access to the latest AI tools. Learn how AI agents are reshapin...
Jul 24, 2025•45 min
In this FDE Express episode, we’re having a direct, no-nonsense conversation about where recruiting teams really stand in the “post-AI era.” With AI moving from buzzword to business essential, there’s a growing divide between firms still debating AI and those already reaping huge efficiency gains. Kortney will break down what the post-AI era actually means for your talent business, reveal some eye-opening stats about AI adoption in recruiting, and help you spot the warning signs if your team is ...
Jul 10, 2025•18 min
Step into the future of recruiting with this episode. Whether you're a recruiting leader, firm owner, or decision-maker, this episode is for those who are determined to keep their firms thriving in a rapidly changing, AI-driven landscape. Host Kortney Harmon cuts through the noise to reveal why clinging to yesterday’s metrics and technology isn’t just outdated—it could spell extinction for your business. Key Insights: - Discover why traditional KPIs (like call and submission counts) no longer dr...
Jun 26, 2025•15 min
Get ready to reimagine the future of strategic recruiting. In this pivotal episode of The Full Desk Experience, Crelate CEO Aaron Elder joins host Kortney Harmon to share cutting-edge strategies for thriving in the rapidly evolving, post-AI era—essential listening for owners, directors, and executive-level leaders. Key insights you can’t miss: -The Post-AI Paradigm: Why AI is already as essential as electricity, and what “post-AI” really means for search firms’ competitiveness and client expecta...
Jun 12, 2025•30 min
Ready to take your executive search firm to the next level? In this can't-miss Industry Spotlight episode, host Kortney Harmon sits down with powerhouse Brent Orsuga—founder of Pinnacle Growth Advisors—to unpack the bold strategies and mindsets driving exceptional results in executive search. Key takeaways for executive search leaders: - From Recruiter to Trusted Advisor: Brent breaks down the difference between being an "influencer" and a true person of influence, sharing how to create real mar...
May 29, 2025•46 min
Get ready for a powerhouse episode featuring highlights from Joanie Bily’s impactful conversation with Kortney Harmon. Dive into proven strategies and actionable insights designed to help executive search leaders stay ahead in a market defined by rapid change, digital innovation, and evolving client demands. In this episode, you’ll discover: - A candid look at talent supply and demand trends—what matters most for continued growth and resilience - How leading firms are leveraging AI and digital p...
May 22, 2025•39 min
In this episode of The Full Desk Experience’s Industry Spotlight, guest Kelli Schutrop, CEO and founder of Thoughtful Resound, joins host Kortney Harmon to deliver game-changing insights. Kelli draws on 15+ years in talent acquisition marketing to reveal high-impact branding and growth strategies for firm differentiation and sustainable growth. Key insights you can’t miss: Why a brand-facing presence is no longer enough—and how every client-facing team member must become a “mini-brand” to truly ...
May 15, 2025•42 min
Unlock fresh perspectives on modern executive search operations in this can't-miss episode of The Full Desk Experience. Designed for executive search leaders, owners, and director-level decision makers, this conversation with Vaughn Emery, VP of Revenue Growth at Duffy Group, dives deep into the strategies powering next-level growth in today's recruiting landscape. Key insights include: The Duffy Group’s unique, research-driven executive search model that builds deep, mission-aligned partnership...
May 08, 2025•43 min
Looking to break through to your next revenue milestone or sharpen your firm’s competitive edge? This episode is a must-listen for executive search leaders, owners, and directors ready to thrive—not just survive—in 2025. Key takeaways: AI as a Game-Changer : Hear how integrating AI thoughtfully (while keeping humans in the driver’s seat) is reshaping the entire talent pipeline—without sacrificing the personal touch that defines executive search. Value Propositions & Client Relationships : Di...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Unlock the future of executive search operations with this episode of The Full Desk Experience. Dive into actionable strategies and decision points that will help you harness AI to drive your firm’s growth and competitive advantage. Key highlights: Discover the six essential decisions for integrating AI in your recruiting workflow, from optimizing at the recruiter or firm level to choosing the right ownership model for your AI tools. Why focusing on mastering core AI platforms is far more valuab...
Apr 24, 2025•57 min
Unlock the secrets to scaling success in executive search with industry leader Mike Gionta, Founder of The RecruiterU. In this insightful conversation with Kortney Harmon, Mike shares his journey from the early challenges of owning a recruiting firm to building a thriving, self-sustaining business. Whether you're a solo executive search professional or leading a growing team, this episode delivers actionable strategies designed to elevate your practice. Gain a deeper understanding of how to mana...
Apr 17, 2025•41 min
This episode dives into the real challenges recruitment professionals face—like perfectionism—and why consistency and authenticity are key when it comes to content creation. Dandan shares her journey from young recruiter to founder of DG Recruit, offering powerful insights into using social media and content to elevate your executive search practice. Discover proven strategies for building a strong personal brand, creating impactful content, and navigating the modern recruitment landscape. Wheth...
Apr 10, 2025•39 min
Welcome to another insightful episode of The Full Desk Experience, where we dive deep into the talent industry with top leaders shaping the field. Kortney Harmon is joined by Jeff Kaye, a powerhouse in executive search with leadership roles at Kaye/Bassman, Next Level Exchange, and Sanford Rose Associates. This conversation unpacks the challenges and opportunities in recruiting, from technological advancements to niche specialization and strategies for profitable, sustainable growth. Whether you...
Apr 03, 2025•49 min
On this episode, we’re diving deep into the ever-evolving legislative and regulatory landscape shaping the staffing and recruiting industry. Joining us is Toby Malara, Vice President of Government Relations at the American Staffing Association. With over two decades of experience in government affairs and legal counsel, Toby unpacks the latest legislative changes, regulatory shifts, and challenges facing staffing firms today. From DEI programs and immigration policies to independent contractor r...
Mar 27, 2025•45 min
Kortney Harmon sits down with Clark Wilcox, founder of The Digital Recruiter, to explore the transformative power of LinkedIn in modern sales marketing strategies—especially for recruiting businesses. Together, they dive into the benefits of LinkedIn as the top B2B platform, the evolution of digital recruiting, and how recruiters can leverage modern tools to build meaningful relationships and scale their agencies effectively. No matter where you are in your recruiting journey, this conversation ...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr
In this episode of The Full Desk Experience, Kortney Harmon is joined by Noah Yosif, Chief Economist and Head of Research at the American Staffing Association, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving staffing landscape. Together, they explore the latest talent market trends, the impact of AI on workforce dynamics, and the biggest challenges and opportunities facing staffing firms in a post-pandemic world.Noah shares key economic insights, comparing pre- and post-COVID labor markets and highli...
Mar 13, 2025•42 min
We delve into innovative talent acquisition strategies to help you stay ahead in the competitive world of recruitment. In this weeks episode, we’ll explore the transformative shift in first impressions, the role of technology and AI in recruitment, and strategies to harness unconventional talent sources. Discover how to differentiate your approach, optimize your tools, and embrace new methodologies for successful talent acquisition. Don't miss out on our upcoming Executive Search Virtual Confere...
Mar 06, 2025•46 min
We’re bringing you an unfiltered deep dive with Mark Whitby, a renowned recruitment coach and host of The Resilient Recruiter podcast. Mark has transformed countless recruitment businesses by helping them break through growth barriers with his expertise in industry transformation. In this episode, we dive deep into Mark's journey, from his beginnings in recruitment to becoming a top-tier coach. We'll explore essential tips for scaling your recruitment office, mastering business development, and ...
Feb 27, 2025•56 min
Recruiting may seem straightforward, but the reality is far more complex. In this discussion, we uncover the intricate relationships recruiters navigate, the strategic approach needed to identify client needs, and the key to driving team productivity. We’ll also examine the risks of relying on overly simplistic recruiting technology, sharing a cautionary tale of a firm that learned this lesson the hard way. Our focus is on equipping your team with the right tools to master the delicate balance o...
Feb 20, 2025•8 min
On this episode, Kortney Harmon dives into the transformative journey of Aaron Opalewski, CEO and founder of Spark Companies. We explore how Aaron, with his dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, has redefined the business model of his staffing and recruiting company, achieving impressive growth while remaining committed to creating opportunities for others. We discuss the strategic shift to a centralized model, the art of maintaining client relationships in a digital age, and the relentless pursuit of...
Feb 13, 2025•52 min
In this FDE+ Virtual Event episode, Kortney Harmon delves into the crucial themes for thriving in the staffing and recruiting industry in 2025. Kortney discusses the importance of streamlining technology, optimizing processes, and enhancing team dynamics. Discover strategic insights and actionable strategies to propel your business forward in the coming year. Whether you're revisiting or catching up, this episode offers invaluable lessons and future-proofing strategies to ensure your firm's succ...
Feb 06, 2025•49 min
In today's special FDE+ Virtual Event episode, Kortney Harmon brings together four industry experts—Danny Cahill, JT Westendorf, Michele Massaro, and Chris Allaire—for a powerful panel discussion that covers essential topics for navigating the evolving landscape of recruiting and staffing. From leveraging new technologies and refining business strategies to understanding the pressing issue of talent shortages, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and real-world advice to help you thr...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 21 min
In this episode from our FDE+ Virtual Event, Ron Dermady shares transformative insights on branding, marketing, and media for recruiters. We delve into how recruiters can move away from traditional sales techniques and embrace digital outreach to build lasting engagement with candidates and clients. Ron explores the power of showcasing your true self, finding your unique voice, and leveraging social media to establish yourself as a subject matter expert. He introduces practical strategies like t...
Jan 23, 2025•50 min
In this episode of FDE+ episode, we’re joined by the legendary Greg Doersching, President of Next Level Coaching you won't want to miss!" As an award-winning recruiter, trainer, and consultant with nearly three decades of experience, Greg shares invaluable insights on effective decision-making in recruiting, the power of communication and transparency, and crafting compelling job narratives that resonate with candidates. We'll explore the critical role of detailed job descriptions, the influence...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr
In today's episode of FDE+, Donnie Gupton, co-founder Ora Marketing and developer of The Relevant Recruiter Method, shares invaluable insights on personal branding, using LinkedIn Sales Navigator for strategic targeting, and the benefits of a multi-channel approach. We discuss the importance of mastering LinkedIn before branching out, targeting the right decision-makers, and positioning yourself uniquely in the market. Moreover, Donnie highlights the significance of capturing and maintaining aud...
Jan 09, 2025•50 min
In this FDE+ episode, Richard Rosner, The Staffing Shark, shares his unique approach to staffing and recruitment, underscoring the reciprocal nature of networking and the power of giving without expecting anything in return. We'll explore his innovative marketing strategies, including trend-jacking viral events and the critical role of AI in marketing by 2025. Richard also highlights the importance of authenticity, short-form video content, and effective use of social media platforms, from TikTo...
Jan 02, 2025•45 min
On this episode FDE+ we've got something special for you as we dive an incredible conversation with Diane Prince, Founder of Recruiting Agency 360. From discussing profit calculations and the role of Employer of Record (EOR) in payroll and compliance to emphasizing the importance of recurring revenue and niche market fit, Diane covers it all. She opens up about her journey in the staffing industry, the significance of having a clear vision, and her business strategies that paved the way for her ...
Dec 26, 2024•35 min
In this insightful episode of FDE+, Kortney Harmon is joined by Kim Henderson, Managing Director at Cobalt Compass Solutions, to discuss critical strategies for maximizing client relationships and boosting your recruiting business. Kim emphasizes the importance of truly understanding client challenges before offering solutions, ensuring a tailored and effective approach. We dive into projects on hiring needs, explore opportunities in niche markets and the benefits of blending contract and direct...
Dec 19, 2024•39 min
In this episode of FDE+, we’re diving into an exciting conversation with Benjamin Mena, the seasoned recruitment expert and managing partner at Select Source Solutions, who also hosts the Elite Recruiter podcast. In this episode, we'll explore the critical role of recruiters and the transformative power of AI in the recruitment industry. From leveraging OpenAI's ChatGPT to sophisticated tools like Clay and Ocean IO, Ben shares his insights on how AI advancements are reshaping how recruiters oper...
Dec 12, 2024•38 min
