Digital Recruiter Podcast

Episode Summary Mike Malinowsky didn’t stumble into recruiting. He chose it as a life decision. After spending more than a decade in the U.S. Army working in communications and IT, Mike and his wife made a pivotal call when their kids reached middle school: stability mattered more than constant relocation. That decision led him into Army recruiting, a move that not only kept him home for dinner, but uncovered a career he genuinely loves. What followed was a crash course in true headhunting. Military recruiting forced Mike to source creatively, build trust with young candidates and their families, and operate without relying on inbound applicants. That experience shaped his belief that the best agency recruiters are hunters first. In this episode, Mike and Clark break down the difference between the art and science of recruiting, why so many recruiters rely too heavily on tools, and how scrappiness separates top producers from everyone else. The conversation then shifts into what Mike calls a “humanity audit.” As AI tools flood the industry, he challenges recruiters and hiring teams to examine where automation is quietly stripping away potential. From auto-rejection filters to over-polished AI messaging, Mike argues that technology should be a multiplier, not a replacement. His core message is simple: if you want higher response rates, better negotiations, and long-term trust, keep it human. For recruiters navigating AI overload, market shifts, and candidate fatigue, this episode is a grounded reminder that relationships still win. Mike's Bio Mike Malinowsky is the Director of Recruiting at Lean Synergy Solutions and a former U.S. Army recruiting leader. After serving more than a decade in communications and IT, Mike transitioned into Army recruiting to prioritize family life, quickly rising to lead recruiting stations and mentor teams of recruiters. Following his military retirement, Mike moved into agency and government subcontract recruiting, where he continues to focus on high impact placements across manufacturing and specialized industries. Known on LinkedIn as “The Genuine Recruiter,” Mike is passionate about blending AI driven efficiency with authentic human connection. Connect with Mike on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemalinowsky/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*Episode Summary* Danny Rosenthal didn’t plan on becoming a recruiter. His career started on stage as a full-time musician, writing songs, touring, and even landing music on TV and in film. But after parting ways with his band, Danny pivoted into an entirely different world: childcare. What began as becoming a nanny turned into launching his own nanny agency and eventually stepping fully into recruiting. In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, host Clark Wilcox sits down with Danny, now Director of Community Partnerships at EngineHire, to unpack that unconventional journey and what it taught him about business, niching down, and building systems that actually support growth. Danny shares how learning from other agency owners helped him avoid costly mistakes early on, why trust and education are everything in the nanny placement space, and how owning your niche can unlock unexpected opportunities (including a TV show pitch about male nannies). The conversation then shifts into automation and tech. From his vantage point inside EngineHire, Danny sees where agencies stall out. Most aren’t lacking effort. They’re overcomplicating systems or failing to automate the simple things that drive revenue. He breaks down the power of basic status-based follow-ups, abandoned application reminders, and the one automated check-in email that produced some of his highest response rates. For recruiters looking to simplify, systemize, and scale without losing the human element, this episode is packed with practical insight. *Highlights* 00:00 - Welcome & how LinkedIn sparked the conversation 02:00 - Danny’s music career and unexpected pivot 05:00 - What bands, money, and commission splits have in common 07:00 - From nanny to agency owner 11:00 - Recruiting in childcare and educating clients 14:00 - Why owning your niche creates opportunity 20:00 - Transitioning from agency owner to EngineHire 22:00 - The automation mistakes most agencies make 24:00 - The simple follow-up email that gets massive replies 33:00 - Stop overbuilding systems and start building revenue 35:00 - Life advice: transparency and standing behind decisions *Danny’s Bio* Danny Rosenthal is the Director of Community Partnerships at EngineHire, an all-in-one ATS, CRM, payroll, and scheduling platform built primarily for care-based staffing industries including nanny agencies, home care, and medical staffing. Before joining EngineHire, Danny founded and operated his own nanny agency after transitioning from a full-time career in music, where he toured, wrote songs featured in TV and film, and worked alongside artists like Kenny Loggins and Gary Wright. His firsthand experience as both a recruiter and agency owner gives him a practical, operator-level perspective on automation, systems, and building sustainable staffing businesses. Today, Danny works closely with agency owners to help them streamline operations, implement smart automation, and avoid the common pitfalls that stall growth. Connect with Danny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyjosephrosenthal/ or learn more at https://enginehire.io Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY Josh Kirkham didn’t just join an AI company. He helped reshape one around how agency recruiters actually work. In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, host Clark Wilcox sits down with Josh, VP of Revenue at CoRecruit (formerly Quil), to unpack the thinking behind their rebrand and what it signals about where recruiting technology is headed in 2026. Josh shares how the company evolved from a simple note taking tool into a full AI assistant built specifically for third party recruiters. What started as CRM hygiene for sales teams turned into something much bigger once recruiters began pulling the product into their workflows. The conversation breaks down why write ups, job descriptions, scorecards, and follow ups are the real time killers in recruiting, and how CoRecruit focuses on automation without stripping away the human judgment recruiters are paid for. Clark and Josh also zoom out to talk about AI adoption more broadly. They unpack the 10 80 10 framework for using AI effectively, why 100 percent automation is the wrong goal, and how personalization and execution matter more than flashy features. The episode wraps with a look at CoRecruit’s new VoIP and desktop app, plus practical lessons on onboarding, enablement, and building systems that recruiters actually stick with. For agency recruiters who want leverage without losing their voice, this episode offers a grounded, practical roadmap for using AI the right way. JOSH'S BIO Josh Kirkham is the VP of Revenue at CoRecruit, an AI powered recruiting platform built exclusively for agency recruiters. With a background in high growth SaaS companies including HubSpot, Josh has spent his career helping go to market teams scale through better systems, execution, and enablement. At CoRecruit, Josh leads revenue and customer growth while staying closely connected to how recruiters actually operate day to day. He is known for his practical perspective on AI adoption, believing the goal is not replacement but leverage. Outside of work, Josh is a new dad and is focused on building a company his future family can be proud of. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkirkham/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary Milan Levy didn’t just start a company; he’s building a bridge between South Africa’s untapped talent and the world’s most competitive businesses. In this episode, host Clark Wilcox dives deep with Milan, founder of Talent Sam, to explore the rise of South Africa as a nearshore hiring destination. Milan shares how his tech-driven, compliance-first model is helping U.S. and U.K. companies access skilled, hardworking talent in South Africa, without the legal landmines or logistical headaches. The conversation unpacks the unique opportunities and pitfalls of hiring from South Africa, including misclassification risk, payroll tax nuances, and cultural integration. Milan doesn’t just talk theory, he details how Talent Sam supports clients with end-to-end solutions: from candidate sourcing and vetting to employer of record services, equipment setup, and even ongoing team engagement. Later in the episode, Milan opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, starting as a teen DJ and DVD editor, and scaling tech ventures before launching Talent Sam. For recruiters and founders tired of churn and ready to build global teams that actually last, this episode is both a tactical roadmap and a mindset shift. Milan's Bio Milan Levy is a South African tech entrepreneur and founder of TalentSam, a full-service remote hiring platform that helps global companies access and manage top-tier talent from South Africa. With a background in software automation and a passion for solving complex systems problems, Milan has turned TalentSam into a compliance-forward, culture-conscious hiring solution. Known for his lean ops mindset and hands-on approach, Milan’s team processes 50,000+ applications monthly and manages every detail from recruitment to retention. When he’s not scaling companies, Milan’s known for deep tech chops, fast problem solving, and starting his entrepreneurial journey as a teenage DJ. Connect with Milan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/milanlevy/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPISODE SUMMARY In this compelling episode, Clark welcomes Jacob Stripling, founder of Future State Careers and creator of WholeStory.me, for a candid conversation about reinvention, relevance, and recruiting in the age of AI. Starting like many recruiters, accidentally, Jacob cut his teeth at a major staffing firm before launching his own agency just months before the pandemic hit. Fast forward six years, and he’s not only built a niche in accounting and finance but is now pushing the entire industry to rethink how we present candidates. Jacob walks through the "why" behind WholeStory.me, a new platform designed to give job seekers a voice beyond bullet points and buzzwords. He unpacks how AI has created a sea of sameness in resumes, the rising distrust in hiring processes, and what happens when you flip the script, letting people lead with video, story, and human context. This isn't just a new tech tool; it’s a movement toward authentic representation and better hiring matches on both sides. Whether you’re a recruiter, job seeker, or hiring leader, Jacob’s insights challenge the status quo and offer a hopeful path forward: one where substance wins, not surface. From branding lanes to burnout, from tactical content to philosophical takeaways, this episode is packed with practical ideas and real emotion. Don’t miss it. JACOB'S BIO Jacob Stripling is the founder of Future State Careers, a recruiting agency specializing in accounting and finance, and the creator of WholeStory.me—a platform designed to restore humanity to the hiring process. With over a decade in recruiting, Jacob has built his brand on honest conversations, client trust, and a commitment to showcasing the full context behind every candidate. A proud dad, thoughtful entrepreneur, and content creator, he’s not just innovating how we hire—he’s reimagining who gets seen and why. Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-stripling-bb143594/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY Brian Samson didn’t plan on building nearshore tech teams across Latin America, he just followed curiosity and opportunity. Starting in a high-pressure staffing bullpen in Chicago, Brian quickly made a name for himself through hustle, whiteboard metrics, and old-school recruiting grit. But what came next set him apart. After stints in internal talent leadership and multiple founder roles, Brian raised $2M, moved to Argentina, and launched a company to help fintech startups build faster through offshore development. In this episode, Brian shares the entire arc, from being a top-performing account manager with a $90K weekly spread, to becoming a founder of Plug Technologies (with 100+ LATAM engineers), and how his lived experience in Latin America gave him an unbeatable edge. He and Clark explore why US recruiters are missing a massive opportunity by ignoring the nearshore market, and how partnerships, white-labeling, and shifting client conversations can unlock real scale. Whether you’re a solo recruiter or agency leader, this is a playbook in business model innovation, trust-building, and compounding relationships over time. BRIAN'S BIO Brian Samson is the founder of Plug Technologies, a nearshore talent firm connecting top Latin American software developers with US companies. With 100+ engineers deployed and multiple 7-figure businesses under his belt, Brian brings a rare mix of agency hustle, in-house leadership, and founder wisdom. A Chicago native turned Buenos Aires transplant, Brian has built his career around grit, relationships, and being early to big trends. He's passionate about elevating overlooked talent pools and helping US staffing firms grow through white-labeled partnerships. Connect with Brian on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*SUMMARY* In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark Willcox sits down with former professional poker player turned recruiter, Joe Sebok, to talk about his wild career journey. Joe was part of the poker boom in the 2000s, playing on televised World Series of Poker tables, running his own media company, and even building an early social media platform for poker pros. But when the online poker industry collapsed in 2011, he had to reinvent himself—eventually landing in the world of recruiting, where he’s now building a thriving business. Joe shares the lessons he’s learned from poker that apply directly to recruiting and business: reading people, managing risk, and knowing when to go all-in. He talks about the power of reinvention, why so many recruiters fail because they avoid doing the actual work, and how leaning into your strengths can give you a real competitive advantage. He also opens up about navigating public scrutiny, handling high-pressure situations, and overcoming mental blocks that hold people back from success. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career, doubted your next move, or struggled to stand out in a crowded market, this episode is packed with insights on mindset, personal branding, and making strategic bets on yourself. Don’t miss this one! *HIGHLIGHTS* 00:00 - Introduction & Digital Recruiter Newsletter 01:00 - Welcoming Special Guest: Joe Seabock 02:00 - Joe’s Background: From Poker Pro to Recruiter 04:00 - Life After Poker: A Reset in Wine Country 06:00 - Transition to Recruiting & Career Growth 09:00 - The Power of Strategic Advantages 12:00 - Social Media & Content Marketing for Recruiters 15:00 - Joe’s Journey into Professional Poker 18:00 - The Poker Boom & Media Evolution 22:00 - Lessons from Poker Applied to Recruiting 27:00 - Recognizing Industry Trends & Pivoting 32:00 - The Mental Game of Business & Success 38:00 - The Role of Confidence & Commitment 45:00 - Overcoming Setbacks & Navigating Change 50:00 - Social Media Challenges & Haters 55:00 - Recruiting, Market Trends & Career Advice 1:00:00 - Final Thoughts & Takeaways *JOE's BIO* After beginning his career as a professional poker player in 2005, winning several titles and competing in both the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour, Sebok ceased playing full-time in 2009 to make his shift into media and business. He did so effectively, helping spearhead poker’s first televised media reporting program, as well as several of poker’s most popular radio programs across the globe. Sebok joined the recruiting and talent acquisition ranks in 2015 and won awards while at the largest creative recruiting agency in North America before transitioning to work in-house and build several entire teams from scratch. His additional experience in marketing, sales, and operations further strengthens his robust proficiency in understanding clients’ open positions and what is required to staff them both effectively and expeditiously. You can find Joe on LinkedIn at Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark welcomes Paul Champaneria, SaaS veteran, staffing agency founder, and the mind behind CallMantra, a purpose-built calling and texting platform for recruiters. Paul’s story is a masterclass in organic innovation: he didn’t set out to create recruiting tech. He just needed a better way to scale his own internal team. What started with solving hiring inefficiencies in his software companies led to the creation of a high-performing staffing agency. From there, Paul built CallMantra, a system that now helps recruiters increase connection rates by 40%, reduce manual work, and deliver better candidate experiences, faster. Paul unpacks how his team retained talent for over a decade, the tech stack philosophy that makes it possible, and why smaller agencies have a massive opportunity if they lean into automation the right way. He also gives a glimpse into the future, think AI voicebots that sound like you and submit candidate write-ups automatically. Whether you’re a solo recruiter or a 100-person firm, this episode is packed with insight and practical direction. PAUL'S BIO Paul Champaneria is the founder of Expert Hiring, a high-performance staffing agency, and the creator of CallMantra, a communications platform designed exclusively for recruiters. He began his career building software companies in the 1990s, including TeleCenter and Focal Point, before organically stepping into staffing through internal hiring needs. His blend of SaaS experience and recruiter empathy led him to develop tools that solve real-world workflow bottlenecks. Paul is known for running lean, culture-forward teams that retain top talent for over a decade. He attributes that success to trust, autonomy, and arming his people with world-class tools. When he’s not building tech or scaling businesses, Paul recharges with daily meditation and workouts, and stays grounded by avoiding the noise of social media. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulchampaneria/ and check out https://www.callmantra.co/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY In this powerful episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, host Clark Wilcox sits down with Marcus Quigley, founder of Recruitify, to unpack a raw, real, and inspiring journey from burnout to breakthrough. Marcus didn’t plan on becoming a recruiter, he stumbled into it after falling out of love with sales finance. But what started as a pivot became a purpose-driven career that would eventually lead him to launch his own agency focused on legal and professional services. This episode isn’t about startup fluff or highlight reels. Marcus takes us into the messy middle: the six months of struggle after going solo, the desperation that nearly derailed him, and the $20K loan against his 401(k) that bought him breathing room. From there, he got laser-focused, tightening his niche, his vetting process, and his mindset. Along the way, he racked up 24 placements and found something more valuable than revenue: confidence, clarity, and conviction. The conversation also veers into personal territory. Marcus opens up about losing his father, his five-year sobriety, and the lessons those moments etched into how he runs his business. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re cut out for entrepreneurship, or needed proof that authenticity still wins, this episode is for you. MARCUS' BIO I’m the founder of Recruitify, a boutique recruiting firm focused on legal and professional services. I built this business on being real with people, honest, direct, and straightforward. I don’t sugarcoat things or hide behind buzzwords. My job is to do the right thing for both my clients and my candidates, even when it’s not the easy thing. That’s how you build long-term trust and real results. Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-quigley-a7146ba1/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY Ashley Woods didn’t just build a successful recruiting desk. She redefined what success looks like. After starting her career at Allegis Group with no prior knowledge of the industry, she quickly rose through the ranks by applying an athletic mindset and a relentless hunger to master her craft. But after hitting big wins including five President’s Club awards, she burned out, left recruiting altogether, and came back on her own terms. In this episode, Ashley shares how she built her $10 million desk at Tema, the systems she used to break the hustle trap, and why she launched Time Rich Recruiter to help others do the same. She and Clark go deep on time audits, the emotional toll of overworking, the role of vulnerability in client relationships, and how to leverage partnerships and automation without losing the human touch. Whether you're scaling or stuck, this is a masterclass on sustainable success. ASHLEY'S BIO Ashley Woods is the founder of Time Rich Recruiter, a coaching platform designed to help recruiters break free from burnout and build systems that scale. A five-time President’s Club winner and top biller at TEEMA, Ashley built a $10M desk while traveling the world. She's trained Muay Thai in Phuket, learned Spanish abroad, and is passionate about helping others build lives they don’t need a vacation from. Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyjcwoods/ or at https://www.timerichrecruiter.com/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark Wilcox sits down with Mike Bradshaw, Vice President of Talent at Pinpoint, a next-gen ATS platform that's redefining hiring for in-house teams. With ERE’s Recruiting Innovation Summit just around the corner, Mike shares a preview of his upcoming talk and dives deep into the urgent challenges recruiters are facing today. As recruiting teams are stretched thinner than ever, juggling a surge in applicants, tighter budgets, and growing expectations, Mike explains how smart workflow automation can actually elevate the recruiter’s role instead of replacing it. From simplifying complex hiring to maintaining candidate empathy at scale, the conversation highlights how Pinpoint's human-centered tech design is helping companies hire faster and fairer. Clark and Mike also unpack what to look for in an ATS, why design and support matter as much as features, and how to evaluate innovation in a crowded HR tech market. It’s a candid, practical discussion on transforming recruiting operations while keeping the human element front and center. MIKE'S BIO Mike Bradshaw is the VP of Talent at Pinpoint, a high-growth HR tech company building software that helps in-house recruiting teams attract, hire, and onboard the right talent. With over 15 years of experience leading People and Talent strategy across early-stage startups, mission-driven organizations, and nationally scaled brands, Mike has built and scaled talent infrastructure from the ground up—guiding teams through high-growth periods and successful exits. Follow Mike on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmikebradshaw/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Make sure to sign up for the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit on November 4th and 5th in San Diego. In person and virtual seats available. Get 10% off your ticket by using code "DigiRec" at checkout: https://lnkd.in/ewQcNVEi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY In this high-impact episode, Clark Wilcox sits down with Jim Durbin, aka the “Indeed Whisperer”, for a wide-ranging conversation on recruitment marketing, process design, and how to think like a TA consultant in an era of automation. Jim has trained over 10,000 recruiters, led campaigns that delivered 500,000 candidates for less than 30 cents each, and worked across high-volume, executive, and everything in between. They dive into a case study from NHHS Management, where Director of Recruiting Mike Dickinson reimagined the application process for skilled nursing roles in some of the toughest markets in the U.S. What happened next? A dramatic drop in cost per applicant, and better candidate experience. But this episode is about more than just tactics. Jim explains why TA leaders need to stop chasing AI and start fixing broken processes. He shows how reframing metrics like source of hire can mean the difference between strategic credibility and being replaced. This one’s a masterclass in thinking differently about scale, quality, and impact in recruiting. Come for the Indeed insights. Stay for the storytelling, salty takes, and timeless truths about how recruiting really works. JIM'S BIO Jim Durbin is a veteran recruiter, trainer, and recruitment marketing consultant best known as “The Indeed Whisperer.” With decades of experience across staffing, RPO, executive search, and corporate TA, Jim is a rare hybrid who understands both front-line sourcing and strategic TA operations. He’s helped optimize recruitment strategies for companies like Marriott, PSG, and dozens of mid-market firms, often reducing costs while increasing candidate quality. A former headhunter turned high-volume hacker, Jim brings a sharp sense of humor, deep insight, and a hat you won’t forget. Find Jim on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdurbin/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Make sure to sign up for the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit on November 4th and 5th in San Diego. In person and virtual seats available. Get 10% off your ticket by using code "DigiRec" at checkout: https://lnkd.in/ewQcNVEi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY Christine Nichlos didn’t set out to build an RPO and HR tech firm that would partner with some of the world’s most complex enterprises, she simply saw a better way to do recruiting. Since launching People Science in 1997, she’s stayed at the forefront of talent acquisition by staying relentlessly curious and customer-focused. In this episode, Christine joins Clark Wilcox to talk about the evolution of recruiting from paper resumes to AI-augmented systems, and what most leaders still get wrong about applicant tracking systems (ATS). They dive deep into how her team developed Hire Gate, a recruiter- and candidate-tracking platform that augments existing ATSs to provide actionable intelligence. Christine explains why TA leaders need better data, not more tools, to make strategic decisions, and how platforms like Hire Gate are helping teams shift from reactive hiring to proactive workforce planning. She also shares why AI alone can’t save you, how her team pilots tools before implementation, and what true recruiter enablement looks like. Christine’s passion is clear: if we don't fix talent acquisition, the economy can’t grow. This episode is a powerful reminder that TA isn’t just back-office HR, it’s mission-critical. Whether you’re an enterprise TA leader, agency recruiter, or HR tech buyer, this conversation will make you rethink your tech stack, your team structure, and your own influence. CHRISTINE'S BIO Christine Nichlos is the Founder and CEO of People Science and Hire Gate, a next-generation RPO and HR tech firm that specializes in solving high-volume, complex hiring challenges. With roots in talent advisory and a sharp focus on execution, Christine’s companies have supported global enterprises like Lucent, Verizon, and others in redesigning how they attract and retain talent. She is a passionate advocate for elevating talent acquisition as a business-critical function, and her firm’s platform Hire Gate helps TA teams plan, track, and optimize recruiter performance beyond what a traditional ATS allows. When she’s not designing systems to fix recruiting, she’s mentoring teams to think strategically and speak the language of business. Connect with Christine on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cnichlos/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Make sure to sign up for the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit on November 4th and 5th in San Diego. In person and virtual seats available. Get 10% off your ticket by using code "DigiRec" at checkout: https://lnkd.in/ewQcNVEi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast’s ERE Summit Series, Clark Wilcox is joined by Larry Hernandez, founder of Recruiter DNA. With over 25 years in the industry, Larry now teaches recruiters how to build their own AI-powered workflows that boost productivity without sacrificing the human side of recruiting. His approach is grounded, tactical, and built for scale, making AI accessible to recruiters at any level. Larry shares how he trains recruiting teams to use ChatGPT and generative AI as collaborative tools instead of replacements. He introduces the concept of “scaling brilliance” capturing the workflows of your top performers and turning them into custom AI copilots anyone can use. From intake meetings to writing job posts in your brand’s tone, Larry offers a refreshing and empowering take on AI’s role in modern hiring. This is a must-listen for anyone overwhelmed by AI and unsure where to start. LARRY'S BIO Larry Hernandez is the founder of Recruiter DNA, a training and AI strategy firm for modern recruiting teams. With a background spanning agency, in-house, RPO, and consulting roles at companies like Zappos, Microsoft, and Twitter, Larry now helps TA leaders and recruiters build practical, no-code AI assistants using the tools they already have. He specializes in demystifying AI and helping teams scale their top performers' knowledge through custom GPT workflows. Connect with Larry on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryhernandezrecruiter/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Make sure to sign up for the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit on November 4th and 5th in San Diego. In person and virtual seats available. Get 10% off your ticket by using code "DigiRec" at checkout: https://lnkd.in/ewQcNVEi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark Wilcox talks with Aaron Wang, co-founder and CEO of Alex.com, one of the most exciting AI platforms in recruiting today. Just weeks after announcing their $20M Series A, Aaron joins the show to break down how Alex is helping companies run autonomous interviews, shorten time to hire by over 80%, and let recruiters focus more on human connection. Aaron shares how Alex.com is transforming talent acquisition at some of the largest accounting firms, Fortune 100s, and staffing agencies in the country. More than a screening tool, Alex acts as an AI recruiting partner, handling phone screens, candidate outreach, and real-time ATS updates while surfacing the best talent. The conversation also dives into the real impact of automation on recruiter roles, what skills will matter most over the next decade, and why personal connection still beats any software feature. AARON'S BIO Aaron Wang is the co-founder and CEO of Alex.com, an AI recruiting platform that automates high-volume screening, outreach, and candidate engagement. Since launching just two years ago, Alex has raised $20 million in venture capital and is being used by some of the most recognized brands in staffing, finance, and hospitality. Aaron is a passionate advocate for combining automation with empathy, helping recruiters do more of the work that actually drives hiring success. Connect with Aaron on Linked in at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronjwang/ and explore Alex at alex.com Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Make sure to sign up for the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit on November 4th and 5th in San Diego. In person and virtual seats available. Get 10% off your ticket by using code "DigiRec" at checkout: https://lnkd.in/ewQcNVEi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark Wilcox talks with Nick Livingston, co-founder and CEO of Honeit, a platform built to modernize and streamline one of the most neglected parts of the recruiting process: the interview. Honeit doesn’t just record calls or generate transcripts, it creates a complete interview intelligence system that helps recruiters run better conversations, submit stronger candidates, and speed up hiring without sacrificing quality. Nick explains the gap Honeit was built to fill between sourcing and the ATS, why AI should be used to elevate, not replace, recruiters, and how automation can empower every recruiter to perform like an executive search pro. The two explore how Honeit helps recruiters turn phone screens into high-value interviews, submit with one click, and share insights that accelerate stakeholder buy-in. This is an inside look at how smart tech is making recruiters better, not obsolete. NICK'S BIO Nick Livingston is the co-founder and CEO of Honeit, a platform built to empower recruiters with interview intelligence and modern communication workflows. With over a decade of experience in recruiting and HR tech, Nick has been a long-time voice in the innovation space, regularly contributing to conversations at SourceCon, ERE, and beyond. He’s passionate about using automation and AI to elevate human interaction, not remove it. Connect with Nick on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicklivingston/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Make sure to sign up for the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit on November 4th and 5th in San Diego. In person and virtual seats available. Get 10% off your ticket by using code "DigiRec" at checkout: https://lnkd.in/ewQcNVEi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast’s ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit Series, host Clark Wilcox sits down with Mike Dickinson, Director of Recruiting at NHS Management. Mike shares the story of transforming hiring at a skilled nursing organization that had been operating with paper applications as recently as 2020. With over 40 long-term care facilities under NHS’s umbrella, the stakes were high—and the changes had to be practical, fast, and scalable. Mike walks through how he took the organization from manual job posts and outdated systems to a modern tech stack using UKG, Chattr, and AI-enhanced workflows. He breaks down what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why change management matters more than the tools themselves. They also discuss why frontline healthcare hiring is one of the hardest challenges in TA today, and how to recruit with heart, clarity, and a long game mindset. Whether you’re in healthcare or not, this is a masterclass in moving from reactive to strategic recruiting inside a complex system. MIKE'S BIO Mike Dickinson is Director of Recruiting at NHS Management, where he leads talent acquisition for over 40 skilled nursing and rehab facilities across Alabama, Florida, and Arkansas. He’s known for guiding NHS through a digital hiring transformation during COVID, introducing ATS, AI tools, and content strategy into an industry segment often slow to modernize. Mike brings a hands-on, honest perspective on healthcare hiring and the real-world lessons of driving change in a high-stakes environment. Connect with Mike on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-dickinson-4b296b1/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Make sure to sign up for the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit on November 4th and 5th in San Diego. In person and virtual seats available. Get 10% off your ticket by using code "DigiRec" at checkout: https://lnkd.in/ewQcNVEi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY In this episode of the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit Series, Clark Wilcox sits down with Kevin Grossman, VP of Candidate Experience Benchmark Research at Survale and the driving force behind the CandE Awards. With over 14 years of research into candidate sentiment, Kevin shares why the current job market is one of the roughest for professionals in decades and what that means for recruiters, hiring managers, and employer brands. They explore why even in a market where companies aren’t hiring aggressively, candidate experience still matters. Kevin explains how poor communication, slow feedback, and ghosting can damage long-term brand loyalty, while thoughtful rejections, feedback for finalists, and timely follow-ups can actually create advocates out of people you don’t hire. The episode also touches on the real impact of AI screening, the importance of interview training, and what companies can do now to reduce candidate resentment. KEVIN'S BIO Kevin Grossman is Vice President of Candidate Experience Benchmark Research at Survale and President of the Talent Board. For over 14 years, he has led the CandE Awards program, working with hundreds of companies to measure and improve every aspect of the candidate journey. Known for his data-backed insights and clear-eyed analysis, Kevin is a trusted voice on what actually moves the needle in talent acquisition. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwgrossman/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Make sure to sign up for the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit on November 4th and 5th in San Diego. In person and virtual seats available. Get 10% off your ticket by using code "DigiRec" at checkout: https://lnkd.in/ewQcNVEi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY In this episode of the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit podcast series, host Clark Wilcox sits down with Jen Jones, Senior Technical Recruiter at Cedar. While new to AI, Jen has quickly transformed her workflow by adopting automation and practical tools. She went from a curious learner to a team trainer in less than a year. Her upcoming session, “AI Fundamentals for Recruiters: Building Confidence, Not Confusion,” is tailored for those who feel overwhelmed by AI but want to use it effectively. Jen shares how one bootcamp sparked her journey into AI, leading her to create a writing assistant that mirrors her tone and helps her draft content faster. She has since trained her team and built a library of tools that make AI practical and approachable. The conversation dives into real recruiter challenges, from fake candidates to optimizing processes with limited resources. Jen shows how AI helps recruiters become more human and strategic, not less. JEN'S BIO Jen Jones is a Senior Technical Recruiter at Cedar and an emerging voice in the AI-for-recruiting space. Since early 2023, she has embraced AI tools to optimize her work, train her team, and share practical workflows that anyone can use. She is also the wife of Josh Jones, the ERE Summit organizer, giving her a unique insider view of the event. Jen is known for her relatable, no-jargon approach to AI and is passionate about helping other recruiters build confidence with technology. Connect with Jen on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/recruitradical/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Make sure to sign up for the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit on November 4th and 5th in San Diego. In person and virtual seats available. Get 10% off your ticket by using code "DigiRec" at checkout: https://lnkd.in/ewQcNVEi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUMMARY Jay Olson didn’t just ride the wave of recruiting trends, he’s been shaping them for decades. From the dot-com boom to today's AI revolution, Jay brings a seasoned, thoughtful perspective as the Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic. In this conversation with host Clark Wilcox, Jay opens up about the real challenges and opportunities AI presents for recruiting leaders and why it’s not about replacing people but enabling them. The episode explores Jay’s role on the upcoming ERE panel “A Practical AI Framework for Smarter Recruiting” and dives into the emotional rollercoaster of hiring. He shares why empathy is still the recruiter’s superpower, how feedback (when done right) builds trust, and why automation must serve, not replace, human connection. If you're navigating modern hiring while trying to keep it real, this one’s for you. JAY'S BIO Jay Olson is the Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies. With a career spanning both agency and corporate recruiting, Jay has witnessed and influenced the evolution of TA from faxed resumes to AI-driven workflows. Known for his emotionally intelligent leadership style, he champions a people-first approach to hiring and organizational culture. Jay will be speaking on the general session panel at ERE San Diego, “A Practical AI Framework for Smarter Recruiting.” Connect with Jay on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Stop wasting money on lead-gen tools that don’t work. Learn how top recruiters are winning on LinkedIn with content, messaging, and automation—without spamming. Get live coaching, ongoing support, and a proven system to drive revenue inside Digital Recruiter Bootcamp. Join now: DigitalRecruiter.io/bootcamp Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter Make sure to sign up for the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit on November 4th and 5th in San Diego. In person and virtual seats available. Get 10% off your ticket by using code "DigiRec" at checkout: https://lnkd.in/ewQcNVEi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices