The Recruitment Leadership Podcast

Rehumanising Business Development: Practical Mindset Shifts with Kate O’Neill, Recruitment Coach

Welcome to the latest episode of the Recruitment Leadership Podcast, hosted by Alison Humphries.

 

In this episode, Alison is joined by Kate O’Neill, Recruitment Coach and Behavioural Profiling Specialist, known for her straight-talking, practical approach to business development in recruitment.

 

Together, they explore what it really takes to make business development work, not just for the short term, but in a way that builds long-term, sustainable client relationships.

 

Kate shares why human connection still matters more than ever in a world of automated outreach and digital tools - and what recruitment leaders can do to help their teams overcome hesitation and build real confidence on the phone.

 

They also dive into the mindset challenges that often get mistaken for skills gaps, and how to shift the behaviours that hold people back from BD success.

 

You’ll learn:

💡 Why “cold calling” is an outdated and unhelpful term — and what to do instead

💡 How your team’s hidden beliefs might be sabotaging their BD performance

💡 Why phone calls, in-person meetings, and follow-ups still matter more than email

💡 The link between strategic preparation and confidence on the phone

💡 What great BD conversations actually sound like — and what’s getting in the way

💡 How to create a BD process that drives consistent results, not one-off wins

 

If you’re a recruitment leader looking to move beyond transactional BD and help your team build confidence, consistency and credibility - this is a must-listen.

 

Connect with Kate O'Neill on LinkedIn.

Want to discuss this topic further with Alison?

💬 Email her at alison@recruitmentleadership.co.uk

From Boiling Frogs to Big Opportunities: Long-Term Trends in Recruitment with Louise Triance, MD of UK Recruiter

Welcome to the latest episode of the Recruitment Leadership Podcast, hosted by Alison Humphries.

 

In this episode, Alison is joined by Louise Triance, Managing Director of UK Recruiter and organiser of the Recruitment Agency Expo. With over three decades in the industry, Louise brings a broad and informed perspective on how recruitment has changed and what recruitment leaders should be paying attention to now.

While short-term data gets all the attention, Alison and Louise zoom out to examine the long-term trends - the “boiling frog” changes slowly, reshaping the industry. From stalled productivity and the rise in micro-agencies to shifting client expectations and the limits of AI, they explore what’s really going on beneath the surface.

Most importantly, they highlight why each of these shifts is an opportunity, if you can spot it and adapt.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

 

💡Why productivity per head has barely shifted in 25 years, and what might be behind it

💡 The risk of sounding the same as everyone else and how to genuinely differentiate your agency

💡 Why face-to-face still matters and what we’re losing by avoiding it

 

💡 The limitations of AI in candidate experience and how to use it without losing the human touch

💡 How to sell more sophisticated services (like SOW and employer brand consultancy) with confidence

💡 The rise of peer collaboration and why it’s a good sign for the industry’s future

If you’re a recruitment business owner or leader looking for a broader perspective on what’s happening in the industry - and how to navigate it - this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

 

Listen now to discover how recruitment is changing and how to stay one step ahead.

 

Connect with Louise Triance on LinkedIn.

Want to discuss this topic further with Alison?

💬 Email her at alison@recruitmentleadership.co.uk.

Leading with Purpose in a Noisy Market: Business Development Lessons with Sarah Knight, Founder of Sarah Knight Consultancy

Welcome to the latest episode of the Recruitment Leadership Podcast, hosted by Alison Humphries.

 

In this episode, Alison is joined by Sarah Knight, leadership and mindset coach, business development expert, and founder of Sarah Knight Consultancy. Sarah is also the host of the podcast “It’s Got Pockets”, which explores the realities of being a woman in business - and the conversations we need to be having more often.

 

With a background in communications, PR, and people development, Sarah shares practical advice on how recruitment professionals can build lasting client relationships in a market where business development has become tougher - and more important - than ever.

 

Together, Alison and Sarah explore how recruiters and business leaders can move away from over-reliance on digital tools and get back to what really drives growth: conversations, clarity, and consistency.

 

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

💡 Why consistency is one of the most undervalued tools in business development

💡 How to approach new business without relying on generic outreach or tired sales techniques

💡 The importance of meaningful communication — and what makes it stand out

💡 How to ensure your team reflects your company’s values in every client interaction

💡 Why business development needs space, structure, and thoughtful reflection

 

Whether you’re a recruitment leader, a business owner, or a consultant looking to sharpen your approach, this episode is full of insight into how to build trust, develop long-term client relationships, and create space for what really works.

Listen now for a thoughtful and timely discussion on business development that works in the real world.

Want to discuss this topic further with Alison?

💬 Email her at alison@recruitmentleadership.co.uk.

Revolutionising Recruitment with Skills-Based Hiring: Insights from Tim Freestone, Founder of Alooba

Welcome to the latest episode of the Recruitment Leadership Podcast, hosted by Alison Humphries.

 

In this episode, Alison is joined by Tim Freestone, Founder of Alooba, an online skills assessment platform transforming the way companies hire. Tim shares how his frustrations as a hiring manager led to the creation of Alooba, highlighting the inefficiencies of traditional CV-based hiring and the need for skills-first recruitment.

 

With AI evolving rapidly and job roles changing at an unprecedented pace, Tim and Alison explore how recruiters can assess candidates more effectively, eliminate bias, and future-proof their hiring strategies.

 

Key takeaways from this episode:

💡 The problem with resumes - Why CVs are an unreliable predictor of candidate ability and how skills assessments offer a more accurate alternative.

 

💡 Hiring for potential - How recruiters can assess aptitude, adaptability, and learning agility to identify future-ready candidates.

 

💡 The role of AI in recruitment - Why recruiters should embrace AI selectively while maintaining human-led decision-making.

 

💡 Automation vs. personalisation - How to balance efficiency and engagement to avoid losing top talent to impersonal hiring processes.

 

💡 The future of recruitment tech - What small and micro recruitment businesses should consider before investing in new AI-driven tools.

 

Whether you're a recruitment leader, hiring manager, or business owner looking to make data-driven hiring decisions, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you stay ahead in an evolving talent market.

 

Tune in to discover how to move beyond outdated hiring practices and build a more effective recruitment strategy.

 

Connect with Tim Freestone on LinkedIn.

Want to discuss this topic further with Alison?

💬 Email her at alison@recruitmentleadership.co.uk.

Building a Standout Personal Brand: LinkedIn Strategies for Recruiters with Jem Bevan, Founder of SocialJems

Welcome to the latest episode of the Recruitment Leadership Podcast, hosted by Alison Humphries.

 

In this episode, Alison is joined by Jem Bevan, Founder of SocialJems, a LinkedIn marketing specialist who helps recruiters and businesses harness the power of social media to attract clients and candidates.

 

From a career in sales to becoming a LinkedIn strategist for recruiters, Jem has mastered the art of authentic engagement, personal branding, and content that converts. She shares practical strategies to help anyone create impactful content, foster meaningful engagement, and navigate LinkedIn’s latest algorithm updates.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

💡 The power of personality: Why authenticity is key to standing out on LinkedIn and how to bring more of you into your content.

💡 Common LinkedIn mistakes: How recruiters get it wrong with overly corporate content - and what to do instead.

💡 Content that converts: The importance of brand guidelines, content pillars, and a strategic posting schedule.

💡 LinkedIn’s latest updates: How new features can boost visibility.

💡 Engagement over broadcasting: Why content is only half the battle - meaningful interactions are the real game-changer.

Whether you're a recruitment leader, consultant, or business owner looking to elevate your LinkedIn presence, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you leverage the platform effectively.

Tune in now to discover how to turn your LinkedIn activity into real business results!

Connect with Jem on LinkedIn.

Interested in discussing this topic further with Alison?

💬 Email her at alison@recruitmentleadership.co.uk

How to Become a Bit Famous as a Recruiter with Penny Haslam, Founder and MD of Bit Famous Ltd

Welcome to the latest episode of the Recruitment Leadership Podcast, hosted by Alison Humphries.

In this episode, Alison is joined by Penny Haslam, Founder and Managing Director of Bit Famous Ltd, a former business journalist and TV presenter turned visibility coach. From a temporary role at the BBC, which proved to be the launchpad for her career, Penny became a trusted communication and confidence coach for professionals, including those in the recruitment industry.

Together, Alison and Penny delve into the importance of clear, confident communication in recruitment and beyond, offering practical strategies to help professionals stand out in their fields.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

💡 From Broadcasting to Coaching: Penny shares her journey and how she helps professionals boost visibility and communication skills.

💡 The Power of Relationships: Discover Penny’s strategies for meaningful networking through coffee meetings, mastermind groups, and consistent engagement.

💡 Visibility and Credibility: Learn how to secure speaking opportunities, leverage event photos, and deliver a clear, specialised message.

💡 Communication Mastery: Tips to captivate audiences, avoid common pitfalls, and balance professionalism with humour.

💡 Public Speaking Essentials: Actionable advice on crafting engaging, authentic presentations with tools like mind maps and audience interaction.

Whether you're a recruitment professional, business leader, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you build your personal brand, communicate with confidence, and stand out in your industry.

Connect with Penny on LinkedIn.

Interested in discussing this topic further with Alison?

💬 Email her at alison@recruitmentleadership.co.uk

Empowering Female Solopreneurs in Recruitment: Insights from Helen Plumridge, Founder of Hypa Consulting

In this episode of the Recruitment Leadership Podcast, Alison Humphries is joined by Helen Plumridge, founder of Hypa Consulting, who shares her inspiring journey from starting King Recruit in 2015 to successfully selling it to Recruitment Entrepreneur.

During this episode, Helen and Alison explore the challenges faced by female solopreneurs in recruitment, including self-doubt, financial risk, and the balancing act of lifestyle factors. They emphasise the importance of cultivating the right mindset, effective planning, and maintaining accountability on the entrepreneurial journey.

With their wealth of experience, Helen and Alison offer practical advice on how to overcome these obstacles, highlighting the value of regular exercise, consistent planning, and continuous learning. Helen also discusses the power of having an accountability partner and maintaining a growth mindset.

Helen has generously offered free resources to support female entrepreneurs in the recruitment industry, including a PDF with 18 revenue-enhancing hacks to help you grow your business and stay on track. You can download the PDF here: 18 x Revenue-Enhancing Hacks to Simplify Your Business and Give You More Free Time!

If you're a female entrepreneur looking to elevate your recruitment business, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you thrive.

💡 Perfect for female solopreneurs, recruitment professionals, and anyone interested in leadership development and business growth.

Connect with Helen on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/49zuGAr 

As a Co-Founder of Women in Recruitment Leadership, this is a topic that Alison is particularly passionate about.

If you’d like to discuss this topic further with Alison, you can contact her here:

💬 alison@recruitmentleadership.co.uk

Navigating the Complexities of Recruitment Leadership with Mike Horne, Executive Coach & Organisation Development Expert

In this latest episode of the Recruitment Leadership Podcast, Alison Humphries welcomes Mike Horne, a seasoned organisational development expert, to tackle the unique challenges faced by small recruitment business owners. 

 

Packed with actionable insights, this conversation bridges the gap between the high-level struggles of corporate executives and the daily realities of running a recruitment firm.

 

Mike draws on his extensive experience to highlight the key leadership traits every business owner needs: self-belief, confidence, and calmness under pressure. He dives into the nuts and bolts of building a successful recruitment business, from financial management and marketing to navigating generational differences in the workplace.

 

Are you grappling with the diverse priorities of Gen Z, millennials, and Gen X? Alison and Mike explore how these generational divides can impact leadership and share strategies for fostering inclusion while harnessing the strengths of each group.

 

Whether you're scaling your recruitment business, refining your leadership style, or just starting out, this episode is your go-to guide for setting clear goals, maintaining discipline, and leveraging innovation to unlock your team’s full potential.

 

Tune in now to gain practical advice and fresh perspectives that will help you thrive in the ever-changing recruitment industry!

 

💡 Perfect for small business leaders, recruitment professionals, and anyone eager to elevate their leadership game.

 

Be sure to connect with Mike on LinkedIn 

Want to discuss this topic further with Alison? Contact her:

💬 alison@recruitmentleadership.co.uk

Navigating the Changing Tides: What the Employment Rights Bill Means for Recruitment Businesses with Neil Carberry, CEO of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation

In this episode of the Recruitment Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by a special guest who’s perfectly positioned to share his expert insights—Neil Carberry, CEO of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, and a key figure in shaping the upcoming industry changes.

The UK government’s new Employment Rights Bill and the Make Work Pay Plan are two initiatives that could reshape recruitment as we know it! With 28 measures already outlined and more details to emerge through secondary legislation, these changes are set to impact the industry by 2026. Now is the time to start thinking about how your business will adapt.

Tune in as Neil Carberry shares his expert take on these initiatives and the biggest concerns and opportunities surrounding these upcoming regulations. 

You will find out more about: 

 

💻 Importance of understanding the details vs. just the headlines

⚙️ Challenges posed by new requirements like day one statutory sick pay

💡 Balancing the government's mandate with the needs of the recruitment industry

📈 Market trends and the future of recruitment

 

Tune in and stay ahead of these changes! 

Be sure to connect with Neil on LinkedIn 

Want to discuss this topic further with Alison? 

Contact her:

💬 alison@recruitmentleadership.co.uk

Battling The Bot in Recruitment: How to Boost Revenue and Productivity with Alex Farrell, founder of Autometry

Welcome to the newest episode of the Recruitment Leadership Podcast, hosted by Alison Humphries.

Did you know that productivity in the recruitment industry has stayed the same for 20 + years? Even with all the advancements in automation and AI, we’re still not seeing much progress. But why? And how can this change?

In today’s episode of the Recruitment Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Farrell, founder of Autometry. Alex brings her expertise to tackle longstanding issues in the industry. 

 

What you’ll learn:

• Recruiter productivity has stagnated for 25 years, with revenue per head remaining flat at around £100,000 annually
• Alex founded Autometry to address this issue, using AI to boost recruiter productivity and revenue
• Autometry's AI assistant, Ada, automatically matches candidates to jobs and suggests business development opportunities
• A case study showed Autometry helped six customers generate an additional £875,000 in revenue over 12 months by reactivating passive candidates
• Alex advises recruitment firms to focus on business objectives when implementing AI, rather than just the technology itself.
• The first few listeners to reach out to Alex will receive a free diagnostic and enjoy a 30% discount on a pilot programme.
  

Tune in - you won’t want to miss this! 

Be sure to connect with Alex on LinkedIn 

Want to discuss this topic further with Alison? Contact her:

💬 alison@recruitmentleadership.co.uk