The Retained Search Show

What happens when the business you've built no longer matches the life you want? Hoxo founder Sean Anderson shares the journey from PE teacher to top-billing recruiter, agency founder, podcast host, and one of the most recognised voices in personal branding for recruiters. Along the way, he reveals the lessons learned from scaling a business, chasing growth, navigating burnout, and ultimately redesigning his company around freedom, profit, and purpose. Sean and Louise discuss: Why the recruitment industry is separating into trusted advisors and commodity suppliers How personal branding creates commercial advantage in an AI-driven market The biggest mistakes founders make when scaling their businesses Why visibility matters more than ever for recruiters and search professionals How AI is changing content creation, marketing, and client engagement The power of niche positioning and becoming known for something specific Why retained search firms are proving more resilient than contingent models Building a business that serves your life, not the other way around The surprising benefits of simplifying your business and your inputs This episode is packed with practical insights for recruitment founders, search professionals, and anyone building a service business in a changing market. If you're wondering how to stay relevant, profitable, and fulfilled over the next decade, this conversation is worth your time. Have a question? You can reach Sean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-anderson-hoxo/ ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

Sam Rathling joined LinkedIn when most recruiters had never heard of it. More than two decades later, she's helped thousands of professionals build authority, create opportunities, and generate business without feeling salesy. In this episode of Retained Search, Sam shares the systems, habits, and mindset shifts recruiters need to stand out in an increasingly noisy market. You'll learn: • Why posting content alone is an unreliable growth strategy • The outbound LinkedIn system that creates consistent opportunities • The profile mistakes that stop recruiters winning clients • How to write DMs that actually get responses • Where recruiters are getting AI wrong on LinkedIn • Why giving away your best ideas creates more business, not less Sam also opens up about her breast cancer journey, navigating treatment as a single mum of three, and how the experience completely reshaped her definition of success. Whether you're looking to generate more leads, build a stronger personal brand, or rethink how you're using LinkedIn, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can put into action immediately. Follow Sam on LinkedIn for more advice: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/samrathling-linkedinexpert Manchester event link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-indispensable-recruiter-registration-1987896122816?aff=blog ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

So excited to have Paul Press back on the podcast for the third time. His previous episodes have been some of our most watched and most shared conversations, so we had to bring him back to unpack even more value with you. What does it really take to build credibility in private equity search? Louise sits down with Paul Press, founder of Press & Associates, to unpack the realities of operating in one of the most demanding and relationship-driven sectors in executive search. Paul shares how he transitioned from oil and gas recruitment into a hyper-specialised private equity niche, helping PE firms build value creation teams that drive portfolio growth and successful exits. He explains why focusing narrowly on one function within one market became a competitive advantage, how long it actually takes to build trust with PE clients, and why most recruiters underestimate the patience and precision required to succeed in the space. The conversation explores the hidden complexity behind PE hiring processes, including six-to-twelve-stage interviews, committee-driven decision making, and the challenge of advocating for unconventional candidates in risk-averse environments. Paul also discusses the “IBM rule” in private equity hiring, why firms often default to familiar logos and pedigrees, and how search partners can help clients think more creatively about operator talent. Louise and Paul dive into the commercial side of retained search in private equity too, covering pricing expectations, what PE firms truly buy when they engage a search partner, and why perceived value matters far more than cost alone. They also examine how longer hold periods, growing competition between PE firms, and the rise of AI are reshaping the demand for operating partners and value creation professionals. Along the way, Paul offers candid advice for recruiters considering the PE market, including who is suited to the sector and who probably is not. He reflects on the mindset shift he experienced moving from contingent recruitment into retained search and why he now sees retained as one of the most valuable and intellectually demanding services in the talent industry. This episode is packed with insights on hyper-specialisation, credibility building, consultative search, operator hiring, AI transformation, and the future of private equity talent strategy. ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

Lucy Robinson started with a laptop, a notebook of contacts, and a belief that recruitment could be done better. Today, LCR International is a global executive search firm placing senior leaders across the fresh produce industry on six continents, with more than 90% of its work retained. In this episode of Retrained Search, Lucy shares the real story behind the transition from contingent recruitment to retained search. From failed starts and difficult lessons to building a structured search business with forecastable revenue, stronger client relationships, and near-perfect fill rates. We discuss: Why she chose one of the most niche markets in recruitment The mistakes she made trying to move into retained search Why most recruiters misunderstand retained delivery Building a global search firm without offices worldwide The difference between contingent recruiters and search consultants Creating a team-based delivery model How community and collaboration accelerated growth Why niching down changed everything If you are trying to move away from contingent recruitment and build a more structured, profitable, retained search business, this episode is packed with insight. ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

What does it actually mean to be a “trusted partner” in recruitment and why are so many getting it wrong? In this episode of Retained Search , Louise and Jordan unpack the shift from transactional recruitment to true partnership. They challenge the idea that volume equals trust and explain why those relationships are breaking under pressure from AI, changing client expectations, and cheaper access to candidates. The conversation dives into the “bow tie” account model and what real integration with clients looks like. Not just filling roles, but connecting across functions, influencing decisions, and becoming part of how a business thinks about talent. They also explore the skill most recruiters avoid: diagnosis. Why asking better questions changes everything. Why most recruiters jump to solutions too quickly. And how slowing down is the move that separates order-takers from advisors. You’ll hear how shifting to retained search is less about selling retainers and more about learning how to think like a consultant. That means understanding problems at a deeper level, shaping solutions, and building relationships that don’t disappear when hiring slows down. If you want to move beyond sending CVs and start influencing hiring decisions, this episode shows what needs to change and why it matters now more than ever. ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

AI is transforming delivery. Client expectations are rising. And the traditional, transaction-based model is being quietly dismantled. In this episode, Adrian Byra shares a sharp, no-nonsense perspective on what’s really happening beneath the surface and what it means for recruitment business owners and search leaders. Adrian breaks down: Why transactional recruitment is rapidly losing value What clients will actually pay for in the future How AI will compress fees and increase output Why agility (not size or brand) will define the winners The 5-part support system behind scaling high-performing recruiters Where most firms are getting AI wrong and wasting time and money The critical choice every recruiter must make: AI or Influence Perhaps most importantly, this conversation challenges a fundamental belief: 👉 That recruitment businesses win through specialization and scale. Instead, Adrian makes the case for a very different future - one built on: Personal brand Influence Standardized excellence And value beyond the hire ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

In this episode, Louise Archer speaks with Somer Hackley , CEO of Distinguished Search and author of Search in Plain Sight, about the real difference between transactional recruiting and true trusted advisory. Somer shares the pivotal story that changed her career: the moment she advised a client not to hire the only finalist left in process, despite months of work and huge pressure to close. That decision became the foundation of deeper trust, long-term partnership, and a completely different way of operating as a search consultant. Together, Louise and Somer unpack the mindset shift from contingent recruitment to retained search, including what changes in client relationships, candidate assessment, negotiation, shortlist strategy, and the confidence required to speak with real authority. They also explore why the best recruiters stop obsessing over “getting the deal over the line” and start focusing on transparency, rigor, expectation-setting, and preventing surprises. This is a rich conversation about voice, values, and what it really takes to become a trusted advisor in executive search. What you’ll hear in this episode: The story that helped Somer find her voice with clients Why trusted advisors sometimes have to say “don’t make the offer” The difference between contingent and retained search mindset How to assess candidates more rigorously and care for them more deeply Why shortlists fail and how to use iteration more effectively How to avoid endless searches by resetting expectations with clients Why clients care less about process than values, judgment, and outcomes What Somer’s book reveals about executive search from the inside You can find more info about her book here: https://www.searchinplainsight.com/ ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

Is this what success is supposed to feel like? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, David Plummer — founder of Triage — shares the lessons he learned after achieving everything he once thought he wanted. By his mid-20s, David had already built and sold a successful recruitment business. The cars, the houses, the financial freedom — he had climbed what he thought was the mountain of success. But standing at the top, he found himself asking a difficult question: “Is this it?” In this episode, David reflects on the difference between chasing success and building a life of meaning. From growing up believing he was poor, to becoming a young millionaire, to rebuilding a business decades later with his son — this conversation explores the deeper truths behind leadership, identity, and purpose. We discuss: • Why tying your identity to your business is dangerous • The difference between building to sell and building something worth selling • Why culture — not strategy — created the value buyers saw in his company • What the 2008 financial crisis taught him about honesty and leadership • Why character matters more than competence when things get hard • And the question every founder should ask themselves: How will other people measure your life? This is one of the most emotional and thought-provoking conversations we’ve had on the podcast. If you’re a founder, recruiter, or leader chasing success — this episode might just change how you define it. ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

What if the process for hiring a data center technician isn’t so different from hiring a CEO? In this episode, we sit down with Blaine Daws, co‑founder of WNTD, to unpack how a specialist firm launched two weeks before lockdown and still went on to build multi‑million retained partnerships at the heart of AI infrastructure. The through‑line is sharp: act like an advisor, not an order taker, and anchor everything to outcomes your clients can measure. Blaine explains why many classical search firms miss the mark - global handoffs, legacy methods, and a reliance on brand over real market depth. He flips the script with SLAs tied to delivery (not meetings) and a discovery process that surfaces the real problem before proposing a solution. We dig into the questions that win trust fast: why the role exists, what’s failed so far, what competitors are paying, and what “good” looks like in a defined timeframe - plus the courage required to qualify out. Saying no to 70% of opportunities isn’t arrogance; it’s what protects outcomes and keeps focus on partners who value accountability. From the first retained win to a full build‑out, Blaine shows how organizational design unlocks scale: mapping the next 12–36 months of hiring, sequencing roles across regions and levels, and aligning diversity goals with the actual talent supply. We also break down the “engine” behind consistent delivery - specialist teams, evolving tools, certifications, and a tech stack that increases precision without diluting the human conversation. In a market where one hiring mistake can cost billions, this is how retained search earns its seat. You’ll leave with concrete takeaways on how to sell and deliver retained beyond the C‑suite, when to introduce SLAs, how to kill the “purple squirrel” with data, and how to turn a single search into a program without sliding into generic RPO. ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

Personal branding gets talked about a lot in recruitment but very few people explain what actually works… and what quietly destroys your credibility. In this episode of The Retained Search Show , we’re joined by David Wolstenholme , founder of BrandMeBetter and one of the earliest voices in personal branding for recruiters. We go deep on: Why personal branding is now a must , not a “nice to have” The biggest mistakes recruiters make on LinkedIn (including engagement pods 👀) Why most recruitment content fails to stand out and what the top 1% do differently How strong personal brands actually support business development and retained search The real relationship between cold calling, branding, and trust Where AI fits (and where it absolutely doesn’t) Why great recruitment hasn’t changed and never will This is an honest, funny, occasionally brutal conversation about visibility, credibility, and how recruiters can stop blending in online and start being trusted before the first call even happens. If you’re serious about retained search, influence, and long-term client relationships, this one’s a must-listen. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandmebetter/ ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

In this episode, Louise sits down with Sean Mallapurkar , Founder & CEO of Recruit CRM - one of the highest-rated ATS/CRM platforms in recruitment - to unpack what actually drives product love in a crowded market. Sean shares why most vendors obsess over features while overlooking the real differentiator: customer success and onboarding . We dig into how Recruit CRM built a sub-1-minute support experience (human response averaging ~40 seconds), how AI is now handling a large portion of support tickets, and why “built post-AI” is often more marketing than reality. We also zoom out into what Sean is seeing across markets (US, UK, Germany), why recruitment is increasingly splitting between automated/offshored delivery vs high-value retained work , and what it really means to move up the value chain. In this episode you’ll learn: Why customer success beats feature warfare in recruitment tech How AI is changing ATS workflows (and what’s hype) What’s happening in US/UK/EU recruitment markets right now Why the “move up the value chain” conversation matters more than ever Practical ideas to reduce admin drag and scale delivery ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

Search interest in retained and executive search has exploded, but most recruiters still don’t really understand the difference. In this episode, we unpack: Why searches for retained and executive search have quadrupled and what’s driving the shift The real difference between retained search and executive search Why calling everything “executive search” can quietly kill opportunities What actually changes in delivery, assessment, and rigour at senior levels How recruiters are moving from contingent → retained → C-suite without burning bridges or blowing up their pipeline Why trying to jump straight to six-figure mandates usually backfires The mindset, behaviours, and client conversations that unlock bigger fees over time This is an honest, experience-led conversation about what it really takes to move up the value chain without pretending to be something you’re not. If you’re a recruiter asking: “How do I win higher-value work?” “How do I break into executive search without faking it?” “Why does retained feel easier once you get it right?” …this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe, share with someone who needs to hear it, and start 2026 with a clearer path to bigger, better search work. ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

In the final episode of 2025, Louise sits down with RecConnect founder Simon Lewis to unpack what’s really coming for the recruitment industry in 2026 and why traditional contingent perm is on a slow, silent death march. Simon shares his unconventional journey from Sunday Times journalist to IT recruiter, to job board owner, to community builder for recruitment leaders. Drawing on conversations with hundreds of agency owners and economists, he explains why this moment is the most radical shift recruitment has seen in decades and why those clinging to “business as usual” are in trouble. They dive into: Why contingent perm is shrinking fast (and what will replace it) How retained, project and subscription models create space for real consultancy Why human connection, not automation, will be your competitive edge in 2026 The power of communities and shared experiences in transforming leaders, not just businesses Old-school tactics that are suddenly working again (think handwritten notes and real-life lunches) The one word Simon says should define your strategy next year: collaboration If you’re a recruiter or recruitment leader wondering how to evolve, protect your margins and actually enjoy the next cycle, this episode is your roadmap. 🎧 Listen now, share it with a recruiter who needs a wake-up call for 2026, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

Fresh off a round-the-world sprint (and a brutal back recovery), Louise Archer and Jordan Taylor tackle the biggest myth in retained search: that taking a fee upfront means you’re guaranteeing a fill. They reframe retained as a governed process that delivers certainty, not luck-especially on those “nightmare” briefs everyone avoids. You’ll hear the surgeon analogy that flips risk on its head, where retained doesn’t make sense, and the exact moves to close stalled projects without becoming a nag. Plus, real wins from the community-first retainers, repeat mandates, and pipelines built on trust, not chance-and a reminder to apply the same discipline to self-care as you do to delivery. You’ll learn: How to sell retained without promising an outcome you can’t control The delivery governance clients actually pay for (and how to show it) When to avoid retainers How to diagnose “do they really need this now?” and close stalled deals Why diligent recruiters who care win most in a retained model The mindset and self-care rituals that keep founders sharp and decisive If this episode hits home, share it with a recruiter who’s still gambling on contingent-and hit follow so you never miss the strategies that actually move the needle. ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

We sit down with Jordan Shlosberg , founder & CEO of Atlas , to unpack how an AI-native, memory-driven CRM is changing the way executive search firms win work and deliver. Jordan shares the journey from building an expert network to architecting Atlas’s “remember-everything” engine, why retrofitting old CRMs with AI won’t cut it, and how features like Magic Search and BD signal tracking turn every conversation into a competitive edge. You’ll learn: Memory as a moat: Why storing everything your firm hears, says, reads, and writes becomes your most defensible advantage and how it powers evidence-rich pitch decks and shortlists. Magic Search in action: Find “a CEO who loves Pearl Jam” and surface context from calls, emails, and chats without leaving your database. Zero-admin BD: Automated tracking of outreach, replies, and next steps with daily “what to focus on” guidance and dynamic heat scoring. Exec search vs. contingent: Building for white-glove depth and speed - present like an exec search firm, even on contingent timelines. Adoption playbook: Practical ways to drive AI usage (yes, incentivise it), and why your team should be in ChatGPT/Claude as a bare minimum. Migration truths: What it really takes to move CRMs, why the pain is overblown, and why waiting gets costlier when competitors go AI-native. Compliance posture: Legitimate interest, consent controls, and one-click deletion - designing flexible workflows for GDPR-sensitive environments. (Not legal advice.) Revenue per head lens: How Atlas prioritises features that measurably increase billing beyond shiny demos. Team & build philosophy: Why a larger engineering org (and ruthless feedback loops: “tell us what you hate”) shapes a better product, faster. About Jordan Shlosberg Founder & CEO of Atlas . Previously built an expert network business from scratch to significant scale; early to applied AI in search and knowledge retrieval; product thinker obsessed with turning conversations into searchable, reusable firm intelligence. If you’re pitching major mandates in the next quarter, this conversation might change how you prep your deck and run your search. Subscribe, share with a fellow search leader, and tell us what you want covered next: team@retainedsearch.com ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

What if the best path to growth is doing more with less ? We sit down with James Ward, founder of Clarity R2R, to unpack how a leadership-focused, values-driven R2R firm can scale in the United States without chasing headcount. From Manchester beginnings to a Miami base, James explains why a less saturated US market - with around 25,000 staffing firms serving 350 million people - creates space for specialist search across technology, life sciences, and financial services. We get candid about hiring mistakes, the cost of premature ops hires, and the moment a management coach forced a hard reset on vision and values. James breaks down his operating spine - outbound searches for billing manager to board level, principals placed by referral, not volume. He shares how he qualifies clients for retained work, when exclusive beats contingent, and how to decide when a full search process is truly needed. Expect practical insights on: Building a lean A-team that outbills larger firms Using deposits to protect focus and forecast revenue What top recruiters want from employers today Why being on the ground still matters in US expansion If you’re exploring retained search or considering a US move, this is your playbook on client selection, capacity management, and building a high-performance culture. ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

Want to know why retained search works in one of the toughest arenas - search-to-search - and how boutique firms are turning that challenge into a competitive moat? We sit down with Candice Bourne, Director at Bourne Consulting to unpack the real mechanics of retained search for recruiter-to-recruiter hires: from patient sourcing of passive originators to brand signals that actually move the needle. Candice traces her pivot from a contingent background to a partnership-first model, showing how trust, process, and precision outperform volume when candidates are high-performing and time-poor. We explore what’s selling in today’s market - and what’s not - after a year that’s pushed delivery roles to the background while keeping demand for true originators front and center. You’ll hear how SME boutiques can compete with global names through sharper storytelling, credible client rosters, and genuine cross-sell support - and how adjacent revenue lines like interim, leadership advisory, and mapping can smooth cycles and deepen client relationships. Then we go tactical: two standout retained wins, from building a financial services practice in the UAE from a cold start to placing a CFO-practice consultant who later launched a New York office. Along the way, we talk sourcing BD talent, engaging passive candidates without breaking trust, and why informal first conversations often outperform formal interviews when the stakes are high. We wrap with a look at where the action is next - the US and Middle East - and the recurring themes shaping the future of search, from AI’s impact on research to the evolving role of the researcher. If you’re a recruiter considering the shift from contingent to retained—or already partway there - you’ll take away practical advice, global insights, and plenty of inspiration from someone who’s done it. Follow the show, share it with a colleague debating retained vs. contingent, and leave a quick review to help more recruiters find us. Got a story or question from the field? Email team@retrainedsearch.com or connect with us on LinkedIn . ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

Louise Archer, Sophie Robertson, David Wolstenholme and Adrian Byra come together to announce their exciting Sydney Masterclass Event taking place on October 23rd at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, designed to help Australian recruiters navigate changing market conditions with innovative strategies. You'll Learn How to win exclusivity and commitment in cautious markets, avoid costly delivery pitfalls, and guarantee fill rates that keep clients coming back. How to uncover hidden temp opportunities, avoid margin-draining mistakes, and create the stability your business needs in uncertain times. How to leverage offshore teams and AI to cut costs, boost productivity, and keep margins healthy when revenue is under pressure. How to stand out with content that addresses clients’ biggest fears, builds authority, and wins trust when budgets are tight. Join us at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel on Thursday, October 23rd for a full-day masterclass that will transform how you approach recruitment in today's changing market. Book now to secure your spot. Spaces are limited: https://recruitment-masterclass.vercel.app/ ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

Pete Watson, founder of Mint R2R and Recruitment United, offers a refreshingly honest look at the realities of Australian recruitment today. With over 21 years building Australia’s longest-serving Rec to Rec business, Pete brings a unique perspective on how the industry is evolving and why community might be the secret ingredient most recruiters are missing. Pete's journey from running pubs in Manchester to becoming a recruitment entrepreneur began with a simple phone call from a friend boasting about an £11,000 monthly bonus. That call sparked a career spanning two decades and continents, culminating in multiple successful ventures designed to bring recruiters together. His most passionate project, Recruitment United, was born from a personal realization while on the treadmill - that the isolation of running a small recruitment agency was taking a toll. "My life was somewhat isolated, dare I say, lonely," Pete admits, describing the moment he decided to create something that would connect independent recruiters across Australia. In this episode, Pete shares: Why the Australian recruitment market remains resilient-though uneven-across verticals How community and collaboration can transform an industry built on competition The untapped opportunity of retained search, including the story of one regional recruiter who trebled his revenue by converting contingent jobs to retained searches Why AI should be seen as an opportunity, not a threat, for relationship-driven recruiters His advice for navigating market slowdowns: “Now is the time you raise your game. Now is the time you be way more visible.” Whether you’re thinking about starting your own agency, shifting towards retained search, or simply craving connection in an often-isolated profession, Pete’s insights provide both inspiration and practical guidance. His message is clear: the future of recruitment isn’t about fighting competition, it’s about putting an arm around each other. If you're interested in joining Recruitment United or learning more about Pete's ventures, connect with him on LinkedIn or call him directly at 0432 666 701. Find out more about our upcoming Recruitment Masterclass in Sydney: https://recruitment-masterclass.vercel.app/ ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/

The recruitment landscape is shifting fast and AI is handing boutique search firms the edge to compete with industry giants. In this conversation, we unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming workflows, enhancing capabilities, and reshaping competitive dynamics in executive search without losing the human touch. Jord shares how he went from using ChatGPT as “Google on steroids” to fully integrating AI into his day-to-day, like building a laser-targeted prospect list in minutes that once took days. Sarah shows how AI-driven analysis surfaced patterns in their marketing data that would’ve taken a full day to find manually. We also contrast adoption styles across the industry. While some larger firms cite concerns (GDPR, candidate experience) and move cautiously, smaller boutiques are embracing AI, winning work by pairing human judgment with AI-assisted speed and polish. The takeaway: AI won’t replace your expertise; it amplifies it, freeing you to focus on high-value conversations and relationships. What you’ll learn: Using AI for research & prospecting to turn hours into minutes Creating custom GPTs that understand your niche, process, and brand voice Analyzing business data with AI to uncover patterns humans might miss Producing client-ready deliverables that rival larger firms’ output Recording yourself and using AI to keep your authentic voice in content Training AI like a new hire: invest upfront to get better downstream results Running strategic reviews with AI to spot growth opportunities Applying AI personally first to build comfort and momentum Join us: Want to supercharge BD with AI? Thursday, September 18 at 1:00 PM UK - our webinar covers actionable plays to leverage AI in your search firm while keeping the humanity front and center. Bring your own AI wins and questions, we’d love to hear how you’re using these tools. Join with a click here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7371891640543748097/ ___ Want to know more about our retained search training? Talk to us: https://retrainedsearch.com/book-a-demo/ Check out our reviews: https://retrainedsearch.com/reviews/ Join our upcoming masterclasses: https://retrainedsearch.com/webinars/ ___ LinkedIn Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/ Follow Retrained Search: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrained-search/