On this episode of FDE+, Kortney Harmon and Mike Wolford, CEO of LexDuo, explore how AI is redefining what it means to be a recruiter—and why the future belongs to those who build with it, not just use it.
They discuss how recruiters are moving beyond basic prompting into programming and workflow design—creating custom GPTs, connecting APIs, and automating tasks that once drained hours from their day. Mike also explains how imagination has become a recruiter’s new competitive advantage and outlines the ethical and legal considerations that come with building AI-driven systems.
Key Takeaways
• The three levels of AI adoption and how each elevates recruiter performance
• Why creativity, not coding, defines success in the AI-driven era
• How API connections can integrate your ATS, CRM, and communication tools
• The coming divide between corporate TA and staffing—and where opportunity grows
• How to “automate and elevate” recruiting by combining AI precision with human judgment
Discover how forward-thinking recruiters are using AI to amplify—not replace—the human side of hiring.
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What does it take to build a recruitment team that thrives in an AI-driven world? Host Kortney Harmon sits down with Greg Benadiba, CEO of Bilingual Source, to unpack how forward-thinking leaders can integrate AI into their recruiting businesses while strengthening the human skills that truly move the needle.
With over 20 years in the industry, Greg shares hard-won insights on using AI to streamline workflows, empower recruiters, and create consistency—without losing the personal touch that defines great recruitment. He breaks down what to automate first, how to use custom GPT tools for higher productivity, and the leadership mindset required to develop recruiters who stay in the top 5% of performers.
Key Takeaways
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In this FDE+ episode, Kortney Harmon is joined by Benjamin Mena, Managing Partner at Select Source Solutions and host of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, to explore how AI is transforming the recruiting industry.
They discuss how top performers are using AI to automate sourcing, streamline outreach, and clean up CRMs — while doubling down on the human skills that build trust, strengthen relationships, and drive revenue. Benjamin also shares real-world examples of how combining technology with a personal touch is helping recruiters stay competitive and deliver stronger results.
Tune in to learn how to leverage AI without losing what makes recruiters indispensable — and position yourself to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
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Unlock the future of recruiting with this episode of The Full Desk Experience. In this special FDE+, host Kortney Harmon sits down with Matt Strain — seasoned technology leader, AI educator, and founder of The Prompt. Drawing on his experience as Adobe’s former Head of Innovation, Matt brings a fresh perspective on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the recruiting and staffing industry.
In their conversation, Matt explores why curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to experiment are essential traits for executives and recruiters who want to stand out in the age of AI. He shares real-world examples of how AI can streamline everything from sourcing and screening to assessment and selection, while also emphasizing where human judgment and trust remain irreplaceable. Along the way, he introduces a practical framework of mindset, skill set, and tool set that leaders can use to navigate uncertainty, integrate AI confidently, and drive stronger outcomes.
Whether you’re dipping your toes into AI for the first time or looking to refine your strategy, this discussion offers hands-on insights you can put into practice right away. Tune in to discover how to transform AI-driven curiosity into a true competitive advantage.
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Sales is moving faster than ever—so how do leaders keep pace without losing the fundamentals that drive real results? In this Industry Spotlight, host Kortney Harmon sits down with sales leadership expert Shad Tidler to explore how AI is transforming strategy, team dynamics, and decision-making while amplifying—not replacing—the human touch. Drawing on more than a decade of experience with Lushin, Shad shares practical insights and “aha moments” from helping organizations rethink how they lead, train, and grow in an AI-driven world.
Key insights you can’t miss:
Whether you're a recruiting sales leader curious about AI’s impact or a professional ready to amplify your results, this episode offers a clear roadmap for thriving in today’s fast-changing sales landscape. Press play now to hear Shad’s proven insights and discover how to combine human connection with AI-driven tools for long-term success.
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In this episode of The Full Desk Experience’s Industry Spotlight, Chris Hesson joins Kortney Harmon to cut through the AI hype and reveal how recruiters are truly reshaping their day-to-day processes. Chris brings years of experience working with hundreds of recruiting teams, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is streamlining workflows, surfacing new insights, and freeing recruiters to focus on the one thing AI can’t replace: relationships.
Key insights you can’t miss:
Is your team chasing every new AI tool without a clear process? Are you saving time but not reinvesting it in the conversations and relationships that drive revenue?
Press play now to hear Chris’s proven insights and discover how to future-proof your recruiting desk in the AI era.
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Welcome back to another episode of The Full Desk Experience! In this Industry Spotlight, host Kortney Harmon sits down with Lauren Jednat to unravel the true impact of AI sourcing agents on the recruiting world.
With tales from the trenches and insights from daily conversations with recruiting leaders, Lauren and Kortney dive deep into how AI is augmenting—not replacing—the human touch in staffing. From slashing hiring costs and boosting efficiency to shifting recruiter roles from repetitive sourcing to building strategic relationships, you’ll hear how the old ways of recruiting aren’t keeping up and why embracing AI is now essential for staying competitive.
Whether you’re curious about AI’s ROI or worried about falling behind, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples to help you rethink your approach for 2025 and beyond. Don’t miss out on this timely discussion about the future of recruitment technology and the steps you can take right now to modernize your desk.
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Step confidently into the post-AI era with this episode of The Full Desk Experience. Join CEO Aaron Elder and host Kortney Harmon as they uncover how AI is not just changing, but fundamentally reinventing, the rules of recruiting—transforming processes, expectations, and business models in real time.
Key Insights:
Discover why every search firm’s true competitive edge is their proprietary data and the conversations they own—not just access to the latest AI tools.
Learn how AI agents are reshaping sourcing, business development, and operational efficiency, enabling firms to outpace change by deploying narrowly-focused, high-impact agents across the talent lifecycle.
Explore strategies for moving beyond the outdated “KPI hamster wheel” and how leaders should refocus on solving future-forward, strategic client problems.
Hear candid advice on balancing automation with human expertise—and why blindly trusting AI outputs can lead to costly missteps.
Unresolved questions that spark reflection:
As AI becomes ubiquitous, what truly differentiates your firm’s client value proposition?
With rapid AI evolution, are you thinking far enough ahead—beyond today’s inputs to tomorrow’s outcomes?
Ready to future-proof your executive search firm? Tune in now to catch the strategies, pitfalls, and opportunities redefining the industry.
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In this FDE Express episode, we’re having a direct, no-nonsense conversation about where recruiting teams really stand in the “post-AI era.” With AI moving from buzzword to business essential, there’s a growing divide between firms still debating AI and those already reaping huge efficiency gains.
Kortney will break down what the post-AI era actually means for your talent business, reveal some eye-opening stats about AI adoption in recruiting, and help you spot the warning signs if your team is falling behind. I’ll also walk you through a clear roadmap to help your business catch up—fast! If you’re ready to stop debating and start implementing, this episode is the wake-up call you can’t afford to miss. Let’s get started!
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Step into the future of recruiting with this episode. Whether you're a recruiting leader, firm owner, or decision-maker, this episode is for those who are determined to keep their firms thriving in a rapidly changing, AI-driven landscape. Host Kortney Harmon cuts through the noise to reveal why clinging to yesterday’s metrics and technology isn’t just outdated—it could spell extinction for your business.
Key Insights:
- Discover why traditional KPIs (like call and submission counts) no longer drive success, and may actually hinder your firm’s growth.
- Learn how “living platforms” that continuously evolve with AI are separating thriving search firms from those falling behind.
- Recognize the warning signs your operations are stuck on the KPI hamster wheel—and what to do about it before your competitors outpace you.
- Find out the essential steps to transform your metrics and recruiting workflows for the AI era.
- Understand why redefining the recruiter’s role is critical for long-term relevance and client impact.
Can your current tech stack evolve on its own, or is it dragging your firm into irrelevance? Are you measuring what matters—or just what’s easy?
Listen now to uncover the strategies that will keep your executive search firm ahead of the curve. Don’t get left behind—the future isn’t just coming, it’s here.
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Get ready to reimagine the future of strategic recruiting. In this pivotal episode of The Full Desk Experience, Crelate CEO Aaron Elder joins host Kortney Harmon to share cutting-edge strategies for thriving in the rapidly evolving, post-AI era—essential listening for owners, directors, and executive-level leaders.
Key insights you can’t miss:
-The Post-AI Paradigm: Why AI is already as essential as electricity, and what “post-AI” really means for search firms’ competitiveness and client expectations.
-Redefining Value: How winning firms use targeted, specialized AI agents—not hype—to create lasting value and deeper client relationships.
-From Boxed Data to Living Platforms: The shift from static CRM systems to dynamic, evolving platforms that continuously deliver new insights and productivity.
-Human + Machine Synergy: In high-trust fields like executive search, where does AI support human expertise, and when is the “human touch” irreplaceable?
-Operational Transformation: From outbounding to back-office, every business process is up for reinvention.
Do you know if the roles you fill today will even exist in two years? How will your team adapt as AI and automation accelerate client demands—and shift the very nature of work?
Hit play to hear how leading firms are pivoting now—and what you should be asking to stay ahead.
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Ready to take your executive search firm to the next level? In this can't-miss Industry Spotlight episode, host Kortney Harmon sits down with powerhouse Brent Orsuga—founder of Pinnacle Growth Advisors—to unpack the bold strategies and mindsets driving exceptional results in executive search.
Key takeaways for executive search leaders:
- From Recruiter to Trusted Advisor: Brent breaks down the difference between being an "influencer" and a true person of influence, sharing how to create real marketplace value and foster deeper client trust.
- High-Performing Team Dynamics: Learn Brent's approach to metrics, accountability, and building teams that consistently deliver quality over quantity—moving beyond outdated call times to results-driven presentations.
- Bullseye Hiring in 2025: Discover how elite firms are helping clients "upgrade" their talent rosters, and why being a specialist (not a generalist) is critical in today's market.
- The Power of Pipeline Control: Brent reveals why having more top-caliber candidates than you think you need—and detaching from individual outcomes—leads to long-term, sustainable success.
Is your brand positioning you as a partner or just another vendor? Are you relying on AI as a shortcut—or mastering the human elements tech can never replace?
Listen now to get actionable insights and rethink what it takes to win big in executive search!
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Get ready for a powerhouse episode featuring highlights from Joanie Bily’s impactful conversation with Kortney Harmon. Dive into proven strategies and actionable insights designed to help executive search leaders stay ahead in a market defined by rapid change, digital innovation, and evolving client demands.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- A candid look at talent supply and demand trends—what matters most for continued growth and resilience
- How leading firms are leveraging AI and digital platforms to transform candidate and client experiences
- Innovative approaches to upskilling and training teams for long-term success
- The latest on legislative changes impacting search operations and industry advocacy
The discussion also raises provocative questions: Will traditional business development tactics survive in an AI-powered landscape? What pitfalls should firms avoid when scaling for growth amid economic uncertainty?
Unlock fresh perspectives and forward-thinking strategies—hit play and equip your firm for what’s next in executive search.
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In this episode of The Full Desk Experience’s Industry Spotlight, guest Kelli Schutrop, CEO and founder of Thoughtful Resound, joins host Kortney Harmon to deliver game-changing insights. Kelli draws on 15+ years in talent acquisition marketing to reveal high-impact branding and growth strategies for firm differentiation and sustainable growth.
Key insights you can’t miss:
Are you too focused on KPIs that don’t actually drive revenue? How do you balance elevating individual recruiters’ brands without risking client loss if they move on?
Press play now to hear Kelli’s proven branding strategies and prepare your executive search firm to thrive—not just survive—in 2025!
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Tools mentioned in the episode:
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Unlock fresh perspectives on modern executive search operations in this can't-miss episode of The Full Desk Experience. Designed for executive search leaders, owners, and director-level decision makers, this conversation with Vaughn Emery, VP of Revenue Growth at Duffy Group, dives deep into the strategies powering next-level growth in today's recruiting landscape.
Key insights include:
Are you future-proofing your processes, or has your tried-and-true approach hit its ceiling? How much will AI truly change the game for executive search, and where is the human element irreplaceable?
Press play now to hear first-hand strategies and practical wisdom you can use to elevate your search firm’s success.
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Tools mentioned in this episode:
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Looking to break through to your next revenue milestone or sharpen your firm’s competitive edge? This episode is a must-listen for executive search leaders, owners, and directors ready to thrive—not just survive—in 2025.
Key takeaways:
Questions to ponder: Can AI ever fully replicate the intuition of a seasoned recruiter? What risks (or rewards) come from walking away from legacy clients or underperforming business models?
Tune in for actionable strategies, candid war stories, and fresh perspectives to help your firm stand out—and scale up. Listen now!
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About the Panelists:
Todd Dawson began his professional career in law enforcement for 7 years and then nearly 7 years in insurance investigation prior to becoming a recruiting in 1985. Todd ran a successful insurance desk for 20 years and purchased the MRI franchise in 2002 from the office founder. During Todd's career with MRI, he was recognized as an MRI Regional winner 7 times, MRI National Account Executive of the Decade for the 90's, MRI CSAM of the Year in 1998 and MRI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Todd's office was recognized as a Top 10 Office of the Year at MRI each of the office's last 2 years as an MRI franchise office. Todd is currently the Legal Practice Leader for WBP.
Jen Meyer brings over 28 years of expertise in the search and recruitment industry. Before becoming a part of Govig & Associates, she served as the president and co-founder of North Coast ExecuSearch, Inc. for more than 13 years. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with a diverse array of organizations across various industries and scales, with notable focus on VP/C-Suite roles for firms under private equity ownership. Her impact has even propelled certain entities to double in size and achieve a revenue of over $1 billion. Recognized for her unwavering dedication and philanthropic endeavors, Jennifer is particularly esteemed for her role in mentoring top talents, nurturing their growth, and cultivating long-lasting business relationships that yield mutual benefits. Her resolute commitment to her profession and the industry ensures exceptional outcomes for all involved.
Brian Kirlik is a forward-thinking talent strategist who believes the entire hiring system is fundamentally broken—on both the candidate and employer sides. Throughout his career, Brian has observed that while candidates lament the lengthy and frustrating application process, companies simultaneously complain of a weak talent pipeline. He sees this disconnect as both sides talking past each other, perpetuating the very problems they hope to solve. Determined to break the cycle, Brian is reshaping the way organizations and individuals approach hiring. He’s a strong advocate for the transformative power of AI, believing it holds the key to connecting talent with opportunity on demand and in real time. But for Brian, the real solution lies at the intersection of innovation and empathy: boldly implementing AI while keeping the human element firmly in the driver’s seat. He is committed to finding that balance, confident that with the right approach, both companies and candidates will benefit—and the future of work will be brighter for all.
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Tools mentioned in this episode:
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Unlock the future of executive search operations with this episode of The Full Desk Experience. Dive into actionable strategies and decision points that will help you harness AI to drive your firm’s growth and competitive advantage.
Key highlights:
Is now the time to standardize your firm’s AI knowledge, or nurture entrepreneurial recruiters? Will specialized AI tools survive the coming market shakeout?
Tune in to get clarity—and learn how to put these strategies to work in your own practice.
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Tools mentioned in this episode:
AI Tools & Large Language Models
Recruiting/Industry Tools
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Learn more about Moore Essentials here: https://mooreessentials.com/
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Unlock the secrets to scaling success in executive search with industry leader Mike Gionta, Founder of The RecruiterU. In this insightful conversation with Kortney Harmon, Mike shares his journey from the early challenges of owning a recruiting firm to building a thriving, self-sustaining business.
Whether you're a solo executive search professional or leading a growing team, this episode delivers actionable strategies designed to elevate your practice. Gain a deeper understanding of how to manage the emotional ups and downs of recruiting, implement KPIs and metrics that drive growth, and keep your team motivated—without falling into the trap of micromanagement.
Mike reveals the proven blueprint that allowed him to step back from daily operations while productivity continued to rise. Packed with practical advice and real-world wisdom, this is your go-to guide for transforming your recruiting business from the inside out.
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Follow Mike on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | Mike Gionta
Learn more about the Exclusive Recruiting Production Summit here
Check out The RecruiterU here
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This episode dives into the real challenges recruitment professionals face—like perfectionism—and why consistency and authenticity are key when it comes to content creation. Dandan shares her journey from young recruiter to founder of DG Recruit, offering powerful insights into using social media and content to elevate your executive search practice.
Discover proven strategies for building a strong personal brand, creating impactful content, and navigating the modern recruitment landscape. Whether you're scaling your search firm or aiming to hit new revenue goals, you'll walk away with actionable takeaways and fresh inspiration.
Tune in and learn from industry leaders as they share the tools and tactics redefining success in executive search.
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To learn more about agency recruitment check out: https://www.agencyrecruitmentacademy.com/
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Welcome to another insightful episode of The Full Desk Experience, where we dive deep into the talent industry with top leaders shaping the field. Kortney Harmon is joined by Jeff Kaye, a powerhouse in executive search with leadership roles at Kaye/Bassman, Next Level Exchange, and Sanford Rose Associates.
This conversation unpacks the challenges and opportunities in recruiting, from technological advancements to niche specialization and strategies for profitable, sustainable growth. Whether you're a seasoned recruiter or new to the field, you'll gain valuable insights to refine your approach and elevate your success.
Tune in as we explore the evolving world of executive search and what it takes to thrive!
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Follow Jeff on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | Jeff Kaye
Check out the Next Level Exchange Website here
For Starfish Partners Website here
For Stanford Rose Associates click here
For Dimensional Search click here
For Recruiter University click here
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