Recruiter Startup - Recruitment Podcast - Hosted by Dualta Doherty

In this episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast, host Dualta Doherty speaks with Wendy McDougall, CEO of Firefish, about the evolving world of recruitment technology. They discuss Wendy’s journey from top-billing recruiter to tech entrepreneur, the challenges of building an ATS, and the future of AI in hiring. Wendy shares insights into recruitment market cycles, the importance of customer service in tech, and how automation is reshaping the industry. Tune in for insights on how recruitment tech is evolving.

Justin McGuire has been running MCG Talent for 15 years, expanding across Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Riyadh. In this episode, he breaks down what actually works in recruitment today, why he moved away from the traditional 360 model, and how he built a leaner, more profitable business. He shares the biggest money traps recruitment firms fall into, the challenges of expanding into Saudi Arabia, and why most recruiters have forgotten how to build real client relationships. Tune in for the full conversation!

In this episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast, Anthony Kelly, founder of Deep REC AI, reflects on his first year in business, navigating a challenging market, and expanding into high-value AI recruitment. He shares insights on hiring mistakes, business development, working with VCs, and why he’s keeping operations in the UK instead of opening a U.S. office. Host Dualta Doherty and Anthony also discuss AI’s impact on recruitment, the future of hiring, and how our guest plans to integrate venture capital investment into his business strategy.

Tune in for deeper insights!

Rich Gibbard joins the Recruiter Startup Podcast to break down the state of recruitment, automation, and business development in 2024. He and Dualta discuss how the market is shifting, where the best opportunities lie, and how recruiters can win in a competitive scene. They dive into the Manchester recruitment scene, the rise (and fall) of automation, and how firms can stand out through better marketing, LinkedIn strategy, and community-building.

Watch now and subscribe for more!

Join Dualta and Rich Evans for a casual and insightful chat on the Recruiter Startup Podcast. They discuss recruitment vibes, industry trends, and the contrasts between Leeds and Manchester.

#Podcast #Recruitment #CareerTips

This episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast features Dan Martin, founder of The Ripple Project and a mindset coach with a compelling story of transformation. Dan shares his journey from overcoming personal struggles to empowering recruitment leaders to find purpose, resilience, and balance in their careers.

With his unique perspective and practical approach, Dan offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the highs and lows of work and life. This is an inspiring and thought-provoking episode that highlights the power of mindset and leadership.

Tune in!

In this episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast, host Dualta Doherty chats with Logan Naidu from Kernel Global. Logan shares his 20-year journey in recruitment, exploring private equity transactions and offering advice for founders. Discover the insights and strategies that drove Kernel's growth and success.

Welcome to a new episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast! This time, Ben Browning from Resonant joins us to discuss the major challenges and opportunities recruiters are navigating in 2025. The discussion dives into shifting markets, the rise of tech disruption, and the evolving role of automation in sales. Ben shares his insights on building better systems, sharpening business development strategies, and staying competitive in an increasingly complex landscape.

Drawing on his extensive experience and recent research, he offers practical advice for recruitment leaders and business owners looking to adapt and thrive. 

Tune in!

The Recruiter Startup Podcast kicks off 2025 with a conversation with Michelle Flynn, a recruitment veteran turned coach who host Dualta Doherty compares to the 'Billions' character Wendy Rhoades—and, after hearing her thoughts on the industry, it is easy to understand why. In this episode, Michelle shares her journey from agency recruitment to coaching, offering insights on how leaders can balance work and life, build resilience, achieve peak performance and navigate the ups and downs of leadership in recruitment. Tune in!

In this special episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast, Dualta Doherty catches up with his long-term business partner, Andy Hallett, to reflect on the highs, lows, and viral moments of 2024. From the recruitment industry's toughest challenges to predictions for a global oil and gas boom under Trump, they explore what's next for recruiters navigating a changing market.

Expect candid insights on scaling recruitment businesses, leveraging technology, and staying ahead of the curve, plus a bit of banter about Christmas pints, viral LinkedIn controversies, and the future of work. If you're looking for smart strategies and a healthy dose of realism heading into 2025, this is one to tune into!

In this episode of The Recruiter Startup Podcast, Dualta Doherty sits down with Dan Mills, co-founder of Hiiya, to explore his journey through recruitment and entrepreneurship. Dan shares how his years of experience in scaling teams and building high-performing desks shaped his approach to launching his own business. He talks about the importance of data-driven management, creating relatable content to stand out in a crowded market, and how humour and creativity have become key tools for success. Dan also opens up about the personal challenges he faced, including launching Hiiya while supporting his wife through a cancer diagnosis, and how those moments reinforced his drive to make it work. This episode is a raw and insightful look at leadership, resilience, and doing recruitment differently. A must-watch for anyone navigating the highs and lows of building a business.

In this insightful episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast, Dualta Doherty sits down with recruitment legend Mike Ames to discuss the past, present, and future of the industry. Mike reflects on the golden era of recruitment, the current challenges facing recruiters, and how businesses can adapt to thrive in a tougher market. They explore the transformative role of AI, from automating tasks to reshaping how recruitment works, and share strategies to build long-lasting client relationships. From knowing when to say “no” to opportunities, to adopting new business models like fractional and contract-based services, this episode offers practical advice and thoughtful perspectives on navigating the evolving recruitment landscape. Tune in!

In this episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast, Dualta speaks with Sam Green, co-founder of Few and Far, to explore the realities of building a modern recruitment business. Sam shares his journey from frustration in KPI-driven environments to creating a company centred on community, client partnerships, and innovation. Together, they discuss some of the recruitment industry's most pressing debates: 360 vs. 180 models, the challenges of remote work for company culture, and the transition from contingent to retained recruitment. Discover how Few and Far provides bespoke client solutions like EVP development and candidate packs, redefining success in a competitive market. Packed with insights and hard-earned lessons, this episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about recruitment and business growth.

In this episode, our host Dualta Doherty welcomes Paul McClatchie, founder of Engage People Recruitment for a conversation on what the latest political shifts across the Atlantic might mean for recruiters in Ireland, exploring the challenges—and opportunities—facing the market right now. On the business side, Paul shares his insights on creating a strong brand, leveraging content for growth, and adapting to shifts in candidate expectations.

If you’re interested in the future of recruitment in Ireland, listen in for a clear-eyed look at what’s ahead and the strategies from two industry veterans.

n the latest episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast, Gareth McGlynn, a longtime friend and recruitment colleague, takes over the mic to interview our host, Dualta Doherty. They explore Dualta’s journey from his early days at Robert Walters in Perth to his move to Calgary, discussing how these experiences shaped his approach to business and entrepreneurship. This candid conversation delves into the real-life ups and downs of building a career, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating their own path in the recruitment industry.

n this episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast, host Dualta Doherty interviews Jamie Wilkinson, who discusses building a top-tier talent provider for the Salesforce ecosystem in Europe and the US. Jamie shares his strategies for balancing business pressures with personal well-being, the role of investment and support in a startup’s success, plans for expansion, and his perspective on current market trends.

Tune in for valuable insights into starting a business in a tough market and the importance of understanding the human side of recruitment.

Join Dualta Doherty on the latest Recruiter Startup Podcast episode for a candid conversation with Tom White, co-founder of Five Value. Tom takes us through his journey from telecommunication sales to a successful career in recruitment, and talks about the key traits needed to thrive in the industry, the evolving role of AI, and the challenges of breaking into the US market. He also shares some practical leadership advice, such as the importance of stepping back as a founder to let your team shine and the value of maintaining strong client relationships.

Welcome to the first RecWired Podcast episode of the year with a very special guest, Dualta Doherty - RecWired's Co-Founder and Doherty Group's Managing Director. 

We've brought DD into the show to share not only about the exciting last years he has been through growing his Rec2Rec business and the RecWired Community, but also how moving to Gibraltar was a game changer.


Are you wondering what's the new RecWired+ platform all about? We got a closer look at its development, a comprehensive solution aiming to transform learning and development in the recruitment space. Dualta and the team's approach to solving problems identified in the competitor analysis and their journey to bring on new team members to enhance the project were key highlights.

We also delve into the impact of AI on the recruitment industry, future job market concerns for the next generation, and innovative education methods that prepare children for a digital future. Dualta shared his thoughts on our industry's current state, including the economic downturn's effects, the importance of liquidity and trust within a business, and strategies for recruitment and business growth amid changing markets.

He opened up about the building a learning and development platform, his challenges and insights from running a martial arts dojo recruitment business and the balancing act with family life.

This one is not to be missed, exciting times ahead!

On this episode, I sit down with Matt Chambers, Loxo’s CEO, to discuss the latest product developments and the future of recruitment. Earlier this month, Loxo announced their completely free Recruiting CRM and ATS, and we explore what this means for the industry and the ATSs on the market.

Matt talks about his entrepreneurial journey and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. From acquiring thousands of customers globally, expanding from the US to the European market to navigating the rapidly evolving rech tech landscape, he shares his insights into what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur in today's fast-paced world.
Always great to catch up with Matt, enjoy it!

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU"

On the first episode of 2023, delighted to bring in as a guest Mark Znowski Chairman and Co-Founder @ EngTal & Biotal.

Mark is best known for cofounding and selling Staffgroup. Founded in 2003 it specialised in recruitment for the technology, finance, engineering, and energy sectors. It had offices in eight countries in Europe and the USA with revenues in excess of €70m.

He shares his insights on what it takes to build and scale a successful recruitment business stateside, including the challenges he faced and the best practices he followed along the way.

Great episode for anyone who is looking to expand your operations to the US or a recruiter considering taking on a new career path in America.

Enjoy it!

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU"
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Recruiters Startup Podcast is sponsored by

Loxo - https://www.recwired.com/loxo

Bold Identities - https://www.recwired.com/boldidentities

SourceBreaker - https://www.recwired.com/sourcebreaker

RecWired - https://www.recwired.com/

Doherty Group Advisory - https://www.dohertygroupadvisory.io/

Delighted to welcome back Stuart Mitchell to the podcast, three years after our last interview at Stott and May's office in Los Angeles.

Stuart has been in the industry for over 10 years and has successfully taken the leap and built an exciting career in the US as a Cyber Security Recruiter from the UK.

After working in New York and LA and going through 5 promotions at Stott and May he has now decided to start his own agency.

He chats about his experience in the US market, lessons learned, challenges, and strategies to grow his business and much more.

Enjoy it!

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU"

On this week's episode, Dualta Doherty interviews David Angel from Redgrave. With 30 years of experience in recruitment, David began his career at Robert Walters before spending 20 years at Michael Page, where he became part of the executive search team. With the extensive experience he gained over the years, he elevated his career by joining one of the top search firms in London: Redgrave.

Very interesting chat as he delves into the differences between retained and contingent search, highlighting the importance of a well-defined process and a reputation built on trust to achieve successful outcomes for clients.

This is a unique, fully transparent insight into the workings of one of London's top exec search companies.

Don't miss it out and gain valuable insights into the world of executive search and get a sense of the dynamics, challenges and opportunities in the industry. Enjoy!

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU"

We are delighted to bring back one of our favourite guests to the Recruiter Startup Podcast: Joe Mullings.

The Mullings Group is MedTech’s Global Leader in Talent Acquisition and Branding with offices across the US, Canada, and the UK. Their clients are multi-billion-dollar companies, as well as emerging startup companies that are bringing to market technologies like surgical robotics, telerobotics, artificial intelligence, and deep learning.

Joe predicted that we’d have the best 18 months in the world of staffing & recruitment in the darkest depths of the pandemic. He was right. Now, we are seeing shifts in the market - but how will they affect your journey?

He shared valuable insights and his predictions for 2023.

Enjoy!

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Recruiters Startup Podcast is sponsored by 

Loxo - https://www.recwired.com/loxo 

Bold Identities - https://www.recwired.com/boldidentities 

SourceBreaker - https://www.recwired.com/sourcebreaker 

RecWired - https://www.recwired.com/ 

Doherty Group Advisory - https://www.dohertygroupadvisory.io/

Delighted to bring you this episode with my Co-host Dan Alexander, in which we have the pleasure of having my wife and business partner at RecWired and the Doherty Group, Charlotte Doherty (I finally managed to have her on!), and Dominic McGlynn, Head of Innovation at RecWired, as guests.

We cover the development of RecWired+ from the ground up, delving into the intricacies of building a top notch L&D platform tailored to our industry.

We also talk about the exciting beta phase with world class Recruitment companies, the importance of a united team and strong leadership, and our shared commitment to continuous improvement.

Tune in to learn about the upcoming launch of RecWired+, pricing, and the full range of offerings on the platform!

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU"

Excited to bring you this episode alongside my Co-Host Andy Hallett, as part of our NED interviews series. Today, we have the privilege of being joined by Mathew Perrett, Board Advisor and NED to owner-managed and PE-backed companies in the recruitment sector.

From his beginnings in IT recruitment to establishing Hobson Prior and its successful exit, Mathew delves into the real challenges and milestones of his journey.


We touch on the practicalities of reshaping businesses, the crucial decision-making moments, and what it's like to be a non-executive director in today's landscape.

If you're a recruitment leader seeking tangible insights from a prominent figure in our industry, don't miss out!

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU"

On this episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast, Dualta Doherty and co-host Dan Alexander welcome Nathan Adams, the founder of BDL Recruits, a firm specialising in the EdTech and Learning Technology sectors. Having established his company just over two years ago, Nathan stands as a testament to swift and successful business growth. This conversation delves into the intricacies of evolving a recruitment business, optimising employee performance, and discerning the subtle differences between average and exceptional outcomes. Nathan emphasises the importance of self-awareness in leadership and the crucial role of accountability in cultivating a prosperous enterprise. For those aspiring to elevate their ventures or seeking insights into effective business growth, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge drawn from Nathan and Dan's experiences.

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU"

On this week's episode Dualta Doherty and Co-Host Dan Alexander are joined by Anthony Kelly, Irish Entrepreneur, digital tech recruitment specialist, and the founder of DeepRec.ai. Together, they explore the intricacies of scaling a startup and the shifting sales culture in recruitment, drawing from their experiences.

They also weigh the ongoing debate between remote work and the vibrant energy of an in-office environment. And for those involved in the recruitment world, we give a sneak peek into an upcoming online learning solution. Tune in for a conversation that merges the best of industry know-how with thought leadership.

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU

Delighted to launch this episode with Dan Alexander, who has spent over a decade refining the recruitment game across the globe. Now, he's teamed up with us at RecWired, stepping into the role of Chief Office Growth and becoming the strategic mind behind our upcoming L&D platform.

We offer a sneak peek at what's in store for the coming months at RecWired, and the craft that goes into creating a supportive community for our leaders and founders. We also talk about the market landscape right now and the tools, tactics, and trends that are setting the tone for the next wave of recruitment.

Very excited about the upcoming months! If you're not yet part of our community, hit me up and I'll be happy to discuss how Doherty and RecWired can support your firm to grow and scale!

Exciting times ahead, so tune in!

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU

Welcome to the latest episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast.

Dualta is joined by Martin O'Donnell, founder of Sustainability, recruitment agency based in Sydney, specialising in Tech and Financial Services.

They delve into Martin's background and how he ended up in Australia, exploring his journey from the UK to Sydney more than 20 years ago.

Martin also talks about the challenges and opportunities of recruiting in Australia, the differences between the UK and Australian markets, how UK recruiters have found success Down Under, and gives advice for those looking to make the leap to Australia.

Martin opens up about the recent acquisition of Sustainability and shares his experience of selling the business as well as reflecting on the lessons learnt throughout the process and his excitement for future opportunities within the new business framework.

Whether you're a Recruiter exploring new opportunities or a Founder looking into expanding abroad, this one is not to be missed. Enjoy it!

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU"

Join me on this week's episode as I sit down with Roheel Ahmad, Co-Founder of Forsyth Barnes, a recruitment company that has experienced remarkable growth. They have tripled in size since my last interview with Scott and established offices in London, New York City, and Nottingham with plans for future expansion into the West Coast and Dubai.

We discuss their ambitious mindset and the development of their business without external funding, as well as their competition with larger companies and the importance of staying innovative in a rapidly evolving industry.

Roheel shares his insights on the US market, the rise of AI, the future role of recruiters, and the importance of data-driven decision-making and focusing on what works for the business.

If you're looking to scale your firm, expand to new markets, and implement innovative strategies, this episode is not to be missed!

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more engaging discussions and interviews with industry leaders.

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU"

Welcome to the second part of our podcast with Giles Daubeney, a legend of the recruitment industry with over 40 years of experience. In this episode, Giles Daubeney shares his expertise on how to run a growing business in new markets and motivate employees in times of change. He also reveals how Robert Walters' RPO model started by accident and turned into one of the company's best moves. Listen in as Giles imparts valuable leadership lessons, his thoughts on the future of recruitment, and how technology has changed the industry. As a legend in the industry, Giles' insights are not to be missed!

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU"

On this episode of the Recruiter Startup Podcast, Dualta Doherty interviews Giles Daubeney, former Deputy CEO of Robert Walters, who spent over 34 years at the company. In this first part, Giles shares his journey from his early recruitment career with Accountancy Selection to joining Robert Walters as a consultant in 1987. He talks about what inspired him to join the company and how Robert Walters' vision was to build an international business. He also talks about his experience of opening and running Robert Walters' business in the Netherlands during the early 90s recession. If you want to learn more about the international expansion of one of the world's leading recruitment companies, and the challenges and successes they faced along the way, be sure to listen to part 2. Enjoy it!

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU"

On this week's episode, I sit down with Adam Gordon, former CEO of Candidate.ID®. We dive into the success story behind the recent acquisition of Candidate.ID® by iCIMS and his experience building and scaling rec tech startups and preparing them for sale.

Adam talks about what's next for recruiters, AI and how recruiters can make the most of this new era of automation.

Great episode to get insights from a tech savvy industry expert and learn about the latest trends and developments in the future of recruitment.

Enjoy!

"Apply to join the RecWired platform Beta here: https://bit.ly/3t9RSUU"

On this week's episode, I'm joined by James Campbell, who Doherty Group helped make the move from Ireland to the US a few years ago and has worked for leading US Recruitment Agencies such as Harrington Starr, Michael Page & Mason Alexander.

James is currently based in New York and shared all things working as an Agency Recruiter in the US, from starting out to taking a leadership role, and the challenges and rewards that come with the decision on being an expat in the Big Apple.

New Year is just around the corner and if you're thinking about taking the leap and moving for a recruitment career abroad, this one is for you!

Enjoy it!

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Recruiters Startup Podcast is sponsored by

Loxo - https://www.recwired.com/loxo

Bold Identities - https://www.recwired.com/boldidentities

SourceBreaker - https://www.recwired.com/sourcebreaker

RecWired - https://www.recwired.com/

Doherty Group Advisory - https://www.dohertygroupadvisory.io/

On this episode, I'm joined by Claudia Gasson, founder, and director of Ortus Talent and a member of RecWired.  
With a decade of experience in the world of recruitment and technology sales, working for global and leading recruitment agencies in London, Claudia shared all about her journey when she decided to take the leap and launch Ortus Talent in 2021, a recruitment firm focused on connecting sales and marketing talent to technology businesses across UK, Europe, and North America.

Great chat on how she successfully leads a fully remote team working from different locations around the world, with a 4-day week having built a strong company culture. 

Enjoy it!

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Recruiters Startup Podcast is sponsored by

Loxo - https://www.recwired.com/loxo

Bold Identities - https://www.recwired.com/boldidentities

SourceBreaker - https://www.recwired.com/sourcebreaker

RecWired - https://www.recwired.com/

Doherty Group Advisory - https://www.dohertygroupadvisory.io/

Newcastle is the perfect place for those looking for a mix of big city hustle and a laidback lifestyle. The city is only a 2 hour drive from Sydney and offers one of the best qualities of life in Australia. It is the perfect location to enjoy the coastal beaches and wineries of the Hunter Valley. The cost of living is also hugely attractive - you'll find better houses and at least 30% cheaper than SYD.

Great chat with Clare Ferguson & Simon Rutten Monica Clare's Co-Founder & Business Director about what Newcastle has to offer for you to live your best life in Australia whilst ramping up your Recruitment career.

We covered: the latest career opportunities, salary benchmarks, cost of living, visa & relocation processes and much more!

Enjoy!

UK Recruitment Founders:  Everything you need to know to launch and scale in the US.

Great chat with Amy Davies, Director of Strategic Operations and Growth at PGC Group and RecWired partner, about the US market and how UK recruiters can get a foot in the door of the world's leading staffing industry.

We discussed:
- Fees
- Why the US is a less saturated market
- What are the best cities to launch your business
- How to enter the US market, based in the UK
And much more!

Hope you enjoy it!

UK Recruiters! Find out what it's like to work & live in Japan  with a standard fee between 30 to 35%
Great chat with Alex Zoboli & Matt Nicholls Cornerstone Recruitment Japan K.K's Founders.

We covered:
- Best cities to live in
- Market opportunities
- Differences between the UK & Japanese recruitment industry
- Salary benchmarks
- Lifestyle
And much more!

What do you need to experience something new and work in one of the best recruitment markets?

Whether you are looking for a laidback lifestyle in Miami or want to work in the world's biggest tech hubs like LA, there're many opportunities for UK recruiters to relocate stateside, earn more money and enjoy better working conditions.

Dualta Doherty and Jamie Gardiner, Managing Director at Lumicity (formerly Vivid Resourcing USA) talked about life as an agency recruiter in the US.

-What life as an expat recruiter in the US is
-What are the interview processes and how long does it take to get a job there?
- What are the visa requirements & relocation costs?
- Average salaries
-Recruitment career opportunities in the US
-The best cities to live and work in as an agency recruiter

If you are considering a career abroad, have a listen!

Always wonder what it’d be like to enjoy nice weather all year round, earn more money and have a better work-life balance? If you're a UK or Irish recruiter, you can relate to this scenario.

We invited Shawn Twomey to talk about everything Irish and British recruiters need to know to take the plunge and move Down under.

He's successfully built his recruitment career in Australia and is the Managing Director of Andersen Partnership, a leading recruitment specialist with 6 offices across Australia and New Zealand.

We covered:
- The Australian market
- The recruitment career opportunities
- What are the interview processes?
- How is life as an expat recruiter?
- What are the visa processes?
And much more!

If you're from the UK or Ireland and wondering what all the fuss is about and why you should consider a career move to OZ, we highly recommend you have a listen!

Dualta interviewed Chris Atiyah, CEO and Co-Founder of Engtal, to talk about his journey from the UK to America as a Recruiter, the best tips for getting a job in the US, and why you will not regret it!

They covered:
-What lifestyle you can expect to have in the US
-What are the interview processes and how long does it take to get a job there?
- What are the visa requirements & relocation costs?
- Salary benchmarks
And much more!

If you are considering a career in the US, have a listen!