The Counter Offer

Hosted by Susanna Gray-Jones

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Oct 2025

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The Business focused podcast to help you achieve clarity, improve your mindset and succeed in ways that you didn't even know possible. Susanna Gray-Jones is a Cambridge-educated recruitment strategist and owner of Chime Search - a Rec2Rec executive search firm. She believes that it is simply not worth being a mediocre recruiter. She is on a mission to improve the likelihood of success in the career of a recruiter to ensure that they have all the tools to be A-grade, first-class recruiters.

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October 3, 2025Episode 1014 min

From First Impression to Final Offer: How to Ace Any Interview

“People hire people, not CVs.”In this solo episode, I’m sharing my ultimate guide to preparing for a job interview: from research hacks and mindset shifts to subtle ways to stand out. I’ll walk you through how I connect with interviewers before we even meet, how I prep authentic stories that impress, and the common mistakes I see candidates make that cost them the job.Whether you’re stepping back into the job market or gearing up for your dream role, these practical tips will give you the confidence and clarity to shine when it matters most.Must-Hear Insights and Key MomentsWhy Dubai Wasn’t Home – I open up about leaving a glamorous life in Dubai for a more grounded life in the UK and what that transition taught me.Research Beyond the Homepage – I share why digging deeper into a company’s culture and financials gives you an edge.The Art of Connection – I explain how I reach out to interviewers beforehand to make an authentic connection.Mastering the STAR Method – I break down how I use the STAR method to tell stories that show measurable results.Confidence Hacks – From visualization to personal mantras, I reveal how I calm my nerves before the big interview.Questions That Impress – I talk about the smart questions I always recommend asking to show you’re evaluating the company as much as they are evaluating you.Closing the Interview Strong – I share my go-to way to ask for feedback in the moment and turn objections into selling points.Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode“People hire people, not CVs.” – Susanna Gray“You spend more time with your colleagues than with your family—choose wisely.” – Susanna Gray“Always connect with your interviewer beforehand. A simple message sets you apart immediately.” – Susanna Gray“Don’t just say you’re great at something—show them with a story.” – Susanna Gray“Visualization is a game changer; manifest the energy you want to bring into the room.” – Susanna Gray“You can never be overdressed for an interview. Showing up well is showing respect for yourself.” – Susanna Gray“Be curious, not desperate. That’s the mindset that wins interviews.” – Susanna Gray“End every interview by asking, ‘What reservations do you have about me?’—and then address them on the spot.” – Susanna Gray“Know your numbers. If they don’t add up, your credibility is gone.” – Susanna Gray“Honesty and preparation are your greatest assets in any interview.” – Susanna GrayFollow The Counter Offer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Susanna's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠

September 5, 2025Episode 931 min

The Discipline Debate: Are Standards Lost on Today’s Workforce?

What does respect really mean in today’s workplace?In this episode of The Counter Offer, Susanna Gray and Tiarna McCormack dive deep into everything from Tiarna’s transformative two months in Bali to Susanna’s viral LinkedIn post that sparked a fierce debate about flexibility, standards, and respect between managers and employees. They tackle the clash of generations in recruitment, how hybrid work is reshaping culture, why discipline and self-respect still matter, and even how dating feels eerily similar to modern hiring.Equal parts personal, professional, and provocative, this conversation strips back the layers on what recruiters, leaders, and individuals need to thrive in 2025.Must-Hear Insights and Key MomentsBali Reset – Tiarna shares how her time in Bali helped her find calm, clarity, and new ways to approach work-life balance.Sound Healing & Stillness – Exploring how intentional rest and alternative wellness practices can reset the mind for performance.The Viral LinkedIn Post – Susanna recounts how one simple post about workplace respect ignited over 300,000 impressions and a storm of opinions.Respect vs Flexibility – Susanna and Tiarna debate whether employees should ask for flexibility or tell their managers, exposing generational divides.Discipline, Standards & Self-Respect – A fiery exchange on why showing up, dressing well, and being punctual still matter.Hybrid Work & New Generations – How Gen Z’s expectations and AI-driven change are forcing companies to rethink culture.Dating & Recruitment Parallels – Tiarna compares the swipe culture of dating apps with transactional recruitment, and why deeper connections matter.The Solopreneur Life – Both hosts reflect on the challenges and freedoms of running your own business, balancing independence with discipline.Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode“If you create an environment of trust and autonomy, people often deliver their best work.” – Tiarna McCormack“I hate being late. To me, it’s disrespectful—it’s not just about time, it’s about respect.” – Tiarna McCormack“Hybrid working isn’t going away. The smartest organizations are adapting, not resisting.” – Tiarna McCormack“Dating feels just like recruitment—everything’s so transactional when what people need is connection.” – Tiarna McCormack“If you don’t have discipline and standards, what do you really have?” – Susanna Gray“Your goal isn’t too big—your strategy is too vague.” – Susanna Gray“I love when people challenge my opinion. That’s the only way we grow as humans.” – Susanna Gray“Sometimes being vulnerable and cringe online is exactly what builds your personal brand.” – Susanna Gray“The younger generation needs to learn discomfort—every great career starts with the hard, unglamorous jobs.” – Susanna GrayFollow The Counter Offer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Susanna's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiarna's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠

August 22, 2025Episode 839 min

Why Success Isn’t Safe: Lucas on the Power of Taking the Leap

What if the thing you’re afraid to do is exactly what you were meant for?In this soul-stirring episode of The Counter Offer, host Tiarna McCormack sits down with longtime friend and global adventurer Lucas Chesterton. From Melbourne’s property scene to running a multi-country travel business, Lucas shares the true story behind Indy Escapes—how he risked it all, lost nearly everything, and still rebuilt a business rooted in purpose, connection, and exploration.They discuss travel as transformation, the brutal reality of entrepreneurship, and why failure isn’t the opposite of success… it’s part of the journey.Must-Hear Insights and Key MomentsThe Risk That Changed Everything - Lucas opens up about walking away from a stable property career to launch his travel startup and why fear was his compass.Losing Everything During COVID - With all trips cancelled, Lucas refunded clients out of pocket—plunging himself into debt. His radical decision reveals the ethics behind Indy Escapes.The Five-Year Plan That Saved His Business - Lucas shares the pivotal advice that helped him rebuild post-pandemic with a clear and consistent roadmap.Why Values Drive Growth - From contribution to connection, Lucas explains how aligning personal values with business decisions shaped Indy Escapes’ identity.Building a Business Without a Business Degree - Tiarna unpacks how Lucas scaled a global brand without formal training—just curiosity, consistency, and community.Hiring His First Full-Time Team Member - Lucas reflects on leadership, loyalty, and what it takes to scale without compromising authenticity.Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode“I wanted more than just a 9-to-5 and a nice car. I wanted meaning.” – Lucas Chesterton“Discomfort is often the invitation to do something brave.” – Tiarna McCormack“Not everything that grows is meant to scale.” – Lucas Chesterton“Travel is the tool. Community is the point.” – Lucas Chesterton“It’s not about how many countries you’ve been to—it’s about how you felt in each one.” – Lucas Chesterton“The freedom wasn’t just quitting the job. It was choosing what I cared about.” – Lucas Chesterton“You can fail and still be proud of what you’re building.” – Tiarna McCormack“Group travel can be transformative when the right people are in the room.” – Lucas Chesterton“We’re not here to impress. We’re here to connect.” – Lucas Chesterton“Purpose doesn’t show up fully formed. You create it by taking one step.” – Tiarna McCormackAbout LucasLucas Chesterton, founder of Indy Escapes, turned the challenges of solo travel into a thriving community for adventurers tired of waiting on others. After visiting 130+ countries, he created a way for like-minded travelers to connect, explore, and experience the world together without sacrificing spontaneity or meaning.Connect with Lucas Chesterton:InstagramWebsiteFollow The Counter Offer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Susanna's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiarna's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠

August 4, 202525 min

The WIN Formula for Confidence, Clarity, and Career Growth – Replay

What if the only thing standing between you and your next big goal… is you?In this episode of The Counter Offer, Susanna Gray is joined by entrepreneur, coach, and branding expert Allison Walsh for a power-packed conversation on what really makes goals stick, why most people give up too soon, and how to build a personal brand that evolves with you.From practical frameworks to real-life examples, this episode is your wake-up call to stop playing small, face your excuses, and commit to the future version of you.Must-Hear Insights and Key MomentsThe WIN Formula – Allison shares her three-step WIN framework (Why, Intention, No Excuses) that helps break big goals into manageable steps and eliminate self-sabotage.Why Most People Quit in February – Susanna and Allison dive into the psychology of goal fatigue and why 80% of people abandon resolutions early—and how to not be one of them.Branding Is More Than Aesthetics – They unpack why building a personal brand isn’t about logos or colors, but about alignment, authenticity, and clarity.Stretch Goals vs. Unrealistic Expectations – Allison explains how to push your limits without setting yourself up to fail, using SMART goals combined with emotional awareness.Recession-Proof Mindset – Allison opens up about how she and her husband lost everything in 2009 and how that hardship built her drive for multiple income streams and long-term resilience.You Can’t Cancel on Yourself – Susanna reflects on how calendar commitment has helped her show up for herself and stay accountable, even in tough seasons.Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode“Consistency compounds. Persistency pays off.” – Allison Walsh“You can’t cancel on yourself.” – Susanna Gray“Don’t co-sign on your inner critic’s narrative.” – Allison Walsh“Your goal isn’t too big. Your strategy is too vague.” – Susanna Gray“If you’re scared to show up, think of the person who needs you.” – Allison Walsh“Break the elephant down. One bite at a time.” – Allison Walsh“Stretching a goal is good—but pulling a muscle isn’t.” – Susanna Gray“Your brand should evolve as you evolve.” – Allison Walsh“The people who win aren’t the most talented. They’re the most consistent.” – Allison Walsh“A bad day doesn’t mean a bad goal. Keep going.” – Susanna GrayAbout AllisonAllison Walsh, JD, is a renowned business and brand strategist, bestselling author, and international speaker. By age 30, she became Vice President of Advanced Recovery Systems, helping grow it from the ground up and co-creating Nobu, a mental wellness app expanding access to care nationwide. She’s also known for scaling Charlie Health’s national sales team 5x in under two years.A proud member of the Forbes Business Development Council and Entrepreneur Leadership Network, Allison has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Harvard Business Review, Nasdaq, and more. She is the founder of the She Believed She Could brand, which includes a top 1% global podcast, a best-selling book, and a nonprofit foundation supporting women’s personal and professional growth.Named one of Orlando Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 and Women Who Mean Business, Allison has raised over $2 million for eating disorder awareness and serves on multiple nonprofit boards. Drawing from her background in positive psychology and branding, she has coached hundreds of high-performing women to build confidence, elevate their presence, and achieve bold goals on their terms.Connect with Allison Walsh:WebsiteLinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠Follow The Counter Offer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Susanna's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiarna's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠

July 21, 2025Episode 636 min

When to Walk Away: The Red Flags Every Recruiter Should Know

“Not every client deserves a recruiter.”In this face-to-face episode, Susanna and Tiarna dive deep into the gritty realities of recruiter-client dynamics. From dream partnerships to horror stories, they unpack the red flags recruiters should watch for—and why it's sometimes necessary to walk away, no matter how big the fee.You'll hear real talk on what makes a great client relationship, how to protect your candidates (and your sanity), and why transparency, feedback, and integrity should be non-negotiable. If you’ve ever questioned whether a client truly values your work, this episode will give you the clarity and courage you need.Must-Hear Insights and Key MomentsThe Clients Worth Keeping – Tiarna shares what separates standout clients: clear communication, transparency, and a genuine sense of partnership.When to Walk Away – Susanna reveals moments when she’s fired clients, whether over dodgy fees, ghosting invoices, or pushing unrealistic expectations on candidates.What Recruiters Should Ask – From commission schemes to office culture, Susanna and Tiarna break down the must-ask questions every recruiter should use to vet their clients.Managing Reputation and Red Flags – The hosts discuss how recruiters can protect candidates from toxic agencies and shift public perception through honest positioning.The Value of Aftercare – They reflect on why ongoing follow-up after placement is just as important as the placement itself and how failing here breaks trust.Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode“Not every client deserves a recruiter.” – Susanna Gray“We are not CV pushers—we’re partners in business growth.” – Tiarna McCormack“If you’re negotiating fees after you’ve already agreed terms, you’re not a partner. You’re a problem.” – Susanna Gray“I won’t place a candidate with a company I wouldn’t work for myself.” – Tiarna McCormack“Too many recruiters are leaving the industry because of bad placements.” – Susanna Gray“Client experience matters. But candidate experience makes or breaks your reputation.” – Tiarna McCormack“Aftercare is not optional. It’s where loyalty is earned.” – Susanna Gray“You are not your fee. You’re the one helping people change their lives.” – Tiarna McCormack“Your job isn’t to place. It’s to qualify, protect, and represent with integrity.” – Susanna Gray“If your recruitment partner can’t take feedback, they’re not ready to grow.” – Tiarna McCormackFollow The Counter Offer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Susanna's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiarna's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠

July 7, 2025Episode 548 min

Mentorship, Mistakes, and Million-Dollar Months: Inside JMC with Jason Connolly

“They told me I’d never make it in recruitment.”Jason Connolly’s career started with magic tricks and ended in million-pound billing months—but only after surviving a toxic police department, a mountain of self-doubt, and a manager who swore he’d fail.In this raw and riveting conversation, Jason sits down with Susanna and Tiarna to talk about the truth behind career pivots, burnout, and what it really takes to succeed in legal recruitment. From busking in Covent Garden to founding one of the UK’s most people-focused recruitment firms, Jason proves that resilience, mentorship, and a little unfiltered honesty can change everything. If you've ever questioned your path or been underestimated, this episode is for you.Must-Hear Insights and Key MomentsFrom Magic to the Met – Jason shares his unconventional beginnings as a magician and Virgin Atlantic crew member, and how a random police application changed the course of his life.Why the Police Almost Broke Him – Jason opens up about the trauma, institutional dysfunction, and discrimination he faced during his time as a police officer—and how it nearly cost him his self-worth.The Recruitment Rebuild – After leaving the force, Jason reveals how self-study, podcast binging, and a refusal to quit helped him go from billing zero to becoming the top recruiter in his agency.The Birth of JMC Legal – Jason shares the real story behind starting his firm, mentoring trainees to MD level, and the painful lessons learned from hiring mistakes and toxic management cultures.Feedback, Pressure, and Real Talk – The trio dives into why feedback is non-negotiable, how to lead without ego, and the “pressure cooker” reality of recruitment culture—and how to survive it.Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode“The worst thing you can say to me is, ‘You can’t do it.’ That’s my fuel.” – Jason Connolly“I didn’t need recruitment to save me—I needed it to test me.” – Jason Connolly“I don’t care what your degree says. If you’ve got grit, I’ll teach you how to bill a million.” – Jason Connolly“The recruiter’s opinion doesn’t matter. It’s about understanding what the candidate really wants.” – Jason Connolly“Feedback isn’t an insult. It’s a gift. But only if you’re brave enough to take it.” – Susanna Gray“It’s not about KPIs. It’s about mentoring people into the version of themselves they don’t believe in yet.” – Jason Connolly“Sometimes the most powerful thing a recruiter can do is hold up a mirror.” – Tiarna McCormack“You don’t need a script—you need emotional intelligence.” – Susanna Gray“Success is being unhinged in your pursuit, but grounded in your values.” – Jason Connolly“Legal recruitment didn’t need more ex-lawyers. It needed more heart.” – Jason ConnollyFollow The Counter Offer:⁠⁠⁠⁠Susanna's LinkedIn⁠⁠Tiarna's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok

June 20, 2025Episode 443 min

From Burnout to Boundaries: Susanna Gray Gets Real About Starting Over

"What if the worst thing that ever happened to you turned out to be the thing that set you free?"In this deeply personal episode, Susanna Gray opens up to her new co-host, Tiarna McCormack, about life after heartbreak, single motherhood, and building back stronger, personally and professionally. With honesty, humor, and a lot of heart, the two talk about emotional resilience, dating in your late 30s, balancing ambition with boundaries, and why your tribe—and your playlist—might just be the most powerful tools you have.Part career reflection, part therapy session, and 100% real talk, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, rebuilding confidence, or simply trying to do life on their own terms.Must-Hear Insights and Key MomentsFrom Dubai to Bristol – Susanna shares the emotional and logistical shifts that came with moving countries post-breakup and how she’s navigating solo parenting, business-building, and identity changes all at once.The Music That Heals – Both co-hosts discuss how motivational playlists and nostalgic songs have helped them process grief, move through pain, and reconnect to joy.Dating Like a Recruiter – Susanna reveals her time-saving “video vetting” approach to dating—and how it mirrors her recruitment strategy. Spoiler: it’s intense, effective, and surprisingly hilarious.Choosing Values Over Vibes – The duo explores how aligning on values (not just chemistry) is the secret to choosing the right partner, whether in love or leadership.AI, Authenticity & The Future of Recruitment – They weigh in on AI’s role in recruitment, what automation can never replace, and why emotional intelligence is the ultimate skill of the future.Your People Are Your Power – Susanna reflects on how her support network helped her survive one of the hardest years of her life—and how deep connection is the legacy she wants to leave behind.Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode“This broke me. But I chose to build something better from the rubble.” – Susanna Gray“You don’t need to play it cool. You need to play it real.” – Susanna Gray“I used to think success was sunshine and salary. Now, it’s peace and alignment.” – Susanna Gray“There’s no AI that can replace intuition, connection, or trust.” – Susanna Gray“Recruitment is like dating—you need to vet hard before you invest.” – Tiarna McCormack“Being intense isn’t a flaw. It’s how I move with purpose.” – Susanna Gray“If they can’t handle your honesty, they’re not your people.” – Tiarna McCormack“You’ll never find clarity if you’re too afraid to sit with yourself.” – Tiarna McCormack“Know your values. Align your life accordingly. Everything else is noise.” – Susanna Gray“Pain makes you pause. But it also makes you powerful.” – Tiarna McCormackFollow The Counter Offer:⁠⁠⁠Susanna's LinkedInTiarna's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok

June 5, 2025Episode 347 min

The Power of Owning Your Story: Lessons from Tiarna Mccormack

What if the biggest heartbreak of your life turned out to be your greatest launchpad?In this raw and revealing episode, host Susanna Gray puts Tiarna Mccormack in the hot seat to uncover the personal story behind her professional drive. From a life-altering breakup to building her own business and finding her footing in Dubai, Tiarna shares candid reflections on burnout, boundaries, and belonging.If you’ve ever felt like you lost your spark, this episode will remind you that reinvention is always within reach—and that sometimes, starting over is the most powerful move you can make.Must-Hear Insights and Key MomentsLeaving Comfort for Purpose – Tiarna opens up about walking away from a well-paid role to pursue a career that aligned with her values—even when it meant financial and emotional risk.Burnout and Panic Attacks – She reflects on the physical toll of ignoring red flags and how high-functioning burnout crept in during her time in the startup world.Healing After Heartbreak – Tiarna shares the raw truth of rebuilding her life after a painful breakup and how that experience fueled personal and professional growth.Dubai as a Fresh Start – They discuss how Dubai’s energy and community played a major role in Tiarna’s healing journey and renewed purpose.Redefining Confidence – The conversation explores how confidence is earned, not gifted—and how showing up vulnerably can be your greatest strength.Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode“I thought I’d be with him forever… but life had a different plan.” – Tiarna Mccormack“I moved countries with someone who betrayed me. That heartbreak gave me the fire to build my own path.” – Tiarna Mccormack“Just because you can push through doesn’t mean you should.” – Tiarna Mccormack“If I say I’m going to do something, I will burn myself out making sure it happens.” – Tiarna Mccormack“I don’t have to be perfect, but I do have to finish.” – Tiarna Mccormack“My self-worth used to be tied to my ability to complete a task. Not anymore.” – Tiarna Mccormack“You can’t heal what you won’t confront. That applies to life and business.” – Susanna Gray“When you move abroad, people call it brave. But for many of us, it’s survival.” – Susanna Gray“Community, honesty, and happiness—that’s what I build everything around.” – Tiarna Mccormack“You’re intense and chill at the same time. That’s your power.” – Susanna GrayConnect with Tiarna Mccormack⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Follow The Counter Offer:⁠⁠LinkedIn Host⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok

May 23, 2025Episode 241 min

The One Non-Negotiable That Could Change Your Week

"Is procrastination really laziness—or is it fear in disguise?"In this honest and hilarious episode, Susanna Gray reunites with returning guest Tiarna McCormack for a no-filter conversation about procrastination, perfectionism, and productivity in recruitment. From midnight work marathons in Dubai to messy desks and messy minds, Susanna and Tiarna break down what’s really behind your distractions—and how to get back on track without burning out. This episode explores how small mindset shifts, daily habits, and one simple “non-negotiable” can help recruiters (and anyone, really) reset their focus and reclaim their energy.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your own to-do list or unsure why you're avoiding the most important task, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, reflect, and get intentional.Must-Hear Insights and Key MomentsThe 3 P’s of Procrastination – Susanna and Tiarna open up about how perfectionism, procrastination, and paralysis impact even high performers—and how naming the problem is the first step toward taming it.The Myth of Multitasking – Tiarna questions whether doing “more” actually leads to better outcomes, and why multitasking might be killing your focus instead of boosting productivity.Low-Energy Days and Micro Goals – Susanna shares her new system for overcoming low-energy slumps: setting a small, achievable non-negotiable goal—even when motivation is nowhere to be found.Digital Distraction or Emotional Avoidance? – The duo explores why scrolling on Instagram isn’t just about distraction—it’s often an emotional escape that signals a deeper misalignment with your tasks.How to Coach Yourself Out of a Slump – Tiarna walks Susanna through a 5-minute coaching session that reframes goal-setting around feeling, not just performance—and the power of asking yourself why.AI Tools and the Future of Recruitment – The episode closes with a practical discussion on AI productivity tools recruiters actually use, and how to blend automation with human intuition.Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode“Perfectionism, procrastination, and paralysis—the three Ps that wreck our time.” – Susanna Gray“You’re not lazy. You’re emotionally avoiding the one thing that matters.” – Tiarna Mccormack“Multitasking is a lie. It just slows down your brain.” – Susanna Gray“When the fear of getting it wrong kicks in, that’s when we procrastinate the most.” – Tiarna Mccormack“You’re not just scrolling Instagram—you’re running away from something you need to face.” – Susanna Gray“One non-negotiable a day. That’s it. Do it, and you win.” – Tiarna Mccormack“Messy desk, messy mind? Maybe. But don’t confuse chaos with lack of competence.” – Susanna Gray“The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be consistent.” – Tiarna Mccormack“Clarity comes from doing, not thinking.” – Susanna Gray“Set the bar low, then overdeliver. That’s how you rebuild momentum.” – Tiarna MccormackConnect with Tiarna Mccormack⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow The Counter Offer:⁠LinkedIn Host⁠⁠LinkedIn Podcast⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠TikTok

May 6, 2025Episode 144 min

The Job Search Mindset You’ve Been Missing with Tiarna Mccormack

"You’re not stuck—you’re just scared to take up space."In this episode of The Counter Offer, host Susanna Gray is joined by her co-host for the season, recruiter-turned-career-coach Tiarna Mccormack. Tiarna brings sharp insight into the job search process, why women especially struggle to own their stories, and what it really takes to move your career forward. They dig into the unspoken power dynamics between recruiters and candidates, how burnout fuels bad decisions, and why quiet quitting might not be the answer you're looking for.If you’ve ever felt invisible in your career or doubted your next move, this episode will give you the mindset reset you didn’t know you needed.Must-Hear Insights and Key MomentsFrom Recruiter to Coach – Tiarna shares her transition from the recruitment world to career coaching, explaining how personal burnout and professional misalignment led her to find deeper meaning in helping people unlock clarity and confidence.The Power of Owning Your Story – The conversation dives into why so many people—especially women—struggle to articulate their worth and how career coaching can help shift those narratives.Quiet Quitting: A Symptom, Not a Solution – Tiarna breaks down why quiet quitting is a red flag for deeper disengagement and how it can be an opportunity to reflect and pivot before you fully burn out.Recruiter Red Flags – Susanna and Tiarna expose what candidates often miss when dealing with recruiters and how to spot the signs that a role—or a recruiter—isn’t aligned with your values.Job Search Mindset Reset – They unpack why desperation in a job search backfires and how reframing the process around curiosity and ownership leads to better long-term outcomes.Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode“When people come to me, they think the problem is their résumé—but it’s really their relationship to their career.” – Tiarna Mccormack“You’re not stuck—you’re just scared to take up space.” – Tiarna Mccormack“Quiet quitting is a coping mechanism for something much deeper.” – Tiarna Mccormack“Owning your story is about reclaiming your career narrative before someone else writes it for you.” – Tiarna Mccormack“If a recruiter makes you feel small, that’s a massive red flag.” – Tiarna Mccormack“Most of the time, people already know what they want—they just need permission to want it.” – Tiarna Mccormack“When you’re desperate in a job search, you show up differently—and you attract the wrong opportunities.” – Susanna Gray“Your self-worth should not be tied to your job title.” – Tiarna Mccormack“We’re not meant to stay in the same role for 5, 10, 15 years and feel nothing.” – Tiarna Mccormack“Clarity in your career isn’t found in a spreadsheet—it’s found in your story.” – Susanna GrayAbout Tiarna MccormackTiarna Mccormack is a recruitment professional with over 10 years of experience, specializing in connecting senior talent with recruitment agencies. She has held key roles, including Director, Associate Partner, and Regional Director, across sectors such as HR, Technology, Life Sciences, and Accountancy & Finance. Tiarna focuses on executive search, interim solutions, and talent acquisition while helping senior professionals achieve their career goals.Her approach centers on building strong relationships, emphasizing the importance of communication and trust in recruitment. Tiarna is also committed to coaching and mentoring, supporting individuals in unlocking their potential and advancing their careers.Outside of work, Tiarna enjoys traveling, yoga, and spending time with friends over a glass of wine. She believes in fostering meaningful connections and creating opportunities for others. For senior-level recruitment support or career advice, Tiarna is an experienced and trusted partner to collaborate with.Connect with Tiarna MccormackLinkedInFollow The Counter Offer:LinkedIn HostLinkedIn PodcastInstagramTiktok