The Full Desk Experience

Hosted by Crelate

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Episodes

165

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Full Desk Experience, a podcast for leaders in the staffing and recruiting industry. Hosted by Kortney Harmon, Director of Industry Relations at Crelate, this show is designed to provide insights and tips from a highly knowledgeable consultant in the field. Join us live (or catch the replay) in our Workshop series, where Kortney delivers expert advice and actionable tips for you to take to your firms immediately. In the Industry Spotlight series, Kortney interviews industry experts and leaders, highlighting their journeys to success and key insights into the staffing and recruiting industry. Don't have an hour to dedicate to a podcast? Listen in to our FDE Express - where you'll get quick-hit insights and tips in 10 minutes or less. With new episodes dropping weekly, this is the perfect opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the industry. Don't miss out - join us for The Full Desk Experience today! If you'd like to attend the live session, be sure to visit our website for more information.

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60 recent

August 20, 202656 min

FDE+ | The Uncopyable Recruiter: Building Authority in the Age of AI with Donnie Gupton, Founder - Ora Marketing

What happens when better technology is no longer a competitive advantage? Host Kortney Harmon is joined by Donnie Gupton, Founder of Ora Marketing and creator of the Uncopyable Recruiter Method, to examine why trust—not tools, speed, or access—is becoming the real differentiator for recruiting firms. Donnie breaks down how AI and automation are creating greater parity between agencies and internal talent teams—and why the bigger challenge for recruiters isn’t competition, but comparability. He shares a four-part framework for becoming the standard in your niche through clear positioning, an intentional market ecosystem, authority-building content, and consistent follow-up. Key Takeaways • Why trust becomes the differentiator when technology is table stakes • How clear positioning helps recruiters escape the comparability trap • Why the 97% of buyers not hiring today deserve your attention • How content and consistent follow-up turn authority into demand Discover how to build the trust and authority that make your firm the first call when hiring needs arise. ________________ Follow Donnie Gupton on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | Donnie Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: The Full Desk Experience

August 13, 202644 min

FDE+ | From Promise to Proof: Moving Beyond Resumes in the Age of AI with Maya Huber, PhD - Co-founder, Tatio

AI is changing hiring from both sides of the desk—companies are creating stronger job descriptions while candidates are creating stronger resumes, leaving recruiters with a growing blind spot between what looks good on paper and what actually predicts performance. In this FDE+ conversation, host Kortney Harmon is joined by Dr. Maya Huber, CEO and co-founder of Tatio, to explore why traditional, keyword-based hiring processes are becoming less reliable in an AI-driven market. Maya makes the case for shifting from promise to proof by measuring actual skills, competencies, and job-specific performance. She explores how staffing and recruiting teams can define what “good” looks like, standardize qualification across recruiters, and gather more meaningful evidence through structured questions, work samples, and virtual job simulations. The goal isn’t simply greater speed or efficiency—it’s greater certainty, transparency, and trust for clients and candidates alike. Explore how performance-based hiring can help recruiters make smarter talent decisions, strengthen client relationships, and become the performance authority their market trusts. ________________ Follow Maya Huber on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | Maya Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: The Full Desk Experience

August 6, 202648 min

FDE+ | Flipping the Script: Recruiting Strategies That Break the Rules with Tricia Tamkin and Jason Thibeault, Moore eSSentials

What if the recruiting advice you've always followed is costing you placements instead of creating them? Host Kortney Harmon shares a standout session from the FDE+ Virtual Conference featuring Tricia Tamkin and Jason Thibeault of Moore eSSentials, who challenge conventional recruiting wisdom with practical, psychology-driven strategies that strengthen client and candidate relationships. From business development conversations to candidate negotiations, Tricia and Jason reveal why the most effective recruiters often do the opposite of what everyone else is taught. They explore how to build trust through honesty, rethink exclusivity and guarantees, navigate HR partnerships more effectively, and handle objections, counteroffers, and difficult conversations with confidence. Every strategy is designed to move beyond scripted recruiting and create authentic conversations that lead to stronger long-term results. Key Takeaways • Use pattern-interrupts to earn attention and build credibility • Build trust by leading with transparency instead of outdated recruiting tactics • Turn difficult business development conversations into opportunities for deeper engagement • Reframe guarantees, exclusivity, and counteroffers as competitive advantages • Apply psychology and authenticity to create stronger client and candidate relationships Learn how the best recruiters replace outdated scripts with conversations that build trust, strengthen relationships, and drive consistent revenue. ________________ Follow Tricia and Jason on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | Tricia , LinkedIn | Jason Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: The Full Desk Experience

July 30, 202656 min

FDE+ | Beyond the Placement: Building Client Loyalty That Lasts with Kim Henderson, Founder - Cobalt Compass Solutions

What does it take to turn clients into long-term partners—not just repeat customers? Kortney Harmon sits down with Kim Henderson where she explores practical strategies for strengthening client retention, building loyalty, and creating lasting value throughout the staffing relationship. This conversation outlines a proven framework for proactively managing client relationships—from choosing the right clients and creating a consistent onboarding experience to gathering meaningful feedback and demonstrating measurable business results. It also examines why specialization, regular communication, and continuous improvement help recruiters become indispensable partners, even in challenging markets. Discover how the most successful recruiters build client relationships that drive loyalty, trust, and sustainable business growth. ________________ Follow Kim Henderson on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | Kim Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: The Full Desk Experience

July 23, 202641 min

FDE+ | Turn Routine Recruiter Calls into a Revenue Engine with Jamie Lupo, Founder - Lupo Advisory LLC

Recruiters often think they need more cold calls to grow their desk—but Jamie Lupo argues they're overlooking the biggest revenue opportunities already built into their workflow. In this FDE+ episode, Kortney Harmon sits down with Jamie Lupo, Founder of Lupo Advisory, to explore how reference checks and quality control calls can uncover hidden job orders, strengthen client relationships, and generate new business without adding extra activities to your day. Jamie shares practical word tracks, proven frameworks, and simple strategies recruiters can implement immediately to increase fill ratios and grow revenue naturally. Discover how to turn everyday recruiter conversations into long-term business growth. ________________ Follow Jamie Lupo on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | Jamie Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: The Full Desk Experience

July 16, 202653 min

FDE+ | Building a Revenue-Driving Recruiter Brand on LinkedIn with Clark Willcox, Founder - Digital Recruiter

LinkedIn has become one of the most powerful business development tools for recruiters—but only when it's used with intention. Kortney Harmon sits down with Clark Willcox, Founder of Digital Recruiter, to discuss how recruiters can build a revenue-driving brand on LinkedIn without relying on generic AI messaging or chasing viral content. Clark shares practical strategies for creating meaningful conversations, attracting the right clients, and using automation to support—not replace—human connection. Key takeaways include: Building a LinkedIn profile that attracts ideal clients Creating content that drives conversations instead of likes Using automation and AI without losing authenticity Turning LinkedIn into a consistent source of new business Discover how to build a recruiter brand that earns trust, generates revenue, and creates long-term business growth. ________________ Follow Clark Willcox on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | Clark Willcox Check out Clarks website: https://digitalrecruiter.io/ Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: The Full Desk Experience

July 9, 202632 min

FDE+ | Trust Is Your Currency: Using AI Without Losing Credibility with Anna Frazzetto, CEO - AFM Strategic Partners

How can staffing firms use AI to drive more revenue without losing the trust that wins business? Kortney Harmon sits down with Anna Frazzetto, founder and CEO of AFM Strategic Partners, to explore why AI is most powerful when it's built on strong sales fundamentals—not used as a shortcut. Anna shares practical strategies for integrating AI into every stage of the sales cycle, from prospecting and discovery to forecasting and follow-up. She explains why disciplined processes, clean data, and human judgment remain essential, and offers clear guardrails for adopting AI in ways that improve efficiency while protecting client relationships. Learn how today's top sales leaders are using AI to scale smarter—without sacrificing the credibility and trust that drive lasting success. ________________ Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: The Full Desk Experience

June 25, 202640 min

Industry Spotlight | Beyond Cold Calling: The New Rules of Recruiting Communication with Erich Hugunin, VP of Sales- Ringover

How can recruiters cut through the noise in an increasingly crowded communication landscape? Kortney Harmon sits down with Erich Hugunin from Ringover to discuss what's changing in candidate and client engagement—and why the firms that adapt fastest will gain a competitive advantage. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in communication technology, Erich shares why traditional outreach methods are losing effectiveness, how top-performing recruiters are embracing an "all-bound" communication strategy, and where AI can create meaningful efficiencies without sacrificing the human relationships that drive successful placements. From reducing ghosting and improving technology adoption to leveraging conversation intelligence for coaching and performance, he offers practical insights for firms navigating today's rapidly evolving market. Discover how leading recruiting firms are using communication, data, and AI to build stronger relationships—and better results. ________________ Follow Erich Hugunin on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | Erich Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: The Full Desk Experience

June 11, 202654 min

FDE+ | From Rolodex to AI: Why Relationships Still Win in Recruiting with Denise Chaffin, CEO of Top Source Talent

What happens when recruiting becomes faster—but less personal? Host Kortney Harmon sits down with Denise Chaffin, CEO of TopSource Talent and host of the Talking TA podcast, to explore why relationship intelligence remains one of the most valuable competitive advantages in an increasingly automated industry. Drawing on nearly four decades in talent acquisition, Denise traces the evolution of recruiting from Rolodexes and classified ads to AI-powered platforms. She shares why trust, transparency, and follow-through still shape candidate and client experiences—and how recruiters can use technology to strengthen relationships rather than replace them. From building influence through consistent communication to turning ATS platforms into relationship memory systems, Denise offers a practical framework for balancing efficiency with authentic human connection. Discover why the recruiters who thrive in the AI era will be the ones who use technology to scale trust—not replace it. ________________ Follow Denise Chaffin on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | Denise Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: Crelate Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: The Full Desk Experience

May 28, 202646 min

FDE+ | Interrupt the Pattern: The Human Side of Recruiting in an AI World with Shad Tidler - Lushin

As AI handles more outreach and automation, the recruiters who stand out will be the ones who build stronger human connections. Host Kortney Harmon sits down with leadership consultant Shad Tidler to explore practical strategies for earning trust, adapting communication styles, and creating more meaningful client relationships in today’s recruiting landscape. Shad shares actionable insights on interrupting predictable sales patterns, using DISC principles to improve communication, and building trust through consistency, empathy, and transparency—without losing efficiency in an AI-driven world. Discover how relationship-driven recruiters can create stronger client alignment and stand out in the age of AI. ______________ Follow Shad Tidler on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | Shad Follow Crelate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crelate/ Want to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo here Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.crelate.com/blog/full-desk-experience