Episode Summary

In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark Willcox sits down with former professional poker player turned recruiter, Joe Sebok, to talk about his wild career journey. Joe was part of the poker boom in the 2000s, playing on televised World Series of Poker tables, running his own media company, and even building an early social media platform for poker pros. But when the online poker industry collapsed in 2011, he had to reinvent himself—eventually landing in the world of recruiting, where he’s now building a thriving business.

Joe shares the lessons he’s learned from poker that apply directly to recruiting and business: reading people, managing risk, and knowing when to go all-in. He talks about the power of reinvention, why so many recruiters fail because they avoid doing the actual work, and how leaning into your strengths can give you a real competitive advantage. He also opens up about navigating public scrutiny, handling high-pressure situations, and overcoming mental blocks that hold people back from success.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career, doubted your next move, or struggled to stand out in a crowded market, this episode is packed with insights on mindset, personal branding, and making strategic bets on yourself. Don’t miss this one!

Joe’s Bio

After beginning his career as a professional poker player in 2005, winning several titles and competing in both the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour, Sebok ceased playing full-time in 2009 to make his shift into media and business. He did so effectively, helping spearhead poker’s first televised media reporting program, as well as several of poker’s most popular radio programs across the globe.

Sebok joined the recruiting and talent acquisition ranks in 2015 and won awards while at the largest creative recruiting agency in North America before transitioning to work in-house and build several entire teams from scratch. His additional experience in marketing, sales, and operations further strengthens his robust proficiency in understanding clients’ open positions and what is required to staff them both effectively and expeditiously.

You can find Joe on LinkedIn Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter

For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, I sit down with Crelate’s Kortney Harmon to break down the operational chaos in recruiting agencies and why so many firms are stuck in a cycle of inefficiency. From "shadow processes" that drain productivity to high-billing recruiters being promoted into leadership without training, we dive into why so many recruiting teams are winging it—and what they should be doing instead.

Kortney, who leads industry relations at Crelate, shares her expert insights on what makes a recruiting business truly scalable: structured workflows, strong leadership (not just top billers turned managers), and tech that actually enhances productivity instead of adding more noise. We talk about why so many recruiters are overwhelmed, how agencies can build better systems, and why being intentional is the real secret to long-term success.

If you’ve ever felt like your agency is working harder than it should be, this episode is packed with strategies to help you streamline operations, improve efficiency, and build a business that thrives. Don’t miss it!

Kortney’s Bio

With over 15 years of experience in the staffing and recruiting industry, Kortney Harmon has established herself as a highly regarded thought leader, dynamic speaker, and respected industry principal. She is a trusted advisor, empowering professionals and organizations to achieve remarkable growth through strategic insights and industry best practices.

As the host of The Full Desk Experience, Kortney leads engaging workshops where participants can interact directly with her and gain invaluable insights. Whether through live Q&A sessions or on-demand access via podcast platforms, The Full Desk Experience provides a wealth of knowledge designed to enhance expertise in talent acquisition and business growth.

Throughout her career, Kortney has trained thousands of front-line recruiters, equipping them with the skills and strategies needed to excel in the fast-paced world of talent acquisition. She has also collaborated closely with business owners and executives, helping them overcome growth barriers by optimizing people, processes, and technology to drive scalability and efficiency.

Her expertise has been recognized by prestigious industry organizations, including the American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts, and the National Association of Personnel Services. She has had the privilege of presenting to these influential groups, sharing her insights and thought leadership to inspire and empower professionals across the industry.

Beyond speaking engagements, Kortney has been a guest on various industry-leading podcasts and has provided strategic consulting services to a diverse range of clients. These opportunities have allowed her to expand her impact, contributing to the growth and success of numerous organizations.

For those seeking a dynamic speaker, a trusted advisor, or deeper industry knowledge, Kortney Harmon offers valuable expertise and a passion for innovation, growth, and transformation in staffing and recruiting.

You can find Kortney on LinkedIn or check out https://www.crelate.com/about-crelate Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter

For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark Wilcox interviews Doug Burris, founder of DBI 2 Consulting, a talent acquisition consultancy for startups and growth-stage companies. Doug shares his journey from growing up around recruiting to building a career rooted in helping businesses scale effectively. With over 30 years of experience, Doug reflects on how the evolution of tools like LinkedIn and job boards has transformed recruiting, but emphasizes that successful hiring remains a people-driven process.

Doug discusses his passion for working with startups, inspired by his experience at an education technology company that introduced him to the high-stakes, high-impact world of entrepreneurial hiring. Recognizing that cash-strapped startups can’t always afford traditional agency fees, Doug developed a flat-rate model to provide cost-effective recruitment solutions while helping founders identify the right talent for their unique growth stages. His approach is driven by understanding both the technical and cultural fit needed for startup success.

Throughout the conversation, Doug highlights the importance of authenticity, taking action, and embracing challenges as key principles for both recruiters and job seekers. Whether navigating career transitions or scaling a business, Doug underscores the power of relationship-building, effective communication, and a focus on long-term growth. His insights offer valuable lessons for recruiters, employers, and anyone looking to align purpose with their work.

Doug’s Bio

Doug has 25+ years of Talent Acquisition experience and launched DBI2 Consulting in 2011 to answer the needs of startups and scale-up companies. Doug has worked across the spectrum of talent acquisition and organizational evolution including work with 10 person startups to Fortune 500 companies in industries including EdTech, FinTech, SportsTech, Renewable Energy, Construction, Fueling Services, Manufacturing and Telecommunications.

Doug has focused on career disciplines including Sales and Marketing, Business Operations, Human Resources, Software Development, and Finance & Accounting.

Doug serves as an advisor to multiple pre-revenue Educational Technology companies, dedicates time monthly to developing and supporting post-high school preparedness programs, and advising High School and College Students on career preparedness.

Doug and his wife Jerilynn, both graduates of the University of Kansas, have 3 incredible children, and 3 mischievous dogs and have lived in Kansas City for 30+ years.

You can find Doug on LinkedIn or check out https://www.dbi2consulting.com/my-story Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter

For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark Wilcox interviews Denise Chaffin, President of Top Source Talent and host of the Talking TA podcast. With over 30 years of experience in recruiting, Denise shares her fascinating journey, from starting in the industry with cold-calling and physical directories to adopting modern AI and automation tools. She reflects on how the core principles of relationship-building in recruiting have remained vital, even as the industry evolves.

Denise highlights the importance of balancing traditional methods with innovative technology. While tools like AI and automation can increase efficiency and reduce administrative burdens, she stresses that recruiting is ultimately a people-focused business. Building authentic relationships with candidates and clients continues to be the cornerstone of successful talent acquisition, regardless of the tools used.

The episode also explores how Denise uses her podcast and LinkedIn presence to connect with others in the industry, gain insights from diverse sectors, and expand her network. She emphasizes the value of staying curious, adapting to change, and embracing new technologies while maintaining the human touch that defines effective recruiting. Her blend of experience, adaptability, and forward-thinking offers valuable lessons for recruiters navigating today’s dynamic talent landscape.

Denise’s Bio

Denise Chaffin is the President of Top Source Talent, LLC, a Phoenix-based minority, woman-owned small business specializing in Talent Acquisition and workforce solutions. With over 30 years of experience, Denise is a subject matter expert in recruitment strategies, DEI, and employee retention for domestic and global companies. In 2023, she launched the Talking TA podcast, featuring thought leaders in HR and talent acquisition. An Arizona native and ASU magna cum laude graduate, Denise is dedicated to community outreach and supporting impactful initiatives.

You can find Denise on LinkedIn or check out https://topsourcetalentllc.com/podcast/ Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter

For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter

Episode Summary

In this episode, Clark Wilcox interviews Julia Arpag, CEO of Aligned Recruitment, about her journey from corporate recruitment to launching her own agency after being laid off during maternity leave. Julia, a mother of four with years of industry experience, shares how she reached $700,000 in revenue within her first year by focusing on revenue-generating activities and embracing a simple, streamlined approach. She initially used Google Sheets for tracking and managing client relationships, enabling her to prioritize growth and efficiency until she could invest in more sophisticated systems.

Julia and Clark discuss her use of LinkedIn content and automation tools, to build her client base. By posting daily and focusing on value for hiring managers, Julia established herself as a trusted expert. For Julia, authenticity and relationship-building are essential to sustainable growth, driving client loyalty and strong, consistent revenue.

Beyond her business strategies, Julia highlights her guiding principles, including her faith and commitment to family, which anchor her decisions and future aspirations. As a foster parent, she dreams of one day opening a retreat center for foster and adoptive families. Julia’s story illustrates a successful, values-driven approach to entrepreneurship, offering inspiration to those looking to build a purpose-led business.

Julia’s Bio

Living the dream!

By day, she hires top talent for her clients and leads the greatest team on the planet at Aligned Recruitment.

By night, she spends time with her delightful family, including her biological kids, foster kids, and her awesome husband.

She loves what she does, especially partnering with high-growth tech companies. She doesn't hire just to check boxes and fill roles; she hires to build A-player teams and drive peak company performance.

She's a Christian, a mom, a wife, and a passionate advocate for her clients and candidates.

You can find Julia on LinkedIn or check out https://www.alignedrecruitment.com/ Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter

For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter

Episode Summary

In this episode, Clark Wilcox interviews Amy Yackowski, founder of Painted Porch Strategies, to explore change readiness, particularly in high-stakes organizational transformations. Amy, with over 20 years in HR, staffing, and tech implementation, shares her insights on “Phase Zero,” a concept she champions to help organizations prepare for complex change initiatives. She explains that many projects miss their potential by neglecting this readiness phase, which involves aligning leadership and teams on shared goals and ensuring each member is prepared to adapt to new systems or practices. Amy and Clark discuss the parallels between preparing for change in organizations and the intense pre-game training athletes undergo. For Amy, effective change readiness means cultivating an environment where leaders, teams, and individuals are trained not only in the mechanics of a new process but also in collaborative problem-solving and communication skills. She highlights the importance of fostering trust and healthy conflict within teams, pointing out that these elements are critical for making well-informed decisions and achieving sustainable transformation. The episode also covers common pitfalls, like the urgency that can drive teams to skip essential groundwork. Amy emphasizes that short-cutting Phase Zero leads to failures like prolonged timelines, budget overruns, and resistance among team members. Her approach at Painted Porch Strategies is built on helping organizations confront these underlying challenges, guiding them to establish strong foundations before embarking on major projects, so they can confidently navigate change and achieve meaningful progress.

Amy’s Bio

You can call me Amy Yack; my friends do. I’ve spent the last 19+ years (some would argue since pre-school) seeking out and partnering with others to design programs that connect people and systems to a clear purpose, strategic vision, and noble mission. Through challenging business as usual, we can navigate the sea of change and build amazing teams, focused on contribution, service, and connection.

You can find Amy on LinkedIn or check out https://www.paintedporchstrategies.com/amy Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter

For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter

Episode Summary

In this episode, Clark Wilcox speaks with Julian D’Angelo, co-founder and CEO of Talin.ai, a cutting-edge automation tool designed for recruiters. Julian shares his unique journey from growth marketing in SaaS to building a recruitment tech company without any prior recruitment experience. He explains how his background in scaling processes and leveraging automation for efficiency gave him a distinct advantage when entering the recruitment space. This led him to develop Talin.ai, a platform that helps recruiters automate manual workflows like data enrichment, email sequencing, and ATS updates, all while keeping the human element at the core of the recruiting process.

The conversation delves into how Talin.ai works by integrating multi-channel campaigns across email, SMS, and in-mail, with AI-powered personalization to improve response rates. Julian highlights the importance of automating tasks that don’t require human touch, like sourcing candidates, so recruiters can focus on relationship-building. They also discuss the evolving role of AI in recruitment and how automation tools like Talin.ai can help recruiters handle more roles, improve efficiency, and maintain personalization, despite the increasing prevalence of AI in the industry.

Julian and Clark also explore the broader impact of AI on the future of recruiting, emphasizing that while automation will continue to improve, the human aspect—understanding candidates' needs and building trust—remains irreplaceable. Julian’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and the ability to blend tech-driven solutions with the recruiter’s traditional role of connecting people, ultimately transforming how recruitment agencies operate.

Julian’s Bio

After 7 years working with early and mid stage SaaS startups as a growth marketer, He began his own SaaS venture: Talin.

While building out growth teams for startups, He dove head first into learning the recruitment process.

What he found were broken, fragmented workflows that resulted in wasted resources and frustrated recruiters.

The root cause of these problems faced by recruitment teams were solvable. The tech existed - it just hadn't been packaged and designed to work for recruiters.

Talent professionals faced bad workflow problems that forced manual tasks sales and marketing teams had streamlined a long time ago. So he built Talin - an automation platform designed to streamline the sourcing, data enrichment, and outreach process so that talent teams can spend less time on spreadsheets, and more time on people.

You can find Julian on LinkedIn or check out https://www.talin.ai/ Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter

For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter

Episode Summary

In this episode, Clark Wilcox sits down with Tim Gandee, founder and executive recruiter of Packaging Recruiter Pros, to discuss Tim's journey in the recruitment industry and how he rebuilt his business after hitting a major roadblock. After over 25 years of experience in recruiting and background screening, Tim found himself at a standstill between November and March, facing zero productivity and struggling with unideal clients. He even began questioning whether he should switch industries altogether. That’s when he discovered Clark and the Digital Recruiter program, which completely changed his approach to business development and client outreach.

Tim shares how, after dedicating just two weeks to implementing the Digital Recruiter’s Business Development and Content programs, the results were immediate. By March 21, he secured his first retainer search cash-in, and by July, he had multiple placements and another retainer in the pipeline. The system helped Tim streamline his processes, allowing him to land high-quality clients and quickly source qualified candidates. With over $150K in potential placements and $80K in offers within just one week, Tim credits Digital Recruiter for helping him turn his business around and thrive in the recruitment space again.

This episode delves into the power of automation and niche focus in recruitment, highlighting Tim’s renewed confidence in the industry. By sharing his success story, Tim emphasizes how valuable Digital Recruiter has been in helping him regain traction, improve client relationships, and secure a pipeline of high-quality candidates—all while managing his workload efficiently. Despite his initial hesitation to reveal this game-changing strategy to potential competitors, Tim believes that what Digital Recruiter can do for the industry is too powerful to keep secret.

Tim’s Bio

With 20+ years in full-cycle recruiting, he works with distributors and manufacturers across all aspects of the packaging and automation industry to help them find and hire experienced candidates in the packaging industry. By conducting in-depth conversations with carefully selected candidates for each search, he'll only introduce candidates that he is confident are on target, so as not to waste their time. He finds candidates that are currently employed, relatively happy, and doing a good job. By doing this, he is able to locate candidates that are not responding to job postings. Hiring teams are stretched thin. As a result, they "Post & Pray" to fill key roles, which results in too few candidates and hundreds of resumes to weed through, most of which are not in the industry. The entire focus of his job is actively and creatively seeking out and engaging with the passive candidates his clients need. Not all recruiters "get it". As a specialized recruiter, he understands the nuances within specific roles and stringent industries, allowing him to quickly hone in on suitable candidates. As a partner, he helps companies find their dream employees through open communication and balancing patience with persistence.

You can find Tim on LinkedIn or check out https://packagingjob.com/ Get the best and most current digital recruiting insights, tips, and strategies every Sunday—straight to your inbox, for free: https://www.digitalrecruiter.io/drnewsletter

For more information about Digital Recruiter, click HERE ---＞ https://linktr.ee/thedigitalrecruiter