APositive Insights

In this episode of Apositive Insights, host Darren Cottrell sits down with Tom Pammenter, Founder of Frame25, to explore how freelance and independent talent is reshaping the future of recruitment. They discuss the growing demand for flexible workforce models, why more professionals are choosing freelance careers, and what this shift means for recruitment businesses looking to stay relevant and co...

In this episode of Apositive Insights, host Darren Cottrell sits down with Sean Anderson from Hoxo to break down what’s really driving growth for recruiters in 2026. They explore why personal branding has shifted from optional to essential, the growing gap between visible and invisible recruiters, and how consistency in content is directly impacting pipeline and performance. The conversation also...

In this episode of Apositive Insights , host Darren Cottrell sits down with Richard Spencer from AgeInc to challenge outdated perceptions around age in recruitment and explore why mature workers are one of the most overlooked talent pools in today’s market. They discuss the real impact of age bias, why many businesses continue to overlook experienced candidates, and the commercial risks of failing...

In this episode of APositive Insights , host Darren Cottrell sits down with Khanh Pham from Bullhorn to explore what the recruitment data is really telling us as the industry heads toward 2026. They unpack why fewer candidates are working with recruiters, how expectations around speed and transparency have shifted, and where AI is already making a measurable impact across the recruitment lifecycle...

In this episode, Kamal Founder Guy Day joins us to unpack how data and real-time insights are transforming the recruitment and labour hire industry. Guy shares why he built Kamal, the gap he saw in recruitment tech, and the metrics agency owners should actually be paying attention to. We discuss common data misconceptions, the early warning signs leaders often miss, and which performance indicator...

In this episode of Apositive Insights, Kim Seeling Smith joins us to unpack the disruptions transforming recruitment. From AI and talent shifts to reimagined leadership. Hear how her 9 Keys can help agencies stay agile, human, and future-proof for 2035 and beyond. Powered by Apositive , helping recruitment and labour hire businesses grow stronger, smarter, and more sustainably. Follow us on Linked...

Compliance is not just a box to tick. Done well, it can become a powerful competitive advantage. In this episode of APositive Insights , Darren Cottrell sits down with Tania Evans , Co-Founder and CEO of WorkPro , to explore how embedding compliance into your DNA from day one sets agencies up for sustainable growth. Tania shares insights on scaling smart, reducing risk, and using automation to str...

Ben Wood believes scaling a recruitment business is not about growing fast, it is about growing smart. In this episode, he shares how recruitment founders can build businesses that are profitable, sustainable and ready for exit. Darren Cottrell talks with Ben about shifting from being a top biller to building high-performing teams, the importance of having a clear strategy, and how to prepare your...

Million dollar biller. Branding powerhouse. Recruitment strategist. In this episode of APositive Insights , we speak with Jessica Kimber, Founder of Raire Group and one of the most forward-thinking minds in recruitment. We dive into: •How she built community groups to fill dozens of roles daily •The One to Many Method for nurturing candidates and clients at scale •How recruiters can show up authen...

Steve Tolen doesn’t believe in scripts or shortcuts. He believes in showing up, knowing your value, and building real relationships. In this episode, he chats with Darren Cottrell about how business development has evolved, why your personal brand matters more than ever, and how to master modern BD without losing the human touch. Steve also shares his six pillars for success in sales, his thoughts...

Erin Devlin believes high performance isn’t about finding unicorns, it’s about building the right environment. In this episode, she shares how she’s created a culture of accountability and support inside her agency.  Darren Cottrell sits down and talks with Erin about the importance of values alignment, how to set a clear social contract with consultants, and why trust is the real differentia...

In this episode of APositive Insights, we sit down with Pete Watson, long-time agency owner and founder of Recruitment United, to talk about the power of community in the recruitment space.  Pete shares the stories that sparked Recruitment United, why he believes the “lone wolf” recruiter is no longer the future, and how genuine collaboration is helping agency owners save time, grow faster, a...

In this episode of APositive Insights , Shaun Henry, founder of floats.ai, dives deep into the power of personal branding and how his unconventional, creative approach to social media has brought global opportunities to his business. Shaun shares insights on navigating the recruitment landscape, lessons from viral success, and the importance of "just posting" to build momentum. Learn how Shaun is...

In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of medical recruitment, focusing on the unique challenges faced by agencies recruiting for rural and remote locations compared to metro hospitals. We explore the impact of telehealth, the shifting market trends, and the importance of quality over quantity in recruitment. Join us as we discuss how travel incentives, telehealth support, and the c...

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of aligning your team with your business values. Colin Cuthbert shares his journey from direct sales to leadership, highlighting the challenges of delegation and the importance of trusting your team to flourish. Learn how to identify the "right people" for your organisation, create a values-driven culture, and avoid the pitfalls of holding onto...

In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of face-to-face meetings in recruitment and how they transform client relationships from transactional to personal. We also explore how recruiters can stand out in today’s market by adopting a value-add mindset and prioritising quality over quantity in their outreach. From tips on creating meaningful client connections to actionable advice for show...

On this episode of APositive Insights, host Darren Cottrell is joined by Adrian Byra, co-founder and director of recruitment agency Lead Group and recruitment outsourcing specialists The Outsource People. Adrian discusses how Lead Group have created a home for high billing recruiters, the opportunities created by the COVID lockdown, the importance of diversification and how outsourcing has helped...

On this episode of APositive Insights, hosts Darren Cottrell and Brendan Herlihy are joined by Greg Savage. With a career spanning four decades, Greg is a founder of multiple highly successful businesses, a trusted advisor and respected voice across the global recruitment industry and a regular keynote speaker at conferences around the world. In the second of two podcasts recorded in the offices o...

On this episode of APositive Insights, hosts Darren Cottrell and Brendan Herlihy are joined by Greg Savage. With a career spanning four decades, Greg is a founder of multiple highly successful businesses, a trusted advisor and respected voice across the global recruitment industry and a regular keynote speaker at conferences around the world. In the first of two podcasts recorded in the offices of...

On this episode of APositive Insights, hosts Darren Cottrell and Harry Chambers are joined by Arron Johnson and Rob King, founders of new recruitment agency, Doris Talent. Both Arron and Rob come from successful careers as recruitment consultants and after years of talking about it, recently took the plunge and started their own business. They discuss the lessons and skills learnt from going out o...

On this episode of  APositive Insights,  hosts Darren Cottrell and Harry Chambers are joined by special guest Nicholas Cox, founder of The People Place. The People Place is a new creative recruitment agency servicing the Australian market & based in Melbourne. Nic's story is unique in that he founded a recruitment agency with no prior experience working in recruitment. Instead, he co...

On this episode of  APositive Insights,  hosts Harry Chambers and Brendan Herlihy are joined by special guest Ross Clennett, a high performance recruitment coach. Ross discusses the traits of high-performing teams and what can be learnt from sport, why many recruitment agencies fail at their own recruitment and how technology can be a distraction if not used to support the human element...

On this episode of APositive Insights, hosts Darren Cottrell and Brendan Herlihy are joined by special guest Martin Richardson, founder of Ready, Set, Recruit, a legal firm built to assist Australian recruitment agencies. They discuss the importance of writing and understanding terms when launching an agency, why you shouldn't borrow legals from a previous workplace, the potential pitfalls of poor...

On this episode of APositive Insights, hosts Darren Cottrell and Harry Chambers are joined by special guest Martin Herbst, CEO of JobAdder. JobAdder have recently released their biannual recruitment report, titled 'The State Of The Market'. He joins Darren and Harry to discuss highlights; including how the post-COVID recovery and economy have affected the industry, how different sectors are faring...

On this episode of APositive Insights, hosts Darren Cottrell and Harry Chambers are joined by special guest Edan Haddock, experienced recruiter and founder of industry community Rubberband. Edan talks about how Rubberband offers a safe space for recruiters to get together and how it allows them to focus on their wellbeing and avoid burnout. With experience in both internal and agency recruitment,...