The Counter Offer

“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 bac...

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 w...

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 r...

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,...

“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,...

“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...

"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...

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...

"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...

"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 dyn...

Are you truly in control of your career, or are you just reacting to circumstances?  In this episode, Susanna sits down with Denise Matthews, a powerhouse in recruitment and career coaching with over 30 years of experience.  Denise shares hard-hitting truths about the job market, the psychology of career transitions, and the strategies recruiters and job seekers need to truly stand out. She dives...

Recruitment is full of tough lessons, but few people know them better than Greg Savage.  In this episode, we cut through the noise and get straight to what really makes a great recruiter—beyond just hitting KPIs. Greg shares unfiltered insights on why most training is a waste of time, the biggest mistakes recruiters make when handling counteroffers, and why elite recruiters master the art of influ...

Is flexibility in the workplace truly achievable, or is it still a dream for many parents and professionals? In this episode of The Counter Offer, Susanna is joined by Elizabeth Willetts, Founder of Investing in Women and host of the Work It Like a Mum podcast.  Elizabeth shares her path from redundancy during the pandemic to building a business focused on creating flexible work opportunities for...

What does it take to stay authentic and succeed in a world of challenges? In this episode of The Counter Offer , Susanna sits down with Lee McQueen, entrepreneur, recruitment innovator, and winner of The Apprentice (Series 4). Lee shares his journey from humble beginnings to building multiple seven-figure businesses and reflects on the role of authenticity, resilience, and decisive action in achie...

Are you listening to the people around you—or just waiting to speak? In this special Christmas episode of The Counter Offer , Susanna Gray-Jones sits down with a very special guest—her father, Lindsay Gray. With decades of experience across leadership, education, mediation, and volunteer work, Lindsay shares his timeless wisdom on how to navigate change, build trust, and manage burnout with grace....

What if the life you want is just one gutsy decision away? In this episode, Susanna Gray-Jones welcomes Tiarna Mccormack, a bold Rec2rec professional whose career journey is a masterclass in taking risks and reaping rewards. From selling dream holidays to building a thriving recruitment career across continents, Tiarna proves that stepping outside your comfort zone can open doors you never imagine...

Can a recruiter’s greatest success come from redefining the game and putting relationships above all else? In this episode, Susanna Gray-Jones sits down with Josh Brandon, founder of Qualiteach, to explore the journey of building an exceptional recruitment business.  Josh shares how his purpose, rooted in family and a relentless pursuit of quality, drives him to create a reputable name in educatio...

What does it take to elevate your recruiting career from average to elite? In this episode, Susanna Gray-Jones is joined by the esteemed recruitment trainer, Alan Clarke, founder of RecruiterFit. With over 27 years of industry expertise, Alan shares his mission of empowering recruiters to refine their skills and build resilience in a demanding field.  He dives into the art of developing essential...

What truly drives a recruiter to succeed—passion for people, or the pursuit of profit? In this episode, Susanna Gray-Jones sits down with Martin Keddie, Associate Director at Axcis Education Recruitment. Martin’s unique journey from performing arts to becoming a top-billing recruiter in the education sector reveals how diverse experiences can shape a successful career in recruitment. Martin shares...

Are you investing enough in your growth or just chasing short-term wins? This week, we’re bringing back the most listened-to episode on The Counter Offer! Join Susanna Gray-Jones and guest co-host Luke Smith as they sit down with Nick Murphy, CEO of Tradewind Recruitment, to explore the journey behind building a thriving recruitment business.  From his early days in Sydney to leading Tradewind’s g...

Do you feel under target? It’s a frustrating place to be, and it’s easy to let the pressure overwhelm you.  But what if being under target isn’t the failure you think it is? What if it’s actually an opportunity to reassess, refocus, and elevate your recruitment game? In this episode, I open up about my own experiences with missing targets, something every recruiter faces sooner or later. Instead o...

Ever wondered what separates exceptional salespeople from the rest? In this episode, Susanna Gray-Jones chats with sales expert Romy Sembi about mastering the sales process and staying motivated. Romy reveals how understanding the "DNA of selling" and employing a scientific approach can drive success. They delve into how visual goals can fuel motivation and the role of managers in recognizing what...

What if the key to elevating your recruitment process is reevaluating how you assess and onboard new hires? In this episode, Susanna talks to Bobby Banerjee, a seasoned recruitment strategist to explore optimizing recruitment and onboarding strategies. They discuss how to balance thoroughness with efficiency in interviews and the value of role plays for on-the-spot candidate assessment.  Bobby adv...

When someone compliments you, don't downplay it— own it and say thank you . It will empower you and affirm your worth. In this episode, Susanna sits down with Cynthia Barnes, a top LinkedIn voice, keynote speaker, and trailblazer in sales and diversity. Cynthia is known for her powerful presence and inspirational messages on equality and personal growth. They dive deep into the essence of owni...

In this rogue episode, Susanna invites her friend and mentor, Luke Smith, Director of Envisage Search, to discuss some areas of the recruitment industry that you may not hear or think about very often. They explore the qualities of a good client and a decent recruitment company. Luke shares his vast experience in executive search, explaining the challenges and stigmas in the industry. They delve i...