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 into how self-awareness is the key to career success—and why most people overlook it, the critical mistakes recruiters and job seekers make when navigating the market, and how to build long-term relationships that turn into real career opportunities.

Whether you're a recruiter, a job seeker, or someone rethinking your next move, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Listen now and take control of your career.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Know yourself before making a career move – Define your strengths, values, and ideal workplace to avoid aimless job searching and find long-term career satisfaction.
• Stand out strategically – Instead of mass applications, build relationships, engage on LinkedIn, and connect with decision-makers to create real opportunities.
• Overcome imposter syndrome – Use visualization, mentorship, and self-awareness to boost confidence and step into new roles with conviction.
• Assess company culture deeply – Ask about retention, leadership, and real-life values to ensure alignment before committing to a role.
• Prioritize long-term relationships – Great recruiters don’t just fill jobs; they build lasting connections that lead to sustained career growth.
• Develop mental resilience – Adapt to setbacks, reflect on your journey, and create a career plan that aligns with your values.

About Denis Matthews

Denise Matthews has over 30 years of experience in talent acquisition and recruitment, working across small agencies, and large firms, and running her businesses. She has seen every side of recruitment—successes, failures, and the evolving industry landscape. A qualified executive and career coach (ILM Level 7), Denise specializes in mentoring senior leaders and middle management, helping them accelerate career progression, secure higher salaries, and gain the recognition they deserve.

She has a deep passion for matching the right talent to the right roles, emphasizing long-term career fulfillment. She also serves as a mentor with the Association of Business Mentors, where she supports professionals in unlocking their full potential. Her expertise spans leadership development, performance management, and navigating career transitions.

Denise’s coaching philosophy is rooted in self-awareness, strategic career planning, and leveraging strengths for success. Whether working with job seekers, recruiters, or business leaders, she challenges, develops, and supports individuals to reach their highest potential.

Connect with Denise Matthews

• LinkedIn

• Website

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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 influence, not just the science of the job.

He also calls out the industry’s obsession with AI, explaining why some tools are making things worse before they get better. If you want to sharpen your skills, boost your placements, and stay ahead in a changing market, this episode is a must-listen.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• The biggest mistake recruitment leaders make in downturns – Greg explains why cutting back on training and marketing when times are tough is the exact opposite of what companies should be doing.
• Why most recruitment training is a waste of time – Greg shares his unfiltered view on why traditional training fails and what actually works to develop top-performing recruiters.
• The power of influence in recruitment – It’s not about automation alone—Greg breaks down how the best recruiters master persuasion, storytelling, and human connection to close deals.
• AI’s role in recruitment: Hype vs. reality – Greg discusses how AI is reshaping the industry, where it’s useful, and where it’s making things worse.
• Managing high performers: Why top billers still need coaching – Greg challenges the common practice of leaving top recruiters alone and explains how leaders can take them from good to great.
• Lessons from recruitment disasters – He shares some of his biggest mistakes in recruitment and what they taught him about resilience, accountability, and earning trust.

About Greg Savage

Greg Savage is one of the most respected voices in the global recruitment and professional services industries. With a career spanning over four decades, he has built, scaled, and advised numerous successful recruitment businesses worldwide. As the founder of several thriving agencies and a sought-after speaker, Greg’s insights on leadership, business growth, and industry evolution have shaped the careers of countless recruiters.

He is the author of The Savage Truth, a book that blends his personal journey with valuable lessons on leadership, personal branding, and high-performance business strategies. His widely followed blog, The Savage Truth, is a go-to resource for recruiters looking to stay ahead in the industry. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice, Greg continues to influence and mentor recruitment professionals through keynotes, masterclasses, and his online training academy.

Connect with Greg Savage

• LinkedIn

• • Website
• 
  

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