Blake Thompson & Declan Kluver (Xrecruiter Co-Founders) Downturns, Mentoring, & Market Softening

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When Douglas Robertson founded DR Analytics Recruitment, he didn't just create another recruitment agency—he tackled the fundamental isolation problem in the data analytics industry. Having worked as a data analyst himself, Douglas recognized that professionals were trapped in organizational silos, missing crucial knowledge-sharing opportunities in a field that moves faster than most can keep up with.Beginning with just 22 people gathered in a Perth bar, Douglas' community-building approach has transformed into something remarkable. His quarterly "inner join" events now draw substantial crowds, connecting data specialists, leaders, and businesses across the ecosystem. As Douglas explains with refreshing candor, "The data world is often very siloed... What about someone else who's got the same problem, but they're using different software?" This simple insight drives everything his agency does.The podcast reveals surprising nuggets about the Perth data landscape—like how 95% of the market uses Power BI rather than Tableau—and practical advice for professionals navigating career development in this rapidly evolving space. We laugh about Douglas' serendipitous entry into data analytics (thanks to a conversation with his barista) and explore the vulnerability even confident networkers feel when entering a room full of strangers.What sets Douglas' approach apart is his balanced philosophy toward business growth. Maintaining strict boundaries between recruitment activities and community building, he shares specific metrics that keep his business on track while nurturing the wider data community. His distinction between "inner purpose" (finding contentment regardless of circumstances) and "outer purpose" (building his agency) offers wisdom for any entrepreneur.With a rebrand on the horizon and plans to "uplift data literacy across Australia," Douglas' story demonstrates how authentic community-building creates both business success and meaningful industry impact. Whether you're a data professional, a recruiter, or building your own business, this conversation provides valuable insights into connecting people around shared challenges.Subscribe to Confessions of a Recruiter for more authentic conversations with industry leaders who are transforming their fields through innovative approaches to talent and community.Support the show· Our Website is: xrecruiter.io

Ever wonder what happens behind closed doors when recruitment entrepreneurs hit rock bottom? This episode pulls back the curtain on the raw, unfiltered journey Blake and Declan took from cold-calling consultants to the founders of a nationwide recruitment community.The brutally honest conversation reveals pivotal moments that shaped their path—like the chance meeting in a park where Declan first learned about recruitment after seeing Blake's Mercedes, or Blake's first day making random cold calls without training simply because everyone else was busy on the phone. These authentic stories illuminate how two regular guys built something extraordinary through sheer determination.Their transparency extends to truly harrowing business crises—predatory vendors demanding triple fees with four days' notice, critically ill children at home, and a devastating $300,000 loss when a client went insolvent—all happening simultaneously. Yet it's precisely these moments that revealed their superpower: community. When traditional businesses would have collapsed, their partners rallied together to help solve problems collectively.Whether you're contemplating starting your own recruitment business or simply fascinated by entrepreneurial journeys, this conversation offers profound insights about the true measures of success. As Blake notes, "I think the longer I'm in business, the more I realize it's the journey that matters, not the destination." But perhaps Declan delivers the most actionable insight: "Osmosis. You're 15 or 30% better when you're around people." Who's in your corner?Support the show· Our Website is: xrecruiter.io

Support the show· Our Website is: xrecruiter.io

From martial arts champion to global recruitment leader, Ed Glover's remarkable career journey demonstrates how early discipline shapes professional success. Raised by a special forces father with a "if you're not first, you're last" mentality, Ed channeled that competitive spirit into multiple high-performance careers across three continents.Ed's candid conversation reveals pivotal moments that shaped his path – from watching his father receive a medal from the Queen, to moving out at 15 and supporting himself through university, to being shown a £47,000 monthly payslip that convinced him to enter recruitment. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch his own agency after just two years in recruitment, navigating the challenges of rapid growth and cash flow management during the GFC.The discussion offers fascinating insights into recruitment across different global markets. Ed shares how he transformed Michael Page's approach in San Francisco, abandoning pinstripe suits when meeting hoodie-wearing startup founders, and learning to "expand everyone's expectations" to create successful placements. His later roles at LinkedIn and Gartner taught him valuable lessons about enterprise sales and understanding that only two things truly matter in any deal: power (decision-makers) and urgency.Now as Business Director at XRecruiter, Ed helps recruiters launch and scale their own agencies with the support he wishes he'd had. His perspective is refreshingly honest – addressing both the incredible rewards of independence and the challenges that held him back. For anyone considering their next career move, Ed's story demonstrates that success isn't linear but comes from continuously challenging yourself and recognizing when you're at your happiest.Support the show· Our Website is: xrecruiter.io

Dive into the incredible journey of Dimpy, an inspiring immigrant who transitioned from placement coordinator to the founder of Exclusive Talent, a thriving recruitment agency. In this episode, we explore her early life in India, the challenges she faced when moving to Australia, and the ways she navigated the complex recruitment landscape as a newcomer. Her story is not just about finding professional success; it’s a testament to the power of belief, resilience, and self-discovery in the face of adversity.Dimpy candidly recounts her experiences, from the struggles of adapting to a new culture and language to overcoming feelings of inadequacy. She shares valuable insights into how she built her confidence, transformed her perspective on recruitment, and developed meaningful relationships with clients and candidates alike. Her approach to recruitment is rooted in empathy and understanding, fostering a culture of transparency within her agency. Looking to the future, Dimpy discusses her aspirations for Exclusive Talent and her mission to create an inclusive environment for all recruiters. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the industry, Dimpy’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential we all have to succeed, regardless of our backgrounds. Listen in to gain insights, inspiration, and practical advice that can guide you as you navigate your career journey. Don’t forget to reach out to Dimpy or share your own experiences, as we continue to learn from one another in this dynamic field!Support the show· Our Website is: xrecruiter.io

Support the show· Our Website is: xrecruiter.io

Support the show· Our Website is: xrecruiter.io

Are you ready to delve into the dynamic world of recruitment business sales? In this episode, we sit down with Josh Hill, the founder of North Star Partners, as he shares his unique experiences and valuable insights into navigating the complexities of the recruitment industry. Our conversation explores pivotal moments and conversations that can shape a recruitment professional’s trajectory, particularly the strategic decisions that lead to a successful sale. Josh discusses the importance of understanding market conditions, authentic connections with clients, and how to effectively articulate value—both in oneself and in the business.You’ll discover practical tips on preparing your recruitment business for sale, including essential metrics that every recruiter should understand to create real value. We also explore the evolving landscape of client and candidate expectations, along with methods to foster a vibrant community that supports personal and professional growth. Are you thinking about starting your own agency? Listen closely as Josh reflects on his journey and the foundational strategies that aspiring recruitment agency owners should consider to thrive in a competitive environment. This episode is rich with insights and encourages industry dialogue about best practices, authentic interactions, and the importance of community. Join us to ensure you’re not just staying afloat, but thriving in the exciting but challenging recruitment landscape. Don't forget to subscribe, and if you enjoy, please leave us a review!Support the show· Our Website is: xrecruiter.io

Support the show· Our Website is: xrecruiter.io