If you ask five recruiters what they think of AI, you’ll get five different answers, ranging from “total game-changer” to “the end of the profession.”

The truth is somewhere in the middle.

AI isn’t a magic button, and it’s not a death sentence. It’s the perfect tool for subject matter experts who want to cut out the busy work and spend more time where they truly add value.

That makes it a natural fit for recruiters who know how to leverage it.

But AI has its limits. It’s not human. It doesn’t feel. It can’t build trust or navigate the nuance of candidate conversations.

It won’t make a bad recruiter better, but in the hands of a great one, it can be transformative. It doesn’t work against you. With the right strategies, it can work alongside you.

So, how do you use AI to elevate your impact, not erode it? How do you offload low-level tasks while dialing up the work only humans can do?

In this episode, we’re joined by Debra Senra, founder and CEO of Hyphenate.
She shares the real-world promise and pitfalls of AI in recruiting, along with practical strategies for making it work for you.

Guest Bio

Debra Senra is the founder and CEO of Hyphenate. With 15+ years of revenue experience with 10+ years of revenue leadership experience, she has a proven track record of helping organizations grow and scale profitably. Experience leading all revenue functions, including sales, account management, customer success, revenue operations, demand generation/marketing, implementation, and customer care. Connect with Debra on LinkedIn.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

If you’ve ever bought something on Amazon with one click, you’ve seen embedded payments in action.

But that same seamless experience is now making waves in the B2B world.

And it’s changing how money moves between businesses and how fintechs and banks collaborate.

As organizations modernize operations, they’re looking for talent that can not only keep up but lead the charge.

They need people who understand automation, spot inefficiencies, and speak the language of finance and tech.

If you’re in talent acquisition, understanding the evolution of B2B payments can help you source, attract, and place better talent.

How do we find talent for this brave new world of payments?

In this episode, we’re joined by Senior Treasury Sales Officer at Fifth Third Bank and C-suite advisor, Richard Dooley. He breaks down all the latest developments in the payments world and how to staff for this digital transformation.

Guest Bio

Rich Dooley is a senior treasury sales officer with Fifth Third Bank in Charlotte, North Carolina. Now Richard serves as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives and treasury teams to understand their processes and goals so he can help deliver maximum effectiveness and efficiency in working capital and treasury functions involving emerging payment industry trends and best practices. Within the payments industry, Rich is a frequent conference speaker and author of The Signal, a curated LinkedIn newsletter focusing on payments and finance. He serves on several committees of the Accredited Standards Committee X9, focusing on faster and real-time payments, artificial intelligence, and blockchain in the payments space, and the ISO 20022 Financial Data Standard. Rich was one of the authors of the ISO 20022 Remittance Content Market Guide published by X9 (ISO 20022 Remittance Content Market Guide), and also served on the education advisory committee of the Southern Financial Exchange (SFE Education). Connect with Rich on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to Rich’s newsletter here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7063677977468833792/.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

For most of the workforce, the chaos, uncertainty, and intensity of COVID are in the rearview mirror.

But for the healthcare workforce and hospital systems, it’s still very much the present.

Not only has the sector struggled to recover from the effects of the pandemic, but in many ways, working conditions have worsened. From unsustainable hours to shrinking margins, the human toll has been immense.

Simply put: we’re not attracting doctors and nurses like we used to, and we’re rapidly burning out the ones we still have.

Something has to change. We need to rethink talent acquisition and retention in ways that weren’t necessary before.

Data and AI offer the most powerful tools to do this.

Healthcare generates more data than any other industry, and that data can be leveraged to solve some of the sector’s most urgent challenges.

So, how do we use data and AI to get a handle on what’s really happening in the workforce? What pressures are healthcare workers and hospital systems facing?

In this episode, I’m joined by two workforce leaders from Mercer, John Derse and Will Self.

They unpack the current state of healthcare and share how we can use data to improve working conditions and support the well-being of the people behind the care.

Guest Bio

John Derse is a senior partner and healthcare provider, and industry practice leader at Mercer. His consulting is in the area of People Strategy, which includes strategy, alignment/change management and workforce analytics, and rewards, providing clients with "end-to-end" strategic advice concerning the design, implementation, and operation of human capital and the HR function. Healthcare is an incredibly important industry to Mercer. $1 of every $10 of Mercer’s revenue in the US comes from a hospital or health system. Our commitment to this industry runs deep, and our powerful and unique research has helped us to understand this world today, but more importantly, tomorrow as well. John’s clients include some of the largest health systems and academic medical centers in the United States. John has also collaborated with organizations and brought innovative work for a broad range of clients across various industries, including financial services, consumer products, retail, manufacturing/distribution, and entertainment. Connect with John on LinkedIn.

Will Self is the Workforce Strategy and Analytics Leader at Mercer. As the global leader of Mercer’s Workforce Strategy & Analytics business, Will has the opportunity to work with clients at the unique intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, workforce strategy, and human resources. He is passionate about building HR functions that create value through advanced strategy, actionable insights, and unique sources of competitive advantage. The WSA team consists of data scientists from a diverse range of disciplinary backgrounds, including labor economics, I/O psychology, computer science, and statistics. They are united in their desire to help clients develop people AI, drive productivity, and enhance the employee experience. Connect with Will on LinkedIn.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Week after week on Talent Hunters, our host Vince Holt has brought out powerful insights from guests across every corner of the business. From former governors to top-tier doctors and seasoned recruiters.

But today, we’re switching things up. Vince is stepping out of the host’s chair and into the spotlight.

With over 35 years in the recruiting industry, what does he believe is the key to long-term success?

How can recruiters and franchise owners stay focused on the fundamentals instead of chasing every shiny new trend?

In an era of hiring freezes, layoffs, economic uncertainty, and ever-evolving tech, recruiting can feel more complex than ever. But the truth? The formula for success hasn’t changed.

At its core, recruiting is a sales job. You’re either selling yourself, the opportunity, or the candidate.

The secret? Listen, identify pain points, and offer solutions. Everything else is either a tool to support that or noise to tune out.

So, how do you get out of a slump? What separates good recruiters from great ones?

In this special episode, Vince is joined by HireQuest’s marketing manager, Ashley Smith.

He reflects on his journey, shares lessons from industry legends, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s been like to host Talent Hunters.

Guest Bio

Ashley Smith is the Head of Marketing at HireQuest Inc. She is a seasoned marketing executive and powerful relationship cultivator with 30 years of experience in the entertainment, staffing/recruiting, and sports industries. Ashley has a track record of developing marketing strategies that generate effective reach, drive digital conversations that translate to customer conversions, and grow brand awareness. She has expertise in partnership development and execution, marketing team architecture, and integrated marketing campaigns. Ashley is an innovative leader with experience overseeing $40M+ marketing and media budgets, achieving revenue growth, and fostering team excellence. Visit http://hirequest.com/ to learn more.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years of industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Most doctors and nurses didn’t choose medicine for the money. They chose it to make a difference.

But for many, that purpose feels out of reach.

Declining working conditions. Long hours. System friction. Eroding efficiency. Burnout. Too many patients, not enough providers.

It’s turning a calling into a transaction.

As older healthcare workers retire and fewer new professionals enter the field, the shortage is only growing. To fix it, something has to change.

The treatment of people who work in healthcare should matter as much as the work of healing people.

How do we make medicine worth staying in? Can recruiters and hospital leaders create better working conditions?

Can technology ease the load and close the gaps?

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Catarina Dolsten, CEO of Aktum Group, and Charles Jones, Director of Strategic Innovation and Partnerships. They share how to transform the healthcare experience for providers, patients, and society at large.

Guest Bio

Dr. Catarina Dolsten is the Founder and CEO of Aktum Group. Dr. Dolsten has experience from healthcare, founder-driven organizations, the financial industry, law, and the not-for-profit sector in the U.S. and globally. She received a master’s from Columbia University in Organizational Development and Change Management and is a Certified Coach from NYU. Dr. Dolsten is a Medical Doctor and received a BA in business administration from Lund University, Sweden. She brings extensive and management settings in the United States, Europe, and Africa.

Charles Jones is the Director Of Strategic Innovation and Partnerships at Aktum Group. He is an experienced pharmaceutical leader with a proven record of advancing complex commercial strategies, driving innovative platform technologies, and delivering successful product launches. Prior to joining Aktum, he held pivotal roles in corporate strategy, marketing, and commercial development at Pfizer—contributing significantly to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine rollout and leading early commercial strategies for emerging mRNA platforms. He also co-founded and sold a biotech company and consulted on pipeline strategy and product launches in various therapeutic areas. Charles holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, a B.S. in Biochemistry, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Recognized for strategic execution and collaborative leadership, he combines scientific insight with business acumen to create transformative solutions that improve healthcare and expand global access.

Visit https://www.aktumgroup.com/ for more information.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

One of the biggest trends we’ve seen in the working world recently is the rise of the Boomerang Boomer—retirees returning to the workforce.

There are many factors driving this trend, and while financial necessity might seem like the obvious reason, it’s not the only motivator.

Human beings are relationship-forming animals. We’re actually driven by purpose, community, and learning, not just money.

We need to feel useful in ways that go beyond financial contribution.

The challenge is that many of the other places where humans used to find these things—connection, identity, meaning—are disappearing.

So work becomes the place where we try to meet those needs.

For Boomers returning to the workforce, things might feel a bit unfamiliar. AI and remote work have reshaped what “going to work” looks like.

But here’s the good news: those are just tools. At its core, work is still about relationships, and that part hasn’t changed.

So, is the modern workplace really designed for how human beings work best? What do we actually need to thrive at work?

In this episode, we’re joined by internationally recognized thought leaders in behavioral science and business management, Dr. Bob Murray and Dr. Alicia Fortinberry. We talk about the psychology of work, and why money isn’t actually the main motivator.

Guest Bio

Dr. Bob Murray and Dr. Alicia Fortinberry are internationally recognized thought leaders in behavioral science and business management. Over 30 years ago, their groundbreaking work—rooted in emerging neuroscience and clinical practice—highlighted the central role of relationships in human wellbeing, a now widely accepted idea that was radical at the time. Their research has influenced fields ranging from mental and physical health to organizational culture and strategy, earning them global acclaim and an AAS Science Achievement Award.They developed a practical, science-based method for building strong connections to enhance health, performance, and fulfillment. They've lectured at leading institutions including Duke, Tufts, and the University of Melbourne, and taught graduate courses at the University of California at Northridge and Melbourne Law School. Their bestsellers, Creating Optimism and Raising an Optimistic Child, made their approach accessible to a broader audience. Through their firm Fortinberry Murray, they’ve helped Fortune 500 companies and major organizations build relationship-centered cultures and strategies. They served as keynote speakers, executive coaches, and advisors worldwide, and were appointed by President Obama to lead the U.S. National Workstress Initiative. Bob also serves on the board of the Mental Health Institute of Legal Professions and advises the NSW Law Council on lawyer mental health. Visit https://www.fortinberrymurray.com/ for more information.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

America’s healthcare system is nothing short of remarkable. We have cutting-edge technology that lets us diagnose conditions we couldn’t detect before, treat illnesses that were once considered untreatable, perform groundbreaking procedures, and even scan and edit DNA.

But there’s a catch. These incredible advancements come at a high cost, and that’s led us to a major issue: skyrocketing healthcare expenses.

So what’s the fix?

Flipping the script and shifting from managing disease to preventing it altogether. Making this shift means rethinking the whole system. It’s about moving away from reacting to health crises and instead focusing on keeping people healthy in the first place.

Of course, that kind of change takes people—healthcare workers who can engage more with patients and support this proactive model. The challenge? We’re already facing a huge talent shortage in healthcare. That’s where recruiting comes in. How can we build the workforce needed for preventive care? Can AI be part of the solution to ease the staffing crunch?

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. James Canedy, a retired board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Vice Chairman of Clarkson Regional Health Services. He shares how preventive healthcare can cut costs and how staffing professionals can play a key role in making it happen.

Guest Bio

Dr. James Canedy is a retired, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. As Vice Chairman of Clarkson Regional Health Services, he is committed to innovative approaches in the health care industry that help health care providers and facilities improve their practices, employers manage rising health care costs and regulation, and individuals lead healthier, more productive lives. Dr. Canedy is also an adjunct associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Connect with Dr. Canedy on LinkedIn.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years of industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

In a sales-driven industry like recruiting, making decisions based on data and analytics is critical. You can’t truly improve a process if you’re not measuring it. The problem is, many organizations rely on gut-feel decision-making, and unfortunately, they end up winging it.

On a gut-feel level, our prospecting pipeline might look good to us, but drilling down into the data shows us how well we’re really doing. Sales deals often stall because the organization isn’t properly monitoring performance indicators and using those insights to drive their actions.

Too often, sales organizations lean heavily on intuition, mistaking short-term success for sustainable strategies. Basing decisions on data and facts, instead of relying solely on gut feeling, can be the game-changer many companies need. After all, how do you know if you're being successful if you're not analyzing your progress?

In this episode, I’m joined by Shad Tidler, a consultant and coach at Lushin powered by Sandler. He shares how his engineering background helps sales organizations make better decisions by relying on analytics, not intuition.

Guest Bio

Shad Tidler is a leading consultant and coach at Lushin powered by Sandler. Specializing as a leading sales transformation consultant, he is known for crafting scalable strategies and processes tailored for client success. Shad's structured approach instills a sense of calm in clients, guiding them past immediate challenges and toward their goals. Shad helps business owners/presidents/CEO’s/leaders 10X their businesses and take them to the next level. Connect with Shad on LinkedIn.

About Your Host

Vince Holt is the founder and CEO of Management Recruiters of Mercer Island. With 35+ years industry experience, he is the only MRINetwork team member to win CSAM of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Vince has raced motorcycles for over 50 years, winning 5 National Championships.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!