The Talent Trade

40 Episodes
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By: Southwestern Family of Podcasts - Southwestern Family of Companies

The Talent Trade is all about finding the right person, for the right opportunity, at the right time. But how exactly do you do that the "right" way? Executive Search Partner and Top Biller Stephanie Maas shares more than 25 years of experience about what it takes to be a top recruiter in today's "talent trade" market, using ThinkingAhead’s four-prong system focused on recruiting, business development, planning, and managing your mindset. It’s real, honest information about how to build your desk, perfect your niche, and stand out among the crowd in your search career. Southwestern/Great American, Inc., dba Sout...

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Talent Trade Tidbit - What Happens BEFORE a Search Goes to Market
Talent Trade Tidbit - What Happens BEFORE a Search Goes to Market episode artwork
Today at 9:30 AM

Chris Spagnola and Jessica Martinez, Partners in ThinkingAhead's nonprofit practice, explain how when you're itching to get ready, set, and go on a search, the "ready" and "set" parts of that equation are often the most critical. Here's what they do prepare...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Recruiting in the Nonprofit Space
Talent Trade Tidbit - Recruiting in the Nonprofit Space episode artwork
07/09/2026

Chris Spagnola and Jessica Martinez, Partners in ThinkingAhead's nonprofit practice, explain the unique feeling of satisfaction that comes from making placements in the nonprofit arena, and the distinct way they approach their work for organizations, that leaves a lasting impact even after the role is filled.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


The Last 5 Years
The Last 5 Years episode artwork
#45
07/02/2026

Stephanie Maas outlines ThinkingAhead's unique slew of boutique offerings, goes through their 3-step process for making sure that the relationship with the client is the right one, at the right time, for the right opportunity, and covers the biggest changes from the past 5 years which have forever altered the job market, and the role of search within that market.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Interviewing As An Internal Candidate
Talent Trade Tidbit - Interviewing As An Internal Candidate episode artwork
06/25/2026

While you might think you've got a better position at your existing company all locked up, that doesn't mean you can coast through the interview. ThinkingAhead’s Jonathan McIntosh explains how to help those familiar colleagues see you in a different light...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Recruiter Spotlight - Brian Vogt
Recruiter Spotlight - Brian Vogt episode artwork
06/18/2026

Brian Vogt, Managing Partner and a top Legal Recruiter at ThinkingAhead, shares personal insights into his role, and the keys to building successful relationships with clients and candidates.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Key Questions To Ask Yourself
Talent Trade Tidbit - Key Questions To Ask Yourself episode artwork
06/11/2026

Making a hire for your team? Considering a move yourself? Here are the dead simple, but critical questions you need to be asking first...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Delighting In The Daily
Delighting In The Daily episode artwork
#44
06/04/2026

ThinkingAhead President Greg Boucher lays out the 3 mental constructs you must master in order to enter your flow state, and execute strategically, including how to build momentum, learn from your wins as well as your losses, create productive routines, batch work, maintain focus, and more.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - When the Exception Becomes The Rule
Talent Trade Tidbit - When the Exception Becomes The Rule episode artwork
05/28/2026

Not quite gelling with a particular rule at work? Well, that rule could become an exception....before becoming a rule again later. Make sense? Don't worry, we'll explain.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Recruiter Spotlight - Dan Kuhar
Recruiter Spotlight - Dan Kuhar episode artwork
05/21/2026

Dan Kuhar shares personal insights into his role, what drew him to ThinkingAhead and the world of executive search, and what happens when nonprofit organizations develop a long-term relationship with a recruiting partner. Whether you’re considering a career in executive recruiting or curious about our firm’s unique approach, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Frustrations in Banking
Talent Trade Tidbit - Frustrations in Banking episode artwork
05/14/2026

Hiring managers in the banking world; you may be asking yourself questions like: Why do people leave? How do we get them to stay? How do we differentiate our bank from others to potential candidates? Listen in for some answers...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Elevating Your Phone Work
Elevating Your Phone Work episode artwork
#43
05/07/2026

In the life of a recruiter, the phone is your friend. Learn about the two types of recruiters and how each of them needs to be using their phone time, and the 3 times of day that present the best opportunities to up your game.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Referrals
Talent Trade Tidbit - Referrals episode artwork
04/30/2026

The attitude around referrals has changed a lot over the past 20 years, and mostly for the better. Hear how referrals can lead to opportunity from all sides, and how they're easier than ever before.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Onboarding
Talent Trade Tidbit - Onboarding episode artwork
04/23/2026

So you've already got the job...that's it, right? Actually, what happens on day 1 and 2 can make a HUGE difference to your success in the role...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Recruiter Spotlight - Ryan Rasmussen
Recruiter Spotlight - Ryan Rasmussen episode artwork
04/16/2026

Ryan Rasmussen, Partner and Executive Recruiter in the Nonprofit Practice at ThinkingAhead, shares personal insights into his role, what drew him to ThinkingAhead and the world of executive search, and what happens when nonprofit organizations develop a long-term relationship with a recruiting partner.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Getting Called To The Majors
Talent Trade Tidbit - Getting Called To The Majors episode artwork
04/09/2026

Don't make a rookie mistake and don't be a benchwarmer. When your time comes to play in the big leagues, consider these 3 factors...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Spring Cleaning For Your Desk and For Your Head
Spring Cleaning For Your Desk and For Your Head episode artwork
#42
04/02/2026

Time to declutter! Not just at home, but professionally as well. Learn the 4 big categories to get into order for a smoother Q2 and beyond, the way they interact with one another, and how to attack each one.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Realistic Hiring
Talent Trade Tidbit - Realistic Hiring episode artwork
03/26/2026

If you're looking for a candidate, you'd better keep your expectations...realistic. Stephanie shares a story of how she had to give it straight to one client, and why ultimately, they appreciated the candor.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Gratitude
Talent Trade Tidbit - Gratitude episode artwork
03/19/2026

It's the magic word that might be the hardest to say right now, but making it a habit can change EVERYTHING...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Balancing Multiple Opportunities
Talent Trade Tidbit - Balancing Multiple Opportunities episode artwork
03/12/2026

Newsflash: it's competitive out there. Don't let the best RECRUITER stand in the way of the best OPPORTUNITY. Don't let your ego get in the way, either. Here's some good advice for managing both...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Volume Vs. Boutique Search
Volume Vs. Boutique Search episode artwork
#41
03/05/2026

Are you getting questions like "why do I need a search firm at all?" or "what's the difference between firms anyway?" Stephanie's got the answers...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Stability, Redefined
Talent Trade Tidbit - Stability, Redefined episode artwork
02/26/2026

What IS stability in today’s market? It’s not being part of the biggest organization, and it’s not being part of the smallest either. So what IS it?

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Corporate Ladder Vs. Lattice
Talent Trade Tidbit - Corporate Ladder Vs. Lattice episode artwork
02/19/2026

Making progress in the corporate world isn’t just up or down anymore. It’s sideways, diagonal, or sometimes staying right where you are. But what are the questions you need to ask yourself to get there?

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Up Is Up
Talent Trade Tidbit - Up Is Up episode artwork
02/12/2026

Don’t give in to the Negative Nancys….ANY progress, or even just holding steady, is worth celebrating…

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Tenacity and Courage
Tenacity and Courage episode artwork
#40
02/05/2026

Stephanie breaks down the lion vs gazelle mentalities, the 4 pillars of building your desk and how to self-assess it regularly, and the 30-day challenge that can truly transform your game.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Necessary Endings
Talent Trade Tidbit - Necessary Endings episode artwork
01/29/2026

They say that all good things must come to an end...but don't lose your head when it happens...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - The Feel Goods
Talent Trade Tidbit - The Feel Goods episode artwork
01/22/2026

Yes, filling a search is about satisfying a client and getting paid. But sometimes, filling a search can still hit you straight in the feels...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Thinking About Search?
Talent Trade Tidbit - Thinking About Search? episode artwork
01/15/2026

Considering a career in search? Here are a few key things to keep in mind...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Be Safe and Make Good Choices
Talent Trade Tidbit - Be Safe and Make Good Choices episode artwork
01/08/2026

"Aunt Mimi" serves up some advice that, as it turns out, is as applicable for the marketplace as it is for the rest of your life...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Qualify The Qualifying
Qualify The Qualifying episode artwork
#39
01/01/2026

Piggybacking off of Episodes 37 and 38, Stephanie digs into how much you should be investing in terms of time and effort into certain searches, how to make that determination, how to find out if a client is as committed to you as you are to them, and why ThinkingAhead is a bit like a luxury car.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Wishing You the Merriest, from The Talent Trade
Wishing You the Merriest, from The Talent Trade episode artwork
12/25/2025

Stephanie shares what's keeping her spirits merry and bright at this most magical time of the year, and her sincere wishes for all of our listeners.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Working Hard, or Hardly Working?
Talent Trade Tidbit - Working Hard, or Hardly Working? episode artwork
12/18/2025

Stephanie has a hot take on a generational observation that, quite frankly, has left her a bit befuddled.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - The Elevator Pitch
Talent Trade Tidbit - The Elevator Pitch episode artwork
12/11/2025

Expanding on a topic mentioned in Episode 37, Stephanie reveals the template for her quick, but effective, elevator pitch to prospective clients, which you can customize for your own use.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Easy As ABC
Easy As ABC episode artwork
#38
12/04/2025

Stephanie breaks down the 3 different quality levels of searches, and the components that make up what defines each of those levels, as well as which criteria are "must-haves" and which are "wish I hads".

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Happy Thanksgiving from The Talent Trade!
Happy Thanksgiving from The Talent Trade! episode artwork
11/27/2025

Talent Trade host Stephanie Maas breaks down the Thanksgiving lesson that listeners can carry with them EVERY day, plus her favorite Thanksgiving traditions, and the #1 thing she is a total dork about.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - R&R: Not An Option
Talent Trade Tidbit - R&R: Not An Option episode artwork
11/20/2025

Even as we head into the holiday season, Stephanie wants you to know that a little rest and relaxation isn't an option....because it's MANDATORY.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - #1 Problem in Banking
Talent Trade Tidbit - #1 Problem in Banking episode artwork
11/13/2025

If you work in banking, you know the elephant in the room. It's not risk. It's not compliance. It's not a flat economy. It's not the regulators. So what IS it? And is there a solution?

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Intention and Sophistication
Intention and Sophistication episode artwork
#37
11/06/2025

Learn how the pros at ThinkingAhead execute next-level business development, including the 3 stages of client development, the 3 simple questions that unlock relationship building, when the "blind squirrel" approach actually has it's place, and the tricks to staying on the radar until the time is right.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Suggestions for Panel Interviews
Talent Trade Tidbit - Suggestions for Panel Interviews episode artwork
10/30/2025

Panel interviews, or back-to-back interviews can be daunting. But it's not you versus them.....it's you versus yourself, your experience, and your own preparation. Learn how to get organized for the big day, why to say "yes" to that drink, and what to do if nature calls.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Mindset: Fixed or Growth?
Talent Trade Tidbit - Mindset: Fixed or Growth? episode artwork
10/23/2025

Perhaps you've only ever heard that a growth mindset is good, and a fixed mindset is bad. That's not always the case. Learn when IS the right time to put those blinders on, and when to cast them aside.

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.


Talent Trade Tidbit - Don't Communicate, Overcommunicate
Talent Trade Tidbit - Don't Communicate, Overcommunicate episode artwork
10/16/2025

It doesn't matter whether you're a candidate or a client, if you don't communicate with your recruiter, you're missing out on talent and opportunities. Just listen to a few of the hairy situations that a lack of communication has landed Stephanie in...

Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.