The Talent Trade

The Talent Trade

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 Southwestern Family of Companies, for itself and its related entities and their assigns, reserves and retains all rights to their copyrighted materials and trademarks contained in this podcast.

Episodes

May 21, 2026 11 mins

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.

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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.

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May 7, 2026 16 mins

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.

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April 30, 2026 2 mins

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.

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April 23, 2026 1 min

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.

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April 16, 2026 4 mins

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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March 19, 2026 1 min

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.

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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.

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March 5, 2026 8 mins

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.

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February 26, 2026 2 mins

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.

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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.

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February 12, 2026 1 min

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.

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February 5, 2026 15 mins

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.

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January 29, 2026 1 min

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.

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January 22, 2026 2 mins

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.

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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.

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"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.

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