The Talent Trade
Episodes
Talent Trade Tidbit - Working Hard, or Hardly Working?
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie has a hot take on a generational observation that, quite frankly, has left her a bit befuddled.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear ...
Talent Trade Tidbit - The Elevator Pitch
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Expanding on a topic mentioned in Episode 37, Stephanie reveals the template for her quick, but effective, elevator pitch to prospective clients, whic...
Easy As ABC
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Talent Trade Tidbit - R&R: Not An Option
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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.Disco...
Talent Trade Tidbit - #1 Problem in Banking
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Intention and Sophistication
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how the pros at ThinkingAhead execute next-level business development, including the 3 stages of client development, the 3 simple questions that...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Suggestions for Panel Interviews
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ow...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Mindset: Fixed or Growth?
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Don't Communicate, Overcommunicate
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Big Name Vs. The Market
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So you've worked for a big company, and you want to namedrop in an interview. Does that really give you a leg up? .....Kinda. But it's not THE mos...
Quitting with Class: Resignation Prep
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Josh Karamol, Executive Recruiter and Partner with the Commercial Banking & Finance team at ThinkingAhead, walks Stephanie through the delicate an...
Talent Trade Tidbit - "Tell Me About Yourself"
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Groan. Eye roll. Heavy sigh. Aren't we all sick of this question? All the same, there IS a right way, and a wrong way to answer it...Discover what...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Mass Recruiting Tools
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sure, nobody wants to feel like just another cog in the machine. Like just another brick in the wall. But sometimes, in the right situations, you've...
Talent Trade Tidbit - When Coffee Means More...
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Am I making a good first impression? Am I answering the questions right? Do I look presentable? Is this a date? No. But it MIGHT be a job intervi...
Rockin' Resumes
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie lays out some "rules of the road" for drafting and circulating eye-catching resumes, including the choice between DIY or professional, the i...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Toggling Vs. Multitasking
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ok, Boomer....or Gen Xer. Multitasking gets a bad name. But there's a new kid on the scene: toggling. And this isn't your father's multitasking...D...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Double Fees / Lock Up Your Process
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Somebody's made a costly mistake. It happens. Here's what NOT to do to make it even worse...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories fro...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Elevate Your Game
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You're on top of the world, huh? Time to coast? WRONG. Time to ELEVATE.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and br...
Money Isn't Everything...But It's Something
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We all know that money isn't everything...so then what is? Explore the other factors you should be looking hard at in a job search, as well as what t...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Acquired (Pun Intended) Advice for Banking
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're caught in the middle of a merger or acquisition in the banking world, there are a few main scenarios you may want to consider. Stephanie br...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Zoom Etiquette
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We get it. They scheduled a Zoom call during lunch. Bummer. But there are some things you just CAN'T do...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, h...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Retention Strategies
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A RECRUITER giving advice for RETENTION?! What?! Turns out that, in a sneaky way, demand for key talent retention is actually a key strategy in recr...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Emotional Wooing
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know the role isn't a good fit, but they turn on the charm anyway.....and you fall for it. What do you do?Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart,...
The Difference-Maker
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie breaks down the key distinction between leadership and management, including the best advice for current and aspiring leaders alike, and the...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Candidate Aversion
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Risk intolerant? You're not alone. Learn why uncertain times may call for patience.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruit...
Talent Trade Tidbit - What's Your Reputation?
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For better or worse, your reputation will precede you. Let's try not to make it for worse...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Mergers, Acquisitions, Chaos, and Opportunity
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
M&A got you spooked? No need to fear. In fact, a little shake-up may be just the thing to stir up some unexpected opportunities...Discover what ...
Deal-Wrecking Psychology
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So, you've got this deal all tied up, right? WRONG. Or at least it's wrong if you do one of the following...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart,...
Talent Trade Tidbit - The Key to Finding Mentorship
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes you just can’t do it alone. So do you have someone trusted in your corner that you can turn to in tough times? Here’s why it...
Talent Trade Tidbit - How to Succeed in a Remote Interview
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The ThinkingAhead staff of recruiters share 10 tips for acing a remote interview and creating a lasting impression in the mind of your interviewer.Dis...
Talent Trade Tidbit - How To Prepare For A First Interview: Before, During, and After
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Executive recruiters Chris Spagnola and Jonathan McIntosh share helpful tips on how to prepare for a successful first interview, and how to best navig...
Talent Trade Tidbit - How to Best Perform a Career Search During This Time
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Career Service experts Hans Schlegel, Ben Kessler, Raul Krebs, and Priit Suitslepp share 6 tips for how to best perform a career search.Discover what ...
The DRIP System
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie lays out ThinkingAhead's proven 7-step system for being persistent (but not obnoxious) in building trust and familiarity for business develo...
Talent Trade Tidbit - YOU Pick The Restaurant
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes an interview is a little bit like a date...someone's got to take the lead. If you're a client, that someone should be you...Discover what s...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Recruiter = Financial Advisor
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you think LeBron James does his own salary negotiations? Do you think you're better than LeBron James? Learn how a good recruiter can help you la...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Change = Opportunity
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Change is inevitable. But whether you're a client or a candidate, change doesn't have to mean doom. In fact, it rarely does. Here are a few good r...
Fail Faster
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ThinkingAhead Recruiting Partner and Legal Practice Manager Brian Vogt dives into the psychology of recruiting, leads Stephanie in a couple of rolepla...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Training Is No Longer a Luxury
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Listen up leaders: training is no longer optional. Why is training more critical now than ever? Glad you asked...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead a...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Foundations of Success
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the 3 (maybe 4) simple steps you can adopt to lay strong foundations for success in your business.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear s...
Playing Head Games
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Gray, Partner in the Energy & Renewables practice at ThinkingAhead Executive Search, shares his unlikely journey from music to search, the 5...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Are We Real?
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Find out how ThinkingAhead's unique approach to search seemingly has one client questioning reality itself.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hea...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Why Do People Leave?
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do people leave a job? Statistically, it's NOT money. Ok, so what IS it? Find out what the factors are, and if you as a leader could be one of ...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Grape In The Middle
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie helps you overcome "analysis paralysis" with advice from, among other things, the timeless wisdom of Karate Kid...Discover what sets Thinkin...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Counter Offers
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's a nightmare subject for a lot of recruiters and candidates alike. But when IS the right time to make a counter offer? And are you sure your rea...
Let's Get There Together
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Derek Schlender, National SBA Executive Recruiter with ThinkingAhead Executive Search, joins the program to share the MPC approach to driving business...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Title: What's In a Name?
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How important is your job title, REALLY? The answer could be not a bit, or quite a lot, depending on who's looking. Tune in to learn when you should...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Start Strong
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you get your year off to a strong start? What's the difference between a goal and a dream? Stephanie explains...Discover what sets ThinkingAh...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Bonus Season
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonus season can really get the mental gears turning for a lot of people, both on the hiring side, and those in the job roles. But the money itself i...
Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Were The Clash experts in the recruiting space? Not exactly. But Stephanie Maas addresses the question with some tips on how to evaluate if it's tim...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Hit 2025 Running
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Head still spinning from 2024? Too bad. 2025 is here, and it's time to get your head in the game. Here's a tip on a good place to start...Discover ...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Hangovers in the Workplace
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So you had a bit of a good time. Maybe TOO good. But now it’s time to get back to work. But HOW?Discover what sets ThinkingAhead a...
Happy Holidays From The Talent Trade!
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie Maas shares the memories and the gratitude for you (yes, YOU) that keeps her season merry and bright.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart,...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Hold Your Horses
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unemployment is low. Talent is coveted. Maybe it’s time to jump ship and get back in the market? Not so fast, buster…Discover wh...
Roomba Recruiting
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie is joined by Elise Gay, Executive Search Partner specializing in the Legal and Life Sciences division of ThinkingAhead, explaining her "Room...
Giving Thanks, From The Talent Trade
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What’s The Talent Trade thankful for this year? In short…YOU. Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, an...
Talent Trade Tidbit - End of Year Fantasy Island
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, the year is nearly over, but don’t take your eye off of the ball. Instead, might we recommend taking a brief trip to “fantasy island”...
Talent Trade Tidbit - When In Doubt, Go Find Out
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
They say that the quickest path is a straight line, and that’s true in conversation as well. Learn why if you’re at all unsure, whatever you...
Becoming a Legal Eagle
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie is joined by Jennifer White from ThinkingAhead’s legal recruiting space, who shares the unique challenges and rewards of working with firm...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Making References Count
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feel like references aren’t adding much to your resume and interview process the way that you’ve been using them? That’s because you need ...
Recruiter Tales - Hans Schlegel
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hans Schlegel, Partner and Sales Recruiter with ThinkingAhead Executive Search, talks about what attracted him to the field of search, and to Thinking...
Talent Trade Tidbit - The Right Way to Resign
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yes; just because you’ve got one foot out the door already, there’s a right and a wrong way to do it, and this is true from BOTH sides of the desk...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Time Kills All Deals
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Looking to make a hire? You can be offering the most attractive deal in the world, but it won’t mean anything if you don’t do it in a timely...
Treat Your Humans Like Humans
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie is joined by Jessica Gurley, a superstar Exec Recruiter from ThinkingAhead’s Life Sciences division, who dives into using technology to ac...
Talent Trade Tidbit - The WORST Interview Question...and A Runner-Up
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Find out the one interview question you should never ask, and probably hate receiving yourself (I'll bet you have an idea of what it is), and some mor...
Recruiter Tales - Heather Campbell
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hot off her appearance in last month's episode, Heather Campbell, Partner and Executive Recruiter with ThinkingAhead's Nonprofit team, talks about how...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Summer is Over...Finish Strong
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sadly, summer is over. Put those Hawaiian shirts back in the drawers, and focus up as we begin the mad dash to the end of the year. Learn how to set...
Overcoming Objection
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Objection! Overruled? No, not quite the right tack. Learn the 2 categories of objections you may encounter, the 5 points to being a phenomenal list...
Talent Trade Tidbit - It's the Little Things That Count
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The #1 secret to employee retention. Hint: It’s not money.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and brow...
Recruiter Tales - Kay Linder
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hot off her appearance in last month's episode, Kay Linder, Partner with ThinkingAhead's Nonprofit Leadership Search, talks about the interesting firs...
Talent Trade Tidbit - How to NOT Get Picked Up Coming Home From a Work Conference
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Critical advice, should you find yourself in an unenviable travel situation…Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, an...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Find the Pony
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just a simple story about twins, toys, and a big pile of horse poop. There’s a lesson, we promise.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear...
Perfect Prep
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather Campbell, Nonprofit Partner and Executive Recruiter with ThinkingAhead Executive Search, breaks down her process for prepping and debriefing c...
Recruiter Tales - Derek Schlender and Trinity Taylor
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Derek Schlender, Partner and SBA Practice Lead, and Trinity Taylor, Partner and Recruiter with ThinkingAhead, share the skills they learned from worki...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Summer Smarts
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to enjoy summer the smart way, including adopting the right work mentality, some basic tips for being safe in the sun, and even how to survi...
Uncover, Discover, Remember
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie welcomes Kay Linder, Partner with ThinkingAhead's Nonprofit Leadership Search, covering ground including the many hats a true recruiter must...
Happy 4th of July from The Talent Trade!
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie Maas shares a heartfelt 4th of July message on what makes the holiday great, what makes America great, and why the perseverance of our natio...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Career Vaccine
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie Maas shares her best advice for how to truly inoculate yourself against the ups and downs of the job marketplace, and the world at large.Dis...
Recruiter Tales - Jennifer White
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer White, Partner and Attorney Recruiter for ThinkingAhead, talks about the connection between search and sales, the RIGHT time to catch a candi...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Out of Work?
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the 3 critical things to keep in mind if you find yourself in the perhaps unexpected position of having to search for your next professional rol...
Incredible Interviewing
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Find out what makes interviewing today WAY different than interviewing a few years ago (and why that's a good thing), the 7 most important things to k...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Getting Congruent with Today's Market / Money Talks
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Find out what is NOT the most effective way to lobby for a more equitable salary, and what to do instead.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear ...
Recruiter Tales - Elise Gay
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Elise Gay, Recruiter with the Life Sciences team at ThinkingAhead, talks about having the space to "fail it forward" to win at the end, shares one of ...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Don't Be a Donkey
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie provides a much-needed wake up call on keeping swagger levels from getting dangerously high.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear sto...
Becoming a Market Master
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie welcomes the Strongest Man in Kansas, and Partner with ThinkingAhead, JW Heflin, who lays out the benefits of being highly specialized, how ...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie stresses the importance of slowing down and learning to course-correct in the moment, rather than living with regret later.Discover what set...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Not Years of Experience, But Experience in the Years
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Experience isn’t just a number; it’s about being present and making the most of your time, even in a situation that’s less than ideal.Discover w...
Recruiter Tales - Jessica Gurley
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jessica Gurley, recruiter on ThinkingAhead's Life Sciences team, talks about the "ThinkingAhead" effect, different types of approach by recruiters, an...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Banker Fatigue
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie asks the big question about banking that everyone wants to know…WTF? Where’s the fun?!Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear...
Our Product is People
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Host Stephanie Maas is joined by ThinkingAhead Partner and Recruiter Cathy Moll, who shares tips for building relationships and being a better listene...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Purple Spotted Unicorn
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On the hunt for the rare beast known as the "purple spotted unicorn"? We've got bad news for ya...you're not going to find one.Discover what sets Thi...
Recruiter Tales - Jonathan McIntosh
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of Recruiter Tales, ThinkingAhead Partner and Recruiter Jonathan McIntosh shares what he loves about working in search, and how for th...
Talent Trade Tidbit - How To Choose a Recruiter
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie Maas wants you to check her out.......as a recruiter. Hear about the right questions to ask when finding a recruiter to work with, from bot...
Being Yourself, FAST
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie welcomes special guest Jonathan McIntosh, Partner and Recruiter with ThinkingAhead, to discuss the "recipe" for conduct on a call, the beaut...
Recruiter Tales - Cathy Moll
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this first edition of Recruiter Tales, ThinkingAhead Partner and Recruiter Cathy Moll shares the story of how she found her way into the industry, ...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Is/Was "The Great Resignation" Real?
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie answers a surprisingly common question: is the so-called "Great Resignation" real? Spoiler alert...it definitely is.Discover what sets Thi...
Peeling the Onion
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to set yourself up for influence by scratching below the surface on matters like compensation, commute, and other potentially important empl...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Why Be Honest With Your Recruiter?
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A good recruiter has your back in a surprising number of ways, but only if you're honest with them. Hear one unconventional example, and learn why ho...
Keys to the Marketing Kingdom
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover why MPCs beat MVPs and the importance of finding your niche, being proactive, and maintaining super secret confidentiality, plus, what's Tom ...
Talent Trade Tidbit - Hiring vs. Recruiting
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Although they might sound the same, being hired and being recruited are two VERY different things, and only one of them typically generates long-term ...
Managing Between the Ears
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hear about the 5 areas to look for when building your confidence up in an uncertain market, the unexpected role of physical fitness and spirituality i...