Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we explore the journeys and successes of the top recruiters in the industry. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Pat Corrigan, a recruiter who made the bold decision to transition from being a successful solo recruiter to becoming a team leader. Pat shares their insights on finding passion in the risk management industry, the importance of building strong relationships, and how they took the leap to scale their business. Join us as we dive into their story and gain valuable advice on building a successful recruiting team.
Episode Highlights:
1. Passion for the Risk Management Industry
Pat Corrigan's recruitment journey took him into the risk management industry, a field they are truly passionate about. They express their fondness for studying and following the industry, which is evident in the dedication they bring to their work. In this episode, Pat emphasizes the importance of truly enjoying and believing in the work you are doing and the people you are working with. For them, every person they interact with, whether a client, candidate, or center of influence, brings some sort of value that they can explore.
2. Finding Energy and Identifying Opportunities
During the conversation, Pat acknowledges that their experience may not work for everyone in every industry, but it has been successful for them for the past six years. They encourage recruiters to not feel confined to one industry and mention their own experience in construction management and aviation.
Pat believes that self-reflection is essential in determining what truly brings a person energy. Some individuals thrive on doing deals and being a "360 guy," while others find energy in impacting people, creating opportunities, and scaling. Pat encourages recruiters to take the time to think about what they truly want and what brings them energy.
3. From Solo Recruiter to Team Leader
Pat mentions that while they are always going to be a producer and can never be separated from that aspect, they have now found energy in helping their team and creating opportunities for them. They describe the process of building their team and the impact it has had on their business.
They started their own company in August last year and hired their first employee in January. In the first few months, they focused on business development, bringing in clients, and making placements to generate revenue. However, they soon reached a point where they had a lot of opportunities but couldn't handle them all on their own.
This led them to make the decision to invest in and build a legitimate business to create opportunities for future employees and reach the next level. They highlight the importance of clearly defining the profile and key characteristics of potential team members to ensure a cohesive and successful team dynamic.
4. The Search for Quality Team Members
Pat shares their experience of hiring team members and the importance of finding individuals with the right skills, mindset, and attitude. They mention wanting someone who is comfortable working in a startup environment and can handle the lack of structure and organizational chart.
Their job posting received a large number of applicants from unexpected sources like Meta and Instagram, demonstrating the diverse talent pool available. Pat emphasizes the need for team members with "recruiter DNA," which includes qualities such as being competitive, disciplined, consistent, and driven. They value individuals who have the hustle and energy to control their own success and make a difference in their work.
5. Reflection, Gratitude, and Personal Growth
Throughout the episode, Pat highlights the importance of self-reflection, being open to opportunities, and learning from experiences. They share personal stories of difficult times and how they rebounded from setbacks, emphasizing the need to trust the journey and believe that everything happens for a reason.
They reflect on their personal growth and turning 40, expressing a desire to create something, have control over their schedule, and make a positive impact. Pat sought advice from various sources and gained confidence in executing their idea. Despite the risks involved, they couldn't imagine not pursuing their own business.
Conclusion
In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, we had the privilege of learning from Pat Corrigan's journey from being a solo recruiter to a team leader. Pat's passion for the risk management industry, focus on building relationships, and commitment to personal growth are valuable lessons for recruiters at any stage of their careers. They highlight the importance of finding energy and opportunities that align with personal interests and values.
Pat's experience in scaling their business provides valuable insights into the process of hiring the right team members and ensuring success in a startup environment. Their emphasis on self-reflection, gratitude, and taking the leap to pursue personal goals are valuable takeaways for all listeners.
Join us in the next episode for more inspiring stories and practical advice from the most elite recruiters in the industry. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review to help us continue to bring you more valuable content.
