Million Dollar Mindset: Michael Goldman on Building a Legendary Recruiting Career, Surviving Downturns, and Creating Lasting Value

Recruiters—ever wonder what separates the good from the legendary? In this special episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Michael Goldman—45-year industry veteran, Pinnacle Society founding member, and recruiting “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Together they unpack the real value recruiters bring, how to survive market downturns, and how to build a legacy career that’s bigger than billings.

 

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Michael’s journey is recruitment folklore: from meeting a recruiter in a New Jersey bar to founding Strategic Associates and shaping the Pinnacle Society from the ground up. This episode isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about influence, mindset, and thriving through both the highs and lows of recruiting.

You’ll learn how elite recruiters:

• Overcome fear and self-doubt.

• Navigate dramatic changes in tech and AI.

• Deliver value beyond placements and dollars.

• Build a career respected by clients, candidates, and colleagues alike.

 

Imagine thriving when others panic and mastering fundamentals that never fail. Want to know:

• How to cement your recruiter value beyond transactions?

• The single mindset trait top billers all share?

• How to future-proof against market shifts and AI disruption?

• The secrets to building a legacy instead of burning out?

Michael’s wisdom, hard-earned strategies, and hilarious stories will leave you fired up and focused.

 

🎧 Ready to level up? Hit play, subscribe, and step into the mindset of a recruiting powerhouse.

 

🎯 Key Takeaways

1. Recruiter Value = Lasting Impact (00:00:05, 00:22:04): You change lives, not just fill jobs.
2. Overcoming Fear & Mindset Shifts (00:15:52, 00:18:11): Master influence, confidence, and communication.
3. From Transactional to Consultative (00:23:51, 00:24:26): Stop selling—start consulting.
4. Thriving Through Change (00:29:02, 00:30:13): Embrace AI and tech, but never lose the recruiter’s edge.
5. Building a Legacy (00:35:26, 00:36:11): Focus on impact and reputation, not just revenue.

 

⏩ Highlighted Moments

• [00:07:04] Recruiting pre-internet—rotary phones and file cabinets.

• [00:11:08] Launching his own firm—the leap of faith.

• [00:20:11] From big billings to real value.

• [00:33:50] Why most recruiters fail—and how to avoid burnout.

 

 

📢 Don’t Miss Out

Be the recruiter your market can’t ignore. Listen now, connect, and apply these timeless lessons—your future self will thank you.

 

Sponsor & Link Section

🚀 Hoxo Personal Brand Bootcamp

🎯 Masterclass → https://hubs.ly/Q03rqpf-0

⚡ £500 off with The Elite Recruiter Podcast

• AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/

• Finish The Year Strong 2025 – https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/

• Free Trial – PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d

• Free Trial – Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter

• Signup for podcast emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe

• YouTube:

• Michael Goldman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgoldman1/

• Host – Benjamin Mena, Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/

• Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

• Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

✨ Tune in, take action, and make 2025 your biggest recruiting year yet.