
The Million Dollar Comeback: How Rich Bradley Battled Cancer & Stayed a Top Recruiter
- S1E249
- 50:39
- July 9th 2025
Are you ready to learn what it really takes to make a million-dollar comeback—even when life throws its toughest challenges at you?
In this powerful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with renowned recruiter Rich Bradley, who opens up about his journey through 43 years in the business, his battle with cancer, and what it took to rebuild after a life-changing diagnosis. For recruiters, agency owners, and professionals facing setbacks or searching for the next big leap, this episode is for anyone who knows how quickly a thriving career can get shaken by adversity.
We all know the recruiting industry can be relentless—one moment you’re at the top, the next, a personal or health crisis can threaten everything you’ve built. What’s not often shared are the practical strategies and resilient mindsets that help top billers not just survive, but return stronger. Whether you’re struggling to get back on your feet or looking for ways to level up, Rich’s story is packed with actionable insights for turning setbacks into setups for success.
Listen in to discover:
- The exact strategies Rich used to keep his business running while dealing with major health challenges and how he ramped his desk back up post-recovery.
- Why relentless positivity, strict metrics, and having the right support network are game-changers for recruiters wanting to beat the odds and maintain elite performance.
- Real-world advice for balancing ambition, personal well-being, and long-term career satisfaction—so you can avoid burnout and keep loving the work you do.
Don’t miss out on this episode that will inspire you to push through barriers—press play to learn how to stay at the top of your recruiting game regardless of what life throws your way!
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YouTube: https://youtu.be/yDgdEWdkkc0
Follow Rich Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbradley/
With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/
Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/
Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/
The Elite Recruiter Podcast
The Elite Recruiter Podcast is the number one podcast for recruiting professionals.
This is where the top recruiters share: How they got there. What kind of work did it take. Tips, Tools, and Tricks. The Mindset needed to get them to where they are. What they are doing with their success. Goals and visions for the future. So please join me on this journey as I interview some of the best in our industry.
Benjamin Mena
The Elite Recruiter Podcast Host
Meet the Hosts

Benjamin Mena is the founder of Select Source Solutions and the host of The Elite Recruiter Podcast — one of the top global podcasts for agency and executive recruiters. With over a decade of experience placing top talent in the government contracting (GovCon) and cleared space, Ben brings a no-BS approach to the business of recruiting.
Each week, he interviews high-performing recruiters, agency owners, and industry innovators to uncover the real stories behind their success. From six-figure solo producers to million-dollar billers and AI-powered solopreneurs, Ben’s mission is simple: help recruiters level up their careers and businesses through actionable insights, raw conversations, and a community of like-minded professionals.
Based between the U.S. and Bordeaux, France, Ben is also a dad, summit host, and advocate for the future of AI-powered recruiting.