The Special Source

The Special Source - Verge Das Neves

This week’s episode is a little different from our usual conversations, and that’s exactly why it’s worth the listen. We’re joined by Verge Das Neves, executive search recruiter from Boyd & Moore, who works at the highest levels of recruitment, placing senior leaders and executives where the stakes (and salaries) are high. We unpack what really happens behind the scenes in executive search, the qualities that separate top candidates from the rest, and bust a few myths about executive recruiters along the way. It’s a fascinating look into a side of recruitment most people never see, from relationship-building and reputation to why the best opportunities often never get advertised. Whether you’re in recruitment, leadership, or just curious about how executive hiring actually works, this episode brings a completely different perspective from the recruiter conversations we usually have.

The Special Source - Simon Yeuong

What does it really take to build a high-performing recruitment business in 2026? In this episode of The Special Source, we sit down with Simon Yeung, Managing Director at Talent International, to break down what separates average recruiters from elite performers. With over 25 years in the industry, Simon shares how Talent consistently produces $1M+ billers, maintains low staff turnover, and builds a culture that actually lasts. We cover everything from market conditions across Australia to the real shift happening in recruitment, and why the old “360 recruiter” model might not be the future. If you're serious about building a long-term career in recruitment (or scaling a team), this one is packed with practical insight.

The Special Source - James Farrey

This week on the podcast, we sit down with James Farrey from Refactor, bringing sharp insights, big energy, and a Geordie accent so strong you might need the subtitles. James dives into what it really means to stay true to yourself in business, no fluff, no chasing trends, just backing your instincts and sticking to your guns. He shares how he structures his time, protects his focus, and consistently delivers high-quality results without burning out. If you’re trying to cut through the noise and actually get things done, this one’s worth a listen.

The Special Source - Adrian Byra

In this episode, we sit down with Adrian Byra from Lead Group and The Outsource People to talk about what high-performance recruitment actually looks like behind the scenes. Adrian has built structured systems and repeatable processes that enable consultants to bill $100K in their first quarter and the business to average $600k per Recruiter per year. We talk about how he’s successfully guided experienced recruiters to embrace new technology and AI, without resistance. If you’re looking to improve performance, or actually make AI & Tech work in your business (not just talk about it), this episode is packed with real-world insights you can apply immediately.

The Special Source - Pete Watson

This week we’re joined by Pete Watson. We dive into the changing landscape of the recruitment industry and why collaboration is becoming more important than ever. Pete also shares the story behind his business, Recruitment United, his mission to bring recruiters together, and why creating a genuine community can make such a difference in an industry that’s often competitive by nature.