What does respect really mean in today’s workplace?

In this episode of The Counter Offer, Susanna Gray and Tiarna McCormack dive deep into everything from Tiarna’s transformative two months in Bali to Susanna’s viral LinkedIn post that sparked a fierce debate about flexibility, standards, and respect between managers and employees. They tackle the clash of generations in recruitment, how hybrid work is reshaping culture, why discipline and self-respect still matter, and even how dating feels eerily similar to modern hiring.

Equal parts personal, professional, and provocative, this conversation strips back the layers on what recruiters, leaders, and individuals need to thrive in 2025.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• • Bali Reset – Tiarna shares how her time in Bali helped her find calm, clarity, and new ways to approach work-life balance.
  • Sound Healing & Stillness – Exploring how intentional rest and alternative wellness practices can reset the mind for performance.
  • The Viral LinkedIn Post – Susanna recounts how one simple post about workplace respect ignited over 300,000 impressions and a storm of opinions.
  • Respect vs Flexibility – Susanna and Tiarna debate whether employees should ask for flexibility or tell their managers, exposing generational divides.
  • Discipline, Standards & Self-Respect – A fiery exchange on why showing up, dressing well, and being punctual still matter.
  • Hybrid Work & New Generations – How Gen Z’s expectations and AI-driven change are forcing companies to rethink culture.
  • Dating & Recruitment Parallels – Tiarna compares the swipe culture of dating apps with transactional recruitment, and why deeper connections matter.
  • The Solopreneur Life – Both hosts reflect on the challenges and freedoms of running your own business, balancing independence with discipline.

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  Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

  
  

  • “If you create an environment of trust and autonomy, people often deliver their best work.” – Tiarna McCormack

  • “I hate being late. To me, it’s disrespectful—it’s not just about time, it’s about respect.” – Tiarna McCormack

  • “Hybrid working isn’t going away. The smartest organizations are adapting, not resisting.” – Tiarna McCormack

  • “Dating feels just like recruitment—everything’s so transactional when what people need is connection.” – Tiarna McCormack

  • “If you don’t have discipline and standards, what do you really have?” – Susanna Gray

  • “Your goal isn’t too big—your strategy is too vague.” – Susanna Gray

  • “I love when people challenge my opinion. That’s the only way we grow as humans.” – Susanna Gray

  • “Sometimes being vulnerable and cringe online is exactly what builds your personal brand.” – Susanna Gray

  • “The younger generation needs to learn discomfort—every great career starts with the hard, unglamorous jobs.” – Susanna Gray

  
  

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“Not every client deserves a recruiter.”

In this face-to-face episode, Susanna and Tiarna dive deep into the gritty realities of recruiter-client dynamics. From dream partnerships to horror stories, they unpack the red flags recruiters should watch for—and why it's sometimes necessary to walk away, no matter how big the fee.

You'll hear real talk on what makes a great client relationship, how to protect your candidates (and your sanity), and why transparency, feedback, and integrity should be non-negotiable. If you’ve ever questioned whether a client truly values your work, this episode will give you the clarity and courage you need.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• The Clients Worth Keeping – Tiarna shares what separates standout clients: clear communication, transparency, and a genuine sense of partnership.
• When to Walk Away – Susanna reveals moments when she’s fired clients, whether over dodgy fees, ghosting invoices, or pushing unrealistic expectations on candidates.
• What Recruiters Should Ask – From commission schemes to office culture, Susanna and Tiarna break down the must-ask questions every recruiter should use to vet their clients.
• Managing Reputation and Red Flags – The hosts discuss how recruiters can protect candidates from toxic agencies and shift public perception through honest positioning.
• The Value of Aftercare – They reflect on why ongoing follow-up after placement is just as important as the placement itself and how failing here breaks trust.

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “Not every client deserves a recruiter.” – Susanna Gray

• “We are not CV pushers—we’re partners in business growth.” – Tiarna McCormack

• “If you’re negotiating fees after you’ve already agreed terms, you’re not a partner. You’re a problem.” – Susanna Gray

• “I won’t place a candidate with a company I wouldn’t work for myself.” – Tiarna McCormack

• “Too many recruiters are leaving the industry because of bad placements.” – Susanna Gray

• “Client experience matters. But candidate experience makes or breaks your reputation.” – Tiarna McCormack

• “Aftercare is not optional. It’s where loyalty is earned.” – Susanna Gray

• “You are not your fee. You’re the one helping people change their lives.” – Tiarna McCormack

• “Your job isn’t to place. It’s to qualify, protect, and represent with integrity.” – Susanna Gray

• “If your recruitment partner can’t take feedback, they’re not ready to grow.” – Tiarna McCormack

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“They told me I’d never make it in recruitment.”

Jason Connolly’s career started with magic tricks and ended in million-pound billing months—but only after surviving a toxic police department, a mountain of self-doubt, and a manager who swore he’d fail.

In this raw and riveting conversation, Jason sits down with Susanna and Tiarna to talk about the truth behind career pivots, burnout, and what it really takes to succeed in legal recruitment. From busking in Covent Garden to founding one of the UK’s most people-focused recruitment firms, Jason proves that resilience, mentorship, and a little unfiltered honesty can change everything. If you've ever questioned your path or been underestimated, this episode is for you.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• • From Magic to the Met – Jason shares his unconventional beginnings as a magician and Virgin Atlantic crew member, and how a random police application changed the course of his life.
  • Why the Police Almost Broke Him – Jason opens up about the trauma, institutional dysfunction, and discrimination he faced during his time as a police officer—and how it nearly cost him his self-worth.
  • The Recruitment Rebuild – After leaving the force, Jason reveals how self-study, podcast binging, and a refusal to quit helped him go from billing zero to becoming the top recruiter in his agency.
  • The Birth of JMC Legal – Jason shares the real story behind starting his firm, mentoring trainees to MD level, and the painful lessons learned from hiring mistakes and toxic management cultures.
  • Feedback, Pressure, and Real Talk – The trio dives into why feedback is non-negotiable, how to lead without ego, and the “pressure cooker” reality of recruitment culture—and how to survive it.

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• Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

  
  

  • “The worst thing you can say to me is, ‘You can’t do it.’ That’s my fuel.” – Jason Connolly

  • “I didn’t need recruitment to save me—I needed it to test me.” – Jason Connolly

  • “I don’t care what your degree says. If you’ve got grit, I’ll teach you how to bill a million.” – Jason Connolly

  • “The recruiter’s opinion doesn’t matter. It’s about understanding what the candidate really wants.” – Jason Connolly

  • “Feedback isn’t an insult. It’s a gift. But only if you’re brave enough to take it.” – Susanna Gray

  • “It’s not about KPIs. It’s about mentoring people into the version of themselves they don’t believe in yet.” – Jason Connolly

  • “Sometimes the most powerful thing a recruiter can do is hold up a mirror.” – Tiarna McCormack

  • “You don’t need a script—you need emotional intelligence.” – Susanna Gray

  • “Success is being unhinged in your pursuit, but grounded in your values.” – Jason Connolly

  • “Legal recruitment didn’t need more ex-lawyers. It needed more heart.” – Jason Connolly

    
    

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"What if the worst thing that ever happened to you turned out to be the thing that set you free?"

In this deeply personal episode, Susanna Gray opens up to her new co-host, Tiarna McCormack, about life after heartbreak, single motherhood, and building back stronger, personally and professionally. With honesty, humor, and a lot of heart, the two talk about emotional resilience, dating in your late 30s, balancing ambition with boundaries, and why your tribe—and your playlist—might just be the most powerful tools you have.

Part career reflection, part therapy session, and 100% real talk, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, rebuilding confidence, or simply trying to do life on their own terms.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• From Dubai to Bristol – Susanna shares the emotional and logistical shifts that came with moving countries post-breakup and how she’s navigating solo parenting, business-building, and identity changes all at once.

• The Music That Heals – Both co-hosts discuss how motivational playlists and nostalgic songs have helped them process grief, move through pain, and reconnect to joy.

• Dating Like a Recruiter – Susanna reveals her time-saving “video vetting” approach to dating—and how it mirrors her recruitment strategy. Spoiler: it’s intense, effective, and surprisingly hilarious.

• Choosing Values Over Vibes – The duo explores how aligning on values (not just chemistry) is the secret to choosing the right partner, whether in love or leadership.

• AI, Authenticity & The Future of Recruitment – They weigh in on AI’s role in recruitment, what automation can never replace, and why emotional intelligence is the ultimate skill of the future.

• Your People Are Your Power – Susanna reflects on how her support network helped her survive one of the hardest years of her life—and how deep connection is the legacy she wants to leave behind.

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “This broke me. But I chose to build something better from the rubble.” – Susanna Gray

• “You don’t need to play it cool. You need to play it real.” – Susanna Gray

• “I used to think success was sunshine and salary. Now, it’s peace and alignment.” – Susanna Gray

• “There’s no AI that can replace intuition, connection, or trust.” – Susanna Gray

• “Recruitment is like dating—you need to vet hard before you invest.” – Tiarna McCormack

• “Being intense isn’t a flaw. It’s how I move with purpose.” – Susanna Gray

• “If they can’t handle your honesty, they’re not your people.” – Tiarna McCormack

• “You’ll never find clarity if you’re too afraid to sit with yourself.” – Tiarna McCormack

• “Know your values. Align your life accordingly. Everything else is noise.” – Susanna Gray

• “Pain makes you pause. But it also makes you powerful.” – Tiarna McCormack

  
  

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What if the biggest heartbreak of your life turned out to be your greatest launchpad?

In this raw and revealing episode, host Susanna Gray puts Tiarna Mccormack in the hot seat to uncover the personal story behind her professional drive. From a life-altering breakup to building her own business and finding her footing in Dubai, Tiarna shares candid reflections on burnout, boundaries, and belonging.

If you’ve ever felt like you lost your spark, this episode will remind you that reinvention is always within reach—and that sometimes, starting over is the most powerful move you can make.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Leaving Comfort for Purpose – Tiarna opens up about walking away from a well-paid role to pursue a career that aligned with her values—even when it meant financial and emotional risk.

• Burnout and Panic Attacks – She reflects on the physical toll of ignoring red flags and how high-functioning burnout crept in during her time in the startup world.

• Healing After Heartbreak – Tiarna shares the raw truth of rebuilding her life after a painful breakup and how that experience fueled personal and professional growth.

• Dubai as a Fresh Start – They discuss how Dubai’s energy and community played a major role in Tiarna’s healing journey and renewed purpose.

• Redefining Confidence – The conversation explores how confidence is earned, not gifted—and how showing up vulnerably can be your greatest strength.

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “I thought I’d be with him forever… but life had a different plan.” – Tiarna Mccormack

• “I moved countries with someone who betrayed me. That heartbreak gave me the fire to build my own path.” – Tiarna Mccormack

• “Just because you can push through doesn’t mean you should.” – Tiarna Mccormack

• “If I say I’m going to do something, I will burn myself out making sure it happens.” – Tiarna Mccormack

• “I don’t have to be perfect, but I do have to finish.” – Tiarna Mccormack

• “My self-worth used to be tied to my ability to complete a task. Not anymore.” – Tiarna Mccormack

• “You can’t heal what you won’t confront. That applies to life and business.” – Susanna Gray

• “When you move abroad, people call it brave. But for many of us, it’s survival.” – Susanna Gray

• “Community, honesty, and happiness—that’s what I build everything around.” – Tiarna Mccormack

• “You’re intense and chill at the same time. That’s your power.” – Susanna Gray

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"Is procrastination really laziness—or is it fear in disguise?"

In this honest and hilarious episode, Susanna Gray reunites with returning guest Tiarna McCormack for a no-filter conversation about procrastination, perfectionism, and productivity in recruitment. From midnight work marathons in Dubai to messy desks and messy minds, Susanna and Tiarna break down what’s really behind your distractions—and how to get back on track without burning out. This episode explores how small mindset shifts, daily habits, and one simple “non-negotiable” can help recruiters (and anyone, really) reset their focus and reclaim their energy.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your own to-do list or unsure why you're avoiding the most important task, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, reflect, and get intentional.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• • The 3 P’s of Procrastination – Susanna and Tiarna open up about how perfectionism, procrastination, and paralysis impact even high performers—and how naming the problem is the first step toward taming it.

  • The Myth of Multitasking – Tiarna questions whether doing “more” actually leads to better outcomes, and why multitasking might be killing your focus instead of boosting productivity.

  • Low-Energy Days and Micro Goals – Susanna shares her new system for overcoming low-energy slumps: setting a small, achievable non-negotiable goal—even when motivation is nowhere to be found.

  • Digital Distraction or Emotional Avoidance? – The duo explores why scrolling on Instagram isn’t just about distraction—it’s often an emotional escape that signals a deeper misalignment with your tasks.

  • How to Coach Yourself Out of a Slump – Tiarna walks Susanna through a 5-minute coaching session that reframes goal-setting around feeling, not just performance—and the power of asking yourself why.

  • AI Tools and the Future of Recruitment – The episode closes with a practical discussion on AI productivity tools recruiters actually use, and how to blend automation with human intuition.

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  Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• • “Perfectionism, procrastination, and paralysis—the three Ps that wreck our time.” – Susanna Gray

  • “You’re not lazy. You’re emotionally avoiding the one thing that matters.” – Tiarna Mccormack

  • “Multitasking is a lie. It just slows down your brain.” – Susanna Gray

  • “When the fear of getting it wrong kicks in, that’s when we procrastinate the most.” – Tiarna Mccormack

  • “You’re not just scrolling Instagram—you’re running away from something you need to face.” – Susanna Gray

  • “One non-negotiable a day. That’s it. Do it, and you win.” – Tiarna Mccormack

  • “Messy desk, messy mind? Maybe. But don’t confuse chaos with lack of competence.” – Susanna Gray

  • “The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be consistent.” – Tiarna Mccormack

• • “Clarity comes from doing, not thinking.” – Susanna Gray
  • “Set the bar low, then overdeliver. That’s how you rebuild momentum.” – Tiarna Mccormack

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