The Carrot & Stick Podcast #22: What Motivates People? Insights from 23 Yrs in Recruitment

Ashley Rice, Ashley Rice Professional Development

Table of contents

In this episode of the Carrot and Stick podcast, Derry welcomes Ashley Rice, a seasoned consultant with over 23 years of experience in the recruitment industry. With a focus on leadership, management, data, and analytics, Ashley provides a treasure trove of insights on what truly motivates individuals in today's ever-changing workplace.


Key Themes Explored

  • The Motivation Enigma: Ashley delves into the complexities of motivation, particularly in challenging markets. He emphasises the importance of understanding individual drivers and distinguishing between skill gaps and motivational issues.
  • Gen Z Expectations: The conversation shifts to the evolving expectations of Generation Z. Ashley discusses their desire for purpose-driven organizations, diversity and inclusion, and a coaching-oriented leadership style.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Ashley's passion for data and analytics takes center stage as he explains how leaders can leverage data to proactively impact performance. He advocates for using real-time data to identify pipeline threats, individualise KPIs, and foster accountability.

Actionable Insights for Recruitment Leaders

  • Prioritise Intrinsic Motivators: While financial incentives are important, Ashley encourages leaders to tap into intrinsic motivators such as recognition, growth opportunities, and meaningful work.
  • Embrace Coaching and Development: Gen Z thrives on coaching and autonomy. Leaders should adopt a non-directive approach, empowering their teams to find solutions and learn from experience.
  • Harness the Power of Data: Data should be more than just a performance review tool. Leaders should identify key metrics that provide actionable insights and cultivate a data-driven culture.


This episode is a goldmine of practical advice for sales leaders navigating the complexities of performance, motivation, and generational shifts. Ashley Rice's wealth of experience and candid insights make this a must-listen for anyone looking to build high-performing and motivated sales teams.

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Derry Holt
I'm Derry, the CEO & co-founder of OneUp Sales (by day) and a professional video games commentator (by night). I have a background in software development, but if the last 7 years have shown me anything, it's that my passion truly lies in creating, building, and growing software companies.
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