EP322: Gen X, AI & Ageism: How Menopause & “Manopause" Affects Everyone - Simon Bucknell, Founder

This week on The Recruiter’s Recruitment Podcast, host Lysha Holmes sits down with Simon Bucknell, founder of EMBS Talent, Peak Intelligence, GenX Talent and more, for a powerful and honest conversation on the realities shaping today’s talent market.

From tackling ageism in recruitment to building a “recruitment for good” movement, Simon shares how a viral LinkedIn post sparked the creation of a Gen X-focused talent platform. The episode dives deep into the often-overlooked challenges facing experienced professionals, including bias in hiring, the impact of AI on job accessibility, and why true consultancy is now essential in recruitment.

A standout part of the conversation explores menopause and “manopause” in the workplace—breaking stigma, encouraging open dialogue, and highlighting how these life stages affect confidence, performance, and wellbeing. This is a real DEI conversation that goes beyond surface-level talk and into actionable awareness.

They also unpack AI literacy, why it’s no longer optional, and how recruiters can evolve into strategic talent partners in a rapidly changing world.

Expect candid insights, practical advice, and a refreshing level of honesty throughout.

Who this episode is for:

• Recruiters wanting to become true consultants
• Leaders tackling DEI and age bias in hiring
• Gen X professionals navigating career transitions
• Anyone curious about AI’s impact on recruitment
• Employers aiming to create more inclusive workplaces

🔗 Connect with the guest

Simon Bucknell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbucknell/

EMBS Talent: https://embstalent.co.uk/

GenX Talent: https://genxtalent.co.uk/

Peak Intelligence: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peak-intelligence-ai/

🔗 Connect with the host

Lysha Holmes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyshaholmesr2r/

Qui Recruitment: https://www.quirecruitment.co.uk/

Follow the podcast on another platform:

https://www.youtube.com/@therecruitersrecruitmentpod

https://the-recruiters-recruitment-podcast.captivate.fm/

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The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger, and partnered with Needi, Keybridge IT Solutions, Bristow & Hardy and Diversity in Recruitment.

Our sponsor:

Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.

Find out more about Paiger: https://paiger.co/

Our partners:

Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders save companies time and money with their complimentary corporate gifting service.

https://needi.co.uk/

Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently.

https://www.bristowandhardy.co.uk/

Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.

https://diversityinrecruitment.com/

Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more.

https://www.keybridgeit.com/

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