The RPO landscape faces a reckoning: according to Nelson Hall, 60% of buyers now view providers as largely interchangeable—a figure underscoring industry-wide commoditization. As Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) leaders struggle to differentiate amidst shrinking margins and rapid AI transformation, this crisis demands urgent adaptation. Only forward-thinking providers who evolve beyond transactional models can unlock lasting client value and seize tomorrow’s opportunity in an era where business outcomes, not just hires, define success.

Amidst this competitive tension, how can RPOs transform from cost-focused vendors to strategic business partners—or even indispensable catalysts? In this episode of the Time to Hire podcast, host Lamees Abourahma welcomes Alex Ridder, Global Head of Client Partnerships at LHH, to reveal how RPOs can drive real transformation, enhance workforce agility, and shape the future of work. Recorded live at the trusted RPOA annual gathering, this episode delivers expert insights for the entire RPO community.

LHH is a sponsor of the 2025 RPOA Annual Conference and a Gold Member of the RPO Association.

Learn about and find more content from the 2025 RPOA Annual Conference here.

About the Podcast

Time to Hire is produced by the Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association (RPOA), the leading authority on recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) foresight and innovation, and the trusted convener for the global RPO community. Through conversations with industry leaders, the podcast explores the trends, insights, and innovations shaping the future of talent acquisition.

Learn more about RPOA and join the community at: https://www.rpoassociation.org.

Follow the host, Lamees Abourahma, on LinkedIn.