Story of Parable Talent

Founder | Executive Recruiter | Story-Driven Connector

Hi, I’m Mikel “Rodie” Rodenberg, founder of Parable Talent.

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I’ve spent more than 15 years in recruiting, including over 12 years at some of the top recruiting firms in the world, where I worked my way up from recruiter to senior executive. Over that time, I’ve learned that the best hires rarely come from a transactional process. They come from understanding people: where they’ve been, what drives them, and where they want to go.

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That belief is the reason I started Parable Talent. A parable is a story with a purpose, and I’ve always believed every person’s career is exactly that. The twists and turns along the way matter, and they’re worth understanding.

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Before my recruiting career, I pitched at the Division I level. Baseball gave me a love for healthy competition and a drive to improve every day, and both have stayed with me long after I left the mound. My years in the industry shaped how I think about leadership and growth, and they taught me what it really means to serve both clients and candidates well.

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Technology with a Human Touch

I’m genuinely excited about what AI and automation can do for recruiting. I spend a lot of time learning about these tools and putting them to work, because they make my process faster, more organized, and more responsive. Automation handles the repetitive tasks that used to eat up hours, like scheduling, research, and administrative follow-up. That gives me more time for the part of the job that matters most.

That part will always be human. Technology can help me find people, but it can’t understand their story. It can’t hear the hesitation in a candidate’s voice when they talk about their current role, or pick up on what a hiring manager means but doesn’t say outright. Those moments come from real conversations, and they’re where the right match is actually made.

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My approach is simple: use technology to work smarter, and use that time to listen better. Clients get a faster, more efficient search. Candidates get a recruiter who has the time to know them as people, not just as resumes.

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Beyond the Office

Outside of work, I’m a man of faith, a husband, and a dad. I love to travel, follow sports, and make time to slow down and reflect. Some of my best ideas come from a quiet walk, time with my family, or the occasional late-night snack.

When you work with Parable Talent, you get a partner who listens carefully, asks the right questions, and cares about what comes next for you. Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to helping you write your next chapter.

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— Rodie