All Hands on Tech with Digital Nova Scotia – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the All Hands on Tech, host Eilish Bonang is joined by Rick Purcell, Managing Director, and Andy Chesters, Recruitment Director, of Humankind Global Recruitment, a company that has made a significant impact on the recruitment industry since its founding in 2024. 

Specializing in a human-centred approach, Humankind has quickly expanded its operations to nine countries, including the UK, Canada, Costa Rica, Malta, Spain, Dubai, Lithuania, and South Africa. 

Rick and Andy discuss their journey of rapid growth, crediting their success to their company's unique approach to recruitment, which balances innovation with a deep commitment to the individuals they work with.

The pair expanded on their shared vision of revolutionizing recruitment by prioritizing people over processes. They emphasize the importance of building lasting relationships with both clients and candidates, offering a personalized touch that sets them apart in a competitive global market.

The conversation also highlights how Humankind uses data to optimize recruitment strategies while staying true to its core value of human connection.

As Humankind continues to expand, its plans include increasing its presence in Halifax by hiring more staff and strengthening ties within the local community! 

This episode offers valuable insights into how Humankind is changing the face of recruitment, one relationship at a time!

Learn more about Humankind Global Recruitment: www.humankind-recruitment.com
Visit Digital Nova Scotia: digitalnovascotia.com
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In this episode of All Hands on Tech, hosts Eilish and Greg explore the dynamic world of tech marketing with Joel Kelly, co-founder of Kelford Inc. They discuss how the rapidly evolving landscape is reshaping the way businesses communicate their value to customers. Joel brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, offering strategies for overcoming one of the most significant challenges in the industry: delivering the right message to the right audience in an impactful way.

The conversation is rich with practical advice, touching on everything from the nuances of content creation and market positioning to the growing influence of AI in shaping marketing strategies. 

Throughout the episode, Joel emphasizes the importance of staying consistent and differentiating your brand in a crowded marketplace. He also explores the potential of AI as a tool for enhancing marketing efforts, while cautioning against losing the human touch that makes communication genuine and effective.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in tech marketing or looking to refine their approach in a world where AI and automation are becoming the norm. Joel's insights provide a roadmap for entrepreneurs and marketers alike, helping them to not only navigate but thrive in this new digital era!

Learn more about Kelford Inc.: www.kelfordinc.com
Visit Digital Nova Scotia: digitalnovascotia.com
Music © Bensound.com

*A clarification note from Joel Kelly: "Simon Willison popularized the term “slop” but did not coin it. More information on the term here: https://simonwillison.net/" 

Kevin D'Aguiar, Principal Consultant/Owner at Matters of Data, joins Ashley and Derek to talk about how to achieve business success with data, the importance of storytelling with your data, the role of AI in the world of data, and much more!

In this episode of All Hands on Tech, hosts Ashley and Derek sit down with QuickFacts co-founder & CRO Jeff Barsalou to explore their game-changing innovation optimizing the insurance industry. From the company's launch to their recent expansion across Canada, QuickFacts has been reshaping how insurance brokers operate, saving valuable time and resources.

Tune in the learn more about how QuickFacts addresses common pain points for insurance brokerages, streamlining underwriting comparisons, optimizing workflows, and simplifying training. Jeff shares insights into the role of Generative AI in the future of underwriting, the company's growth journey, and what's on the horizon for QuickFacts.

Learn more about QuickFacts at https://www.quickfactsinc.com/
Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/

Music © Bensound.com

For this episode of All Hands on Tech, we dive into the cutting-edge world of virtual reality video production with Lydia Sayeau, the co-founder and CEO of BRAEVR Media, a virtual reality video production company based in Pictou County, Nova Scotia.

Discover the transformative power of immersive and interactive video content as Lydia shares insights into BRAEVR's innovative approach to helping clients showcase their brands in bold and exciting ways. From rebranding to Tech Forward Awards recognition, explore the journey of BRAEVR Media and gain valuable perspectives on the future of marketing and brand promotion through virtual reality. Learn how Lydia and her team are not only pushing boundaries but also celebrating the unique advantages of operating a tech-focused business in rural Nova Scotia.

Learn more about BRAEVR Media at https://braevr.com/
Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/

Music © Bensound.com

In this episode of All Hands on Tech, hosts Claire and Ashley welcome a very special guest: Owen Sagness, the new Chief Executive Officer of Digital Nova Scotia.

Owen shares some of his career experiences and highlights in his 20+ year career in the technology industry, and why he decided to make the switch from consulting to leading Digital Nova Scotia. We also talk about what sets Nova Scotia apart in the tech world, Owen's goals for the organization and the province's tech industry and what aspect of his new role excites him the most.

Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/

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You may have noticed Proposify sporting a fresh new look these days.

After several years in business, the Halifax-based proposal software company decided it was time to undergo a brand refresh.

In this episode, we sit down with Proposify's Director of Brand + Communications, Jennifer Faulkner, as well as Brian Jeffcock, the mastermind behind the transformation from Palais—the design consultancy they enlisted for the refresh. We dive into the world of branding, exploring questions like: When is the perfect moment for a brand facelift? What's the significance of nailing branding right from the start for tech startups? And how can you leverage your brand to shine brightly in the digital realm?"

Learn more about Proposify at https://www.proposify.com/
Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/

Music © Bensound.com

In this episode, we hear from Aptitude Digital, a company that's been a staple in Halifax's tech scene for nearly two decades.

They've made waves recently by adopting a four-day workweek, and nearly a year into this bold change, we sit down with co-founders Bill Doane and Chris Brown to find out how it's going. We also uncover their secrets to success in this competitive landscape, as Aptitude Digital achieved remarkable growth, doubling their revenue this year despite labor shortages in the industry.

Learn more about Aptitude Digital at https://aptitude.digital/
Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/

Music © Bensound.com

In this episode of All Hands on Tech, hosts Ashley and Claire are joined by Amber Froese, VP of Marketing Communications at Rafflebox Technologies.

Learn more about the world of digital fundraising, how Rafflebox is changing the game for organizations big and small by leveraging technology to streamline the fundraising process, and how the SaaS platform integrates with social media for maximum exposure and engagement. We also talk about Rafflebox's enormous impact, especially during local crises like the Nova Scotia wildfires.

Learn more about Rafflebox Technologies at https://rafflebox.ca/
Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/

Music © Bensound.com

In this episode of All Hands on Tech, hosts Claire and Ashley delve into the world of tech law with Kellen Voyer, the founder of Voyer Law, a full-service law firm specializing in technology and video game law.

They explore Kellen's journey to establishing the firm, the unique challenges of tech-related legal matters across Canada and the US, and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its legal implications. The conversation also touches upon staying current with technological advancements, offering advice to tech startups, and uncovering fascinating cases that provide valuable lessons.

Learn more about Voyer Law at https://voyerlaw.com/
Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/

Music © Bensound.com