Explore every episode of the podcast Talent Titans
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 85 - Why Recruitment Agencies Fail Their Own Candidates (And How to Fix It) | 15 juil. 2025 | 00:15:06 | |
Episode 85 - Why Recruitment Agencies Fail Their Own Candidates (And How to Fix It) In this episode of Talent Titans, we explore a paradox that plagues recruitment agencies everywhere: while they champion exceptional candidate experiences for their clients, their own hiring processes often fall embarrassingly short. From ghosting qualified applicants to inconsistent communication, the gap between what agencies preach and what they practice damages their credibility, employer brand, and ability to attract top talent. We dive into hard-hitting statistics revealing just how widespread these issues are, for example, 40% of candidates are ghosted after multiple interviews, and over 70% share their negative experiences publicly. You'll learn why internal hiring gets neglected, how bias creeps in, and most importantly, actionable solutions to transform candidate experience from an afterthought into a competitive advantage. Whether you’re a recruitment professional or a job seeker curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode will challenge assumptions and inspire change. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "The recruitment industry is built on connections, but to truly excel, agencies have to embody the principles of excellent candidate experience in every single interaction."
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 84 - Why Change Management Fails: The Hard Truth About Leadership and Culture with Janelle Beiler | 08 juil. 2025 | 00:48:42 | |
Episode 84 - Why Change Management Fails: The Hard Truth About Leadership and Culture with Janelle Beiler In this episode of Talent Titans, Suky sits down with Janelle, Head of US for Akkodis Tech, to dissect why so many change management initiatives fail, even in well-established staffing companies. From communication breakdowns and cultural misalignment to the hidden influence of middle management, this honest conversation exposes the hard truth about why companies lose top talent and clients during times of change. Janelle shares experiences from her own extensive leadership experience across major staffing firms, explaining why “intentional” planning is the make-or-break factor in successful change. You’ll hear real-life examples about creating safe zones for employees, avoiding rushed decisions, and the power of transparent communication. Whether you’re navigating a merger, a reorganization, or a sales transformation, this episode offers a roadmap to drive lasting change without destroying culture and morale. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "Effective change only happens when you’re intentional about every detail and create a safe zone where people feel it’s okay to learn, be vulnerable, and make mistakes."
Janelle Bieler is President of Akkodis US a division of The Adecco Group, a global staffing company. Ms. Bieler has comprehensive experience in Leadership, Strategy, Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Financial Management. Her areas of expertise include turnaround endeavors, building new markets and revenue streams, P&L management as well as leading, driving, and developing high-performing teams. Ms. Bieler has over a decade of leadership experience in the staffing industry. Prior to Akkodis, she most recently served as President of the Western Division at Employbridge where she led a total business transformation and market leading results. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janellebieler/ Connect with Suky:I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both. | |||
| Episode 83 - Why Leaders Must Rethink Mental Health: Tracy Schreifels on Mindset, Triggers & True Self-Care | 01 juil. 2025 | 00:49:23 | |
Episode 83 - Why Leaders Must Rethink Mental Health: Tracy Schreifels on Mindset, Triggers & True Self-Care In this episode of Talent Titans, Suky sits down with Tracy Schreifels, Executive Director of the Ellison Center and licensed marriage and family therapist. Tracy shares how early childhood trauma, global crises, and everyday stressors influence our mindset and leadership behavior, especially in high-pressure environments like recruiting and staffing. Discover how to replace "self-care" with self-responsibility, and why setting boundaries and naming emotions can transform not just your day, but your entire career. We dig into practical strategies for identifying triggers, creating pause moments, and integrating mental and physical health approaches into work, beyond buzzwords. Tracy explains how leaders can encourage emotional awareness in their teams and lend real support without crossing into micromanagement. Plus, learn how to address resistance when someone labels mental health as their reason for poor performance and why how you respond matters more than what you decide. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “It takes more energy to suppress emotions than it does to experience them and process them.”
Tracy Schreifels, MS, LMFT, IMH-E®, is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Ellison Center, a Minnesota-based nonprofit focused on mental health and well-being for families. As an Infant Mental Health Clinical Mentor, Tracy brings over two decades of experience supporting children and their caregivers through therapy, reflective consultation, and clinical supervision and mentorship to mental health professionals.
Her background includes teaching as an adjunct instructor at several colleges, providing trainings internationally, and serving in leadership roles to expand the field of Infant Mental Health. Tracy also serves as on the Board and as a Co-Chair of the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health Infant and Early Childhood Division. She is passionate about supporting caregivers and professionals with practical tools to navigate mental health, challenging behaviors, and overall well-being in both family and workplace settings.
Website: www.ellisoncenter.org Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 82 - How to Build An Offshore Team That Actually Works with Greg Fischer of Well Oiled Machine | 24 juin 2025 | 00:43:33 | |
Episode 82 - How to Build An Offshore Team That Actually Works with Greg Fischer of Well Oiled Machine In this episode of Talent Titans, Suky sits down with Greg Fisher, founder of Well Oiled Machine, to break down the real workings behind successful offshore hiring. From the brutal mistakes that cost him time and money, to the management processes that turned offshore into a true superpower, Greg shares his full journey, from skepticism to scale. You'll learn why most offshore efforts fail, how to get around the time difference challenges, how to vet international talent, what KPIs matter most, how to deal with tech challenges, and whether building your own offshore team is the right move or a disaster waiting to happen. If you're serious about scaling your recruitment firm sustainably, this is a must-listen. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "You have to treat offshore like onshore. Train, manage, and measure like you would with any team. It’s not a shortcut, but it is a superpower when done right."
Greg Fischer grew AMI Network’s 4x in just three years, achieving $1.4 in EBITDA on just $4.2M in Gross Margin. He did it by building an agency with nearly 20 offshore staff ranging from Sourcers, to Prospectors, and even Recruiters and Sales Associates. He made every imaginable mistake along the way, and from these lessons developed his current company, Well Oiled Machine. Today he coaches recruitment firms on how to scale by building their own internal offshore teams.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/offshoreisasuperpower/ Website: https://www.welloiledmachine.co Resources: https://www.welloiledmachine.co/resources Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 81 - Will AI Replace Recruiters? Julian D’Angelo on How Tech is Disrupting the Staffing Industry | 17 juin 2025 | 00:50:05 | |
Episode 81 - Will AI Replace Recruiters? Julian D’Angelo on How Tech is Disrupting the Staffing Industry In this episode of Talent Titans, host Suki sits down with Julian D’Angelo, founder of Talin, to explore the powerful intersection of recruitment, technology, and AI. From his unexpected journey from growth marketing into staffing tech to leading one of Canada’s most promising recruitment platforms, Julian shares how Talin is empowering agencies to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving space. They dissect where traditional recruitment models are breaking, how AI is reshaping sourcing, and why the human touch is still irreplaceable, at least for now. Suki and Julian don’t hold back on discussing automation fears, the myth of FULL tech replacement, and practical advice for agency leaders navigating today’s crowded tech landscape. Whether you're running a lean firm, building your tech stack, or trying to figure out what AI can and shouldn’t do in recruitment, this episode delivers honest, and authentic thought processes for future-focused talent pros. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "If you do nothing, you're screwed. But if you invest just 10% of your time into tech and acumen, you could double your revenue without doubling your headcount."
After nearly a decade working with early and mid stage SaaS start ups as a growth marketer, I began my own SaaS venture: Talin. While building out growth teams for start ups, I dove head first into learning how the average agency recruiter operates.
What I found were:
- fragmented tech stacks with weak integrations - dozens of manual processes - terrible UX
Specifically, these problems were at their worst in a recruiter's top of funnel workflow. Engaging talent and acquiring new customers is a core pillar for any agency; and we knew we could improve it by 10x.
So we built Talin - an automation platform designed to streamline the sourcing, data enrichment, and outreach process so that agency recruiters can spend less time on spreadsheets, and more time on people.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliandangelo/ Email: julian@talon.ai Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 80 - How Quil Is Saving Recruiters Several Hours a Week | Ryan Frampton on AI & the Future of Staffing | 10 juin 2025 | 00:47:43 | |
Episode 80 - How Quil Is Saving Recruiters Several Hours a Week | Ryan Frampton on AI & the Future of Staffing In this episode, we head down the road into how AI is transforming the recruiting world, with none other than Ryan Frampton, co-founder of Quil. From scaling sales teams to accidentally pivoting into the staffing industry, Ryan shares the surprising origin story of Quil and how it's now automating everything from note-taking to CRM and ATS updates across 16 different countries. Learn why recruiters are embracing AI not to replace people, but to encourage relationship-building. We target the real pain points of staffing: overwhelming admin, outdated Word doc processes, and the tech fatigue that hits both founders and recruiters. Ryan breaks down how Quil goes beyond tools like Otter and Fireflies by integrating across platforms (yes, even your cell phone) and syncing directly with 35+ ATS/CRM systems. Whether you're skeptical about AI or searching for that one tech fix that’ll give you back your time, this conversation delivers tons of value you can’t afford to miss. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "We don’t replace recruiters, we help them spend more time being present in the moments that matter."
Connect with Ryan: Ryan Frampton spent the first decade of his career scaling software companies like Vidyard and HyperComply. Over that time, Ryan hired and managed over 100 employees, where he would collaborate with both internal and agency recruiters. With the birth of AI, Ryan has spent the last two years as the CEO & Co-Founder of Quil, bringing the power of AI to the third-party recruitment industry. Quil uses AI to automate note-taking, applicant tracking system updates, and submittal write-up creation.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-frampton-02623a100/ Website: https://quil.ai/ Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 79 - Why David Sweetman Launched a Staffing Firm in a Downturn | Project XIII Founder on Timing, Risk & Purposee | 03 juin 2025 | 00:29:48 | |
Episode 79 - Why David Sweetman Launched a Staffing Firm in a Downturn | Project XIII Founder on Timing, Risk & Purposee In this episode, I welcome David Sweetman to the podcast, industry veteran and founder of Project XIII. What kind of leader launches a new business during economic uncertainty? Well, we're about to find out. David shares the decade-long vision behind his firm, why launching in a “bad time” was the right time, and the non-negotiables that define his personal and professional mission. From choosing a niche with conviction to resisting the urge to “be everything to everyone,” David offers a candid look into the mindset, mistakes, and meaningful wins of starting up solo. He speaks about the importance of staying in your lane, prioritizing family while building a business, and saying “no” to work that doesn’t fit your values or vision. Saying "no" can sometimes be the most profitable choice in your business. Whether you're a staffing entrepreneur, a recruiter looking to level up, or a leader in transition, this episode will resonate and motivate. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “I’m not here for a transactional handshake. I’m here to build long-term relationships, even if it doesn’t generate revenue right away.”
Connect with David: David Sweetman is a seasoned executive in human capital solutions with over 18 years of experience helping organizations around the world identify, attract, and retain top talent. Specializing in the engineering, construction, manufacturing, and IT sectors, David leads with a deep understanding of the industries he serves — and a clear commitment to people-first recruiting.
Having led high-performing teams for some of the largest brands in the industry, David provided strategic guidance, supported critical delivery needs, and coached leaders through strategic designs to uncover blind spots, build confidence, and enhance performance. His coaching-based leadership approach fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and agility — key pillars that drive success for both clients and candidates. David partners closely with both emerging Canadian SMEs and global enterprises with Canadian operations, ensuring talent strategies are tailored to the unique needs of each client across the country’s dynamic engineering and technical landscape.
David’s team leverages advanced recruitment technologies to accelerate hiring while maintaining a human touch. They don’t just fill roles — they form partnerships. With a proactive mindset, they provide insights and tailored advice that go beyond the transaction to deliver real business impact.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectxiii-inc/ Website: https://projectxiii.com Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 78 - How to Sell Your Staffing Agency for Top Dollar: Insider M&A Advice from Brian Kennedy | 27 mai 2025 | 00:44:02 | |
Episode 78 - How to Sell Your Staffing Agency for Top Dollar: Insider M&A Advice from Brian Kennedy In this episode of Talent Titans, I sit down with M&A advisor and industry veteran Brian Kennedy of R.A. Cohen Consulting to spill all the details of preparing your business for sale—whether you're looking to exit in 5 months or 5 years. With over 200 staffing firm transactions under his belt, Brian gives practical, brutally honest advice on valuations, deal structures, and what makes buyers actually pay more. We even get into why every staffing firm owner needs a “business GPS” to measure readiness, how to navigate skeletons in the closet, and the difference between what your company is worth vs. what you wish it was worth. You’ll learn what metrics really matter, the downside of revenue-only bragging rights, and how to build lasting enterprise value that gets buyers actually competing for your business. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "Stop navel gazing. Start talking to your clients, your candidates—people who’ll tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear."
Connect with Brian: Now in my 45th year of continuous service to and employment in the staffing industry, I’ve built, scaled, and sold firms and now help others do the same as a senior M&A advisor with R.A. Cohen Consulting. I joined the firm in 2012, encouraged by my late friend and mentor Bob Cohen, and have worked closely with Sam Sacco ever since. I bring a founder’s mindset, a no-nonsense approach, and a deep respect for what it takes to build a great staffing company. Off the clock: RVs, dogs, tennis, and the occasional strong opinion.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankennedy81/ Book a time with me here: https://calendly.com/bkennedy911 Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 77 - Top Staffing Trends in 2025: DEI, Leadership, and Economic Insights with Carolyn Levy | 20 mai 2025 | 00:49:28 | |
Episode 77 - Top Staffing Trends in 2025: DEI, Leadership, and Economic Insights with Carolyn Levy In this episode, I welcome Carolyn Levy, Head of Canada for Randstad Digital Americas for a wide-ranging, no-BS conversation on the shifting tides in recruitment, leadership, and DEI. With nearly two decades of experience, Carolyn brings clarity to complex issues—from talent shortages and billable-hour trends to equitable prosperity and authentic leadership. We dig into uncomfortable truths the industry often avoids: why smaller staffing firms miss key economic indicators, how DEI got hijacked by bad branding, and what future-ready leadership actually looks like. Whether you're a founder, a team leader, or someone who believes staffing can be a game-changer for real societal change, this episode will challenge your thinking and cause you to really think about the future of not just our industry, but all industries. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “You can’t tell someone they’re empowered—you have to create the conditions so they feel empowered.”
Connect with Carolyn: Carolyn Levy, Managing Director & Head of Canada at Randstad Digital, collaborates with executive leaders to drive digital transformation and talent-driven solutions. She partners with organizations across industries to navigate the evolving digital landscape, future-proof operations, and foster sustainable growth. Carolyn brings a results-oriented approach, leveraging her expertise in leading change and building high-performing teams. A passionate advocate for cultivating workplace cultures rooted in accountability and collaboration, she is dedicated to continuous development and organizational excellence.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynlevy/ Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 76 - Why Insurance Matters for Staffing Agencies: Crucial Risks Explained with Matthew Calvin | 13 mai 2025 | 00:50:47 | |
Episode 76 - Why Insurance Matters for Staffing Agencies: Crucial Risks Explained with Matthew Calvin In this episode, I sit down with my own insurance professional, Matthew Calvin of ProLink about why insurance is so important for staffing agencies. Insurance might not be the most exciting topic—but it could be the most important one for your staffing agency’s survival. We cover hidden risks staffing firms face, from professional liability to cyber breaches, and why understanding your policy’s exclusions is critical. Whether you’re a startup or a experienced recruiter, this conversation is a must-listen to audit your coverage and protect your business. We touch on everything from professional indemnity across countries, the crucial differences between independent contractors and employees, to the rise of cyber liability insurance. Plus, we address the ethical and legal stakes of worker misclassification—and how a single oversight could financially devastate your firm. If you’ve never done an insurance audit, this episode will make you rethink what you’re covered for (and what you’re not). Don’t wait for a claim to find out. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “You don’t know what you don’t know—until you’re sued. That’s why an insurance audit isn’t optional; it’s survival.”
Connect with Matthew: Matthew has been a licensed commercial insurance broker for over 15 years, with extensive experience in several industry sectors, including market research, financial institutions, and management consulting. For the last 10 years, he has focused exclusively on the Staffing, Recruitment, & Executive Search industry and has seen risk from every perspective. As the leader of PROLINK’s Staffing & Recruitment Solutions Practice, Matthew works with clients to develop tailored, practical, and innovative risk management solutions that align with their unique needs, business operations, and strategic objectives.
In addition being licensed in almost all provinces and territories in Canada, Matthew has earned the following industry-specific designations: Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) and Canadian Risk Management (CRM).
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-calvin-920a8518/ Phone: 416-644-7736 Email: matthewc@prolink.insure Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 75 - Reinventing Success at 60 On Your Own Terms with Claire Collins | 06 mai 2025 | 00:46:45 | |
Episode 75 - Reinventing Success at 60 On Your Own Terms with Claire Collins In this episode, I'm approaching an incredibly niche topic with my guest, Claire Collins, whom, at nearly 60 years old, was made redundant from a long-standing career in recruitment. Instead of slowing down, she stepped into entrepreneurship, launching Ammolite Consulting with a mission to do meaningful work on her terms. In this candid and deeply inspiring episode, Claire shares what it really feels like to start over later in life—and why she wouldn’t change a thing. Claire opens up about the shock of job loss, navigating ageism in recruitment, overcoming imposter syndrome, and recalibrating her identity beyond a corporate title. From choosing solopreneurship to redefining what success means at 60, this episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning their next chapter. Whether you're mid-career, facing unexpected change, or simply considering what it means to build a business with purpose, Claire's story offers courage, clarity, and compassion. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "When you meet me now, you’re meeting the real Claire Collins—not the one I had to be in corporate."
Connect with Claire: Claire is the founder of Ammolite Consulting, following over 30 years in corporate recruitment agencies, she has taken the leap into self-employment following a redundancy late last year. She is now focused on helping individuals and organizations build self-awareness and strengthen team communication to create more productive, engaged workplaces. Her focus is on hiring the right people and fostering retention, ensuring businesses thrive with teams that truly work well together. A lifelong learner, Claire is currently exploring the Japanese concept of Ikigai—understanding purpose and fulfilment—which she will integrate into her approach to coaching and recruitment.
Her work is focused on the ESG and Healthcare sector both of which she is passionate about. ESG has been pushed further into focus recently, inspired by her daughter’s studies in environmental & sustainability science at Cardiff University.
On a personal level she is based on the south coast of the Uk in Brighton where her and her husband Dave live life either calmly by the sea or enjoying their love of music with a love for rock 'n' roll and northern soul, dancing is their workout.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/clairecollinsammoliteconsulting Phone: +44 7927 458 712 Email: claire@ammoliteconsulting.com Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 74 - Funding Your Staffing Firm: Smart Capital Strategies with Hunter Reid | 29 avr. 2025 | 00:49:18 | |
Episode 74 - Funding Your Staffing Firm: Smart Capital Strategies with Hunter Reid In this episode, I'm excited to talk money and funding with Hunter Reid, founder of Payroll Funding Canada. We go over the smartest — and riskiest — funding options available to staffing firms in 2025. From banks and credit cards to factoring and equity partnerships, this episode is a basically a workshop in cash flow strategy, risk management, and scaling your firm with confidence. Whether you're just launching or expanding, our conversation will help you understand when to go to the bank, when to lean on invoice financing, how to de-risk your business, and why the ultra-wealthy don’t always own their own assets. With so many actionable tips, Hunter also demystifies personal guarantees, client payment optics, and how to grow without giving up control. No matter what stage you're at in your business, there's so much value here not to be missed! Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "Cash flow doesn’t kill dreams — poor planning does."
Connect with Hunter: A serial entrepreneur, Hunter is the founder of Faithshire Corporation, Payroll Funding Canada, WorkForce Capital and a founding member of TheMCLS.com (Multiple Career Listing Service).
Hunter’s businesses operate in full support of the Staffing Industry, providing staffing firms with human resources and recruitment support, payroll funding and growth capital as well as full service back-office support.
As an honours graduate of Sheridan College with additional studies in business and psychology at the University of Toronto, Hunter is community focused and was one of the founders and directors of the Milton Christian School and the non-profit Milton Christian Education Association, he has held Trustee roles in both Churchill Meadows Christian Church, where he was active as Vice Chairman, and past trustee of Westcoast Christian Church in Surrey, British Columbia. He has served on several boards and advisory boards for not-for profits and has participated at the board level for both public and private companies believing in the philosophy that we all have opportunity to give back to our communities through our time, talent and treasure.
With a passion for coaching and teaching, and a love for assisting growth-oriented companies including start-ups, he is an articulate and active speaker. Hunter is an avid marksman, stand-in bartender, and is known to travel for good music. Hunter is married to “His Person” and lives in the Niagara region. He has eight beautiful children and four grandchildren.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterreid/ Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 73 - How Roxanne Seguin Went From Solo Startup to Bilingual Recruitment Powerhouse | 22 avr. 2025 | 00:33:07 | |
Episode 73 - How Roxanne Seguin Went From Solo Startup to Bilingual Recruitment Powerhouse In this episode, I'm happy to welcome Roxanne Seguin, founder of Opal Corporate Connections, to explore how she turned two decades of bilingual recruitment experience into a thriving business. Roxanne shares what inspired her to go solo in 2021, how she built a niche in French-English staffing across Canada, and why relationships are her ultimate growth strategy. Roxanne breaks down the realities of running a small agency, including the unexpected challenges of administrative work and the hidden power of community collaboration among solopreneurs. She also opens up about the demand for bilingual talent outside Quebec, the nuances of recruiting for French-first provinces, and the misconception that "bigger means better" in staffing. Whether you're a recruiter, business owner, or talent leader, this episode is full of value, practical advice, and we're even treated to a look at what’s ahead for 2025. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "There’s so much business out there—we’re all in this together, so why not support each other instead of stabbing each other in the back?"
Connect with Roxanne: OPAL Corporate Connections was founded by our Director of Recruitment, Roxanne Seguin. Over 20 years ago, Roxanne made a name for herself in talent acquisition and head hunting, originally specializing in bilingual recruitment within the Insurance, Retail, and Finance sectors. Through referrals, as well as steadfast and loyal relationships with her clients, the demand for Roxanne’s assistance naturally evolved into her leading teams of recruitment professionals and foraying into other dynamic industries including Information Technology, Healthcare, Corporate Services/Administrative Support, and more.
However, while working within the guided, and often rigidly banal, structure of other recruitment firms, Roxanne realized that there were more creative, effective, and innovative ways to connect with her clients and candidates. And so, this was the foundation upon which OPAL Corporate Connections was built.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-seguin-69768bb/ Website: http://opalcorporateconnections.ca Email: rseguin@opalcorporateconnections.ca Phone: 905-466-7408 Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 72 - From Disrupted to Disruptor: How Tech is Reshaping the Staffing Industry with Kelli Ryan | 15 avr. 2025 | 00:43:44 | |
Episode 72 - From Disrupted to Disruptor: How Tech is Reshaping the Staffing Industry with Kelli Ryan In today's episode, I sit down with Kelli Ryan, a 28-year veteran of the staffing world who made the bold leap from being part of a disrupted industry to becoming one of its disruptors. Now at Cartwheel, a SaaS company focused on accounts receivable automation, Kelli shares how automation, AI, and smarter tech stacks are revolutionizing everything from operations to client experience. We get into the critical trends shaping staffing today like gig platforms, digital transformation, and what it really means to grow in a down market without burning out your team or budget. Together, we explore why healthcare staffing is outpacing traditional firms in tech adoption, the power of white-labeled platforms for smaller agencies, and the mindset shifts staffing leaders need to make to stay competitive. Kelli also breaks down how to evaluate your current tech stack, ask the right questions before buying, and why solving invisible bottlenecks, like AR, is one of the fastest ways to scale. Whether you're a new founder or running an established agency, this conversation is full of honest advice from someone who's lived both sides of the industry. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "You don't often think of accounts receivable as being a growth lever, but it really can be—because when you automate the manual, you give your team the space to actually drive revenue."
Connect with Kelli: Kelli Ryan is a results-driven executive sales leader with extensive experience in leading business development and customer retention teams. As the Chief Customer Officer, Kelli works closely with the Cartwheel team to drive growth and deliver the best possible experience for their customers.
Before joining Cartwheel, Kelli was the SVP of the National Partnership Group at Employbridge, leading teams responsible for new Enterprise customer development and existing customer retention and expansion. Kelli played key roles at Employbridge, and The Select Family of Staffing Companies, where her strategic leadership enabled her to build and maintain high-performing, cross-functional teams that consistently exceeded revenue targets and drove company-wide success.
Kelli holds a BA in Industrial Psychology from San Diego State University.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelliryan/ Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 71 - The Highs and Lows of My Two-Week Experience in India | 08 avr. 2025 | 00:17:18 | |
Episode 71 - The Highs and Lows of My Two-Week Experience in India In this week's episode, I'm following up on the first part of my travel experience through India, but this time, I'm giving a bit more of a personal perspective. From the beauty of the Taj Mahal to the stark realities of Agra's development, I share candid reflections and experiences, offering insights and travel tips that you need to know. As I recount my travels, we shift to the cultural nuances and personal encounters that made this journey so memorable. Despite my Indian heritage, it's fascinating to experience being perceived as a foreigner. Whether it's feeling the chaotic shopping experience or visiting lounges that have transformed Delhi's nightlife scene, this episode captures the essence of a nation that's as dynamic as it is diverse. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "India's economy is booming and it's got a long way to go yet. But why not be part of that?"
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 70 - Why You Should Consider India for Your Next Big Move in the Recruitment Industry | 01 avr. 2025 | 00:17:51 | |
Episode 70 - Why You Should Consider India for Your Next Big Move in the Recruitment Industry It's been 12 years since I've been back in India and in today's episode, I'm giving you my experience and telling you why you should consider breaking in to the Indian market. Besides India's booming business economy and vibrant culture, I'm giving you a little insight in to the elegance, highlighted by a memorable Holi celebration that filled the air with color and joy and the reality, after an experience with the healthcare system in India which involved a medical emergency. There's been an impressive rise of India's middle class and a shift in the economy that's brimming with potential. I experienced the warmth of extraordinary customer service and the beauty of the Taj Mahal, but I also share reflections on cultural nuances, such as a customs incident and the shocking revelation between women and business. This episode is an invitation to see India through a more personal lens, revealing the many layers beyond its renowned landmarks, and solidifying why you should be considering the Indian market for your next big move. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "India's infrastructure is booming, with highways connecting everything and a vibrant middle class driving economic progress."
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 69 - No Shortcuts, Do The Work, and Why You Need Failure with Aimee Hagerty | 25 mars 2025 | 00:37:17 | |
Episode 69 - No Shortcuts, Do The Work, and Why You Need Failure with Aimee Hagerty Today, I welcome Aimee Hagerty, the innovative mind behind EA Associates, to help shed light on the recruitment industry's many, and often challenging facets in today's climate. Aimee's journey from the traditional staffing arena to founding a consultancy tailored to life sciences recruitment is nothing short of inspiring. In our conversation, Aimee shares how EA Associates transcends the usual agency functions by crafting recruitment strategies and talent acquisition plans based on genuine human connection and relationships. The topic ventures into the competitive edge boutique consultancies hold over their larger counterparts. Smaller firms, with their agility and personalized touch, often capture clients feeling overlooked by big agencies. Aimee and I emphasize the value of building deep, meaningful relationships over merely focusing on financial metrics in a growing business. The conversation turns to technology's role, particularly AI, as an invaluable tool for sourcing while preserving the human element crucial to recruitment. Concluding with a focus on the future, we predict a continued emphasis on passion and cultural fit over mere technical skills, positioning companies who value human interaction and personalized solutions to excel in this evolving landscape. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "Our transition from a service provider to a solution provider during the pandemic underscored the importance of relationships and resilience in business."
Connect with Aimee: Aimee Hagerty is the Founder and CEO of EA Associates Inc., a recruitment consultancy headquartered in Southern Ontario and primarily focused on the life sciences and engineering sectors. Aimee's leadership at EA Associates Inc., combined with her robust background in both life sciences and engineering recruitment, has been pivotal in allowing EA to create innovative staffing solutions for both clients and candidates. By integrating empathy mapping and social networking into EA's recruitment strategies, Aimee has built a consultancy that supports Pharmaceutical, Biologics, Biotech Engineering, and Food Manufacturing sector recruitment across multiple markets and on a global level.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/communicatecollaboratecreate/ Email: aimee@eaassoc.com Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 68 - One Client, One Candidate at a Time: Up’s and Downs in the Recruitment Industry with Zag Dutton | 18 mars 2025 | 00:42:56 | |
Episode 68 - One Client, One Candidate at a Time: Up’s and Downs in the Recruitment Industry with Zag Dutton In today's episode, I welcome, Zag Dutton, 30-year recruitment industry veteran and the founder of Career Connections Canada, and we're talking all about the current up's and downs in the recruitment industry. Zag offers a fresh perspective on the flexible lifestyle choices favored by many temporary workers today, and highlights the necessities that other temporary workers have. She also discusses the importance of being approachable and accountable, emphasizing integrity and respect as cornerstones of building lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. As we really get into the up's and downs, we talk about the challenges small businesses face with technological evolution, particularly AI. The key takeaway? Embrace tech advancements that truly add value instead of chasing every shiny new tool. The episode wraps up with an exploration of honesty and integrity in recruitment, where Zag stresses the importance of candid conversations with candidates, even when delivering tough news. Her commitment to respect and genuine interaction proves that sincerity holds a powerful place in the recruitment process. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "Every situation is different, and being a small business allows us to respond quickly and tailor solutions without the bureaucracy of larger organizations."
Connect with Zag: Zag Dutton, the Founder and President of Career Connections Canada Inc., established the company in 1995 as a recruitment firm specializing in permanent (direct hire) placements across all levels of staff, primarily within the pharmaceutical industry. Over the years, responding to client demand, the company expanded its services to include temporary placements, catering to a diverse range of industries beyond pharmaceuticals such as manufacturing and 3PL. Today, Career Connections stands as an award-winning boutique recruitment firm, providing comprehensive solutions for permanent, temporary, and contract staffing needs. As 2025 approaches, Zag and Career Connections are gearing up to commemorate 30 years of successfully bridging Great People with Great Companies.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zagdutton/ Email: zag@careerconnectionsinc.com Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 67 - Navigating the Complexities of EOR in The Recruitment Industry with Francis Larson | 11 mars 2025 | 00:46:29 | |
Episode 67 - Navigating the Complexities of EOR in The Recruitment Industry with Francis Larson In this episode, I sit down with Francis Larson, the visionary CEO and founder of Ascen, as we navigate Employer of Record (EOR) services in the recruitment industry. Francis sheds some light on how EORs are transforming the staffing industry, taking full charge of employment responsibilities from HR compliance to benefits management. He clarifies the distinctions between EORs and the traditional Professional Employer Organization (PEO) model, busting myths around revenue recognition and highlighting the immense value of seeking accounting expertise, avoiding placing so much value on vanity numbers in your business, especially in acquisition scenarios where EBITDA is critical. With the EOR model handling back-office complexities, businesses can focus on delivering exceptional client service and growth without getting stifled by regulatory hurdles. Finally, our conversation heads into the realm of international employment regulations, where British and Canadian companies face unique challenges entering the US market. We explore the intricacies of independent contractor classification in the US, where state-driven enforcement adds layers of complexity. We also touch on workforce management trends, particularly the transformative impact of AI in recruitment. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "EORs are transforming the staffing industry by taking full charge of employment responsibilities, from HR compliance to benefits management, allowing businesses to focus on growth and client service."
Connect with Francis: Francis Larson is the founder and CEO of Ascen, a back office platform and employer of record for staffing firms expanding into the US, providing payroll, onboarding, and funding for US placements. Ascen is funded by Y Combinator, the top seed investor in startups in the world. Before founding Ascen, Francis was the founder and CEO of Leif, a fintech lending platform he sold in 2018.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francislarson/ Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 66 - Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s): Why We Need Them and How To Make Them Work For You with Joanna Oakley | 04 mars 2025 | 00:35:46 | |
Episode 66 - Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s): Why We Need Them and How To Make Them Work For You with Joanna Oakley Today's episode approaches the taboo topic of Standard Operating Procedures or SOP's, and I'm featuring Joanna Oakley, owner of Argylestone Consulting, as she unveils how SOP's can drive consistency, improve service quality, and facilitate efficient growth for small to mid-sized staffing enterprises. Despite the misconception that SOPs don't contribute directly to the bottom line, Joanna makes a strong case for their long-term advantages. Simple tasks can lessen the burden of creating SOP's like delegating SOP creation to your team, who knows the ins and outs of daily operations, focusing on critical processes first, and utilizing slower times in the business to create them. Joanna shares strategies on evolving SOPs to integrate cutting-edge technology and AI, ensuring compliance and data integrity as well. Learn how SOPs can lead to smarter tech purchasing decisions and process optimizations, empowering your team to work more efficiently. This episode promises to have you approaching SOP's with a shifted mindset so you can make them work for you and elevate your staffing operations to new heights. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "The real cost of not having SOPs isn't just inefficiency—it's the potential loss of revenue and operational chaos that can arise from inconsistent processes."
Connect with Joanna: Joanna Oakley is a seasoned recruitment industry professional with over 20 years of experience across four global brands: ManpowerGroup, Randstad, Agile 1, and RGF Staffing (part of the Recruit Group). Beginning her career in sales-focused roles, she advanced to onsite client management and ultimately served as Chief Operating Officer for the UK division of the world's 5th largest staffing firm. In 2022, Joanna founded Argylestone Consulting Ltd., where she leverages her extensive expertise to assist staffing firms in transforming and optimising their operations, reducing costs, and driving sustainable growth. Joanna holds certifications including CCWP (Certified Contingent Workforce Professional) and is a Chartered Member of CIPD. Additionally, she is a co-author of the 2024 best-selling book, "The Rise of the Female Entrepreneur," which supports the Women Supporting Women initiative by The Prince's Trust.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-oakley-ccwp-mcipd-6171b95/ Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 65 - Align Your Words to Your Behaviors, Build Trust, and Be Accountable with Rodrigo Alcaine | 25 févr. 2025 | 00:44:31 | |
Episode 65 - Align Your Words to Your Behaviors, Build Trust, and Be Accountable with Rodrigo Alcaine My guest today is Rodrigo Alcaine, the freshly appointed CEO of Eastridge Workforce Solutions, and is joining me in a conversation about the nuances of leadership and accountability in today's professional landscape. Rodrigo brings a fresh perspective on true accountability as a commitment to integrity rather than a punitive measure. The effects of leaders who act on their promises is huge and behavior that reflects this establishes a standard of excellence across any organization. The power of feedback is often overlooked, along with the role it plays in building trust within teams. We talk about the importance of a communal approach to accountability, similar to how a coach guides a marathon runner toward their goal, as well as dissect strategies like stress testing organizational standards and preparing for the worst to ensure resilience in challenging times. Reflecting on personal growth and leadership development, we share our own experiences in high-performance settings and how they've shaped our understanding of effective management and leadership. Rodrigo opens up about the necessity of aligning leadership styles with personal values and shares another experience that highlights the importance of adapting to the diverse needs of team members to build trust. In conclusion, we emphasize the positive effects of accountability and leadership, showing exactly how leaders' actions influence trust and performance throughout an entire organization. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "Building trust within a team starts with aligning your words to your behaviors. Consistency in actions is key to cultivating a culture of trust."
Connect with Rodrigo: Rodrigo Alcaine is a results-driven leader with a track record of transforming businesses, accelerating growth, driving revenue expansion, and building high-performing teams. As CEO of Eastridge Workforce Solutions, he leads the company’s strategic vision and operational excellence, delivering innovative workforce solutions across industries while scaling business impact. With over 16 years in staffing and workforce management, Rodrigo has transformed organizations through strategic turnarounds, enhanced sales performance, and a culture of accountability. He previously held executive roles at JoinedUp (Beeline) and Adecco, driving market expansion and business optimization. Rodrigo’s leadership philosophy is rooted in getting the best out of people, believing in excavating talent and unlocking potential at every level. Rodrigo previously sat on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle, is an active mentor for the American Staffing Association, and was recognized in Staffing Industry Analysts’ 40 Under 40 list. Based in Raleigh, NC, he balances his work with quality time with his family and enjoys endurance training. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigoalcaine/ Email: ralcaine@eastridge.com Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 64 - Looking Past Risk and Encouraging Talent to Remain in Canada with Michael King | 18 févr. 2025 | 00:45:26 | |
Episode 64 - Looking Past Risk and Encouraging Talent to Remain in Canada with Michael King In today's episode of Talent Titans, I'd like to introduce my guest, Michael King, from Spruce Infotech. Michael made quite the career shift from being a South African diplomat to a pivotal figure in Canada's recruitment industry. His journey, marked by a transition from international finance to the dynamic technology and recruitment sectors, is driven by a passion for influencing careers and changing lives. Our conversation focuses on the challenges of retaining talent in Canada amidst the allure of the U.S. market. We get into factors like the necessity for greater R&D investment by Canadian firms, highlighting Canada's robust skilled workforce and we discuss how these factors position Canada as a prime location for talent to remain. Approaching the subject of today's new generations, we hit a button on the pitfalls of prolonged recruitment processes and the importance of maintaining transparency. Finally, emphasizing commitment to nurturing credibility through client referrals and building strong, trust-based relationships, this episode encourages those in the recruitment industry to get creative about how we can encourage our incredibly qualified, fresh talent. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "We're in danger of becoming too transactional as an industry. We need to focus on specialization rather than generalization and foster quality, trust-based relationships with our clients."
Connect with Michael: Upon immigrating to Canada, Michael was responsible for advancing institutional sales for RBC Global Asset Management in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Scandinavia. His technical experience includes building and managing new Data Analytics business in North America and providing data analytics solutions for companies globally. More recently Michael has over seven years of experience in the recruitment industry, having advanced enterprise sales for global recruitment companies. More recently Michael was appointed as the Vice President of Sales for Spruce Infotech in Canada, a dynamic privately owned company headquartered in the United States providing technical recruitment and managed services. Michael holds a B.A Hons. degree in International Relations and has also completed various courses including Managing Cross Cultural organizations at the University of Berkley, California.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miking2/
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 63 - Mobile Solutions for Staffing Agencies and Why You Need Them with Bryan Wilson | 11 févr. 2025 | 00:23:42 | |
Episode 63 - Mobile Solutions for Staffing Agencies and Why You Need Them with Bryan Wilson In this episode of Talent Titans, I'm excited to welcome Bryan Wilson from StaffUpApp, a seasoned expert with over 25 years in the staffing industry, who joins us to shed light on the power of adopting a mobile-first strategy for staffing agencies. In an era where traditional job boards like Indeed dominate the landscape, Bryan shares his insights on how staffing companies can pivot and thrive by reaching candidates through private label mobile apps. These apps allow candidates and recruiters alike to streamline operations, enhance experiences, and keep up with the ever-evolving digital trends. We explore the incredible efficiencies mobile apps bring to staffing agencies, particularly those that need to act swiftly, like temporary staffing firms, as well as those looking to consolidate their tech stack. As the importance of a mobile presence skyrockets, we discuss strategies to engage passive candidates and amplify a company's branding efforts. Indeed, mobile apps are not just a luxury but a necessity for any staffing agency. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "Streamlining the candidate experience by integrating every step—from brand discovery to getting paid—into a seamless mobile process is a game-changer."
Connect with Bryan: Bryan is the Head of Product Strategy with StaffUpApp, a leader in the Platform Staffing market. With over 25 years of experience in the Staffing Industry, he spends his time partnering with forward thinking leaders to build solutions that support growth and profitability for their firms. Knowing that GIG Platforms and mobile apps are eating the industry, he does his best to help staffing firms evolve to this next phase so they can not only survive, but thrive in the coming decades.
Website: https://www.staffupapp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanmwilson/
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 62 - Building Influence and Trust: It’s Time to Level Up Your Leadership with Nadia Ciani | 04 févr. 2025 | 00:47:34 | |
Episode 62 - Building Influence and Trust: It’s Time to Level Up Your Leadership with Nadia Ciani I’m so excited for you to hear today’s guest, Nadia Ciani, founder of Energy Xchange Group, on how small to mid-sized staffing firms can rise above the crowd by leveraging the power of personal connections to level up their leadership skills. With a rich background in HR and consulting across North America, Nadia spills the secrets to building influence and trust in the staffing industry. In the thick of the hustle and bustle of running a small team, maintaining momentum without burnout is an art. We explore how fostering a culture of trust can be the foundation of team growth, highlighting the need for structured, and spontaneous, one-on-one interactions and empowering team members to be confident in decision-making. This episode tackles the common but often unspoken challenges leaders face, such as trust issues and confidence in delegation, shedding light on how these can inadvertently stifle both business and personal growth. As businesses increasingly embrace remote work, effective leadership becomes more crucial than ever. We navigate the complexities of managing geographically dispersed teams, from turning mistakes into growth opportunities to ensuring accountability with random check-ins. We also don’t leave out data-driven decision-making, urging firms to focus on meaningful metrics and invest wisely in technology. Finally, we emphasize the incredibly important role of leadership in crafting a vibrant company culture, reminding listeners that ultimately, it's the people, not the technology, that clients buy into. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "Small to mid-sized staffing firms have a unique advantage: their intimate client relationships are built on significant trust, allowing them to influence outcomes and build deeper connections."
Connect with Nadia: Nadia is the Founder of EnergyXChange Group, an HR Consulting and Fractional Leadership firm and has close to 30 years of experience in HR - nearly 20 in an executive capacity. Nadia has lead HR teams across North America in a Hybrid model with expertise in leading virtual teams as well as lead all aspects of HR from Business Partner teams, Talent & Development, Talent & Succession Planning through to Data and Analytics.
Nadia has been part of and has lead the HR workstreams for numerous acquisitions from due diligence to integration and is a certified coach who has helped countless leaders achieve their goals.
Website: https://energyxchangegroup.com/
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 61 - Why Embracing VMS and New Technology is Essential for Success in The Staffing Industry with Matt Cook | 28 janv. 2025 | 00:44:07 | |
Episode 61 - Why Embracing VMS and New Technology is Essential for Success in The Staffing Industry with Matt Cook In today’s episode of Talent Titans, I welcome my guest, Matt Cook from VMS, an expert on workforce management and how it can transform your small business operations in the staffing industry. From job requisitions to invoicing, using Vendor Management Systems (VMS), Matt brings a wealth of experience and insight, first sharing a compelling case study where VMS technology elevated a staffing company into a master vendor role, enhancing their client relationships and value proposition. As client demands for transparency and efficiency grow, the adoption of VMS and new technology becomes crucial for success. We talk about common misconceptions, including the complexity and cost, illustrating how even small businesses can reap significant benefits from these systems. We also highlight the role of automation in preserving margins and boosting efficiency, without losing the human touch. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to harness technology to navigate the evolving landscape of workforce management effectively. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "One of the biggest misconceptions about VMS is the cost, but in reality, mid-market programs can affordably implement enterprise-level solutions that provide significant ROI."
Connect with Matt: With over 25 years of experience, Matt is a globally recognized expert in sales, inbound marketing, and business development. He has successfully founded, built and sold three companies, including a sales recruiting company and a digital marketing company focused on scaling staffing companies. He grew his sales recruiting company SalesForce Search and was on Profit Magazine’s Hot 50 list as the 4th fastest growing company in Canada. Matt has a deep understanding of the staffing and recruiting industry and a passion for helping companies grow revenue. He is highly analytical and results-oriented, with a proven ability to develop and execute successful strategies. Matt is also an engaging speaker and thought leader, sharing his insights on topics such as sales, digital marketing and scaling business. He has written articles for Forbes Magazine, Canadian Business, Profit Magazine and others and has been a featured guest on BNN. Matt has spoken several times at Inbound, Hubspot's annual conference and was a member of Hubspot’s Sales Services Advisory Council. In 2017, Matt won Hubspot's Sales Enablement Award and was named one of LinkedIn's Top Most Influential Sales Professionals in 2019. He is currently the Chief Revenue Officer for Bridge VMS with offices in Austin, London (UK) and Toronto. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-cook-b541011/ Email: mc@bridgevms.com Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 60 - Exploring the Benefits of Creating an Open and Honest Company Culture From the Beginning with Tracy Rocca | 21 janv. 2025 | 00:46:01 | |
Episode 60 - Exploring the Benefits of Creating an Open and Honest Company Culture From the Beginning with Tracy Rocca As we continue to explore empathetic leadership within the staffing industry, my guest on this week's episode is Tracy Rocca, who brings over 30 years of experience to the table. Tracy shares her insights on creating an environment where authenticity and open communication are key from the start in the hiring process, highlighting the significance of creating a safe space for team members to feel heard and respected. The art of building effective team dynamics is not overlooked, emphasizing the importance of understanding candidates beyond their resumes during interviews. This approach, which fosters genuine connections, contrasts with more traditional leadership styles that prioritize efficiency over personal connection. We challenge the misconception that money is the primary motivator for salespeople, suggesting that respect, appreciation, and a desire to win are equally crucial. The episode further explores the role of KPIs and what they're truly designed for and the evolving perspectives on work-life balance across generations. This episode is a testament to how leaders can balance organizational needs with the human aspect of employment, ensuring that even the toughest decisions are handled with care and respect. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "Our business is people. If empathy doesn't come naturally to you, maybe this isn't the right industry for you."
Connect with Tracy: Tracy has worked in various aspects of the staffing business at both the branch and corporate level. Some of the roles that she has held include Senior Consultant, Branch Manager, Strategic Account Manager, and has had Vice President roles in National Acccounts, On-site Management and now responsible for Canada from coast to coast. She has won many awards in her time in the business that show her dedication and reliability. Her extensive experience includes supporting clients across Canadian industries, full P&L responsibility and building high-performance teams. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-rocca-186867a/
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 59 - The Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Shifts in the Workplace with Louisa Benedicto | 14 janv. 2025 | 00:36:55 | |
Episode 59 - The Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Shifts in the Workplace with Louisa Benedicto Welcome back to Talent Titans! In this episode, I welcome Louisa Benedicto, a Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Hays. Louisa, who brings her extensive recruitment and DEI expertise from across the UK, Japan, and North America, discusses the evolving corporate attitudes towards DEI strategies, particularly in North America, where many companies are reevaluating their commitments amid economic and societal pressures. We refer to the pendulum effect post-2020 that has led some organizations to shift their focus back to profit-driven areas, while still considering the crucial role of legal, social, and ethical factors in shaping their DEI approaches. While navigating DEI challenges in the workplace is complex, Louisa and I examine the need for inclusive recruitment practices, advocating for the removal of unnecessary barriers such as degree requirements and lengthy tenures, and the importance of transparent job ads that cater to underrepresented groups. We also highlight the importance of systemic changes within organizations, employee morale concerns, transparency and honesty, ensuring opportunities for all are based on skills and potential. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "The essence of effective DEI strategies lies in systemic change—ensuring opportunities are based on skills and potential, rather than arbitrary qualifications."
Connect with Louisa: Louisa Benedicto is Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I), Corporate Social Responsibility, and Sustainability at Hays – covering the Americas region including Canada, the U.S. and Latin American Countries. She specializes in DE&I within the recruitment process, enabling our clients to implement best practices that ensure everyone gets a fair opportunity in the recruitment practices.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisabenedicto/
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 58 - Humanizing Leadership and Creating Empathetic Culture with Jaime Alvarez | 07 janv. 2025 | 00:39:20 | |
Episode 58 - Humanizing Leadership and Creating Empathetic Culture with Jaime Alvarez In this episode of Talent Titans, I’m talking to Jaime Alvarez, the Global Head of RPO at Brunel, about how we can further humanize leadership and his REAL definition of empathy. His upbringing, coupled with his exposure to varied cultures, taught him the universal language of empathy—a vital tool in his global leadership journey. Jaime shares how his early experiences shaped his empathetic leadership style, allowing him to effectively manage diverse teams across the globe while fostering an environment of understanding and mutual respect. Empathy in the workplace goes beyond simply acknowledging colleagues' emotions; it is the backbone of a culture that encourages growth and accountability. Throughout our conversation, Jaime and I get real about honesty and sometimes difficult dialogues that provoke improvement and collaboration. By reimagining conflict as an opportunity for growth, we discuss how to cultivate an environment of empathy that thrives on flexibility and mutual support. Leadership with empathy doesn't just happen—it requires intentional choices and genuine care. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "Empathy for me is creating an environment where people understand everybody's clear, including myself, that we have goals to meet. It is my job as a leader to make sure that they have it clear."
Connect with Jaime: I get excited easily when I see an opportunity to help and influence companies, improve their talent acquisition process and subsequently see fast improvement in their business. I am passionate about people, about their careers and what we do, as a company, to support them. In this fast moving world I adapt fast, build teams and solutions that represent a need today or anticipate the one for tomorrow.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvarezjaime/
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 57 - How A.I. and Automation Are Disrupting the Staffing Industry with Laura Boivin | 31 déc. 2024 | 00:34:50 | |
Episode 57 - How A.I. and Automation Are Disrupting the Staffing Industry with Laura Boivin In this episode of Talent Titans, I welcome Laura Boivin from Cartwheel to discuss how automation is a game-changer, with particular focus on the staffing industry. With her rich expertise in technology and AI, Laura clarifies the critical distinction between automation and artificial intelligence, explaining how automation's efficiency and error reduction can effectively complete mundane tasks. We go through the historical evolution of automation and its vital role in reducing manual workloads, highlighting why staffing agencies can't afford to ignore this technological advancement. It's not always easy. Sometimes, you reach a bumpy road to tech adoption in staffing agencies, stressing the importance of involving frontline staff in crucial technology decisions. Whether you're a decision-maker or a tech enthusiast, this episode is full of thought-provoking discussions designed to keep you at the forefront of industry innovation. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "The goal of automation isn't to take away people's jobs, but to free them up for strategic thinking and business growth."
Connect with Laura: Laura is the Director of Enterprise Partnerships at Cartwheel. She is an accomplished entrepreneur, computer scientist, and sales professional with a proven track record of driving business growth and implementing transformative solutions in the technology sector. She is passionate about empowering staffing organizations to grow by transforming their accounts receivable process. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-boivin/
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 56 - How to Balance Empathy and Assertiveness in Leadership with Andrea Mancini | 24 déc. 2024 | 00:37:33 | |
Episode 56 - How to Balance Empathy and Assertiveness in Leadership with Andrea Mancini In today's episode, I'm excited to welcome Andrea Mancini, Vice President of Sales at ADECO Canada, as she shares over 20 years of expertise in the staffing industry. Andrea offers a fresh perspective on how to balance empathy and assertiveness, especially in sales, can invigorate team dynamics and drive success without compromising performance goals. We address the complexities of managing and coaching sales teams in a rapidly changing market, like how transparent communication and empowering team members without micromanagement can enhance collaboration and creativity. Andrea shares how empathy has been instrumental in guiding underperforming team members toward success by recognizing their potential and understanding their struggles. Ultimately, you must develop empathy, or you will struggle in your leadership role. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "Empathy should be in your DNA as a leader. If you don't have it, then you shouldn't be a leader."
Previous episode with Ziba Alizadeh: https://youtu.be/nVj1_s8p9aY Connect with Andrea:Appointed Vice President of Sales at Adecco Canada in 2023, Andrea Mancini brings over 20 years of experience in the staffing industry, having held a variety of leadership roles from Recruitment Management to SMB Business Development, Field Management, and Enterprise Sales. Prior to her current position, Andrea was Director of Sales for Adecco Canada, where her achievements included winning the company’s prestigious Super Stars Award for highest sales in Canada as an Enterprise Sales Associate in 2018 and 2020.
Andrea’s success stems from her ability to solve complex workforce challenges in today’s dynamic job market. Her leadership is characterized by a strong track record of inspiring sales teams to achieve significant wins. She is deeply passionate about coaching and mentoring her teams to grow both personally and professionally.
In addition to her extensive experience in staffing, Andrea has worked in the retail, advertising, and education sectors, where she has continually embraced challenges to push herself and reach her full potential.
A graduate of Brock University with an Honours Degree in Business Communications, Andrea also holds a College Diploma from Humber College in Theatre Arts. She is an active member of the Centennial College Corporate Program Advisory Committee, where she contributes her expertise to guide the next generation of professionals.
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in.
With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles.
Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 55 - Using Empathy and Logic to Redefine Leadership with Angela Baade | 17 déc. 2024 | 00:37:50 | |
Episode 55 - Using Empathy and Logic to Redefine Leadership with Angela Baade Welcome back to another episode! This time, I'm pleased to introduce you to Angela Baade as she shares her wisdom on how empathy and leadership can transform the staffing industry. Angela brings to light the importance of investing in underperforms who are willing to learn and grow, highlighting resilience and adaptability as key to weathering market fluctuations. Angela has a very nuanced understanding of supporting team members through industry shifts, especially those who are new to these dynamics. We address the frustrations around how fear and uncertainty are reshaping strategies and candidate decisions, leading to a more challenging recruiting environment. We emphasize the critical need for clear communication and consistent expectations to effectively navigate these issues, with an acknowledgment of how candidates are increasingly reconsidering offers amidst these uncertainties. We also discuss strategies to align individual performance with company goals while maintaining financial viability, stressing that empathy is a focus, we must consider the cost of accountability. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: "Leadership with empathy involves recognizing the potential in underperforming employees and investing in their growth, as they might be the key to future success."
Angela Baade is a staffing and recruitment expert with over 15 years of experience. As an Executive Vice President at Gainor Staffing in NYC, she oversees operations, temporary staffing services, and recruitment. A Certified Staffing Professional, Angela's expertise lies in uniting teams, fostering career growth, and staying updated on industry best practices. Her passion for making a positive impact on lives and workplaces, coupled with her love for lifelong learning and career development, drives her dedication to the field. Angela is a member of the ASA Women in Leadership Council and is active with the New York Staffing Association. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelabaade/ Email: angela@gainor.net Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 54 - Discovering Rebel Leadership and The Purpose of Positive Agitation with Mark Coetzee | 10 déc. 2024 | 00:43:28 | |
Episode 54 - Discovering Rebel Leadership and The Purpose of Positive Agitation with Mark Coetzee In this episode of Talent Titans, I'm sitting down with Mark Coetzee, a consultant who's disrupting the realms of traditional leadership methods and we're discovering how these methods often fall short in addressing the challenges of innovation in businesses. We kick off with an exploration of what it truly means to be a rebel leader. Contrary to common misconceptions, rebel leadership isn't about causing chaos; it's about challenging the status quo with a focus on constructive disruption. Many leaders shy away from the nitty-gritty tasks such as interviews or order fulfillment, often due to fear of embarrassment or the desire to maintain an ego. However, Mark argues for the power of vulnerability, urging leaders to embrace humility and empathy. By learning from their teams and fostering a culture where empathy is seen as a strength, leaders can transform their organizations. Mark introduces the concept of "positive agitation," which involves setting ambitious yet realistic targets through open communication. This approach not only motivates employees but also helps recognize and address signs of a stalling culture. By engaging directly with their teams, leaders can ensure growth and success while maintaining employee satisfaction and retention. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative leadership in not just the staffing industry, but any industry, worldwide. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote:
Mark, the winner of the 2024 Canadian Staffing Summit Leadership Award, brings over 30 years of executive/board level experience across five continents, achieving excellent returns for shareholders with a track record of formulating, advising, and assisting in execution of chosen strategy, resulting in high impact performance improvement, business transformation and company turnarounds in multicultural environments. Working within organisations across 5 continents – including start up’s, mid-sized, and large/multinational organisations – typically within Private Equity, Private Equity/ Venture Capital type environments. Mark has played a pivotal role including but not limited to 3 successful exits: 2 x PE events, 1 x listing on a stock exchange, several 100% business transformation gigs, from major loss-making situations to full profitability.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-coetzee-0b383548/ Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 53 - Being A Woman’s Ally in A Man’s World with Sean Simmonds | 03 déc. 2024 | 00:32:13 | |
Episode 53 - Being A Woman’s Ally in A Man’s World with Sean Simmonds In this episode, I'm happy to be talking with Sean Simmons, the operations lead for RemX Staffing's healthcare division. Last week's episode featured Ziba, Sean's colleague and I'm excited to hear his perspective on the topics at hand, being an ally for women. With his extensive experience across various roles in the U.S., Sean offers a unique perspective on how female leaders often bring a heightened sense of empathy and care to the workplace. Sean helps to highlight how men can support these strengths by embracing diverse leadership styles, fostering inclusivity, and actively advocating for women's career advancement. Sean also touches on the power of sponsorship in building a more inclusive and effective leadership culture, creating a supportive environment that benefits everyone. On a bit of a more serious note, we stress the importance of seeking guidance, documenting incidents, and the role men play in advocating for equity. Reflecting on the workplace culture shifts over the past decade, the presence of strong female leaders like Ziba is celebrated for inspiring teams to become allies for change. Additionally, we explore the dynamics of adapting to leadership styles, whether familiar or new, and offer strategies for thriving under female leadership.
In this episode: -Sean's perspective on why women make great leaders in the workplace. -Leadership isn't a one-size-fits-all operation. -Reasons why ideas brought on by women oftentimes are looked over, especially in the workplace. -How we can support women, their ideas, and make the workplace overall a more cohesive place to be. -Nothing will ever change if you continue to sweep issues under the rug.
Favorite Quote: "Encouraging women to voice their ideas and collaborating with them can create a platform where their contributions are respected and acknowledged. It's about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued."
I grew up in Seattle, Washington area and graduated from University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. Shortly after school, I moved to Scottsdale, AZ and found my first professional position in staffing. I recruited Nurses and caregivers for home health and clinical services for 4 years and then was given an exciting opportunity to recruit in the IT space at a boutique talent partner for leading private equity investors in San Francisco. I learned a lot from Silicon Valley and loved living in SF but again was provided another unpassable IT recruiting opportunity that would take me to Chicago, IL and recruit for an excellent Managed Service Firm. I didn’t last too long in Chicago due to those freeeeezing holiday months, so after my second winter I moved to LA and found a home at RemX. I was recently promoted from a Senior Staffing Manager role in September of last year and now am the Operations Lead for a brand new Healthcare Division with RemX. I’m extremely excited to contribute to its success and watch it grow so we can make a real difference in the industry! Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 52 - Exploring Gender Dynamics in Healthcare Leadership with Ziba Alizadeh | 26 nov. 2024 | 00:49:24 | |
Episode 52 - Exploring Gender Dynamics in Healthcare Leadership with Ziba Alizadeh In this episode, I'm sitting down with Ziba Alizadeh, Vice President of Healthcare Solutions at RemX, so we can explore the role gender dynamics plays in our lives and businesses. Despite the booming addition of healthcare jobs, the industry faces a daunting talent shortage. Ziba talks about how the burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy are reshaping the landscape, leaving healthcare organizations in a relentless race to attract and retain skilled professionals. We'll explore the complexities of leadership as we dive into the often-unseen battles women face in traditionally male-dominated industries. Through my own journey, I share the delicate balance of masculine and feminine energies in leadership roles, navigating perceptions of being "too alpha," and the power of authenticity. We explore the vital role of empathy and mental health in leadership, challenging outdated traditions for a more inclusive future. Finally, the conversation shifts to the importance of allies and networking in creating equitable opportunities for all. We celebrate the progress made towards gender equality, emphasizing the necessity of male allies who genuinely support and foster inclusive environments. Through personal stories of mentorship and serendipitous connections, we underscore the importance of authenticity in leadership and the power of community in shaping the recruitment industry's future.
Favorite Quote: "Words have the power to build humanity or tear it down; it's essential to use them wisely, both in how we communicate with others and how we speak to ourselves."
Ziba has been bringing value to internal/external clients and industry work teams for over 20 years. Ziba has a list of devoted clients and long-term partnerships on account of her fresh and comprehensive approach to talent acquisition along with her unwavering commitment to quality service delivery. She is working in the Contract, Contract to Hire, and Direct Hire space managing expansive multi-million-dollar territories. She is the leader of Employbridge’s Healthcare solutions division supporting clinical and non-clinical roles for our clients throughout the country. Her ability to navigate nuances in these large diverse markets has been instrumental in her success. Ziba underscores her commitment to staying at the forefront of industry through her multiple designations including: Certified Healthcare Professional (CHP), Certified Staffing Professional (CSP), Certified Search Consultant (CSC), Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR), Advanced Certified Internet Recruiter (ACIR), Certified External Search Consultant (CESC), Certified Internal Search Consultant (CISC), Certified Staffing Professional, and Certified Staffing Consultant. One mark of her commitment to delivering extraordinary results is her long-standing partnership with one of California's largest employers. Exclusivity is a mark of both trust and competency in our business and Ziba is fortunate enough to enjoy exclusive relationships with 95% of her clients. Ziba has demonstrated her leadership acumen by managing and developing up to 25 person teams, leading and guiding them to achieve collective goals and multiple top performance awards. Ziba currently serves as a committee member on American Staffing Association’s Healthcare section. Additionally, she acts as a trainer to the staffing industry and is a public speaker in various sectors. Outside of her professional life, Ziba enjoys the simple pleasures of life. You can often find her engrossed in a great book, gliding along the beach on rollerblades, exploring destinations both domestic and international, and cherishing quality time with her loved ones. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zibaalizadeh/ Email: ziba.alizadeh@remx.com Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both. | |||
| Episode 51 - Dave Hartin, Success Isn’t About Clocking Hours | 24 sept. 2024 | 00:45:02 | |
Episode 51 - Dave Hartin, Success Isn’t About Clocking Hours People often show up every day and expect results from simply doing that. But if you own your own business or make your money off of commission, you’re going to need to do more than just punch the clock and occupy the space. Learning what to do to be the most effective in the least amount of time is what brings success, not just showing up. Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “Understand what’s important, what’s urgent, and what isn’t.“
Connect with Dave: Dave is a leader who has dedicated his career to the art of talent acquisition and executive search. As the President of Aixal Consulting Ltd, he brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for excellence in identifying and placing top-tier talent across diverse industries and sectors. With a deep-rooted passion for helping organizations find the perfect fit for their leadership teams, Dave has consistently demonstrated an innate ability to match exceptional individuals with companies seeking to drive growth and innovation. His strategic insights and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction have positioned Aixal as a trusted partner for organizations striving to build high-performing leadership teams. Outside of his professional endeavors, Dave is an advocate for community involvement and philanthropy. He has been heavily involved in minor sports, running local sports organizations and coaching at all levels. He is involved in various charitable organizations and believes in giving back to the community as a means of creating a better future for all. With a commitment to excellence, a dedication to fostering diverse leadership, and a deep-seated passion for the executive search industry, Dave continues to lead Aixal to new heights, helping clients secure the key talent they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 50 - Mark Tower, Obtaining US Relevancy From Canada | 20 août 2024 | 00:48:45 | |
Episode 50 - Mark Tower, Obtaining US Relevancy From Canada Many times we look at borders as impassable brick walls, especially the border between the United States and Canada. Changing your perspective is the first step to expanding your business into the US, which is probably not nearly as hard as you may anticipate.
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “I think we are now beyond borders.“
Connect with Mark: Phone: 905.515 9986 Email: TheTowers44@gmail.com
Mark Tower is the Chief Operating Officer at Joblio, where he leads strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and drive growth. With over 25 years of experience in the staffing and recruitment industry, Mark has a proven track record of optimizing processes and developing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients and candidates alike. Before joining Joblio, Mark held various leadership roles in prominent staffing firms, where he successfully implemented scalable systems and improved service delivery. His expertise lies in operations management, project execution, and team leadership, ensuring that Joblio remains at the forefront of the employment sector. Mark holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and is passionate about leveraging technology to transform the recruitment landscape. Mark enjoys mentoring young professionals and exploring the latest trends in workforce management. Outside of work, Mark enjoys travel, family, faith and all competitive sports.
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 49 - Richard Fernandes, Demonstrating Value as a Headhunter | 13 août 2024 | 00:51:00 | |
Episode 49 - Richard Fernandes, Demonstrating Value as a Headhunter Headhunters and the rest of us in the recruitment industry tend to downplay what it is that we do and the effect we have on the world. It is said that we will spend more than one third of our lives working, so that is why finding the right butt for the right seat is so incredibly important. So don’t downplay it! Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “80% of the workforce is unhappy in their job, and the reason being is that a lot of folks that have taken a job are stuck in the job.“
Connect with Richard: Richard C. Fernandes is a highly recognized thought leader in the $150 billion North American recruitment industry. His vision and energy inspired the creation of The Staffing Exchange’s “Recruiter Entrepreneur Platform”. The Staffing Exchange Inc. (TSE) was founded with a firm commitment to standardizing the multi-billion dollar recruitment industry with streamlined managed services for leading corporations and passive candidates through recruiter entrepreneurs. About Our Founder: Richard C. Fernandes is a highly recognized thought leader in the $150 billion North American recruitment industry. His vision and energy inspired the creation of The Staffing Exchange’s “Recruiter Entrepreneur Platform”. Company Overview: The Staffing Exchange Inc. (TSE) was founded with a firm commitment to standardizing the multi-billion dollar recruitment industry with streamlined managed services for leading corporations and passive candidates through recruiter entrepreneurs. “Our fully integrated platform provides investment capital, technology, support systems, and payroll funding for all our stakeholders to collaborate more effectively in the recruitment process. TSE provides Best-in-Class services combined with payroll funding to help any size company with their growth and workforce planning needs," asserts Mr. Fernandes. TSE is the first consolidated platform to fully integrate coaching, technology, investment capital, and unlimited payroll funding in the recruitment industry.
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 48 - Why Do You Fear Making Sales Calls? | 06 août 2024 | 00:12:46 | |
Episode 48 - Why Do You Fear Making Sales Calls? Ultimately we are primally adverse to failure because in the past, failure could mean death. So when the chance of failure appears, we often turn the other way and run so as to avoid certain danger. If we want to find success, we must stay and endure and make the calls. It’s the only way.
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “He told me, ‘Suky, I told them they need to fire you. You’ll never be successful in this industry because you don’t know how to sell and you are fearful of rejection.’ All of that was true at the time.“
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 47 - What is The Recruitment Professionals Forum (RPF) | 30 juil. 2024 | 00:12:15 | |
Episode 47 - What is The Recruitment Professionals Forum (RPF) Often the Canadian Staffing Industry gets lumped in with the US industry even though they are two entirely different industries that do include some crossover, but the rules are indeed very different. It’s time for Canada to stand on its own.
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “It was time we stood up on our own two feet… Bill 27, we nearly got blindsided on that one.“
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 46 - Pam Ghandial, Recruitment Through Relationships | 16 juil. 2024 | 00:52:27 | |
Episode 46 - Pam Ghandial, Recruitment Through Relationships Recruitment really is about building and maintaining relationships. Every relationship is different and requires a different level of attention, but maintaining that relationship in the long run almost always pays off with referrals and repeat business, which is the bread and butter of any staffing agency.
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “You have to find something that you are passionate about besides your work that you can go and do for yourself. That’s so important…your work should not be your life“
Connect with Pam: Alliance Consulting consists of a team of specialists within the Staffing and Recruitment industry. We know that exceptional companies require exceptional people, and that's exactly what we aim to provide. Asides from sourcing candidates, we go above and beyond by also interviewing, screening, and vetting each and every candidate. Each candidate will discover the value of your company and aid with providing growth without exception. Co Founder, Alliance Consulting Co. As the Co Founder at Alliance Consulting Co., I bring over a decade of experience in HR and recruitment to my role, offering unparalleled expertise in sourcing top talent for diverse industries. Established in January 2023 and based in Canada,and USA , Alliance Consulting Company US. thrives under joint leadership, providing clients with specialized and expert recruitment services tailored to their unique needs. With a career spanning over 20 years across various sectors and roles, I bring a wealth of experience and a people-first approach to everything I do. My commitment to excellence and my ability to deliver results have consistently driven the success of the teams and organizations I have worked with. Today, as the head of Alliance Consulting Co., I continue to provide expert recruitment solutions that meet and exceed the expectations of our clients.
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in.
With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles.
Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 45 - Michael King, Why We Need to Drive R&D | 09 juil. 2024 | 00:46:43 | |
Episode 45 - Michael King, Why We Need to Drive R&D Playing things safe will rarely get you to where you intend to go, especially if you are in the tech industry. Canadians tend to want to play it safe and squirrel away money when really in the long run that’s not the safest plan. A tech company must continue to evolve and that means extensively investing in R&D.
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “We are responsible for people’s lives. We are responsible for families, and we need to take that very seriously.“
Connect with Michael:
Michael started his career as a diplomat for the democratically elected government of South Africa, responsible for engagement and negotiations with multilateral agencies such as the United Nations, World Bank, and IMF. In this role Michael had the good fortune of briefly working with former president Nelson Mandela during South Africa’s return to the General Assembly. He then advanced to manage donor funding for NORAD and the establishment of a Venture Capital fund to advance collaboration between Norwegian and Sub-Saharan businesses in Africa. Michael’s subsequent executive roles were in Asset Management, building asset management businesses from the ground up in Africa and the Middle East. Upon immigrating to Canada, Michael was responsible for advancing institutional sales for RBC Global Asset Management in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Scandinavia. His technical experience includes building and managing new Data Analytics business in North America and providing data analytics solutions for companies globally. More recently Michael has over seven years of experience in the recruitment industry, having advanced enterprise sales for global recruitment companies. More recently Michael was appointed as the Vice President of Sales for Spruce Infotech in Canada, a dynamic privately owned company headquartered in the United States providing technical recruitment and managed services. Michael holds a B.A Hons. degree in International Relations and has also completed various courses including Managing Cross Cultural organizations at the University of Berkley, California.
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 44 - Lana Khoury - Failing Towards Success | 02 juil. 2024 | 00:39:49 | |
Episode 44 - Lana Khoury - Failing Towards Success Things are rarely as they seem. It’s not until you are truly knee deep in a subject that you fully begin to understand the ins and outs. That’s why we can’t fake experience, and the easiest way to gain real experience is to jump in and start failing.
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “We can’t be set in our ways when you start a business. You think you know what you want and you go with it, but then you have to use the data, and you have to use the feedback, and you have to work directly with customers and industry experts to help you make the right move.“
Connect with Lana:
Lana Khoury is a visionary leader revolutionizing temporary and seasonal hiring through her innovative platform, Aukazi. With over 16 years of full-cycle recruitment experience and a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from Concordia University's John Molson School of Business, Lana leverages her strategic and analytical strengths to create a seamless ecosystem that connects employers and workers using advanced technology, all while partnering with several recruiting agencies. Her career includes notable roles at Cardinal Health Canada, WilsonHCG, New Frontiers School Board, Optimal Payments PLC, Pfizer, and TEKsystems, where she honed her skills in enhancing candidate experience, optimizing recruitment processes, and driving HR initiatives in complex, cross-functional environments.
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in.
With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles.
Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 43 - Suky Sodhi: Preparing For Bill 27 Changes | 25 juin 2024 | 00:18:31 | |
Episode 43 - Suky Sodhi: Preparing For Bill 27 Changes Big changes are coming for those in the staffing industry who do business in Ontario starting July 1st. Bill 27 is coming and will undoubtedly change the way you do business in some shape or form.
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “We really must come together as a community and as an industry and speak for ourselves because nobody else is going to do it.“
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 42 - Andy Kohler, How COVID Empowered the Worker | 04 juin 2024 | 00:53:06 | |
Episode 42 - Andy Kohler, How COVID Empowered the Worker There’s no doubt the game was changed with the onslaught of COVID. The tables have now shifted and the workers have now proven they are to be trusted to be productive even when not under the direct scrutiny of the higher-ups. Things are no doubt different, but what exactly does that mean for staffing? Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “The worker can demand more than what they used to just a couple years ago because of COVID. It kind of flipped the script on who had the power.“
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 41 - Moe Nazariha, Solving Problems in Staffing | 21 mai 2024 | 00:43:37 | |
Episode 41 - Moe Nazariha, Solving Problems in Staffing Some people are pessimistic and spend a good portion of their time looking for problems. A small selection of people are optimistic and also spend a good portion of their time looking for problems, only they often refer to and view them as opportunities for ways to grow and further serve a need. Moe Nazariha is most certainly the latter.
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote:
Connect with Moe:
Connect with Suky:
I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in.
With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles.
Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 40 - Saye Sathiyakumar, Thrive to Serve: Cultivating Growth for Giving | 14 mai 2024 | 00:47:12 | |
Episode 40 - Saye Sathiyakumar, Thrive to Serve: Cultivating Growth for Giving Everyone would love to change the world or at the very least their community. The reality is that money can help as a catalyst for the change you wish you could see. So why not put in some extra hustle in your everyday life to grow big so you can afford to give big?
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote:
Connect with Saye: Saye is an elite executive within the recruitment industry, with 10+ years of high-level sales, strategy, operations, and management experience. Saye’s main focus is with Power Group, gunning to be the largest Healthcare & Technology staffing agency in Canada. He is also a shareholder in multiple businesses within Canada & U.S. Saye most recently acquired Stay Home Forever Inc. in Feb 2023, following another acquisition of Hourglass HR Inc. In March 2023, in which he served as President for both companies. Saye is a minority-based owner, who is very passionate about business and solving challenges. Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, he is a big advocate of giving back and specifically in regards to mental health awareness. Saye has been dedicating the last 2-3 years to gentrify and improve the lifestyle in his hometown of Scarborough, Ontario. Working alongside education institutions, community groups, and less fortunate neighborhoods to provide a platform for the beautiful culture, people, and talent of Scarborough to flourish in this corner of East Toronto.
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both. Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 39 - Paul Ratcliffe Part 2, Leading By Example | 07 mai 2024 | 00:47:23 | |
Episode 39 - Paul Ratcliffe Part 2, Leading By Example Often managers elevate themselves to that level so they won’t actually have to dig in and do the job, but is that really the best strategy? Is that a good way to lead? Or would you be much better off getting into the trenches when necessary next to those you are leading? How could you expect someone else to do the things you yourself are not willing and/or able to do?
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “I would never ask somebody to do something that I either have not done or would not be prepared to do. I think that is Leadership 101.“
Connect with Paul: Paul Ratcliffe is the Vice President of Brunel and a Career and Executive coach based in Houston Texas specializing in helping people on a global basis to transform their careers and find purpose and passion in their professional lives. Paul has a 20+ year in corporate staffing and human resources and moved into career coaching to help people overcome the challenges he personally faced when deciding to change career path.
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both. Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 38 - Paul Ratcliffe, The Business of People | 30 avr. 2024 | 00:46:40 | |
Episode 38 - Paul Ratcliffe, The Business of People Really when you break it down, staffing is just the business of people. That’s all there is. There are no otherwise tangible products or services involved. That is why you must have a passion for people and you must genuinely care about the people around you or be left with mediocre results.
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote:
Connect with Paul: Paul Ratcliffe is the Vice President of Brunel and a Career and Executive coach based in Houston Texas specializing in helping people on a global basis to transform their careers and find purpose and passion in their professional lives. Paul has a 20+ year in corporate staffing and human resources and moved into career coaching to help people overcome the challenges he personally faced when deciding to change career path.
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in. With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles. Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 37 - Canadian Staffing Industry Summit Awards | 26 mars 2024 | 00:42:31 | |
Episode 37 - Canadian Staffing Industry Summit Awards The 2024 Canadian Staffing Industry Summit is happening April 16-17th at the One King West Hotel in Toronto. On April 17th will also be the Canadian Staffing Industry Summit Awards. Listen in as Suky sits in with the board to hear some insights about how the board selects their winners.
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote:
Connect with the Canadian Staffing Industry Summit Awards: The Canadian Staffing Industry Summit is exclusively for staffing industry professionals and features International guest speakers. The Summit is headed up by Suky Sodhi, an award-winning staffing industry coach and trainer with over 40K LinkedIn followers and connections and a database of over 40K staffing industry professionals.
The summit is aimed to elevate the Canadian staffing industry on a global scale and will provide boutique agencies with access to expertise and technology which will allow them to scale their business with ease. Attendees will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry peers and service providers on best practices Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in.
With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles.
Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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| Episode 36 - Gary Hayman, Identity Clarity: A Recipe for Retention | 19 mars 2024 | 00:43:29 | |
Episode 36 - Gary Hayman, Identity Clarity: A Recipe for Retention In staffing it’s easy to hire the first warm body that comes through the door. It’s even easier if you REALLY need people., but we all know what happens when you hire in haste. Taking the time to define who you are and who you are looking for is the key to lowering your turn over. So get defining!
Key Moments:
Favorite Quote: “If you can define who you are and what it means to work for an organization such as Adecco, that becomes the platform to grow from.“
Connect with Gary: Gary Hayman is the Senior Director of HR at Adecco Canada. Gary is passionate about building an organization that attracts and retains the best talent through which he can bring focus to developing a culture that enables the achievement of strategic business plans and supports colleagues in achieving their career best. Gary brings over 25 years of management and executive human resource experience, connecting people with purpose within organizations. As a mentor and coach, Gary engages talent to realize their full potential while driving results.
Connect with Suky: I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in.
With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles.
Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”. For me, the magic happens when my clients recognize the best way to create a truly sustainable high-performance sales culture is to align both.
Canadian Staffing Industry Summit
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