On the mic with John in this episode is Bruce Powell, Co-founder and Managing Partner at IQ PARTNERS, an Executive Search & Recruitment firm.

"We saw a VP of Marketing hired last week to a European company. He's doing all of his work and his team management remotely from Toronto, Canada. That's a huge opportunity for Canadian marketers. The flip side is that you're now competing with everybody in the world." - Bruce Powell

Here's some of what they cover:

1. At any time, a third of people are actively considering whether they're in the right role (4:20)

The numbers have jumped to 50% in the pandemic, which feels like a large number, but it may not be on a relative basis, says Bruce. "Most of us are working remotely, and despite being busier, you'd still have a lot more time to reflect on where you're at, and whether you've advanced as far as you want to in your career. It increases people's willingness to consider whether they're ready for a change."

2. The current pulse on 'work from home' (6:17)

While marketers may have had some flexibility in the past, nobody could have imagined entire teams working from home full-time and being productive. The pandemic has required changes in how people operate. "It's been a wholesale surprise that this actually works." Companies have now become increasingly flexible.

3. Reflecting on hiring in the marketing industry in comparison to others (7:41)

"Our clients have been consistently hiring across the board, in accounting, sales, and technology, and our business has been consistent. Unfortunately, our marketing recruitment activity is down probably 40%. And that is, I think, a reflection of marketing still (being viewed as) a cost center."

4. Into the mind of the marketing professional (10:14)

Fear of the unknown is prevalent. More people are reflecting on their careers and think that they would like to make a change. And yet when it comes down to it, there is fear in making that change.

5. Key things employers should bear in mind as they look to fill critical roles (14:04)

"I think it's important to remember that 'emotion buys and logic justifies'. No matter how logical the offer may be, or how much it makes sense for this person as the next step in their career to take this offer, you need to invest a little bit more these days in getting them comfortable and emotionally engaged with the company. The second thing is (to think of it) like buying a house in a competitive market. An offer needs to be presented with as few conditions as possible. If you put out an offer, and it's conditional on references, it's going to make the person more anxious. Address those references up front, and then come up with an offer. It will vastly increase your likelihood of success."

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Learn more about Bruce and IQ Partners here