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.

• Trends in the industry that are likely to stick around.

• Why AI is a little bit controversial in such a people-based industry.

• How to balance tech with manual labor - start small.

• Why do we resist collaboration when it comes to platforms and solutions in the staffing industry?

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."

• 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/

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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.

• The Taj Mahal is stunning, but the surrounding area...not so much.

• Nightlife in Delhi is incredible and puts New York, London, and other major cities to shame.

• How the chaotic shopping experience emphasized that pricing cannot be the only differentiator between you and your competitors in business.

• A very uncomfortable experience - what to be aware of.

Favorite Quote:

"India's economy is booming and it's got a long way to go yet. But why not be part of that?"

• 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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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.

• Suky's travel experience including an incident while going through customs.

• The colors and festive atmosphere around the festival of Holi.

• A shocking experience with the medical system in India.

• Are women truly suppressed in India? A story about women-owned businesses in India.

Favorite Quote:

"India's infrastructure is booming, with highways connecting everything and a vibrant middle class driving economic progress."

• 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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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.

• No matter what, always deliver, be who you say you are, and always be learning.

• There are no shortcuts, do the work!

• A few of the challenges Aimee has faced while building her business and how failure actually helped her.

• How Aimee uses AI in her business and why maintaining human connection is the focus.

Favorite Quote:

"Our transition from a service provider to a solution provider during the pandemic underscored the importance of relationships and resilience in business."

• 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: [email protected]

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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.

• The 2 types of temporary workers.

• Stay in your lane! You can't be all things to all people.

• The effects of US politics in Canada.

• As a small business, you can never afford to stand by and do nothing.

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."

• 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: [email protected]

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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.

• Busting EOR myths around top line revenue.

• Some of the biggest mistakes being made in the staffing industry.

• Going in to the US market is risky - how does EOR support this move?

• How companies can prepare for new workforce management regulations.

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."

• 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/

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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.

• How we need to start shifting our mindset towards SOP's.

• Plan SOP's efficiently and focus on the critical processes first.

• SOP's help ensure end-to-end, a seamless process for both the candidate and the client.

• You've created the SOP's. How do you encourage people to follow them?

• The one compelling argument for why you need to have SOP's.

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."

• 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/

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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.

• Why do some leaders deviate from doing what they say they're going to do?

• Actionable strategies to implement to help keep you accountable.

• How employees can become comfortable with giving honest feedback, without fear of repercussions.

• Align your words to your behaviors and begin to build that trust.

• Accountability is not done to you, it is done for you - changing the narrative.

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."

• 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: [email protected]

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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.

• There are risks involved with making such a career shift, but looking past them is understanding how you'll be able to thrive.

• So, what can we do to help encourage talent to remain in Canada?

• The recruitment industry needs to get creative and look beyond money to encourage people to stay in Canada for their careers.

• Complacency, stability, differences in decision-making - all play roles in deciding to stay. Hear how.

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."

• 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/

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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.

• The efficiencies created by having a mobile app.

• How a mobile app can help you consolidate your tech stack, depending on your philosophies.

• Staffing is a people business and technology can actually help us create more human connections.

• How a mobile app can transform the candidate and recruiter experience.

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."

• 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/

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com