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.

• Why insurance is a "necessary evil" in staffing

• Real-world risks in staffing agencies & what policies to prioritize

• Misclassification of employees vs. contractors

• Cyber liability risks in recruitment and candidate data

• How to audit your insurance coverage effectively

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."

• 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: [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'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.

• How to navigate age bias in the staffing industry.

• Rebuilding confidence and identity post-corporate job.

• The emotional reality of self-employment.

• Tips for career pivots later in life.

• Why mindset is everything, especially when starting over.

Favorite Quote:

"When you meet me now, you're meeting the real Claire Collins—not the one I had to be in corporate."

• 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: [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'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!

• -Traditional bank loans vs. non-debt funding options.

• -Pro-tip: When to lease instead of buy.

• How to finance growth without relying on personal assets.

• -Risk management and what exactly is de-risking?

• -It's all about the optics in client-facing collections.

Favorite Quote:

"Cash flow doesn't kill dreams — poor planning does."

• 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/

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'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.

• Roxanne's journey to entrepreneurship after 20+ years in recruitment.

• The power of in-person community networking vs. automation

• The demand is there for bilingualism, beyond Quebec.

• The importance of collaboration among small agency owners.

• What 2025 looks like for recruitment in Canada.

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?"

• 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: [email protected]

Phone: 905-466-7408

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 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