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 We explore the vital role of empathy and mental health in leadership, challenging outdated traditions for a more inclusive future.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.

• -Why burnout is so prominent among healthcare workers and what Ziba's company is doing to help with the shortage of workers.

• -3 helpful pieces of advice Suky received before diving into the staffing industry.

• -It's not about doing things the perfect way, it's about overcoming fears and embracing bravery.

• -When you're truly authentic, you will be more respected in the long run.

• -We have to ask questions to learn about others, especially in different gender roles.

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

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: [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

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:

• How Dave came to a place where they decided to start Aixal Consulting Ltd

• One of the biggest challenges Dave and his team faced launching Aixal

• Why Dave feels like you are more secure in a smaller company versus with one of the large corporations

• Why Dave and Aixal don't advertise and what they focus on instead

• The difference between hours worked and hard work and how to focus on the latter

• Some of the common mistakes Dave sees other staffing companies make

Favorite Quote:

"Understand what's important, what's urgent, and what isn't."

• Dave

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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:

• How Mark got started working in the US without ever leaving Canada

• Why Mark feels that there is plenty for room for expansion in the US staffing industry for companies based in Canada

• Why living close to an airport in Canada can make more of a difference than actually living in the US

• Why Mark feels that working internationally with the US should go both ways

• Mark's tips for gaining legitimacy in the US staffing market

• How the US and Canadian Staffing Industries differ the most

• Why you should try to first determine someone's objection before just trying to lower the price

Favorite Quote:

"I think we are now beyond borders."

• Mark Tower

Connect with Mark:

Phone: 905.515 9986

Email: [email protected]

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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:

• Where Richard's passion for the staffing industry first originated from

• Why Richard holds the industry in such high esteem and is proud to be in staffing

• How staffing affects the GDP and so much more than just the individual industries

• Why so many people are unhappy in their current position and why they struggle to leave

• Why Richard thinks that we in the staffing industry can learn a lot from real estate

• Why Richard doesn't look down on those who work from home and aren't employed by big firms

• How to build trust with your clients through building processes behind the scenes

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."

• Richard Fernandes

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. "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.

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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:

• Why it's so important to embrace text but to be careful with email automation

• How getting to the root of why you don't like cold calls can be helpful

• Things you can do to warm up the client so you don't have to call cold

• Why you need to learn to deal with rejection if you ever hope to be successful

• Why you are still in sales if you are only on the candidate side of the equation

• How to deal with your feelings that your cost may be too high for the market

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."

• Suky Sodhi

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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:

• Why the Canadian staffing community needs to unite and work together in collaboration

• How Bill 27 helped point out the need for the community to become more organized

• Some upcoming dates those in the Canadian Staffing Industry need to be made aware of

• Some of the benefits of becoming a forum member and why you should join

Favorite Quote:

"It was time we stood up on our own two feet… Bill 27, we nearly got blindsided on that one."

• Suky Sodhi

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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:

• How Pam came to cofound Alliance Consulting with her son

• Some of the things Pam most likes about working with her son and what younger people can bring to the industry

• Why referrals and relations are so important in staffing and most industries in general

• Why treating people how you want to be treated has always worked and will always work

• Why it makes such a difference in your life if you truly love what you do

• Some of the things people fear when people switch directions in their career

• How taking a mental break can make you much productive and happy in the long run

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"

• Pam Ghandial

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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:

• How Michael went from being a diplomat in South Africa to technical recruitment in Canada

• What motivated Michael to leave a well-known staffing industry to a company relatively unknown in Canada

• Why Michael feels some tech companies are abandoning the Canadian market

• How driving R&D will help keep tech companies who are operating in Canada

• Some of the things Michael things we can do to retain skilled tech workers in Canada

• Why Michael feels that recruitment is a linchpin in any economy

• Why being transactional with clients will only hurt you in the long run

• Where Michael's optimism for the future of Canada's economy comes from

Favorite Quote:

"We are responsible for people's lives. We are responsible for families, and we need to take that very seriously."

• Michael King

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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:

• How COVID favored those who were not hourly workers and how that changed things for Lana

• How Lana came up with the name Aukazi and how you pronounce it and why she likes that it's quirky and weird

• How Aukazi is helping hourly paid workers to connect with employers and how either side can leverage the platform

• Some of the challenges Lana has faced while building Aukazi and how she has overcome them

• Why Lana is not interested in competing with agencies but rather working with them to make the industry better

• Why Lana feels like it's all been worth it even though they didn't launch on budget

• Why you need to bring in experts and not be able to expect to do everything on your own

• While failing early and often is so important when starting a new venture

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."

• Lana Khoury

Connect with Lana:

Aukazi

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com

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:

• What is Bill 27 and how does it affect those who do business in Ontario?

• Who Bill 27 is designed to help and how it is designed to help them

• How Suky and others worked with the government to reshape the bill

• How and when to have your application in to stay compliant in Ontario

• Some of the new requirements going forward starting July 1st

• Further details on who all of these changes apply to and how they will affect your business

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."

• Suky Sodhi

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.

LinkedIn

Canadian Staffing Industry Summit

www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com

www.professionalselection.com