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As a niche recruitment firm specialized in a nuanced approach with our partners and candidates we've created this space to share our collective industry insight. Enjoy!
As a niche recruitment firm specialized in a nuanced approach with our partners and candidates we've created this space to share our collective industry insight. Enjoy!
This past week a colleague reminded me of my Techno Brew conversation with Simon Monaghan, Director of Odd Shoes Recruitment. He’s a recruitment legend from across the pond who I’ve come to admire and respect tremendously over the past few years I’ve known him.
We share a like-minded view of this fast-paced world of recruitment. It’s not just about filling roles – it’s about building relationships, understanding both client and candidate needs, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of the job market. In our conversation we delved into the intricacies of modern recruitment, the challenges of the current economic climate, and the importance of human connection in a digital age.
In revisiting our conversation here are the key points that stood out for me…
As conversation kicked off on Techno Brew, Simon shared the story behind the name “Odd Shoes.” Seeking to differentiate his recruitment agency from the typical corporate mold, Simon aimed for a name that would stand out and reflect his unconventional approach. Inspired by a humorous travel packing mishap involving two mismatched shoes, “Odd Shoes” was born – a symbol of embracing uniqueness and finding the perfect fit in unexpected places. Much like the pairing of candidate and client in serendipitous moments.
The conversation then turned to the challenges of navigating recruitment amidst global uncertainty, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape and the repercussions of a starkly deflated tech bubble. It highlights the resilience required to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. And preparedness. Working with clients to hone their job requirements to the Essentials as opposed to the Laundry list, and with candidates to really refine their CVs to bring out their strengths rather than burying them in needless filler content.
Easier said than done. As the saying goes, you’re only as good as your last sale. Or in our case, your last placement, right? Wrong. Rather than viewing recruitment as a transactional process, we see it as an opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level, understanding their goals, aspirations, and unique value propositions. One of the cornerstones of our shared approach to recruitment is the emphasis on building lasting relationships with both clients and candidates.
A key theme that emerged from the conversation was the delicate balancing act of meeting both client and candidate need. Simon stressed the importance of advocating for candidates while also delivering value to clients, ensuring that both parties feel heard, respected, and satisfied with the outcome.
In an industry often driven by metrics and quotas, as small businesses that punch well above our weight classes, we share this philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity. By maintaining a small client base and focusing on building strong, long-term relationships, we’ve achieved remarkable success, even amid a challenging economic climate.
As our conversation ended, Simon reflected on the importance of embracing change and staying adaptable in an ever-evolving industry. From technological advancements to shifting market dynamics, recruiters must constantly innovate and evolve to stay ahead of the curve.
Despite the uncertainties of the future, one thing is clear – the human element will always be at the heart of recruitment. As Simon Monahan and Odd Shoes Recruitment continue to blaze a trail in the industry, they serve as a reminder that success lies not just in filling roles, but in building meaningful connections and fostering positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved. In the world of recruitment, it’s not just about finding the perfect fit – it’s about embracing the odd shoes and forging a path that’s uniquely yours.
In the realm of entrepreneurship, success often hinges on one’s ability to forge meaningful connections and cultivate authentic relationships. For Dilya Abushayeva and Elmira Abushayeva, co-founders of Mavuus, their entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by their passion for networking and their shared vision of creating a platform that eases collaboration within the marketing community.
My recent Techno Brew conversation with these visionary networking Mavens yielded invaluable insights.
As Dilya and Elmira embarked on their entrepreneurial venture, they recognized the pivotal role that networking would play in bringing their vision to life. Leveraging their extensive professional backgrounds and existing networks, they set out to rally support for Mavuus within their industry circles.
In a digital world, where connections are often made behind screens, Dilya and Elmira recognized the value of personalizing their brand. By incorporating their own stories and experiences into the narrative of Mavuus, they humanized the platform and fostered deeper connections with their audience. Their faces became synonymous with the brand, symbolizing authenticity, and trust.
Drawing upon their extensive professional networks, Dilya and Elmira unearthed a wealth of untapped potential. By reaching out to former colleagues, mentors, and acquaintances, they expanded their reach and gained valuable insights and support. Each connection became a stepping stone towards realizing their vision for Mavuus.
As Dilya and Elmira delved deeper into their networking efforts, they experienced the network effect firsthand. Every new connection led to more introductions and collaborations, exponentially multiplying the opportunities available to them. Through strategic outreach and relationship-building, they cultivated a thriving ecosystem around Mavuus.
With their impressive network, the potential reach of individuals on LinkedIn is staggering. Dilya and Elmira recognized the vast opportunities that arise from their digital connections. However, they emphasize that the true value lies not in the quantity of connections but in the quality of relationships fostered.
Above all, Dilya and Elmira emphasize the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and authenticity in networking. By fostering an open and welcoming environment, they’ve managed to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Through their genuine approach and commitment to transparency, they have cultivated a network characterized by empathy, understanding, and mutual respect.
Amidst the sea of digital connections, Dilya and Elmira prioritize cultivating personal relationships. Through countless phone calls and online meetings, they have engaged with over hundreds of individuals, forging genuine connections that transcend the digital realm. By investing time and effort into meaningful conversations, they have created a network grounded in authenticity, empathy, and mutual support.
Throughout their entrepreneurial journey, Dilya and Elmira embraced a growth mindset, constantly learning and adapting to new challenges. They stayed open to feedback, sought mentorship from industry veterans, and remained agile in their approach. By staying nimble and responsive, they were able to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence.
In the fast-paced world of networking, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters—authentic connections, genuine relationships, and shared experiences. By avoiding transactional approaches, adding value before asking for it, embracing authenticity and vulnerability, and exercising patience and persistence, you can navigate the world of networking with purpose and passion.
Dilya and Elmira’s journey with Mavuus serves as a testament to the transformative power of networking done right. Through their journey, they’ve have learned to trust the organic flow of connections, believing that each encounter serves a purpose. Rather than chasing after countless connections, they advocate for a more intuitive approach, where meaningful relationships naturally unfold. By embracing the serendipity of networking, they have discovered valuable opportunities and forged lasting connections.
As they continue to inspire and empower others in their entrepreneurial endeavors, they invite you to join them on this journey of connection, collaboration, and growth.
As we all move forward in 2024, I’m reminded of our very first Techno Brew conversation with Natalie Gagné of Build A Dream back in August 2023. DEIB, the focus our conversation, remains top of mind and requires intentional effort to create meaningful change in the tech industry. If the post-pandemic workplace experience has taught us anything it’s that successful implementation doesn’t happen organically.
Elon Musk famously announced that “DEI must DIE” in the last month amidst corporate backlash against poorly executed and bureaucratically stifled programs and initiatives symptomatic of systemic challenges and flawed design.
Despite this, research shows that DEIB initiatives, well-constructed and executed, in combination with inspired and informed leadership, results in significant returns associated with EBIT margins, shareholder return and revenue growth according to Harvard Business Review and supported by a massive survey conducted by DDI to produce their 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report.
Natalie provided these incredible insights gleaned from her community work and efforts through Build A Dream.
Natalie’s insights shed light on the crucial role of early intervention in promoting diversity in STEM and skilled trades. The disparity in gender representation begins at the educational level, where young students are often unaware of the opportunities available to them.
Natalie and her organization focus not only on inspiring young minds but also on facilitating the entry of diverse talent into the workforce. This involves challenging existing recruitment norms and addressing systemic barriers.
A significant challenge in the current landscape is the limited pool of diverse talent in technical roles. This calls for long-term investments and a commitment to building a more inclusive talent pipeline.
Despite the challenges, the conversation with Natalie emphasizes the need for proactive measures to diversify the tech industry. The alignment of educational initiatives, recruitment strategies, and long-term investments is essential for creating a sustainable change.
The conversation with Natalie Gagné sheds light on the multifaceted challenges of promoting diversity in the tech industry. While progress has been made, there is a clear call to action for educational institutions, employers, and policymakers to work together to bridge the gap.
The key lies in early intervention, challenging recruitment norms, and making strategic investments in building a diverse talent pipeline. By embracing these strategies, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in the tech industry. As Natalie rightly emphasizes, the time to act is now to ensure a brighter and more diverse tomorrow.
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