Podcast
Talent Titans
Hosted by Suky Sodhi · EN
High performance staffing industry mastermind leader, Suky Sodhi has always felt strongly about allowing the sales team within organizations to have a voice at the boardroom table. She has been working with global recruitment companies for almost 3 decades, helping them align their focus on both the bottom line and their people.
President and Founder of Professional Selection, a leading rec2rec agency, and Founder of Elite Global Recruiters, a community of staffing industry professionals from around the globe, she is helping recruitment businesses scale like never before.
Her podcast, Talent Titans serves as a platform to share her research and findings with us, including best tips and practices to take your business to the next level.
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38episodes
Episodes
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Episode 126 - The Truth About DEI in Canada That Nobody's Talking About with Angelina Brathwaite
May 600:43:56Tap to summarizeEpisode 126 - The Truth About DEI in Canada That Nobody's Talking About with Angelina Brathwaite What does it take to build a 20-year career in staffing — and still love what you do? Angelina Brathwaite, Director of Life Sciences at Brunel Canada, has the answer.In this episode of Talent Titans, Suky Sodhi sits down with one of Canada's most respected voices in talent acquisition for a raw, honest conversation about purpose-driven leadership, the evolution of the staffing industry, and why relationships will always outperform technology. Angelina shares the real story behind her 20-year journey at Brunel — from clearing ATMs at Royal Bank to leading Life Sciences recruitment across Canada. She opens up about the autocratic managers who shaped her empathetic leadership style, the hustle of building a recruitment desk before LinkedIn existed, and why she chose purpose over success — and how that decision changed everything. 🎯 In this episode, you'll learn: How to lead with empathy, integrity, and team buy-in (without losing results) Why networking isn't something you start — it's something you are The truth about DEI in the staffing world: "Sometimes the language changes, but the purpose doesn't" How to overcome fear of cold calls using the discipline of an athlete What it really means to build your personal brand inside an organization Whether you're a recruiter, staffing leader, or talent acquisition professional, this conversation is packed with hard-won insight from someone who's been in the trenches — and thrived. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction & Award Recognition 02:00 Angelina's Personal Philosophy: "A Human in Training" 03:00 Her Diverse Career Before Recruitment 07:00 How the Staffing Industry Has Changed 12:00 How Bad Management Shaped Her Leadership Style 17:00 Building a Hustle Culture Without the Old-School Pressure 19:00 From 360 Desk to Director of Life Sciences 23:00 DEI Leadership & Community Involvement 28:00 Why Relationships Still Win in Recruitment 30:00 Overcoming the Fear of Cold Calls 35:00 Future Plans: Board Certification & Consulting 39:00 Advice for Career Growth & The Power of Teamwork Favorite Quote: "I always thought — do I want success or purpose? And for me, purpose drives success." Connect with Angelina: Angelina Brathwaite has been a dedicated member of Brunel Canada Limited for the past 18 years, where she currently serves as Director of Life Sciences and Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) Leader for North America. In 2006, Angelina founded Brunel's Life Sciences practice in Canada, building it from a single client relationship into a trusted national business line supporting leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and emerging startup organizations. Under her leadership, the practice has expanded to include the food, beverage, and agriculture sectors—solidifying Brunel's presence as a comprehensive partner across the life sciences value chain. Angelina is recognized for her inclusive leadership style, her ability to elevate talent, and her commitment to shaping a high-performance culture rooted in collaboration, confidence, and accountability. She has a proven track record of developing long-standing client partnerships, driving strategic growth, and empowering teams to deliver exceptional results. Passionate about industry advancement and community impact, Angelina actively contributes to several organizations. She serves on the boards of Women Leaders in Pharma, Advancing Black Talent in Pharma, and the Clinical Research Association of Canada, and is a member of the Advisory Board for The Mina Project under the Learning Enrichment Foundation. Angelina's dedication to creating opportunities for others, championing diverse perspectives, and strengthening Canada's life sciences ecosystem has established her as a respected leader within Brunel and across the broader industry. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-brathwaite-4173914/ Check out more episodes of the Talent Titans Podcast: Why Contingency Recruiting is Dying: https://youtu.be/BAE9lrl8z74 Master Niche Recruiting: https://youtu.be/RoRWQ5bwPm0 Connect with Suky: Award-Winning Advisor & Industry Voice | Founder: Canadian Staffing Summit, Talent Titans, Recruitment Professionals Forum | Backing Bold Moves in Staffing, Tech & Investment — No Clickbait, Just Real Talk Suky doesn't just observe the staffing industry — she helps shape it. She's built platforms where the industry's most honest conversations happen: 🔹 Canadian Staffing Summit 🔹 Talent Titans Podcast 🔹 Recruitment Professionals Forum For over two decades, Suky's helped recruitment businesses scale with integrity — from internal team builds to boardroom strategy. She works with agency leaders, tech innovators, and the investors backing the future of staffing. But here's what Suky doesn't do: copy-paste playbooks, fluff-filled advice, or empty hype. She believes in smart growth, real talk, and community over competition. Her work sits at the intersection of: People + Performance Tech + Disruption Strategy + Soul Whether she's coaching founders, advising SaaS firms, or connecting those quietly rewriting the rules — one thing holds true: Suky backs those who build. LinkedIn www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com Grab of a copy of "How to Launch a Staffing Agency: Plan to Profits in 90 Days or Less" Talent Titans is sponsored by Ascen. Ascen is an employer of record that helps staffing and recruitment agencies hire employees compliantly throughout the US and Canada. Ascen's all-in-one, white-label platform handles onboarding, timesheets, payroll, benefits, insurance, invoicing, and funding so you can grow quickly in the US and Canada without worrying about back office and paperwork. Visit ascen.com to learn more.
Transcribe →Episode 124 - How to Build A High-Performing Staffing Team Without A Toxic Sales Culture with Corie Begley
Apr 2100:43:07Tap to summarizeEpisode 124 - How to Build A High-Performing Staffing Team Without A Toxic Sales Culture with Corie Begley The staffing industry thrives on performance...but at what cost? In this episode of Talent Titans, Suki is joined by Corie Begley, Senior Vice President at Vertical Staffing Resources, to unpack one of the most overlooked challenges in recruitment: the rise of the "lone wolf" biller and how it silently erodes team culture, client growth, and long-term success. Corie shares how her organization transformed from siloed, individual-driven performance into a collaborative, high-impact model, without sacrificing results. From navigating client demands, AI in recruitment and protecting margins to knowing when to walk away from bad business, this conversation delivers valuable leadership lessons for anyone in staffing or sales. If you're leading a team, scaling an agency, or trying to survive in a high-pressure sales environment, this episode will challenge how you think about performance, culture, and growth. Key Moments: 00:00 Intro and Message from Ascen 00:40 Meet Corie Begley 01:37 The Lone Wolf Culture 03:41 Building Collaboration 16:19 Upgrading Candidate Quality 22:59 Walking Away from Risk and Over Terms 26:44 Honesty Builds Partnerships! 28:49 An AI Hype Reality Check 39:18 We're in The People Business Favorite Quote: "We're in the people business. If everything becomes manufactured, you lose the relationship—and that's everything." Connect with Corie: Corie is an accomplished executive with a diverse leadership skill set that spans sales, marketing, operation strategic planning, and finances. For the past 10 years she has leveraged these experiences to ensure best-in-class client service delivery, building and maintaining key partnerships as well as driving sales, profit, and market shares in the staffing industry. As the Senior Vice President at Vertical Staffing Resources Inc, one of Canada's fastest growing staffing companies, Corie oversees the success of 5 regional operational teams, a national sales team, and a successful direct hire division. She has been instrumental navigating two acquisitions in under four years setting the standards for creating a collaborative, inclusive, empowering working environment while striving to ensure Vertical remains a trusted, respected business partner to their many clients across Canada. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coriebegley/ Check out more episodes of the Talent Titans Podcast: Why Contingency Recruiting is Dying: https://youtu.be/BAE9lrl8z74 Master Niche Recruiting: https://youtu.be/RoRWQ5bwPm0 Connect with Suky: Award-Winning Advisor & Industry Voice | Founder: Canadian Staffing Summit, Talent Titans, Recruitment Professionals Forum | Backing Bold Moves in Staffing, Tech & Investment — No Clickbait, Just Real Talk Suky doesn't just observe the staffing industry — she helps shape it. She's built platforms where the industry's most honest conversations happen: 🔹 Canadian Staffing Summit 🔹 Talent Titans Podcast 🔹 Recruitment Professionals Forum For over two decades, Suky's helped recruitment businesses scale with integrity — from internal team builds to boardroom strategy. She works with agency leaders, tech innovators, and the investors backing the future of staffing. But here's what Suky doesn't do: copy-paste playbooks, fluff-filled advice, or empty hype. She believes in smart growth, real talk, and community over competition. Her work sits at the intersection of: People + Performance Tech + Disruption Strategy + Soul Whether she's coaching founders, advising SaaS firms, or connecting those quietly rewriting the rules — one thing holds true: Suky backs those who build. LinkedIn www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com Grab of a copy of "How to Launch a Staffing Agency: Plan to Profits in 90 Days or Less" Talent Titans is sponsored by Ascen. Ascen is an employer of record that helps staffing and recruitment agencies hire employees compliantly throughout the US and Canada. Ascen's all-in-one, white-label platform handles onboarding, timesheets, payroll, benefits, insurance, invoicing, and funding so you can grow quickly in the US and Canada without worrying about back office and paperwork. Visit ascen.com to learn more.
Transcribe →Episode 123 - How Top Staffing Leaders Are Reinventing Growth in 2026 (AI, Culture & Risk)
Apr 1400:53:33Tap to summarizeEpisode 123 - How Top Staffing Leaders Are Reinventing Growth in 2026 (AI, Culture & Risk) The staffing industry is changing faster than ever...shrinking margins, rising compliance risks, AI disruption, and talent shortages. The firms that adapt now will dominate the next decade. In this episode of Talent Titans, Suky sits down with top industry leaders to break down what's actually working right now, from self-managed organizations and AI-driven workflows to compliance strategies and global workforce trends. You'll learn how leading agencies are eliminating operational friction, leveraging global workforce trends, and turning uncertainty into growth while smaller firms discover how to compete without massive resources. If you run or are scaling a staffing agency, this is a must-watch. Get your tickets for the 2026 Canadian Staffing Industry Summit here: https://canadianstaffingindustrysummit.com/book-your-spot-now Key Moments: 00:40 Summit Updates and Giveaways 02:27 Meet The Panelists 11:34 Differentiation, Fear, and Collaboration 20:54 Compliance Risk Subvendors 28:58 Why You Need to Modernize Agency Processes 30:04 Missing Out on Gen Z 30:49 Automate Shifts and Workforce Tools 32:43 Eliminate Friction, Improve Flow 33:30 Scaling Tech For Small Firms 34:45 How Global Trends Reshape Canada 39:35 Employee Expectations Flexibility 41:26 Canada's Opportunity In Chaos 45:25 Finding Opportunity In Downturns 50:25 Enterprise Risk Management Future 51:32 Get Your Tickets for the Summit! Favorite Quote: "When people truly understand the business and feel ownership, that's when innovation accelerates." Check out more episodes of the Talent Titans Podcast: Why Contingency Recruiting is Dying: https://youtu.be/BAE9lrl8z74 Master Niche Recruiting: https://youtu.be/RoRWQ5bwPm0 Connect with Suky: Award-Winning Advisor & Industry Voice | Founder: Canadian Staffing Summit, Talent Titans, Recruitment Professionals Forum | Backing Bold Moves in Staffing, Tech & Investment — No Clickbait, Just Real Talk Suky doesn't just observe the staffing industry — she helps shape it. She's built platforms where the industry's most honest conversations happen: 🔹 Canadian Staffing Summit 🔹 Talent Titans Podcast 🔹 Recruitment Professionals Forum For over two decades, Suky's helped recruitment businesses scale with integrity — from internal team builds to boardroom strategy. She works with agency leaders, tech innovators, and the investors backing the future of staffing. But here's what Suky doesn't do: copy-paste playbooks, fluff-filled advice, or empty hype. She believes in smart growth, real talk, and community over competition. Her work sits at the intersection of: People + Performance Tech + Disruption Strategy + Soul Whether she's coaching founders, advising SaaS firms, or connecting those quietly rewriting the rules — one thing holds true: Suky backs those who build. LinkedIn www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com Grab of a copy of "How to Launch a Staffing Agency: Plan to Profits in 90 Days or Less" Talent Titans is sponsored by Ascen. Ascen is an employer of record that helps staffing and recruitment agencies hire employees compliantly throughout the US and Canada. Ascen's all-in-one, white-label platform handles onboarding, timesheets, payroll, benefits, insurance, invoicing, and funding so you can grow quickly in the US and Canada without worrying about back office and paperwork. Visit ascen.com to learn more.
Transcribe →Episode 122 - AI Interview Agents Are Replacing Recruiters? The Truth No One's Talking About
Apr 700:17:06Tap to summarizeEpisode 122 - AI Interview Agents Are Replacing Recruiters? The Truth No One's Talking About AI is transforming hiring faster than ever...78% of candidates now prefer AI interviews, but could this shift be costing you top talent without you even realizing it? In this episode of Talent Titans, Suky breaks down the real impact of AI in recruitment, from massive cost savings and faster hiring times to the hidden risks most agencies aren't talking about. With 88% of companies already using AI in hiring and agencies reporting up to 87% cost reductions in screening, the pressure to adopt AI is undeniable. But is this technology actually improving hiring quality, or just rewarding candidates who know how to game the system? Suky dives into the groundbreaking data, including a study of 70,000 applicants where 78% chose AI interviews over humans, and explores why candidates feel less bias, more flexibility, and greater control. At the same time, she raises critical concerns about the 22% who opt out—and whether companies are unintentionally shrinking their talent pool. This episode challenges recruiters, agency owners, and hiring leaders to rethink where AI fits in the hiring process and how to balance efficiency with the human touch that truly drives long-term success. Get your tickets for the 2026 Canadian Staffing Industry Summit here: https://canadianstaffingindustrysummit.com/book-your-spot-now Key Moments: 00:00 Intro and Sponsor Message 00:39 Why AI Interview Agents? 02:17 Traditional vs Generative AI 03:23 Recruiting Pressures and Data 05:22 78% of Candidates Prefer AI 06:56 Risks and the 22% 07:58 Client ROI and Case Studies 10:37 Cost Savings for Agencies 11:19 Regulation and Transparency 12:27 CVs Are Becoming Useless 15:22 What's Your Opinion? Favorite Quote: "You're not hiring from the best talent pool—you're hiring from the pool willing to do AI interviews." Suky Check out more episodes of the Talent Titans Podcast: Why Contingency Recruiting is Dying: https://youtu.be/BAE9lrl8z74 Master Niche Recruiting: https://youtu.be/RoRWQ5bwPm0 Connect with Suky: Award-Winning Advisor & Industry Voice | Founder: Canadian Staffing Summit, Talent Titans, Recruitment Professionals Forum | Backing Bold Moves in Staffing, Tech & Investment — No Clickbait, Just Real Talk Suky doesn't just observe the staffing industry — she helps shape it. She's built platforms where the industry's most honest conversations happen: 🔹 Canadian Staffing Summit 🔹 Talent Titans Podcast 🔹 Recruitment Professionals Forum For over two decades, Suky's helped recruitment businesses scale with integrity — from internal team builds to boardroom strategy. She works with agency leaders, tech innovators, and the investors backing the future of staffing. But here's what Suky doesn't do: copy-paste playbooks, fluff-filled advice, or empty hype. She believes in smart growth, real talk, and community over competition. Her work sits at the intersection of: People + Performance Tech + Disruption Strategy + Soul Whether she's coaching founders, advising SaaS firms, or connecting those quietly rewriting the rules — one thing holds true: Suky backs those who build. LinkedIn www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com Grab of a copy of "How to Launch a Staffing Agency: Plan to Profits in 90 Days or Less" Talent Titans is sponsored by Ascen. Ascen is an employer of record that helps staffing and recruitment agencies hire employees compliantly throughout the US and Canada. Ascen's all-in-one, white-label platform handles onboarding, timesheets, payroll, benefits, insurance, invoicing, and funding so you can grow quickly in the US and Canada without worrying about back office and paperwork. Visit ascen.com to learn more.
Transcribe →Episode 121 - Why Most Offshore Recruiting Fails (And the Model That Actually Works) with Rob Chorney
Mar 3100:49:24Tap to summarizeEpisode 121 - Why Most Offshore Recruiting Fails (And the Model That Actually Works) with Rob Chorney Offshore recruiting is broken, but not for the reasons you think. In this episode of Talent Titans, Suky sits down with Rob Chorney of Everyday People to expose the truth behind offshore recruiting models and why most agencies are getting it completely wrong. If you've ever struggled with poor-quality offshore hires, slow ramp-up times, or brand damage from spammy outreach, this conversation will change how you think about global talent forever. Rob shoots it straight on the outdated "cheap labor" model and reveals a radically different approach—one built on hiring elite, experienced recruiters who deliver results from day one. This isn't just about saving money. It's about staying competitive. Get your tickets for the 2026 Canadian Staffing Industry Summit here: https://canadianstaffingindustrysummit.com/book-your-spot-now Key Moments: 00:00 Sponsor Message from Ascen 00:40 Meet Rob Chorney 05:41 Offshoring Real Talk 06:40 Time to Productivity 11:58 Hiring Top Offshore Talent 16:00 Protecting Your Brand 22:46 Standing Out and Retention 27:16 Management and Incentives 35:24 Data Security Safeguards 40:01 Client Pushback and Pricing Connect with Rob: With over 20 years in recruiting, Rob has built a business that challenges traditional staffing by removing unnecessary overhead and focusing on performance, autonomy, and real market expertise. His team operates across North America and India, delivering high-quality recruiting solutions without the inefficiencies of legacy firms. Rob is passionate about redefining offshore recruiting—proving that with the right structure, it can be both cost-effective and world-class. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobchorney/ Website: everydaypeopleinc.ca Favorite Quote: "It doesn't matter how much you save—if your recruiter takes eight months to become productive, you've already lost." Rob Check out more episodes of the Talent Titans Podcast: Why Contingency Recruiting is Dying: https://youtu.be/BAE9lrl8z74 Master Niche Recruiting: https://youtu.be/RoRWQ5bwPm0 Connect with Suky: Award-Winning Advisor & Industry Voice | Founder: Canadian Staffing Summit, Talent Titans, Recruitment Professionals Forum | Backing Bold Moves in Staffing, Tech & Investment — No Clickbait, Just Real Talk Suky doesn't just observe the staffing industry — she helps shape it. She's built platforms where the industry's most honest conversations happen: 🔹 Canadian Staffing Summit 🔹 Talent Titans Podcast 🔹 Recruitment Professionals Forum For over two decades, Suky's helped recruitment businesses scale with integrity — from internal team builds to boardroom strategy. She works with agency leaders, tech innovators, and the investors backing the future of staffing. But here's what Suky doesn't do: copy-paste playbooks, fluff-filled advice, or empty hype. She believes in smart growth, real talk, and community over competition. Her work sits at the intersection of: People + Performance Tech + Disruption Strategy + Soul Whether she's coaching founders, advising SaaS firms, or connecting those quietly rewriting the rules — one thing holds true: Suky backs those who build. LinkedIn www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com Grab of a copy of "How to Launch a Staffing Agency: Plan to Profits in 90 Days or Less" Talent Titans is sponsored by Ascen. Ascen is an employer of record that helps staffing and recruitment agencies hire employees compliantly throughout the US and Canada. Ascen's all-in-one, white-label platform handles onboarding, timesheets, payroll, benefits, insurance, invoicing, and funding so you can grow quickly in the US and Canada without worrying about back office and paperwork. Visit ascen.com to learn more.
Transcribe →Episode 120 - Feras Elkhalil on Building IT/IQ, Surviving Adversity, and Leading Through Uncertainty
Mar 2400:47:06Tap to summarizeEpisode 120 - Feras Elkhalil on Building IT/IQ, Surviving Adversity, and Leading Through Uncertainty What does it take to build a successful staffing business when your life begins with instability, survival, and starting over? In this episode of Talent Titans, Suky sits down with Feras Elkhalil, President and CEO of IT/IQ Tech Recruiters and President and Chairman of The IQ Group of Companies, for a powerful conversation on grit, leadership, entrepreneurship, and belief. Feras shares his journey from immigrating to Canada as a child after fleeing conflict in Lebanon and Libya, to building multiple recruiting businesses through partnership, resilience, and long-term vision. He opens up about how adversity shaped his mindset, the leadership mistakes he had to unlearn, why most CEOs struggle with insecurity, and how true business growth comes from surrounding yourself with the right people. Get your tickets for the 2026 Canadian Staffing Industry Summit here: https://canadianstaffingindustrysummit.com/book-your-spot-now Key Moments: 00:00 Sponsor Message from Ascen 00:40 Meet Feras Elkhalil 01:57 Immigration and Adversity 03:47 Fleeing War to Canada 05:11 Why Vancouver, Not Montreal 09:31 Paranoia and Losing It All 13:02 From Hard Edges to Growth 19:50 Building Through Partnerships 25:57 Facing Investment Fear 29:14 When Partnerships Fail 31:59 Corporate vs Entrepreneur 36:00 Building a Safety Net 45:06 Belief and Final Advice Connect with Feras: As Co-Founder of IT/IQ Tech Recruiters, Penta Search Group, Executives IQ, Morningstar Solutions IQ, Horizon Recruitment, Blueprint ECM, and QA Centric, I've pursued a vision of developing specialized firms that solve real business challenges while building meaningful careers for the people within them. Each company was built on the same foundation: deep relationships, market expertise, and a relentless commitment to delivering the right solution. Email: feras@itiq.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feraselkhalil/ Favorite Quote: "Go through that entire hallway of people telling you it's a bad idea. When you get to the other end, we'll see you there." Feras Check out more episodes of the Talent Titans Podcast: Why Contingency Recruiting is Dying: https://youtu.be/BAE9lrl8z74 Master Niche Recruiting: https://youtu.be/RoRWQ5bwPm0 Connect with Suky: Award-Winning Advisor & Industry Voice | Founder: Canadian Staffing Summit, Talent Titans, Recruitment Professionals Forum | Backing Bold Moves in Staffing, Tech & Investment — No Clickbait, Just Real Talk Suky doesn't just observe the staffing industry — she helps shape it. She's built platforms where the industry's most honest conversations happen: 🔹 Canadian Staffing Summit 🔹 Talent Titans Podcast 🔹 Recruitment Professionals Forum For over two decades, Suky's helped recruitment businesses scale with integrity — from internal team builds to boardroom strategy. She works with agency leaders, tech innovators, and the investors backing the future of staffing. But here's what Suky doesn't do: copy-paste playbooks, fluff-filled advice, or empty hype. She believes in smart growth, real talk, and community over competition. Her work sits at the intersection of: People + Performance Tech + Disruption Strategy + Soul Whether she's coaching founders, advising SaaS firms, or connecting those quietly rewriting the rules — one thing holds true: Suky backs those who build. LinkedIn www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com Grab of a copy of "How to Launch a Staffing Agency: Plan to Profits in 90 Days or Less" Talent Titans is sponsored by Ascen. Ascen is an employer of record that helps staffing and recruitment agencies hire employees compliantly throughout the US and Canada. Ascen's all-in-one, white-label platform handles onboarding, timesheets, payroll, benefits, insurance, invoicing, and funding so you can grow quickly in the US and Canada without worrying about back office and paperwork. Visit ascen.com to learn more.
Transcribe →Episode 119 - AI in Staffing: What Top Agencies Know About Automation, Agentic AI and Scaling Faster
Mar 1700:48:25Tap to summarizeEpisode 119 - AI in Staffing: What Top Agencies Know About Automation, Agentic AI and Scaling Faster What does AI actually mean for staffing agencies right now? In this episode of Talent Titans, host Suky Sodhi brings together a powerhouse panel ahead of the Canadian Staffing Summit including Kelsey Burt, Bill Boorman, Mike Wolford, and Sabashan Ragavan to unpack one of the biggest shifts in the recruiting industry: the move from basic automation to agentic AI. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level AI hype. The panel digs into the real questions agency owners are asking: What's the difference between automation and agentic AI? Should firms build their own AI tools or buy proven platforms? How can smaller agencies compete with larger players? And what does the recruiter's role look like as AI takes over more of the manual work? You'll hear each panelists thoughts on AI adoption, workflow strategy, recruiter enablement, candidate engagement, interviewing at scale, and why the firms that win next won't just use more tools, they'll use smarter systems. The discussion also highlights a major shift in the staffing business: moving from relying on headcount for growth to using AI to create scale, speed, and better outcomes. Get your tickets for the 2026 Canadian Staffing Industry Summit here: https://canadianstaffingindustrysummit.com/book-your-spot-now Key Moments: 00:00 Sponsor Message 01:49 Meet The Panelists 04:21 Agentic AI Mindset Shift 08:10 AI Process Management Jobs 10:41 Humans And Agents In Harmony 18:16 Small Agency Scale Advantage 25:05 Why Agencies Hesitate 27:23 Human Touch With AI 28:28 AI Workflows As Assets 30:44 Mass Customization Era 32:15 Agent Scale Case Study 39:37 Build Versus Buy Debate 46:42 Get Your Tickets And Wrap Up Favorite Quote: "Small agencies should actually be more excited about this than the enterprise, because your capability for scale is becoming possible." Bill Boorman Check out more episodes of the Talent Titans Podcast: Why Contingency Recruiting is Dying: https://youtu.be/BAE9lrl8z74 Master Niche Recruiting: https://youtu.be/RoRWQ5bwPm0 Connect with Suky: Award-Winning Advisor & Industry Voice | Founder: Canadian Staffing Summit, Talent Titans, Recruitment Professionals Forum | Backing Bold Moves in Staffing, Tech & Investment — No Clickbait, Just Real Talk Suky doesn't just observe the staffing industry — she helps shape it. She's built platforms where the industry's most honest conversations happen: 🔹 Canadian Staffing Summit 🔹 Talent Titans Podcast 🔹 Recruitment Professionals Forum For over two decades, Suky's helped recruitment businesses scale with integrity — from internal team builds to boardroom strategy. She works with agency leaders, tech innovators, and the investors backing the future of staffing. But here's what Suky doesn't do: copy-paste playbooks, fluff-filled advice, or empty hype. She believes in smart growth, real talk, and community over competition. Her work sits at the intersection of: People + Performance Tech + Disruption Strategy + Soul Whether she's coaching founders, advising SaaS firms, or connecting those quietly rewriting the rules — one thing holds true: Suky backs those who build. LinkedIn www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com Grab of a copy of "How to Launch a Staffing Agency: Plan to Profits in 90 Days or Less" Talent Titans is sponsored by Ascen. Ascen is an employer of record that helps staffing and recruitment agencies hire employees compliantly throughout the US and Canada. Ascen's all-in-one, white-label platform handles onboarding, timesheets, payroll, benefits, insurance, invoicing, and funding so you can grow quickly in the US and Canada without worrying about back office and paperwork. Visit ascen.com to learn more.
Transcribe →Episode 118 - The Compliance Mistakes That Can Tank Your Agency with Kalpesh Baxi
Mar 1000:45:34Tap to summarizeEpisode 118 - The Compliance Mistakes That Can Tank Your Agency with Kalpesh Baxi Entering the US or Canada as a UK recruitment firm? North America can be the most lucrative staffing market you'll ever touch...or the fastest way to rack up costly compliance mistakes. In this episode of Talent Titans, Suky sits down with Kalpesh Baxi (Baxfield Consulting; co-founder of RecXperts and CRIMatter) to break down what really happens when agencies expand into North America, why "send your best recruiter to New York" often fails, how EORs protect your margin and your business, and why the smartest founders don't hire "big names"… they hire skills. Kalpesh shares the concept every scaling agency needs: the Entourage - the legal, payroll, compliance, HR, and marketing experts you must have around you to avoid expensive errors and accelerate growth. Get your tickets for the 2026 Canadian Staffing Industry Summit here: https://canadianstaffingindustrysummit.com/book-your-spot-now Key Moments: 00:39 Meet Kalpesh Baxi 01:58 RecXperts Concept 04:14 Hire Skills Not People 09:26 Launching North America Right 11:00 Local Knowledge and Mentors 15:45 Compliance and Market Nuances 21:59 Remote Work and Entourage 24:48 Why UK Resists EOR 25:51 Hidden Costs and Liability 28:30 Why North America Pays 36:54 How RecXperts Works 42:19 Build Your Entourage 43:03 How to Join and Connect Connect with Kalpesh: Kalpesh is the co-founder of RecXperts, an on-demand network of experienced recruitment operators providing advisory and execution support to staffing firms. RecXperts was built on a simple principle. Recruitment businesses do not need theory. They need access to people who have built, scaled and fixed agencies before. Website: https://recxperts.com/ Favorite Quote: "Don't hire the person—hire the skills." Kalpesh Check out more episodes of the Talent Titans Podcast: Why Contingency Recruiting is Dying: https://youtu.be/BAE9lrl8z74 Master Niche Recruiting: https://youtu.be/RoRWQ5bwPm0 Connect with Suky: Award-Winning Advisor & Industry Voice | Founder: Canadian Staffing Summit, Talent Titans, Recruitment Professionals Forum | Backing Bold Moves in Staffing, Tech & Investment — No Clickbait, Just Real Talk Suky doesn't just observe the staffing industry — she helps shape it. She's built platforms where the industry's most honest conversations happen: 🔹 Canadian Staffing Summit 🔹 Talent Titans Podcast 🔹 Recruitment Professionals Forum For over two decades, Suky's helped recruitment businesses scale with integrity — from internal team builds to boardroom strategy. She works with agency leaders, tech innovators, and the investors backing the future of staffing. But here's what Suky doesn't do: copy-paste playbooks, fluff-filled advice, or empty hype. She believes in smart growth, real talk, and community over competition. Her work sits at the intersection of: People + Performance Tech + Disruption Strategy + Soul Whether she's coaching founders, advising SaaS firms, or connecting those quietly rewriting the rules — one thing holds true: Suky backs those who build. LinkedIn www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com Grab of a copy of "How to Launch a Staffing Agency: Plan to Profits in 90 Days or Less" Talent Titans is sponsored by Ascen. Ascen is an employer of record that helps staffing and recruitment agencies hire employees compliantly throughout the US and Canada. Ascen's all-in-one, white-label platform handles onboarding, timesheets, payroll, benefits, insurance, invoicing, and funding so you can grow quickly in the US and Canada without worrying about back office and paperwork. Visit ascen.com to learn more.
Transcribe →Episode 117 - How Private Staffing Firms Win in 2026 | Londa Burke on AI, Leadership & Canada's Hiring Comeback
Mar 300:41:54Tap to summarizeEpisode 117 - How Private Staffing Firms Win in 2026 | Londa Burke on AI, Leadership & Canada's Hiring Comeback Is AI helping or hurting the staffing industry? And can privately owned firms outperform global giants in 2026? In this episode of Talent Titans, Suky sits down with Londa Burke, VP of BeverTec, to unpack 30+ years of leadership through Y2K, the 2008 crash, COVID, and today's AI disruption. Londa reveals why privately owned Canadian staffing firms are thriving, how to lead teams through downturns without losing momentum, and where AI fits (and doesn't) in modern recruitment. If you're a staffing leader, recruiter, or agency owner navigating economic uncertainty, automation, and evolving candidate expectations—this episode delivers. Get your tickets for the 2026 Canadian Staffing Industry Summit here: https://canadianstaffingindustrysummit.com/book-your-spot-now Key Moments: 00:40 Meet Londa Burke 01:35 Private Company Journey 02:51 Why Private Firms Win 05:18 Relationships Over Process 09:44 Leading Through Downturns 12:55 Private vs Public Decisions 20:15 AI With a Human Core 26:35 Spam Outreach Backlash 28:59 Using AI Responsibly 31:45 Evolving Tools and Balance 36:48 Canada Outlook 2026-27 40:04 Canadian Staffing Summit Invite Connect with Londa: Londa Burke is a seasoned staffing industry leader with over 30 years of experience driving recruitment excellence and operational success. She has managed major client accounts, built high-performing teams, and led the expansion of recruitment operations across Canada. Currently serving as Director of Professional Services at Bevertec CST Inc.,and BITS Recruitment, Londa oversees the operations, focusing on service delivery, profitability, issue resolution, and continuous improvement. She holds a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) designation through ACSESS and a Bachelor of Science from Mansfield University in Pennsylvania. Londa's strategic insight and deep industry knowledge continue to make a strong impact across every client engagement. Connect with Londa: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/londa-burke-68847110/ Favorite Quote: "Market swings and tools evolve—but matching people and aligning strengths and value has never changed." Londa Check out more episodes of the Talent Titans Podcast: Why Contingency Recruiting is Dying: https://youtu.be/BAE9lrl8z74 Master Niche Recruiting: https://youtu.be/RoRWQ5bwPm0 Connect with Suky: Award-Winning Advisor & Industry Voice | Founder: Canadian Staffing Summit, Talent Titans, Recruitment Professionals Forum | Backing Bold Moves in Staffing, Tech & Investment — No Clickbait, Just Real Talk Suky doesn't just observe the staffing industry — she helps shape it. She's built platforms where the industry's most honest conversations happen: 🔹 Canadian Staffing Summit 🔹 Talent Titans Podcast 🔹 Recruitment Professionals Forum For over two decades, Suky's helped recruitment businesses scale with integrity — from internal team builds to boardroom strategy. She works with agency leaders, tech innovators, and the investors backing the future of staffing. But here's what Suky doesn't do: copy-paste playbooks, fluff-filled advice, or empty hype. She believes in smart growth, real talk, and community over competition. Her work sits at the intersection of: People + Performance Tech + Disruption Strategy + Soul Whether she's coaching founders, advising SaaS firms, or connecting those quietly rewriting the rules — one thing holds true: Suky backs those who build. LinkedIn www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com Grab of a copy of "How to Launch a Staffing Agency: Plan to Profits in 90 Days or Less" Talent Titans is sponsored by Ascen. Ascen is an employer of record that helps staffing and recruitment agencies hire employees compliantly throughout the US and Canada. Ascen's all-in-one, white-label platform handles onboarding, timesheets, payroll, benefits, insurance, invoicing, and funding so you can grow quickly in the US and Canada without worrying about back office and paperwork. Visit ascen.com to learn more.
Transcribe →Episode 116 - Why Profit Doesn't Define Leadership | Canadian Staffing Industry Summit Awards 2026
Feb 2400:08:13Tap to summarizeEpisode 116 - Why Profit Doesn't Define Leadership | Canadian Staffing Industry Summit Awards 2026 Leadership in staffing isn't measured by revenue alone. With the Canadian Staffing Industry Summit Awards happening April 16th at One King West in Toronto, Suky makes a compelling case for redefining leadership, especially after a challenging 2025 across global recruiting markets. If your agency struggled last year but your leaders showed up, protected culture, supported teams, and elevated people despite the numbers, this episode is your call to action. Nominations are open. They're free. And they are decided by impact, not vote volume. Click the link here to nominate: https://canadianstaffingindustrysummit.com/awards-2026 📍 Event Details for the Canadian Staffing Industry Summit 📅 April 16 📍 One King West, Toronto 🎟 Limited VIP & workshop tickets remaining 💰 Nominations are free Get your tickets here: https://canadianstaffingindustrysummit.com/book-your-spot-now Key Moments: 00:00 Welcome to Talent Titans + Sponsor Message (Ascen) 00:39 Canadian Staffing Industry Summit Awards: What, When & Where 01:18 Categories and Who Can Submit 02:02 Recognizing Leadership Through a Tough 2025 04:18 The 'Why' Matters More Than Vote Count 06:08 Elevating Canada's Staffing Leaders with Global Attendance 06:48 Tickets, Deadlines & Free Nominations + See You April 16 Favorite Quote: "There's more to being a really strong leader and company than just the bottom line." Suky Check out more episodes of the Talent Titans Podcast: Why Contingency Recruiting is Dying: https://youtu.be/BAE9lrl8z74 Master Niche Recruiting: https://youtu.be/RoRWQ5bwPm0 Connect with Suky: Award-Winning Advisor & Industry Voice | Founder: Canadian Staffing Summit, Talent Titans, Recruitment Professionals Forum | Backing Bold Moves in Staffing, Tech & Investment — No Clickbait, Just Real Talk Suky doesn't just observe the staffing industry — she helps shape it. She's built platforms where the industry's most honest conversations happen: 🔹 Canadian Staffing Summit 🔹 Talent Titans Podcast 🔹 Recruitment Professionals Forum For over two decades, Suky's helped recruitment businesses scale with integrity — from internal team builds to boardroom strategy. She works with agency leaders, tech innovators, and the investors backing the future of staffing. But here's what Suky doesn't do: copy-paste playbooks, fluff-filled advice, or empty hype. She believes in smart growth, real talk, and community over competition. Her work sits at the intersection of: People + Performance Tech + Disruption Strategy + Soul Whether she's coaching founders, advising SaaS firms, or connecting those quietly rewriting the rules — one thing holds true: Suky backs those who build. LinkedIn www.eliteglobalrecruiters.com Grab of a copy of "How to Launch a Staffing Agency: Plan to Profits in 90 Days or Less" Talent Titans is sponsored by Ascen. Ascen is an employer of record that helps staffing and recruitment agencies hire employees compliantly throughout the US and Canada. Ascen's all-in-one, white-label platform handles onboarding, timesheets, payroll, benefits, insurance, invoicing, and funding so you can grow quickly in the US and Canada without worrying about back office and paperwork. Visit ascen.com to learn more.
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