Legacy, Leadership, and Looking Ahead: June Reflections & Updates

Message from Elaine

Welcome to the June edition. Over the past few months, I've been quietly evolving my business—from full-cycle recruitment to a more agile talent sourcing model. I'm also launching a new business stream to help startups and small businesses build high-performing teams. Stay tuned for more!

This month, I feel compelled to reflect on something more personal. I want to pay tribute to two remarkable individuals whose lives were defined not by material wealth but by the connections they forged and the memories they left behind. Their legacies remind us to embrace life fully, uplift others, and seek new horizons. Though they have passed, their impact will continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, dear friends!

On May 23, as part of the Karman Line Acceleration program, I had the privilege of joining Alban Jerome for a fireside chat about the importance of hiring high-performance individuals.  The audience consisted of founders who either have immigrated or are in the process of immigrating to Canada through the Startup Visa Program. As they scale their businesses, they will leave their legacy on the Canadian landscape. Here is what one of the participants shared, summarizing the session:

• Hiring with intention beats hiring in a hurry.

• Accountability is the foundation of success.

• Innovation grows in a culture of trust and clarity

• Great leadership drives engagement and impact.

Connect.Empower.Innovate

High-Performance Teams: Aligning Culture, Capability, and Goals

A high-performing team is crucial for organizational success, driving productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction. Such teams excel in collaboration, communication, and a commitment to excellence, resulting in optimized output and enhanced problem-solving capabilities. They also foster trust and a culture of continuous improvement, which, in turn, improves employee engagement and retention.

To build a high-performance team, define what "high performance" means for your organization and set measurable goals that align with your business objectives. Develop a proactive talent acquisition strategy that aligns with your organization's understanding of what "high performance" means. Implement structured vetting processes that reflect the goals you have set for your team. A good start would be to develop a hiring toolkit comprising of a well-written job description, a hiring manager intake form that sets out the expectations, an interview guide, interview questions that reflect your employer brand, what you have stated in the job description, assessments and a follow-up plan both with the hiring manager and the candidate. Candidates today remember how they were treated. That impression becomes part of your reputation—whether they join or not.

In Memoriam: Honouring Two Kindred Spirits

In the grand tapestry of life, it's not the material possessions we amass that define us but the lives we touch and the memories we create. The specific threads shine brighter, weaving connections that transcend time and distance. Recently, I had two former colleagues pass away - both were 69. We were somewhat kindred spirits bound by a shared passion for travel and storytelling. Our conversations often began with the familiar question: "So, where have you been lately?"-a testament to our mutual wanderlust and storytelling.

One of these remarkable individuals, a steadfast figure in the rail industry for nearly five decades, embodied the spirit of professional and personal adventure. His journeys took him from the rugged terrains of Northern Ontario to the majestic peaks of Kilimanjaro and the icy expanses of Antarctica. His tales were not just about the places he visited but about the people he met and the experiences that enriched his soul. His unwavering curiosity and zest for life inspired those around him to seek their adventures and embrace the unknown.

The other, a visionary engineer, left an indelible mark on the world through his contributions to railway projects across continents. Yet, beyond his professional achievements, he was a mentor and friend, always ready to share his knowledge and lend a helping hand. His weekends at a rustic log cabin, crafting trails and restoring mechanical wonders, reflected his deep connection to nature and his relentless pursuit of creativity. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the inspiration he provided to aspiring engineers.

These two individuals exemplified what it means to live fully—to embrace each moment enthusiastically, seek out new horizons, and uplift those around them. Though they are gone, they will be remembered by a well-lived life, measured not by the miles travelled but by the hearts touched and the memories created along the way. Their lives will inspire me to seek new horizons and continue uplifting those around me. Rest in peace, my friends!

Industry Events

• May 29 - CanadianSME Small Business Show 2025 Theme: "Thriving in the Digital-First Economy" Key takeaway: Embrace AI and continuous learning to drive efficiency.

• June 3 - #HRFutureFest: A dynamic event with 50+ speakers exploring leadership, wellness, and the future of work.

• June 17 - Wired For SuccessWhy do productivity tools stop working? Join this conversation with Liz Jakoi. Register here

Is your business growing, but your hiring strategy is stuck? Let's connect!

"The best way to predict the future is to create it."  - Peter Drucker