In this episode, host Robin Bailey and guest host Joshua Siegal interview talent strategist Drew Lindsay, co-founder of GuruLink—a candidate recruitment and career services provider with a reputation as the go-to resource for scaling technical teams in Canada.

Drew shares insights on the impact of talent in startups, the challenges of management, and the need for constant growth and learning. He also emphasizes the value of relationships and connections in his career. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication required to succeed in the startup world and the importance of balance in life and work, emphasizing the need to disconnect and re-energize. Drew discusses his intentional focus on lifestyle design and making time for family and personal priorities and highlights the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for his employees, where they can be open and authentic. He also talks about the future of talent acquisition, including the use of AI and agentic technologies.

"I didn't care about optics, I cared about results, and I cared about accountability." ~ Drew Lindsay

Keywords Takeaways

• Talent can have a massive impact on the success of a startup, making it crucial to focus on finding the right people.
• Management in entrepreneurship comes with its own set of challenges, including interpersonal dynamics and the need for constant growth and learning.
• Building relationships and making connections is essential in the startup world, as it can lead to valuable opportunities and collaborations.
• Balance is a macro concept that should be approached with a long-term perspective.
• Creating a safe and supportive environment for employees fosters authenticity and engagement.
• Canada has the opportunity to become a global leader in AI and drive better business outcomes.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group