Emerging Entrepreneur
Danielle Bragge The Headhunters Recruitment Inc. Edmonton
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he Headhunters Recruitment Inc. is a recruitment agency that services both jobseekers and employers by creating mutually beneficial scientific matches between candidates and employers. Compatibility is assessed not only on skills, but also attitude, aptitude, communication and organizational culture. Co-founder and Vice President Danielle Bragge credits The Headhunters team for their past and future success, and enjoys that they are fully engaged in helping clients reach their full potential. When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur? My first business was at eight, selling bush grass to build straw huts to neighbourhood kids (I grew up in Africa). That was a tough sell and didn’t go so well! Being an entrepreneur is in my blood. What would you say the top skills are to be an entrepreneur? Be able to takes risks and be comfortable with the unknown.
How important have good employees been to your success? My partners and I feel very fortunate to have the team we have today. Their commitment and definiteness of purpose is the core of our success. There is no “I” in team! How can Canada support a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem? One-on-one with successful entrepreneurs will help new entrepreneurs avoid pitfalls. Give new entrepreneurs access to advisers, finance, marketing, sales and banking. Teach Canadians how to network more effectively. Educate entrepreneurs on the difference between working in the business instead of on the business. Teach them when and who to hire. What did you want to be when you were a kid? A marine biologist. What is your dream vacation? My husband and I (along with our five kids) just got back from our dream vacation. We spent two weeks in Nicaragua travelling across the country and cuddling children at an orphanage in Managua. What motivates you? My family and finding the fit between employer and employee. That’s when the magic happens and when companies and careers grow. My advice to entrepreneurs is to surround yourself with talented people, hire to your weaknesses, allow others a voice and admit when you are wrong.
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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014
EOY