Getting to Know…Angela Chambers, FCMA, FCPA, CPC., Practice Leader of Mercer Bradley's Winnipeg office

1. What was your very first job and how did it prepare you for your role today?
My first job was as the corporate accountant at Colliers Pratt McGarry, a growing commercial real estate and property management company. This role exposed me to accounting and inspired me to focus my career on this discipline. It also gave me my first taste of sales/entrepreneurship. We had a group of very driven real estate agents that I engaged with every day, working through their deals. I saw firsthand the relationship between effort, risk and reward.

I became a Chartered Professional Accountant and when I moved back to Winnipeg from Victoria, I went to a large recruiting firm to assist me in my job search. When I described my somewhat untraditional dream job, they interpreted it as a career running a temp staffing desk! I never looked back.

2. Name a business book that changed your life and why?
Although it's not a business book, every aspect of my life is inspired by The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and Janet Mills.

Here is the link to the Four Agreements, and I live by them

3. Why did you decide to get involved in ACSESS?
I believe in giving back. Recruitment enabled me to earn a great living doing something I love, while changing lives. I enjoy developing our profession so others have that same opportunity. The ACSESS board allows me to contribute to our profession, as well as learn from my peers. It is mind blowing to look around and see the incredible talent around the table. I take away something from every encounter!

4. If you could be a superhero, who would you be and why?
Wonder Woman! Her character is powerful, strong willed and never backs down from a challenge. I also love her red boots and magic bracelets! I have a Wonder Woman figurine on my desk.

5. What does the media/general public not understand about staffing and recruitment?
I think we are often portrayed as a 'means to an end,' as people who just find and send resumes. In reality, we play the role of consultant and trusted partner. Our best work is done with clients and candidates when we have a genuine relationship. We 'get' them and they 'get' us. When we have the opportunity to really understand what makes our clients and candidates tick, we have a high success factor.

6. What's your best advice to those entering the staffing/recruiting profession today?
To listen and learn from successful recruiters in your office and be genuine in your approach. Be patient with yourself. It takes time to build a successful recruiting career.

7. What makes you excited about the future of our industry?
I think the lines between career and personal life are becoming increasingly blurred. As a result, career choices are more and more critical to an individual's wellbeing. On the flip side, hiring decisions are critical to an organization's productivity and success. I think we have an amazing opportunity to build relationships and help line up our candidates' core values and skills with those of our clients.