#45- Leading with Purpose: Debi Wolfe on Growth, Change, and Success in Recruiting

Digital Recruiter Podcast

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Digital Recruiter Podcast, Clark welcomes Debi Wolfe, a seasoned veteran in the recruiting world with a unique journey from laboratory sales to founding her own company, Imagine More Group. Debi brings a wealth of experience, having worked with major firms like K-Force and Hayes, and even selling a staffing company she built from the ground up.

Clark and Debi dive deep into the evolution of recruiting from the 1990s to the present day, contrasting the old-school methods of faxing resumes and newspaper ads with today’s fast-paced digital tools. They discuss the importance of blending traditional relationship-building with modern technology, sharing valuable insights into how recruiters can thrive in today's competitive landscape.

Debi’s story is fascinating; she initially entered recruiting by chance, leveraging her science background to place scientists in niche roles at a time when this was almost unheard of. She talks about the challenges of pioneering contract placements in scientific fields, the growth and eventual sale of her company, and her subsequent role at K-Force, where she led the expansion of their scientific division to 22 locations nationwide. Her passion for leadership and team-building is evident as she shares how her scientific approach to process optimization helped her teams succeed.

Clark and Debi also explore leadership, culture change, and the crucial role of a strong internal team, especially in back-office support, which is often overlooked but essential to a company’s success. They wrap up by discussing Debi’s latest venture, Imagine More Group, where she now consults on organizational design, executive coaching, and interim leadership, using her decades of experience to help companies navigate growth and change.
Debi’s Bio

As a three-time entrepreneur and seasoned C-suite executive, she understands the unique pressures and complexities of leadership. With over 25 years of experience, she has successfully started, built, modernized, transformed, scaled, and optimized businesses and functions across various industries. Her strength lies in being a visionary growth leader who knows how to drive results through people and teams.

Throughout her career, she has consistently navigated complex challenges and seized emerging opportunities. As the founder and CEO of Science Solutions, she built a regional scientific staffing company that was later acquired by a major publicly traded firm, forming the foundation for a new division. As Division President, she executed aggressive growth strategies that transformed the business into a nationally recognized leader. Her leadership also played a key role in guiding successful acquisitions and strategic divestitures.

In her role as Chief People Officer for a London-based global professional services firm, she integrated a privately-owned business into a larger organization post-acquisition and built a transformative People & Culture department from the ground up, supporting the company's exponential growth.

Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to philanthropy, serving on advisory boards and engaging in community service projects focused on orphan care, foster care, healthcare, and education.

Having experienced the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and executive leadership, she now shares her expertise through the Imagine More Group, where she works as an advisor, consultant, and coach, helping other leaders navigate their own journeys.
You can find Debi on LinkedIn or check out https://www.imaginemoregroup.com
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