Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneurs are Marina Byezhanova and Moranne Elarar, who founded Pronexia to revolutionize the recruitment industry after recognizing the need for a major facelift. Where do they see themselves in five years? Find out in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
Pitch, hunt, source, meet, investigate, analyse, seduce and connect – we are basically career match-makers.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
We are on a daring mission to revolutionize the recruitment industry. After years of working in this field we realized there was need for a major face lift and we took the plunge. We were inspired by our top clients’ commitment to true candidate experience so we took a pledge to all job seekers; to only represent them to companies the Pronexia team would proudly work for themselves. We aim to offer an unprecedentedly high level of service and to change everything people have come to expect from headhunters.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part
Connecting people with their dream jobs is what we do on a daily basis, which is equally thrilling and rewarding. The most challenging part is “swimming against the current.” As entrepreneurs, we thrive on seeing our ambitious projects put into motion, breaking stereotypes and inspiring others to follow suit, but we are determined to gently force our competition to elevate their game and keep our team on their toes.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
One of the impulses we have as passionate headhunters is interviewing and recruiting people on any occasion, at dinner parties, on planes, in waiting lines – pretty much anywhere!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, we want to see a real shift in the local recruitment industry focusing on quality, not quantity. We envision more emphasis put on candidate experience and employers working hard to stand out in this market with enticing company cultures and distinctive HR brands. On a personal business level, we see ourselves (spoiler alert!) managing multiple locations and working with clients uniquely on the basis of exclusive partnerships.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
We started building Pronexia while our kids were still babies, so balancing motherhood and building a business at the same time has been the biggest challenge. We are still both working hard on finding that equilibrium.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success rarely happens by accident. Success for us is jumping out of bed every morning to mindfully pursue your passions while being surrounded with people who inspire you. Money is an awesome and helpful consequence of sorts.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
We tend to look forward rather than back. On April 3, we will host Cirque du Soleil, Aldo, Olympics, McDonald’s, L’Oreal and other choice employers at our first ever Employer Branding Event at Montreal’s Phi Centre. We are honoured to be in the company of these industry giants only three years after the birth of Pronexia.
www.pronexia.com/newschoolhiring
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Refute the stereotypes about Gen Y! Start at the bottom, be humble, work relentlessly and learn, learn, learn.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
What an unfair question! We are so spoiled in Montreal and our favourites change on a monthly basis. Le Filet, Les Trois Petits Bouchons, Patati Patata. Each of these always offer quality food, exquisite service, all the while staying authentic
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Spending time with our kids knowing that we do it all to inspire them and to lead by example. And a little early morning meditation… before they wake up, of course.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
The last place we travelled to together was New York City. Its beat and energy are unparalleled; we return freshly inspired every single time.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
I Want To Break Free by Queen.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Running a restaurant by the beach in Costa Rica, but maybe that’s the end point…?
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
As mothers, we are attracted to charities that do work for kids; we support the Children’s Hospital as well as personally participating in a rowing tournament for the Cedars Cancer Research. We also decided to offer our recruitment services pro bono for a non-profit that helps children stay out of trouble by involving them in sports.
What to you is notable?
Passion is notable, and rare. They are many young successful professionals working hard but passion is what leaves a mark.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone with a heavy duty case.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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