As cander celebrates its 7th anniversary, we find it befitting to pause, reflect, and share the story of how a casual conversation burgeoned into a disruptive force in the Middle East’s recruitment landscape. We sat down with our co-founder, Luke Eley, whose recounting of cander’s journey sheds light on the ethos that has propelled us to become a leading talent partner in the region.
Interviewer: Luke, can you walk us through the events that led to the creation of cander?
Luke: Absolutely. It all began when Sam [co-founder] and I reconnected in Dubai, having previously worked together in the UK. Over a casual drink, we vented about the lack of quality of agencies and suppliers. Our shared disappointment ignited a spark – the idea of creating a specialist agency that could truly understand and address the complex recruitment needs within the digital, tech, and regulatory landscapes.
Interviewer: What was the initial problem you aimed to solve with cander?
Luke: The core issue was the mismatch in job placements. We noticed that being in the wrong job or having the wrong people was a disaster for both individuals and clients. We aimed to create an agency that would go beyond just basic keyword matching to genuinely understanding the problems faced by our clients and candidates, and presenting genuine solutions.
Interviewer: Could you share some early failures or learning experiences that shaped cander?
Luke: One key learning was resisting the temptation to take on any client in the early stages. What we learned is what we always knew, is that the moment you try and compete in an area you’re not fully specialised in, you won’t succeed. So understand what you’re really good at and just do that. It’s better to turn down the wrong client and the wrong piece of work than to take on anything.
Interviewer: What was the first significant milestone for cander?
Luke: Moving into our first office was a huge milestone. It was just Sam and I back then, but when we moved into the office, we made our first hires. Suddenly, the responsibility of paying people’s salaries hit home. You’re not just responsible for a business but for people’s livelihoods. It was a blend of excitement, fear, and pride. Right then we understood: we’re going to create something that can make the people who work for us live better. I think that’s when stuff got real.
Interviewer: How has the original vision of cander evolved over time?
Luke: Our core values, particularly the idea of ‘family’, were forged early on and have remained the cornerstone of cander’s culture. It’s more than just a business value; it’s a reflection of who we are as a team. The team’s personal and professional growth validates the essence of our original vision, which has stayed consistent throughout the years despite the evolution of our business strategies.
Interviewer: Any fun or memorable stories you’d like to share?
Luke: Oh, the first company trip to Beirut was memorable. It was a celebration of our success, and the connection among the team was just incredible. The stories that happened on that trip we definitely couldn’t share on social media, but that’s fantastic!
The story of cander speaks to resilience, growth, and an unwavering quest for excellence. Marking our 7th anniversary, Luke’s reflections reveal the human essence of our venture and the strong bedrock of experience driving us onward.
This journey has been rewarding, with the path ahead filled with potential for continued innovation and triumph.
Here’s to many more years of shaping the recruitment landscape in the Middle East, thanks to innovative tech recruitment solutions. Happy Anniversary to us!
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