Talent Trailblazers: Our Team, Your Recruiter

Meet Our Team

Welcome to "Talent Trailblazers: Our Team, Your Recruiter," an engaging series designed to provide you with an inside look into the world of recruitment, spotlighting the skilled individuals of White Ash Group.  Our team, comprised of seasoned professionals with an unwavering passion for connecting talent with opportunity, invites you on a journey through the intricate landscape of cannabis industry careers. Get ready to meet the faces behind the scenes, uncovering their expertise, quirks, and the unique blend of skills they bring to the table. From sourcing top-tier candidates to forging lasting partnerships, our recruiters are dedicated to ensuring your success in the burgeoning cannabis sector.

Join us as we introduce our talented team of personable, knowledgeable and passionate recruitment staff, ready to guide you towards your next fulfilling role in cannabis.

Introducing

Margaret Zdravkovic

Recruitment Consultant

Q: Can you share with us your journey at White Ash Group and what your role entails within the team?

I connected with Graydon on LinkedIn and I was impressed with the type of roles White Ash Group was working on within the cannabis space. Having my own recruitment firm, A.R.C Inc., and being very passionate about the cannabis industry—I was quite excited to collaborate with the White Ash Team. I have been with the White Ash Team now for 1.5 years as a Recruiter and have been successful in placing candidates within the cannabis industry. Working with the WAG team has been great; we really are a very close-knit group of individuals who support each other’s growth within the team and the industry.

Q: How do you balance the responsibilities of business development, account management, and candidate sourcing in your role?

The recruitment wheelhouse requires two good skill sets, time management and the ability to pivot. Your day is never the same, from candidate calls to business development calls to managing your client needs. Most days are long but the sense of accomplishment is always there at the end of the day.

Q: What aspects of connecting with candidates and clients do you find most rewarding?

I am a people person through and through; I love learning about candidates’ backgrounds and the journey they’ve had in their careers. Plus, I like that I become a part of their journey and a part of their story. Same on the client side of building relationships and knowing that you had a part in their journey, having a hand in contributing to the company’s overall success by fulfilling their hiring needs, and taking some of the workload off their desks.

Q: What attracted you to work specifically in the cannabis sector?

I have been passionate about the cannabis sector for over a decade now. Watching the growth of the cannabis industry has been an incredible experience, and I love that I have been a part of it. I've been supporting the cannabis sector and promoting its medical and wellness benefits for years and I like the idea of contributing to a new and ever-evolving industry.

Q: How do you think your previous experience contributes to your current role?

I have been in the recruitment sector for over ten years now within multiple industries. To be able to bring the passion I have for recruitment and mix it with my passion for the cannabis industry is truly a dream come true in my career. My prior role as a Recruiter in a cannabis facility equipped me with invaluable experience in building and managing a team of over 200 employees. This experience has uniquely positioned me to comprehend the specific requirements for various positions within the industry, ranging from general labour roles to senior positions and C-level executive roles. Through this hands-on involvement, I've gained a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in hiring within the cannabis sector, providing me with keen insights into the nuanced needs of the industry.

Q: What are some key skills or experiences that candidates can develop to enhance their prospects for advancement in cannabis-related roles?

I think whether you're a seasoned professional or exploring new opportunities, it is important to keep an eye on the trends shaping the industry. As the industry continues to mature, there is a growing emphasis on education and professional development. Specialized training programs, certifications, and workshops are emerging to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the cannabis sector. Job seekers and professionals looking to advance their careers can take advantage of these educational opportunities to stay competitive in the job market.

For example, technology is revolutionizing the cannabis industry, and this digital transformation is significantly impacting jobs within the sector. From automated cultivation systems to blockchain-based supply chain management, technology is streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and creating demand for tech-savvy professionals.

Q: What did you want to grow up to be when you were a kid?

Over the years, my interests have spanned various fields, but one consistent desire has always been to positively impact people's lives. I was driven by the aspiration to be the best version of myself and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

I wanted to contribute to people's well-being and bring positivity into their lives. Whether it was brightening someone's day, pursuing my passions, or simply being kind and selfless, I was determined to leave a lasting, positive impact on those around me. It was important for me to engage in work that resonated with my values and allowed me to create a legacy of goodwill.

In the realm of recruiting, I found the perfect avenue to fulfill these aspirations. It has provided me with the opportunity to connect talented individuals with rewarding opportunities, ultimately making a positive impact on both candidates and employers.

Q: Tell us something we don’t know.

One of my favourite pastimes is attending concerts. Just this year I have already attended over 5 concerts and have a few more lined up for the remainder of the year. Nothing beats the sound of live music and there aren’t many experiences more joyful, positive, and communal than a concert. You're all in harmony with one another.