We’re looking forward to introducing you to Danielle Thornington. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Danielle, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Honestly, I think recruitment (especially the agency-side of recruitment) is one of the most misunderstood industries out there. People often picture us sifting through a pile of resumes and forwarding the “best” ones to a hiring manager. But if that’s all we did, we wouldn’t survive a week in this space.
The reality is that we operate as true strategic partners. Think of us as an extension of your internal team, but with the advantage of being fully immersed in the market every single day. Before we ever start a search, we sit down with our clients to really understand their world: the business model, the culture, the leadership style, what great looks like in that role—and, equally important, what doesn’t. Sometimes we’re even identifying the qualities or success traits that hiring managers haven’t articulated yet. It’s a lot of listening, reading between the lines, and connecting dots that aren’t always obvious.
From there, it gets creative. We go out into the market and find exactly who they need—even if that person isn’t looking. Then comes the art of engaging them: getting them on a call, telling the company’s story in a way that resonates, and helping them envision themselves in that seat. We’re the ones behind the scenes helping candidates make some of the biggest career decisions of their lives, and helping companies make the hires that will literally change their trajectory.
So yes, people assume we’re “resume pushers”—but in reality, we’re career storytellers, market researchers, brand ambassadors, and talent strategists all rolled into one. We’re the bridge that brings the right people together at exactly the right moment.
If I had to sum it up:
Most people think recruiters match jobs to people, but the best recruiters match potential to purpose and that’s where the magic happens.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Danielle, and I’m a Recruitment Manager with The Leadership Agency (TLA). Like many people in this industry, I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a recruiter (I actually thought I’d become a criminal defense lawyer at one point, but that’s a story for another day!).
What I did know early on is that I genuinely get people. Not in a “I can read minds” way, but in the sense that I’m energized by conversations, curious about people’s stories, and naturally drawn to understanding what makes someone tick. Recruitment ended up being the perfect place for all of that.
At TLA, my role is incredibly dynamic. I support high-growth companies across Canada and the U.S., going into the market to find the exact talent they need—not just on paper, but in personality, potential, and ambition. My days are spent researching industries, speaking with some of the sharpest and most inspiring leaders you can imagine, and getting to witness (and be a part of) those pivotal career moments that really change someone’s trajectory.
What makes TLA unique is that we’re deeply embedded in the startup and scale-up ecosystem, and we approach recruitment with a level of partnership and care that you don’t often see. We’re not just filling roles; we’re helping build companies from the inside out.
I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do. I get to connect with brilliant people, champion exciting companies, and play a part in some truly meaningful hiring stories. Honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I grew up in a small, close-knit Canadian town where everyone seemed to think and live the same way. From a young age, I felt different—I didn’t quite “fit in,” and I couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to life than the status quo. Even as a kid, I felt a spark of potential and curiosity that needed space to grow.
After university, I took the leap and moved to downtown Toronto—a huge change, but exactly what I was looking for. Suddenly, I was surrounded by people from all walks of life, with perspectives, backgrounds, and ways of thinking that were completely new to me. It was eye-opening. I realized that there isn’t just one way to approach a problem, build a career, or live a life. Every person brings something unique to the table, and the more you embrace that diversity, the richer the outcome.
That lesson has shaped everything I do, especially in recruitment. When I work with clients and candidates, I’m constantly looking beyond the obvious fit. I consider potential, perspective, and how someone might thrive in an environment that’s different from their past experience. The best hires aren’t always the ones who check every box—they’re the ones who challenge the team, bring new ideas, and grow with the company. For me, recruitment isn’t just about filling a role—it’s about uncovering potential and helping people and organizations see what’s possible when they open themselves up to different perspectives.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I’ve always believed that failure is essential for growth. You can’t truly appreciate success without experiencing its opposite. And in recruitment, failure is basically part of the job. Honestly, I could tell story after story of moments that didn’t go as planned. When your world revolves around people, nothing is ever predictable, and you have to get comfortable (fast) with the possibility of things not working out.
What I’ve learned is that every setback is fuel for the next stage of growth. Every milestone I’ve hit in my career has roots in one failure or another. Those moments forced me to reflect, adapt, and push harder. And the truth? I wouldn’t be the recruiter I am today—able to read people, think strategically, and navigate unpredictable situations—without those L’s. They weren’t just lessons; they were stepping stones.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Hands down, our CEO and Founder, Jamie. She was a huge part of why I knew I wanted to join TLA. Her story speaks for itself: a woman-owned and led, boutique, bootstrapped recruitment firm (with a four-day workweek!) built by someone who has truly carved a name for herself in this industry.
But what I admire most isn’t her success or power—it’s her character. Jamie is humble, empathetic, and leads with integrity, which, let’s be honest, is rare in the corporate world. She inspires me every single day—not just to be a better recruiter, but to be a better human. Watching how she shows up for her team, her clients, and the people around her has shaped how I approach my own work and life.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
I’d like to think my kindness and warmth would remain. I’ve always believed that who you are as a person matters far more than your title, your resume, or the things you own. What I’m most proud of is how I show up in the world—with empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to help people.
In recruitment, this isn’t just a personal value—it’s how I do my job. I work closely with candidates during some of the biggest decisions of their careers, and I take that responsibility seriously. People often tell me that I make the process feel supportive, clear, and personalized. I get to celebrate their wins, guide them through challenges, and empower them to take steps that truly align with their goals.
At the end of the day, the relationships you build and the trust you earn matter more than anything else. And if I can leave people feeling seen, heard, and confident, then I feel like I’ve done my job right—both as a recruiter and as a human being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leadershipagency.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theleadershipagency/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellethornington/
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