Danielle Bragge: EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 Finalist
We’re proud to announce that Danielle Bragge, Co-Founder of The Headhunters Recruitment, has been selected as a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 Prairies Award. Danielle has long been a very active business and community leader; previously being named one of the Top 100 Women in Business in Edmonton and nominated for the RBC Women of Influence award in 2013. She founded The Headhunters in 2009 with Cam Macmillan and Greg Ford to service a growing need for expert recruitment partners who were true specialists in their field.
Entrepreneur of the Year celebrates the contribution and spirit of entrepreneurs everywhere. The Canadian program is in its 21st year of honouring the country’s most impressive entrepreneurs from all areas of business. Award finalists are chosen based on their vision, leadership, financial success and social responsibility.
Danielle is one of four finalists in the Emerging Entrepreneur category and was recently featured in a special Entrepreneur of the Year edition of Business in Calgary and Business in Edmonton. Below is an excerpt of Danielle’s profile from Business in Calgary. You can view the full edition here.
“I am deeply honoured to have been named a finalist for such a prestigious award alongside an incredible group of entrepreneurs,” said Danielle. “I am very thankful to the many amazing people and businesses who have powered the success of The Headhunters.”
Excerpt of Danielle’s profile:
When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
My first business was at eight, selling bush grass to build straw huts to neighbourhood kids (I grew up in Africa). That was a tough sell and didn’t go so well! Being an entrepreneur is in my blood.
What would you say the top skills are to be an entrepreneur?
Be able to takes risks and be comfortable with the unknown.
How important have good employees been to your success?
My partners and I feel very fortunate to have the team we have today. Their commitment and definiteness of purpose is the core of our success. There is no “I” in team!
How can Canada support a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem?
One-on-one with successful entrepreneurs will help new entrepreneurs avoid pitfalls.
Give new entrepreneurs access to advisers, finance, marketing, sales and banking.
Teach Canadians how to network more effectively. Educate entrepreneurs on the difference between working in the business instead of on the business. Teach them when and who to hire.
What motivates you?
My family and finding the fit between employer and employee. That’s when the magic happens and when companies and careers grow.
My advice to entrepreneurs is to surround yourself with talented people, hire to your weaknesses, allow others a voice and admit when you are wrong.
