
🎙 What does it take to build a successful executive search firm while overcoming personal and professional challenges?
In this episode, Samantha Bateman, founder of Integria Consulting, shares her inspiring journey of resilience, entrepreneurship, and giving back. From being kicked out of her home at a young age, to working full-time while completing a political science degree, to choosing entrepreneurship over a stable corporate job, Sam’s story is one of persistence and purpose.
Over 20 years of building Integria Consulting, she has weathered economic downturns, business struggles, and dedicated herself to helping marginalized and underemployed job seekers find meaningful work. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, recruiter, job seeker, or someone navigating career challenges, this episode is packed with lessons on persistence, networking, and purpose-driven leadership.
🔑 Topics Covered:
00:00 Introduction to Samantha Bateman
02:04 From Growing Up in the West Island to 20 Years of Integria Consulting
03:57 Juggling Full-Time Work While Completing a University Degree
06:04 Saying No to the Easy Path & Building Her Own Way
10:24 What Fuels Sam’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
14:10 The Origins of Integria Consulting
17:09 The Mindset of “It Has to Work, I Can’t Stop Until It Does”
20:52 Role of a Spouse or Partner in Career Success
24:32 How a Political Science Degree Came in Handy in Business
26:45 The Turning Point When Integria Started to Gain Momentum
28:59 One Person Willing to Take a Chance
32:40 Weathering the 2008–2010 Downturn
34:25 One Break Can Change Lives
39:36 Empowering Marginalized & Underemployed Job Seekers
42:31 Connection, Service & Purpose-Driven Leadership
47:39 Final Thoughts & Call to Action
🎯 Connect with Samantha Bateman:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthabateman/
Discover more episodes of *Making Your Mark Podcast* with Mark Bundang — real career stories, growth strategies, and lessons from professionals across industries.
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executive search entrepreneurship, resilience in business, recruitment industry insights, career growth strategies, networking for success, marginalized job seekers, women in business leadership, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, overcoming career challenges, making your mark podcast