Interview with our President and CEO, Elithia Marshi
We sat down with our President and CEO, Elithia Marshi to kick off our October blogs. With two decades of experience in operations and management, she brings a commitment to excellence to every aspect of the business. Her quality-focused leadership has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor among industry leaders. A proud alumna of the University of Houston, Elithia is dedicated to building strong relationships and connecting with others in her personal and professional life.
1. Elithia, why are you so passionate about what we do at MK Search Hunter+Sage?
Elithia: At the heart of it, I truly believe that the right people, in the right roles, can completely transform a company. Every time we place a candidate, we’re not just filling a position; we’re making an impact on both the individual’s life and the company’s future. That transformative potential is what fuels my passion for what we do at MK Search | Hunter+Sage.
2. You’ve mentioned before that your team is a big part of your WHY. Can you tell us more about that?
Elithia: Our team isn’t just a group of recruiters; they’re connectors, bridge builders, and real-life problem solvers. They come to work each day with dedication and a genuine desire to make a difference. Their commitment and shared vision inspire and strengthen my own. Knowing we’re all working towards the same goal of creating lasting professional partnerships is incredibly motivating.
3. Who are some of your mentors along your path to success?
Elithia: I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors who’ve shaped my journey. My first mentor, my mother, was an HR Manager at a major oil and gas company. She set an example of hard work and compassionate management. For 14 years, I had the privilege of working under a CEO who imparted invaluable lessons on strategic, fair, and intentional business operations. Lastly, MK Stalder played a pivotal role in honing my communication skills and teaching me the art of confident self-presentation and personal branding. These mentors have been pillars of wisdom and guidance throughout my career.
4. What have been some of the challenges you have overcome on your business journey?
Elithia: Like any business, we’ve had our share of hurdles. From navigating the volatile economic landscape to ensuring we stay ahead of industry trends, the challenges have been continuous. However, each one has taught us something valuable. The most significant challenge was probably the onset of the COVID-19 virus, which hit us during a period of substantial growth for the company. Instead of letting it deter us, we decided to turn it into an opportunity. We invested heavily in refining our recruiting skills, enhancing our sourcing techniques, refining candidate screening processes, and strengthening our client consulting abilities. We were determined to come out even stronger, and we did! As we emerged from the economic challenges posed by the virus, we really hit the ground running. Going back to work and applying the skills we sharpened during that period allowed us to not only survive but thrive. We emerged stronger, more agile, and more focused on our mission. That journey is a testament to our team’s resilience and dedication.
5. What is your favorite client success story?
Elithia: One of my most cherished client success stories involves a company that had been struggling for years to find the right assistant. They were baffled about why they couldn’t locate the ideal candidate and were growing increasingly desperate. I arranged an initial in-person meeting to thoroughly explore their needs, identify what hadn’t been effective, and begin crafting an efficient solution for the family. During our discussions about their business, objectives, and family needs, I had an epiphany. I realized that part of their difficulty in finding the right fit stemmed from an overlap in responsibilities they were unaware of. As it turned out, they actually needed not one, but two assistants. I presented them with two distinct resumes, both of which led to successful hires. These assistants remained in their positions for over five years, and they significantly improved the lives of our client on a daily basis. It’s stories like this that truly fulfill me, knowing that our work can make such a substantial impact on our clients’ lives.
6. What advice can you give to future female business owners?
Elithia: Trust in your vision, even when others might doubt it. Surround yourself with a supportive community, but also be open to constructive criticism—it’s a growth tool. And remember, setbacks are not failures; they’re opportunities to learn, pivot, and come back even stronger.
7. What is your walk-up song and why?
Elithia: It has to be “I Believe That We Will Win, the World Anthem” by Pitbull. Every time I hear it, it reminds me how resilient human beings really are. It’s all about facing hardships, overcoming challenges, and fighting hard to win, and that resonates with both my personal journey and our mission at MK Search Hunter+Sage.