Every July, Calgary comes alive with Stampede spirit—pancake breakfasts, western wear, and a whole lot of cowboy energy. At Debbie Mastel & Associates, we don’t just watch from the sidelines. Over the years, I’ve shown up as the Lone Ranger, a rodeo clown, Woody from Toy Story, Larry the Cable Guy, and yes, even Howdy Doody. And as lighthearted as it all is, it reflects something deeper about how we approach recruitment: we believe in showing up fully.
In our world, relationships matter. And relationships are built on trust, connection, and yes—personality.
Recruiting With Heart (and Humour)
While some may see costumes and throwback videos (like the Stampede 2013 clip on Global News) as just good fun, we see them as part of something more meaningful. When you can laugh, connect, and be yourself, you create space for others to do the same.
That matters in recruitment. When we show up as ourselves, candidates and clients feel they can, too. It leads to more honest conversations, stronger matches, and longer-lasting results.
Showing Up Counts
Recruitment isn’t about filling a role and moving on. It’s about building real connections over time—and being present, engaged, and approachable is a big part of that. Whether it’s joining a community event, chatting over coffee, or posting a poll about which Stampede costume to bring back next year, we believe in connecting with people at every stage.
This isn’t a strategy—it’s simply how we work. Personality is how we build relationships that last.
Fun is Not a Distraction
Some think fun and professionalism don’t mix. We disagree. Candidates want to work where they feel valued. And employers want to hire people who bring both skill and the right energy. When we lead with authenticity, we help both sides find alignment. Personality helps reveal that fit early on.
Brand You
Over 6,000 people viewed our Stampede throwback poll. Dozens commented on past outfits. Why? Because personality stands out. In a world of similar job posts and polished resumes, people remember the recruiter who showed up in cowboy boots, shared a laugh, and delivered real results.
In recruitment, “Brand You” isn’t a slogan. It’s about being real, consistent, and memorable. Combined with a solid process, personality becomes a competitive advantage. Personality isn’t an extra—it’s often the reason people come back.
Key Takeaways
- Business relationships are built on genuine connection.
- Recruitment is about people first, not just roles to fill.
- Let your personality shine through your work.
- A little fun can go a long way in building trust.
Looking for a recruitment partner who brings both professionalism and personality? Let’s connect.