About – The Waiv

CRAFTING CONNECTIONS:

The Story of WAIV Talent

With more than 35 years of combined experience in executive recruiting, technology, `innovation, and design, we – Courtney and Paula – found ourselves pondering these questions. Could we use our expertise to revolutionize talent acquisition for everyone? The traditional recruitment approach left us wanting something more, something that celebrated candidates as unique individuals, not just lists of qualifications.

The Spark of Curiosity

The journey to founding WAIV Talent has been a tapestry of passion, purpose, and unrelenting curiosity. In our quest for innovation, we recognized an opportunity: a chance to bridge the gap between candidates and their dream jobs. We envisioned a platform that harnessed new data, cutting-edge design, and technology to change how candidates are seen. Our mission? To unleash the untapped potential within every candidate. We saw beyond the monotony of resumes and the impersonal interactions, visualizing a way to reveal the authentically showcase individuals.

Discovering the Opportunity

Our collective passions and experiences shaped WAIV Talent’s essence. Courtney’s passion for delving into a person’s core – uncovering their defining moments and motivations – fueled her vision. Paula’s journey from growing up in Colombia to embracing opportunity in the US gave her a unique perspective on resilience and diversity. Together, we committed to transforming the recruitment landscape with a holistic, inclusive approach.

Crafting the Vision

The answer lay in creating an inclusive recruiting platform that leveraged our deep expertise in executive search but could be applied to all levels. A platform that celebrated the entirety of each candidate, moving beyond mere qualifications to create great matches. We set out to redefine the talent identification process, shifting the focus from credentials to a person’s true self. Armed with cutting-edge technology and a spotlight on visual candidate profiles, we aimed to enable meaningful connections that transcended the limitations of traditional resumes.

Bringing the Solution to Life

We were determined to use WAIV Talent as a means to empower ALL talent, offering them a broader perspective through which they could be seen and appreciated. This commitment to inclusivity became our guiding star.

Championing Diversity and Inclusivity

As we navigate the ever-changing recruitment landscape, our founding principles remain unchanged. WAIV Talent continues to evolve as an embodiment of our shared beliefs and experiences – and this is just the beginning. We’ve harnessed technology’s power to humanize connections, celebrate uniqueness, and inspire authentic potential. Our journey is one of dedication, learning, and, above all, the unwavering pursuit of creating a world where individuals are matched with their true callings.

The Ongoing Journey

Founder Bios

Paula Sintes Darragh
CO-FOUNDER

Paula has more than 15 years of experience in complex, fast paced organizations.

She brings extensive knowledge of the professional services and human capital sectors in both operating and client facing roles where she has recruited hundreds of c-level and Board executives for many of the worlds leading organizations. In her most recent role, Paula was responsible for leading delivery innovation, product management and the 3-year strategic roadmap for one of the top global executive search firms, Spencer Stuart. She has been recognized as a top performer for the impact and quality of her work. As a Latina, Paula is passionate about the power of technology, data & analytics to redefine the talent landscape by finding and placing people from traditionally overlooked groups.

Courtney Calinog CO-FOUNDER and COO

Courtney has nearly 20 years of experience in the executive search and leadership consulting industry from her roles at Heidrick & Struggles, Spencer Stuart, BPI Group (now Bravanti) and CCC Intelligent Solutions.

Her expertise spans leadership assessment, development, coaching, knowledge management and change management. Courtney recently designed, deployed and supported a 3-year strategic program to enhance the rigor of a leading executive search firm’s assessment approach, leading to higher performing, culturally relevant candidates and increased client satisfaction. She is certified in a various psychometric assessments and holds a Masters in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University. Courtney is a passionate advocate for DEI initiatives and helping individuals, teams and organization realize their full potential.

Courtney has nearly 20 years of experience in the executive search and leadership consulting industry.

Courtney Calinog CO-FOUNDER

We Connect Humans to Humans