Hey there ,

Reading time: just under 90 seconds...

If you noticed the silence in your inbox last week, thank you for bearing with me. I'm writing this a little late, but with immense gratitude.

I had major surgery on September 10th.

Turns out, the operation was a life-saving one.

It was a serious reminder that we often don't know the full story of what's happening behind the scenes until we're forced to pause.

However I'm recovering well, and I learned a powerful lesson about the strength of people who show up for you when the pressure is truly on.

And that experience perfectly leads into my next big announcement: my company is rebranding!

You've known me as a recruiter, but over the last couple of years, my mission has become much bigger and more focused. I never quite felt that "spark" with the old name, but I feel it now.

Introducing...

HFBAC: Hiring For and Building Awesome Companies

The new name is HFBAC (say what you see... pronounced 'half-back'). It stands for:

Hiring For and Building Awesome Companies

This change is the culmination of everything I’ve learned about what makes teams truly successful.

It’s not just about impressive CVs; it’s about chemistry.

My work is now centred on the Chemistry First methodology—a systematic approach to building founding teams and leadership teams that don't just 'fit,' but actively make each other better.

If you know me and have worked with me, you know this is what I focus on in any case. I am just making it into a system that can be replicated more easily by my soon-to-be growing team and those wishing to do their own hiring.

Why This Matters to You (The Hiring Vision)

When I start growing my own team later this year and early next, I want my mission to ignite potential candidates.

My decades of observing high-stakes team dynamics, combined with my own recent health journey, reinforced one profound truth: winning teams stick together when things get tough.

This reality has cemented my vision:

• We don't just help you hire; we help you build teams that go the distance.
• The Focus: Finding people who complement strengths, challenge thinking, and refuse to give up on the team—partners who possess incredible chemistry.

This is the excitement I want every single potential HFBAC candidate to feel.

And it’s the excitement I want you to feel when you look at your own mission.

My recovery continues, and normal service, under the new name, will officially resume next week. I can't wait to share all the new frameworks we've developed with you!

Happy hiring and to your good health also,

Helen

P.S. Ready to think beyond the CV and start hiring for chemistry?

Let's chat about applying this new methodology to your next key role. I have a free-ish diary starting next week—just reply to this email and suggest a few dates and times that work for you!

P.P.S. (A Quick Note): The company is still legally TalentJet Group Ltd trading as HFBAC.