Why the more hands you shake, the more value you create

Spotlight is our series on the people shaping the future of hiring and talent. We ask them how they work, what they believe, and where AI actually helps.

This time we spoke with Cary Martinez, who has spent the last seven years in staffing and recruitment.

As permanent recruitment manager at Adecco she leads a team of executive search consultants and has turned client acquisition into repeat business through sharp sourcing, strong networks, and a knack for delivering the right talent. Her background is what makes her different. Before recruiting, Cary spent years managing high-stakes events for the Miami HEAT, Pinecrest Gardens, and major citywide festivals with crowds of 17,000 and more. She brings the same energy, precision, and client service mindset from coordinating VIP experiences and arena operations into how she runs recruitment today.

What is a hiring belief you hold that most people would challenge?

A hiring belief I hold, one that many people would challenge, is that some old-school methods are still more effective than newer ones. While I fully embrace technology and artificial intelligence, I don't believe they replace human connection. In a world that's becoming increasingly digital, face-to-face interaction still builds trust faster, strengthens partnerships, and leads to better hiring outcomes. I genuinely enjoy meeting clients in person, because relationships are built, not automated. I believe the more hands you shake, the more value you create, and ultimately, the more successful the hiring process becomes.

What's the best candidate experience you've ever seen or created?

The best candidate experience I've created is one rooted in empathy and transparency. I lead from the perspective of someone who has been on the other side of the process, waiting for a call, hoping for an interview, and receiving rejection emails. I know what it feels like to be ghosted or left wondering where you stand, and I make it a priority that candidates I work with never feel that way. I focus on clear communication, honest feedback, and treating every candidate with respect, regardless of the outcome. My goal is for people to walk away feeling heard, supported, and valued, even if the role isn't the right fit.

What's the most rewarding part of the work you do today?

The most rewarding part of my work is knowing that I am genuinely changing people's lives. As a recruiter, I get to help people move closer to the dreams they've had since they were kids, when we were all asked, 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' I see myself as a matchmaker to those childhood dreams. What makes it meaningful is that it doesn't end with a placement with me. I stay connected with both the client and the candidate long after the hiring decision, to ensure it's a successful, lasting outcome. This isn't a transactional process for me. It's relationship-driven, and that's what I've built my reputation on.