In today's inspiring installment of Bright Founders Talk at Temy, we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Marc Belaiche, the Co-Founder and President of Guhuza and TorontoJobs.ca. Temy, an international software development company, proudly presents these engaging conversations to spotlight the triumphs and challenges of industry leaders. 

Marc Belaiche stands out as a multifaceted professional with extensive experience in HR, sales, and recruitment. Under his leadership, TorontoJobs.ca has evolved into a prominent job board and recruitment firm over two decades, while Guhuza emerges as a revolutionary tech startup aimed at expediting the job-seeking and hiring processes. 

In this candid conversation, Marc shares his insights on managing multiple ventures, the synergies between his companies, and the innovative solutions they offer to both job seekers and employers. Join us as we uncover the strategic thinking and passion that drive Marc's success and learn how his unique approach has reshaped the recruitment landscape.

The Juggling Act: Marc's Tale of Tech, Talent, and Teamwork

Marc Belaiche isn't your average CEO; he's a juggler of sorts, deftly handling the dynamic duo of TorontoJobs.ca and Guhuza with a flair that's both enviable and inspiring. "I love having lots of different balls juggling in the air," he confesses, painting a vivid picture of his daily hustle. His voice carries the weight of experience yet bubbles with the enthusiasm of a man who's found his true calling. This isn't just a story of entrepreneurship; it's a tale of passion, innovation, and relentless drive.

In the heart of our conversation, Marc reveals the symbiotic relationship between his two ventures. TorontoJobs.ca, a stalwart in the recruitment industry, and Guhuza, a tech upstart, are more than just businesses; they're extensions of each other, each feeding into and bolstering the success of the other. "One really feeds off each other," Marc explains, detailing how the integrated platforms create a seamless, efficient experience for employers and job seekers alike. It's not just about running two companies; it's about creating an ecosystem where both can thrive, adapt, and innovate.

But what's truly compelling is Marc's philosophy on work and life. "If you love something that you do work-wise, you never worked a day in your life," he shares, his words resonating as a personal mantra. This isn't just idle talk; it's the lived truth of a man who's turned his work into his playground. Whether he's strategizing the next big move for Guhuza or networking for TorontoJobs.ca, Marc is all in, blurring the lines between work and play, duty and delight. It's a lesson in finding joy in what you do and letting that joy infuse every part of your life.

Charting the Course: Marc's Leap from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

As we dive deeper into Marc's journey, it's clear that his leap from a steady paycheck to the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship wasn't made on a whim. "I did a lot of tests online... Am I an entrepreneur? Check. Yes, I love making my own decisions," Marc reflects with a laugh. This was more than a career shift; it was an awakening, spurred not only by self-assessment but also by inspirations like Napoleon Hill's 'Think and Grow Rich' and his veterinarian father's tireless dedication. Marc's transition was smooth yet introspective, driven by a blend of personal inquiry and profound influences.

The timing of Marc's venture into entrepreneurship at 40 might seem late to some, but for him, it was just right. He shares, "The average age to start up a business back then was 40... It gave you 20 years of experience in the corporate world and still left 20 years for your venture." This seasoned approach allowed Marc to bring a wealth of knowledge and perspective to his business. Today, the entrepreneurial landscape may be younger and faster, with technology enabling businesses to launch overnight, but Marc's timing was a calculated choice, not a delay.

What makes Marc a true entrepreneur? It's not just his business acumen or his CPA background; it's his mindset. "You have to know your numbers, work hard, roll up your sleeves, and be confident in your decisions," he asserts. Marc's approach to problem-solving is methodical, always considering alternatives, even if the first option is to do nothing. This thoughtful, measured approach has been a cornerstone of his success, a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful action is contemplation. Marc's story isn't just about creating a business; it's about crafting a life that's as thoughtful as it is dynamic.

Networking to Success: Marc's Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Triumph

Marc dives into the essence of entrepreneurship with a personal maxim: "Your network is your net worth." He emphasizes the profound impact of connections, a theme that resonates deeply in his journey from curiosity to CEO. With a chuckle, Marc recalls the early days of self-assessment quizzes and the eureka moments when he realized his entrepreneurial spirit. "I was checking off boxes like 'loves making decisions' and 'thrives under pressure,'" he says, reflecting on the path that led him to embrace the entrepreneurial life.

The conversation shifts to the power of asking questions and seeking diverse perspectives. Marc admits to once being the guy too proud to ask for directions, but now, he's an advocate for seeking guidance. "Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength," Marc asserts. He's a firm believer in harnessing the collective wisdom of his network, be it for solving a problem or brainstorming new ideas. Marc's approach is refreshingly humble yet strategic, underscoring the value of curiosity and openness in the entrepreneurial odyssey.

When scouting for talent to expand his companies, Marc looks for three key attributes: enthusiasm, knowledge, and leadership potential. He's particularly fond of a hiring philosophy borrowed from Mark Zuckerberg: "Would I be able to report to this person?" This question serves as a litmus test for Marc, ensuring that each new addition to his team not only understands the company's mission but is also someone he respects and trusts. It's a reflection of Marc's leadership style—hands-on, thoughtful, and perpetually aimed at growth, be it personal, professional, or organizational.

Embracing Change: Marc's Journey from Snow Shovels to Tech Innovator

Marc's entrepreneurial spark isn't new; it's been a lifelong flame. Reflecting on his journey from shoveling snow as a teen to leading innovative tech platforms today, Marc offers a powerful perspective: "If you're going to build a business, you go all in." This isn't just a mantra; it's the lived experience of a man who sees age as a state of mind and entrepreneurship as a state of being. Marc's story isn't one of sudden change but a continuous evolution, driven by a desire to do something big, something impactful.

As Marc discusses the headwinds he's faced, from the tumultuous beginnings of Guhuza during COVID to the economic rollercoasters that followed, his resilience shines through. "The best time to do stuff like this is when nobody else is doing it," he advises, highlighting the importance of long-term vision and perseverance. Marc believes that the true test of entrepreneurship isn't avoiding challenges but thriving amidst them. For him, the past three years haven't just been about survival; they've been about laying a foundation for future success.

In the world of business, stagnation is the enemy, and Marc is its relentless adversary. He's not just running companies; he's redefining them. The strategic cannibalization of TorontoJobs.ca in favor of Guhuza isn't a retreat; it's an advance. It's a bold move, one that many companies shy away from, but Marc sees it as essential. "If we didn't do it, somebody else is going to," he states, underscoring his commitment to innovation and fearlessness in the face of change. Marc's journey is more than a story of business; it's a testament to the transformative power of embracing change and the relentless pursuit of something greater.

Oleksandra Petrivska

Marketing Manager at Temy

As the Marketing Manager at Temy, I turn interviews with IT leaders into inspiring stories. By unpacking the journeys, insights, and motivations of founders, co-founders, and CTOs, I bring you the latest on the key players in the tech world. Get ready for a dose of tech inspiration!