Chambercast Episode 31 with Sally Desch
In this engaging episode of Chambercast, Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce President, Brendan and Pep sit down with Sally Desch, Director of HRM, to explore her remarkable journey from a small country town in New South Wales to becoming one of the Sunshine Coast’s most respected HR and recruitment professionals.
Sally reflects on growing up in Narromine, a town of just 3,000 people where everybody knew everybody’s business, before moving to Hervey Bay as a teenager and later studying business and human resources. She shares stories from her early career, including roles with TAFE, WorkCover and recruitment giant Manpower, before taking a leap of faith in 2005 to establish HRM with a fax machine, a family loan and a determination to build a business focused on people first.
Now celebrating more than 20 years in business, Sally discusses the growth of HRM from a small office above a Caloundra bank to a leading Sunshine Coast recruitment and HR consultancy. She talks candidly about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of relationships and referrals and her ongoing passion for connecting the right people with the right opportunities.
The conversation also dives into the significant changes that have reshaped the workforce over the past two decades. Sally shares her perspective on shifting employee expectations, flexible work arrangements, talent shortages, salary pressures, housing affordability and how businesses are adapting to attract and retain quality staff in a highly competitive market. She also explores the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, describing it as a tool that can help businesses scale while keeping people at the centre of what they do.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sally speaks about her commitment to the Sunshine Coast community, including her years as Chair of SunnyKids and her belief in giving back to the region she calls home. Along the way, listeners are treated to a collection of entertaining recruitment stories, personal reflections and insights into the people-focused approach that has defined her career.
Filled with humour, honesty, and practical business wisdom, this episode offers a fascinating look at leadership, community, entrepreneurship and the evolving world of work on the Sunshine Coast.
Grab your headphones and listen in now!
