Today we’d like to introduce you to McKaela Baldus
Hi McKaela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After graduating college, I had no idea what I wanted to do, and I vividly remember feeling overwhelmed and crying to my parents because of the pressure to figure it out. I ended up working with a recruiter—I was ready to take the first job that came my way just to get started—who placed me in a sales and account management role at a commercial printing company. I spent four years there, developing a passion for getting to know my clients, learning their specific needs, and going above and beyond to deliver good service. Through hard work, networking, joining Chambers of Commerce and other professional groups, cold calling to grow the business, and exploring different opportunities, I eventually found my way into recruiting and never looked back. Interestingly, I got into recruiting while pursuing an Account Management role; I told everyone who would listen that’s what I wanted, and that persistence ultimately led me to where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had jobs that weren’t a good fit and worked at companies that ran out of money. However, I’ve always prided myself on maintaining a positive outlook and growth mindset, constantly reminding myself to focus on what I want/what could go right rather than what I don’t want/what could go wrong. Networking and not being afraid to express what I’m looking for have been key. Throughout it all, I’ve had faith and confidence in myself, knowing that if someone gave me a chance, I’d be their hardest worker (because that’s what’s within my control). I’ve been willing to jump in, figure things out, and put in the extra effort—and that determination has paid off. Additionally, strong listening and observation skills have helped me tremendously, as I’ve been a sponge for information, learning from how others operate successfully.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I lead the MN office of 24 Seven, a global digital marketing, creative, and tech services firm that places contractors and full-time employees in roles around the world, in addition to handling creative projects through our full-stack agency, SketchDeck. In the MN market, we’ve built a strong reputation as a leading resource for quickly filling staffing requests with high-quality candidates. Given the highly regulated industries in MN—such as medical device, healthcare, and finance—we understand the high-compliance needs of our clients, making us the go-to partner for many mid-to-large businesses headquartered in the MSP area. Our personalized service sets us apart, as we deeply understand our clients’ business cycles, pain points, and team cultures, allowing us to deliver results effectively and efficiently. I’m especially proud of the reputation we’ve cultivated in the Twin Cities. While we are now 24 Seven, following our acquisition, most people still recognize us as Creatis and Antenna—brands that have positively impacted the local marketing and creative community for over 20 years. It’s rare that I meet someone in this space who hasn’t been touched by Creatis or Antenna at some point in their career.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as the ability to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and careers. I started to feel truly successful when others began reaching out to me for advice or to help solve problems, and I realized I could genuinely support them because of my experience and the situations I’ve encountered over time. Seeing the impact I’ve had—whether it’s helping someone land a job they might not have gotten otherwise or helping a client find the perfect candidate for an open role—has been the most rewarding measure of success for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.24seventalent.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckaelabaldus/
