I sat down with Cindy Hunting for a conversation about building a business that works in the real world, not just on paper. Cindy started her career as an assistant and went on to found her own company in the compliance sector five years ago. Today, she works closely with both candidates and companies, providing compliance and intermediary services that go far beyond matching profiles to roles. What stood out in this conversation was Cindy’s deep respect for the human side of her work. She talked openly about why relationships matter more than checklists, and how understanding people properly leads to better outcomes for everyone involved. We also spoke about the realities of balancing business growth with family life, and how that juggle shapes the way you lead, decide, and prioritise. Cindy shared her perspective on the rise of AI in recruitment and compliance, where it helps, where it falls short, and why it can never replace human judgement and trust. This episode is a reminder that even in highly regulated, process-driven industries, connection still matters. Listening still matters. And building a business that feels human is not a weakness, it’s a strength. If you care about doing work well, treating people properly, and navigating change without losing yourself in the process, this conversation will resonate. About Cindy: A positive and always cheerful personality, Cindy Hunting, after 21+ years of experience, decided to take the plunge and do what she's good at and what she enjoys: providing high-quality legal advice and connecting people. She discovered her entrepreneurial qualities while working tirelessly for her employers and career. Her ever-curious and positive attitude allowed her to regularly engage in substantive, but above all, practical, discussions with managers and/or management. The goal was always: how could things be improved for everyone within the company, but also for the company itself? This means she always manages to find a suitable solution not only as a Compliance Professional but also as a mediator. For her former employers, she has also always been a valuable resource and utilized her network to fill vacancies or assign advisors to clients, for example. As an ambitious young person, she began her career in retail. There, she quickly demonstrated initiative and perseverance. After more than five years, she also applied these qualities to financial and legal services. Her work experience with various small and large companies, diverse sectors, and positions, along with her higher professional education (HBO) law degree, has allowed her to further develop her skills and personality. This allows her to seamlessly handle situations and provide advice. Throughout her career, she has seen and learned a g About Sandra: Sandra ten Hoope is a Sales & Story Strategist and corporate attorney. Drawing from her own experiences with three challenging relationships, she empowers professional women to rewrite their personal narratives. In her 2020 book, Do Not Try HIM at Home, Sandra reveals the duality of her life—successfully closing multi-million-pound deals while living in fear at home. The book struck a chord with countless women who saw their own struggles reflected in her story, offering them comfort and a sense of community. Many entrepreneurs among her readers reached out, eager to understand how their personal stories could enhance their business growth. Sandra's answer was clear: personal experiences, no matter how difficult, are invaluable assets. As a Certified Business Strategist and Master Persuader, she created the Stop Waffling, Start Selling podcast, helping business owners harness the power of their unique stories. This storytelling approach personalizes brands and draws in clients, with Sandra advocating for strategic sharing, even in small doses, to make a powerful impact.
