Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ken Taunton. Founder and president of The Royster Group , a nationally recognized, certified Black-owned professional staffing firm. Here's a breakdown of the key themes and takeaways: 🎯 Key Highlights from the Interview 🏢 About The Royster Group Founded in 2001 , the firm specializes in: Executive Search (C-suite to Director level) Healthcare Staffing (physicians, nurses, ancillary staff) Operates nationally , serving both public and private sectors. 💼 Executive Search Insights Royster is a retained executive search firm , meaning they are hired by companies to find top-tier talent. Focuses on diverse, seasoned professionals with 7–10+ years of experience. Clients include major corporations like Home Depot , Merck , and Pfizer . Emphasizes the importance of diversity in leadership and actively includes women and people of color in candidate pools. 🏥 Healthcare Staffing Healthcare remains a high-demand field due to an aging population and workforce shortages. Royster recruits nationally and advertises through their website, conferences, and referrals. There’s a growing need for diverse healthcare professionals to reflect the population they serve. 🧾 Resume & Job Search Tips Resumes should be keyword-optimized to match job descriptions. Candidates should reach out to recruiters , follow up, and apply through multiple channels. Avoid vague resumes—include specific achievements and metrics . 🏆 Business Philosophy & Certification Thornton emphasizes the value of being a certified Black-owned business , not as a crutch but as a strategic advantage to gain access to opportunities. He acknowledges the challenges and scrutiny minority businesses face and the importance of capacity and execution . Advocates for mentorship, SBA resources , and relationship-building as keys to success. 📈 Entrepreneurial Journey Thornton transitioned from pharmaceutical sales and HR to founding his own firm after noticing a lack of diversity in executive placements. Started Royster with a bootstrap model —a desk, a phone, and determination. Now leads a $20M+ company and was named Small Business Person of the Year in Georgia . #STRAW #BEST #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.