
Douglas Robertson - DR Analytics Recruitment | Confessions of a Recruiter #115
When Douglas Robertson founded DR Analytics Recruitment, he didn't just create another recruitment agency—he tackled the fundamental isolation problem in the data analytics industry. Having worked as a data analyst himself, Douglas recognized that professionals were trapped in organizational silos, missing crucial knowledge-sharing opportunities in a field that moves faster than most can keep up with.
Beginning with just 22 people gathered in a Perth bar, Douglas' community-building approach has transformed into something remarkable. His quarterly "inner join" events now draw substantial crowds, connecting data specialists, leaders, and businesses across the ecosystem. As Douglas explains with refreshing candor, "The data world is often very siloed... What about someone else who's got the same problem, but they're using different software?" This simple insight drives everything his agency does.
The podcast reveals surprising nuggets about the Perth data landscape—like how 95% of the market uses Power BI rather than Tableau—and practical advice for professionals navigating career development in this rapidly evolving space. We laugh about Douglas' serendipitous entry into data analytics (thanks to a conversation with his barista) and explore the vulnerability even confident networkers feel when entering a room full of strangers.
What sets Douglas' approach apart is his balanced philosophy toward business growth. Maintaining strict boundaries between recruitment activities and community building, he shares specific metrics that keep his business on track while nurturing the wider data community. His distinction between "inner purpose" (finding contentment regardless of circumstances) and "outer purpose" (building his agency) offers wisdom for any entrepreneur.
With a rebrand on the horizon and plans to "uplift data literacy across Australia," Douglas' story demonstrates how authentic community-building creates both business success and meaningful industry impact. Whether you're a data professional, a recruiter, or building your own business, this conversation provides valuable insights into connecting people around shared challenges.
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