Meet your recruiter: Somi Benning, executive recruiter

Hailing from the northern B.C. coastal town of Prince Rupert, Somi’s trajectory to her current career was molded by the enduring values of hard work and exceptional customer service instilled in her upbringing. She spent her formative years assisting in her parents' multiple storefront businesses, relishing the chance to interact directly with customers and contribute to her community. This early experience fuelled her passion for service, setting the stage for her future professional endeavors.

After earning her Bachelor of Commerce degree from UNBC, Somi ventured to Vancouver, where she immersed herself in the world of business and recruitment. After many years of honing her skills in this vibrant urban environment, she found solace amidst the tranquil beauty of Tsawwassen, where she and her husband embarked on the joyous adventure of raising their twin sons.

New beginnings in the Interior region

Earlier this year, the Bennings made a significant life change by deciding to relocate to the Interior region. Motivated by the allure of fresh career opportunities and a desire for improved work-life balance, the family found themselves a new home in Kelowna. Enamoured by the natural beauty and serene pace of life, the transition has already exceeded their expectations. Finding a welcoming community atmosphere without sacrificing urban convenience has helped the family immediately embrace the Interior as their new home.

Embracing a new community

Somi and her husband have fully immersed themselves in the wonders of the Okanagan region, relishing social engagements and savouring new dining experiences. As a family, they embrace the chance to embark on RV camping trips, exploring the diverse sites scattered throughout the Interior. The region offers an endless buffet of adventure, with an abundance of new experiences awaiting their turn.

A self-proclaimed professional hockey and baseball mom living in her "sports mom era," Somi and her family relish the diverse activities that the region has to offer. By volunteering through her sons’ school, sports teams and local organizations, Somi has found meaningful ways to give back and show her appreciation for her new community.

Somi is a strong advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as her sons are hard of hearing. It’s important for Somi to not have this be a barrier for them in anything they do, and she has been vocal in advocacy and educating others on how to support children with hearing challenges. There is no reason this should deter a child from playing a sport to their full potential or exploring any of their interests. With advocacy and working with community and national partners, Somi is committed to supporting her sons and others through EDI outreach and best practice.

Passion for her career

Somi fulfills the role of executive recruiter for Interior Health, responsible for positions of director level and above. Collaborating closely with senior business leaders, she oversees the recruitment process across various leadership areas to identify suitable candidates, providing unwavering support to senior leaders along the way. This is achieved through their newly enhanced, collaborative, high-touch, full-cycle executive and senior leadership recruitment process that she has developed and implemented.

Despite the pressures, she thrives in high-profile environments, finding inspiration in working alongside seasoned health-care professionals and leaders, from whom she continues to learn from and grow. With 15 years' recruitment experience and more than 20 years in the workforce, Somi has honed the essential skills needed to excel in her role as executive recruiter.

Her seamless transition into recruitment aligns with her skillset and personality, cultivated through diverse experience across multiple industries. From project management to relationship building, Somi's expertise in various areas has proven invaluable in her role. She finds fulfillment in helping individuals achieve their career aspirations, a passion that perfectly aligns with her responsibilities as a recruiter.

Driven by her commitment to personal wellness and growth, Somi has embarked on a journey of academic advancement and is pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration.

Career inspiration

Receiving positive feedback from candidates as she witnesses them flourish in their new roles brings her unparalleled inspiration and fulfillment. This motivation, derived from guiding others' career journeys and aiding them in achieving their goals, drives her passion and commitment to advancing executive recruitment with Interior Health.

Somi values the direct impact her work in health care has on her community. Despite not being a direct practitioner herself, she finds fulfillment in knowing that her efforts in sourcing top talent contribute to enhancing people's lives and supporting families in the region. This mindset fuels her daily desire to continue making a meaningful impact.

Somi seeks senior executive team members who embody qualities beyond the requisite qualifications and core competencies. She values individuals who are passionate about driving meaningful community engagement and providing positive contributions to their community. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach, where leaders actively partner with community members to achieve collective goals.

Her advice for potential candidates is to connect with Interior Health to explore leadership opportunities. With relocation allowance available to assist with financial barriers, she encourages reaching out and starting a conversation. Somi is eager to facilitate introductions and explore potential collaborations to propel the candidate's career forward.

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