We were lucky to catch up with Gina DiLello recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Gina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Often the greatest growth and the biggest wins come right after a defeat. Other times the failure serves as a lesson that’s helpful later in your journey. We’d appreciate if you could open up about a time you’ve failed.

Throughout my career, like many others, I have faced numerous setbacks. I regard none of these as negative experiences, firmly believing that everything happens for a reason. Often, it’s only in retrospect that we can see the lessons in what we initially perceived as failures, connecting the dots and gaining valuable insights. I have learned that resilience, tenacity, and grit are crucial qualities that pave the way to success. It’s not the frequency of our stumbling that shapes our character, but how we recover from those falls.

This belief was put to the test during a critical incident early in my tenure at a new company in June 2022. As the lead for a newly established division, my role required extensive community engagement. On a break one Monday morning, I visited the public library to return and borrow books—a rare pause in my typically non-stop schedule, fueled by my passion for my work.

Upon exiting the library, I noticed a man across the street who appeared agitated and was loudly arguing into his phone. Something about his demeanor seemed off, and I should have listened to my gut, but I needed to return to work and my car was not far away. To ensure my safety, I discreetly started recording on my phone as I walked, keeping the device out of sight beneath my books.

Just as I was nearing my car, our paths crossed. I greeted him, attempting to diffuse any tension, but he charged at me. The encounter left me unconscious and severely injured—my jaw, nose, and cheek were broken, and I was bleeding heavily. It was an entirely unforeseen and frightful ordeal. I later discovered that the man was diagnosed with schizophrenia and had a history of similar behavior.

In the aftermath, law enforcement swiftly apprehended the man. Meanwhile, I was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, receiving two plates, eight screws, and a reconstructed jaw. As a victim and an advocate for mental health, I have strived to balance justice with compassion, advocating for the necessary mental health resources and medical intervention over mere incarceration.

The recovery process was daunting. I underwent jaw surgery and spent five weeks with my jaw wired shut, a period marked by intense physical and psychological challenges. Despite the temptation to succumb to despair, I chose to focus on recovery and gratitude for my ability to bounce back. This experience reaffirmed my belief that life’s toughest trials often come without warning, and while we cannot control all aspects of our lives, we can control our responses.

These trials are invariably instructive; they are not failures but opportunities for growth. As I was once told, “Through adversity comes opportunity.” This philosophy continues to guide me, influencing both my personal resilience and my professional endeavors.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been immersed in the world of dance my entire life, a passion I discovered at a young age. This early dedication not only shaped my discipline and creativity but also equipped me with a unique set of skills that eventually paved the way for my unexpected career shift—from performing arts to the dynamic field of recruitment.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a major in dance, I envisioned a future as a full-time instructor or performer. However, the onset of COVID-19 in 2020 dramatically altered my career trajectory. At that time, I was employed by the City of Tampa’s Parks and Recreation Department as a dance and gymnastics instructor. The pandemic closures transformed my role into something quite different, leading to an unforeseen opportunity that shifted my professional path.

A former talent director, with whom I had briefly worked as an agent, recognized my potential outside the traditional arts sphere and introduced me to the world of recruitment. This transition was not just a change of job but a discovery of a new passion—connecting people with opportunities that match their skills and ambitions. As a third-party recruiter, I strive to maintain a “full circle” perspective, acting as both a connection artist and a matchmaker, utilizing my performance skills and athletic mentality to excel in social, selling, and interviewing situations.

Described by peers as bubbly, gregarious, and extroverted, and known for my loyalty, I have found my place at A Plus Staffing—a women-owned business enterprise. The core values of our company, which include being “all in,” owning it, honesty, and caring, resonate deeply with my personal and professional ethos.

What I am most proud of is not just the success I’ve achieved in connecting talented individuals with fulfilling careers but also the growth I’ve experienced by stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing a completely new career path. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a genuine passion for seeing others succeed and a commitment to integrity in every match I make. At A Plus Staffing, we’re more than just a staffing firm; we’re a team that cares deeply about our community and each individual’s success.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Several key resources have significantly influenced my approach to management and entrepreneurial thinking, each contributing to the way I lead and engage with my team and clients.

“Grit” by Brené Brown has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of resilience and perseverance in the workplace. Brown’s insights into the power of passion and persistence have taught me the importance of fostering a determined mindset, both within myself and among my team members.

“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell provides fascinating perspectives on the factors that contribute to high levels of success. Gladwell’s exploration of the 10,000-hour rule and the importance of timing and cultural legacy has encouraged me to consider diverse backgrounds and trajectories when recruiting and managing talent, recognizing that great potential can be shaped by unexpected and often overlooked circumstances.

“Recruit the Savage Way” by Greg Savage has been particularly relevant to my field, offering practical advice on modern recruitment strategies. Savage’s approach to recruitment as a craft has reinforced my commitment to excellence and innovation in connecting talented individuals with the right opportunities.

“EOS Worldwide”—focusing on Entrepreneurial Operating Systems—has provided a robust framework for business management. It has guided me in structuring our operations efficiently, ensuring that we put the right people in the right seats, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset across the organization.

Adding to these, “The Last Lecture” by Jeffrey Zaslow and Randy Pausch offers profound lessons on life and achieving one’s dreams. Pausch’s reflections, despite his terminal illness, on living a life full of purpose and leaving a legacy, have deeply affected my personal and professional philosophy, reminding me to prioritize what truly matters and inspire others to do the same.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation within the recruitment market has been a multifaceted journey, deeply rooted in a unique blend of personal history, core values, and strategic business practices.

My background in dance taught me the importance of discipline, resilience, and creativity. These qualities have seamlessly translated into my role in recruitment, allowing me to connect meaningfully with both clients and candidates.

At A Plus Staffing, I champion our core values of honesty, commitment, and care. I prioritize transparency and open communication, ensuring that all parties are fully informed and aligned throughout the recruitment process. This approach not only builds trust but also establishes lasting relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

My focus on clear communication and ethical practices has distinguished me in a competitive industry, helping to create meaningful connections that foster both professional fulfillment and business success. By blending personal integrity with a strategic approach, I’ve cultivated a reputation as a trusted and effective leader in the recruitment field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aplus-staffing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbaby003/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-dilello/