Building Talent Solutions for Startups
In this instalment of our MOW Unplugged series, we’re thrilled to introduce Rachael Walsh, founder of The Resource Group and a valued member of the Ministry of Work community. Over the past 12 months, Rachael has brought her entrepreneurial energy and expertise to our space, helping startups and early-stage growth companies tackle their talent challenges in innovative ways.
With her blend of tech-enabled solutions and a strong focus on employer branding, Rachael is redefining how businesses recruit, retain, and grow their teams.
What is The Resource Group?
When asked to define her company, Rachael is quick to clarify: “We’re not a recruitment agency.” While there’s a recruitment element to her work, The Resource Group is much more than that.
“We’re a digitally enabled, embedded talent solutions company,” she explains. “We help startups and early-stage growth businesses recruit talent in a cost-effective way.”
The Resource Group operates on three key pillars:
- Talent Solutions: The closest link to traditional recruitment, but with a more collaborative approach tailored to startups without a dedicated HR function.
- SaaS Careers Technology: A plug-and-play solution that provides businesses with a fully functioning careers site and applicant tracking technology. “We noticed startups often lack the resources to manage recruitment internally, so we built tech to help them find and manage talent faster while showcasing their vacancies on their own websites,” Rachael says.
- Employer Branding and Video Production: This service helps companies bring their culture to life. “We create videos that showcase what it’s like to work in a business—sharing stories about career progression, the social side, and how the company stands out from competitors,” she explains.
The three facets complement each other, creating a cohesive solution for her clients. “Some businesses use all three, while others start with one and realise they need the rest. It’s great seeing how the pieces come together to deliver real impact.”
Helping Startups Scale Smartly
Rachael’s target clients are startups and small businesses with 10 to 100 employees. These are typically companies that have raised investment, are scaling fast, but haven’t yet built an internal HR team.
“Our model doesn’t work for businesses with established resourcing functions—they’ve likely already invested in similar systems. But for startups, we save them 45–50% on traditional recruitment agency costs,” she shares. “That’s money they can reinvest in their growth.”
A Journey of Innovation
Rachael’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t linear, but it was fuelled by personal drive and a desire to shake up her industry. Having spent over 13 years in recruitment, she knew the highs and lows of agency life. While she gained valuable skills, she also saw opportunities for improvement.
The turning point came in 2017 with the sudden passing of her father. “One of our last conversations was about work,” she recalls. “He said, ‘Why don’t you do it for yourself? You’re clearly making a lot of money for others. Why not put that effort into your own business?’”
With this encouragement in mind, Rachael launched The Resource Group in 2019. She started by working with companies she had established relationships with, gradually building cash flow. But the arrival of the pandemic in 2020 accelerated her plans.
“With recruitment slowing down, I had time to focus on the tech side of my business,” she says. “I worked with freelance developers, built a prototype, and tested it with clients.
“It was risky, but it worked. That’s when I realised I was onto something”
The Challenges and Rewards of Going Solo
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Rachael admits it hasn’t always been easy. “If I had my time again, I’d love to have gone into business with a partner,” she says. “As a solo founder, it’s tough not having someone to soundboard ideas with. I’m a big ideas person, but sometimes you need someone to rein you in.”
Despite the challenges, she’s immensely proud of what she’s achieved. “Hitting the five-year mark was a huge milestone. I’ve built a recognisable brand with three clear service areas, a fully functioning website, and proprietary tech—all while staying true to my vision.”
Looking Ahead
So, what’s next for The Resource Group? Rachael is focused on growth and innovation. “We’re exploring the idea of creating our own job board—an app and web-based platform powered by AI and machine learning,” she shares. “AI won’t replace the human side of recruitment, but it can enhance the candidate, client, and recruiter experience.”
She’s also in talks with potential investors, though she’s cautious about the next steps. “I’ve taken a steady, measured approach so far, and I want to ensure any investment aligns with our vision.”
Giving Back to the MOW Community
Rachael is an active and collaborative member of the Ministry of Work. She’s always ready to share her expertise with fellow members.
“I’m happy to have conversations about anything recruitment-related—whether it’s employer branding, candidate sourcing, or just understanding the market,” she says. “It’s about building trust and relationships first.”
She’s also benefited from the wealth of expertise within the community. “The past 12 months here have been so collaborative. Whether it’s marketing advice or just chatting in the corridor, I’ve learned so much from the other members.”
“The past 12 months here have been so collaborative. I’ve learned so much from the other members.”
Words of Wisdom
Rachael’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and staying true to her vision. Her advice to other founders?
“Take time to reflect on what you’ve achieved. It’s easy to feel like you’re not moving fast enough, but when you step back, you’ll see how far you’ve come.”
And for anyone looking to grow their business? “Invest in yourself. Take the risks, and don’t be afraid to innovate. If one client believes in you, you can build from there.”
Rachael Walsh is a shining example of how vision, hard work, and resilience can create something truly impactful.
